‘We shouldn’t just celebrate the achievements of Birmingham city’ is the rallying cry of an award-winning BBC radio presenter from Walsall who’s become one of the faces of a new awards launched to celebrate her town.
Nikki Tapper MBE is among the proud ambassadors for the inaugural Walsall Business & Community Awards, taking place on November 21st.
The broadcaster’s move to Walsall from Erdington two-and-a-half-years ago, marked a return to the town with which she has strong links. As well as having family in Gillity Village, she also has fond memories of her teacher training days at Wolverhampton University Walsall Campus.
She said: “I’m really proud to be an ambassador for these Awards because I am very much about community and wanting to put a positive spotlight on what the people here are doing, the businesses that are here, and the creative energy that’s here. I just think it’s needed. It’s important that some of our smaller provincial towns and cities have some recognition.
“We throw a lot of spotlight, rightly so, on the city of Birmingham, which I’m still proud to be from, but it’s wonderful to celebrate the achievements of this local town I now call home, which has produced some great people in its own right, singer Jorja Smith and actor Don Gilet for example. There’s been lots of great things that go on within Walsall.
She added: “It’s especially important at this time politically. There’s a lot of change going on, plus a regeneration plan. As with other smaller towns there are lots a businesses which have closed down, but initiatives like this are so important for those who are there and still trying to make sure Walsall is celebrated.”
Nikki went on to become a familiar voice on local radio for more than two decades, fronting a host of regional shows, including Gospel Lounge, Chat Back and, more recently, Sunday Night With Nikki Tapper. She is now continuing to make a name for herself as an established events and awards host, speaker and trainer through her company Nikki Tapper Ltd.
Last year she received an MBE for Services to Broadcasting and the Community of the West Midlands, recognising more than a quarter of a century working in both the broadcasting and teaching fields.
Co-founder and Chair of Trustees of Walsall Awards, Ali Mahood said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Nikki Tapper MBE as an Ambassador for the Walsall Awards – Business & Community. Nikki is a highly respected broadcaster and a passionate champion of people and communities across the West Midlands.
“Her warmth, experience and genuine commitment to celebrating others perfectly reflect everything our awards stand for. Having Nikki support our journey is a tremendous honour, Walsall is incredibly fortunate to call her one of its own, Walsall, ay we!.
“She is the latest of our trustees, ambassadors and judges from across the borough, who will be bringing experience, perspective and a shared commitment to celebrating Walsall’s success and championing excellence.”
The special evening, at Bescot Stadium, will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, charities, community organisations, sports clubs, professionals and inspirational individuals from across the borough for what promises to become one of the most important and anticipated events in the Walsall calendar.
More than an awards ceremony, the Walsall Awards is being created as a borough-wide platform to celebrate success, inspire collaboration and showcase the positive stories shaping the future of Walsall.
Nominations are being invited for 14 categories, from Start-Up, Tech Business and Hospitality Business of the Year through to Charity of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.
For more information, to nominate someone or enquire about sponsorship, visit: https://www.walsallawards.co.uk/
Nikki also recently hosted a special night of celebration marking the 40th anniversary of The Walsall Black Sisters Collective, attended by their special guest, Olympian, Dame Denise Lewis.
Visit Nikki Tapper at: https://mynameisnikkitapper.com/