A Moment of Pride: Winning Highly Commended at the Black Country Chamber Awards

Twenty-six years. That’s how long I’ve been dedicated to West Midlands House. On 20th November 2025, that journey was recognised in a way I never expected, I received the Highly Commended award for Employee of the Year at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards 2025.

I’m beyond proud, and I wanted to share what this moment means to me.

More Than Just a Job

For over a quarter of a century, my work has been about more than clocking in and out. It’s been about genuinely helping businesses grow, supporting colleagues and making a real difference. But my passion hasn’t stopped at the doors of West Midlands House. I’ve taken that same dedication into the wider community, working tirelessly to build vibrant business networks in Willenhall and beyond.

Building community isn’t always glamorous work. It’s about showing up, making connections, offering support when it’s needed and believing in the potential of the businesses and people around you. It’s about understanding that when one business succeeds, we all benefit. When our community thrives, we all thrive.

Why These Awards Matter

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards aren’t just about the trophies and recognition, although those are wonderful. They’re about something much deeper. These awards showcase the resilience and pride amongst Black Country businesses. They tell the stories of people who work hard, don’t give up, who innovate in the face of challenges and who pour their hearts into making our region stronger.

In a world that often focuses on London, or Birmingham and other major cities, these awards remind us that incredible work is happening right here in the Black Country. We have businesses with rich histories, innovative start-ups, and dedicated individuals who are the backbone of our local economy.

A Thank You to the Community

This award isn’t mine alone. It belongs to every business owner I’ve supported, every colleague I’ve collaborated with, and every community member who has shared in the vision of a thriving Black Country business landscape. It belongs to Willenhall and the surrounding areas that have embraced the networks we’ve built together.

To West Midlands House: Thank you for 26 years of opportunities to make a difference. To the Black Country Chamber of Commers: Thank you for recognising that dedicated and community spirit matter. And, to everyone working to build stronger businesses and communities: Keep going. Your matters more than you know.

Looking Forward

This recognition energises me to do even more. There are still businesses to support, connections to make, and communities to strengthen. The work continues, and I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead for the Black Country.

If there’s one thing I hope people take from this, it’s that consistency matters. Dedication matters. And caring about your community can make a difference that ripples far beyond what you might imagine.

Here’s to the Black Country, to resilience, to pride, and to the incredible businesses that make this region special.

– Jeni Sellick (Business Centre Manager at West Midlands House)