We Are Creative Awards Winners 2025
Feed My Creative
Best Craft Innovation of the Year
Janet Douglas, founder of J Douglas Creative Group and Feed My Creative CIC, champions sustainability, creativity, and community impact. Through innovative crafting workshops and interactive exhibitions, Janet empowers individuals to explore their potential while promoting waste reduction and environmental responsibility. Her projects, including The Chapters of Our Lives and Windrush-focused exhibitions, celebrate heritage and storytelling. Janet’s dedication to fostering connection, inclusion, and sustainability has transformed repurposed materials into tools for creativity and social change, inspiring lasting community engagement.
Zest Theatre
Best Product Design of the Year
Zest Theatre, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation based in Lincoln, amplifies the voices of young people through award-winning theatre, digital projects, and public art installations. In 2024, Zest launched The Zone, a free pop-up youth space for 11-18-year-olds, offering arts activities, well-being support, and a safe space to socialise. With 927 visits and a 4.7/5 rating, The Zone showcased Zest’s commitment to creativity, mental health, and co-collaboration, paving the way for national expansion to underserved communities.
Amber Sandhu
Best Radio Presenter of the Year
Amber Sandhu is a dynamic radio and television broadcaster, renowned for her vibrant presence in sports and entertainment. From live reporting on global events like the Commonwealth Games and the FA Cup to hosting her BBC Asian Network show, Amber brings energy and authenticity to every platform. Beyond her media career, Amber actively contributes to her community, mentors young talent, and serves as an Ambassador for the Wolves Foundation. Her inspiring journey highlights passion, perseverance, and dedication to making an impact.
Codevate
Best Software of the Year
Codevate, a Birmingham-based bespoke software and app development company, excels in delivering innovative, future-proof solutions that drive digital transformation. Founded by software engineers in 2013, Codevate has maintained a 100% project completion rate, far exceeding industry standards. Over the past year, they’ve delivered impactful projects, including a cloud-based transport solution, a lone worker safety system, and the Outoo social events app. By enhancing efficiency, safety, and user experiences, Codevate demonstrates its commitment to driving business growth and innovation.
Harrison Carloss
Best Branding or Identity Design of the Year
Harrison Carloss is a creative and digital agency driven by a passion for solving problems through innovative design and strategy. In 2024, the agency achieved a milestone by rebranding the iconic West Midlands Safari Park, a beloved 50-year-old Midlands attraction. This project exemplifies their ability to honour heritage while delivering a fresh, modern identity. With a shared regional legacy, Harrison Carloss continues to make a significant impact in elevating brands and creating memorable experiences.
Brew
Best Digital Marketing Agency of the Year
Brew is a leading digital marketing and web development agency based in Birmingham, UK, with 15 years of expertise in the hospitality industry. Known for their innovative, results-driven campaigns, Brew has supported over 50 hospitality brands, including Mitchells & Butlers and Stonegate Group. Their initiatives, such as the "Local Social Training Academy," have driven significant engagement growth, while their Pints & Profits white paper offers valuable industry insights. Committed to community impact, Brew actively supports local charities, universities, and creative projects.
Birmingham Open Studies
Best Advertising Social Media Campaign of the Year
Birmingham Open Studios (BOS) CIC, founded and managed by Owen, provides an invaluable platform for Birmingham’s artists to connect with the public, showcase their work, and make sales without gallery commissions. In a city lacking accessible galleries and art opportunities, BOS bridges this gap, fostering community and creativity. Over the past seven years, Owen’s tireless dedication has grown BOS into a major annual event, supporting local talent, building camaraderie, and enhancing the visibility of Birmingham’s vibrant art scene
Niall Burgess
Best Graphic Designer of the Year
Based in Birmingham, Niall Burgess is an award-winning book designer and Director of Operations and Design at The Book Shelf. With a background in product design, he transitioned into publishing, mastering book cover and interior design. His bespoke, hand-drawn covers have attracted high-profile clients, earning industry recognition, including a Graphic Design USA award. A champion of neurodivergent talent, Niall has brought structure and innovation to the business. His emotionally resonant designs, like Vanessa’s migration memoir and Eric’s grief-inspired Art Deco piece, transform books into meaningful experiences, exceeding traditional publishing standards and bringing authors’ visions to life.
Art By Noori
Best Visual Artwork of the Year
Mahnoor, the artist behind ARTBYNOORI, is a Birmingham-based self-taught creative whose textured, bold landscape paintings evoke deep emotional connections. Her piece “Resilience” was showcased in the Birmingham: Open Exhibition and featured in a citywide campaign, earning acclaim from local and digital audiences. From live painting at Birmingham Open Studios to inspiring others as a guest speaker, Mahnoor continues to bridge creativity and community. With her work displayed at RBSA Gallery and upcoming commissions, she exemplifies artistic excellence and engagement.
Birmingham Museum Trust
Best Creative Exhibition of the Year
Birmingham Museums Trust partnered with East City Films in 2024 to host the groundbreaking virtual reality exhibition In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats, celebrating the Acid House scene of the late 1980s. This immersive experience combined VR technology, haptic vests, and interactive storytelling to transport over 2,500 visitors to a euphoric warehouse rave in 1989. The exhibition fostered intergenerational connection, drew diverse new audiences to the museum, and provided trainees with valuable digital skills, showcasing the power of tech-driven cultural storytelling.
BBC Radio 1XTRA
Best Radio Station of the Year
BBC Radio 1Xtra is a leading voice in urban music and culture, and its recent expansion to Birmingham has elevated the city's creative landscape. Under Faron McKenzie's leadership, the station has amplified local talent through shows like 1Xtra Introducing and 1Xtra Talks. By relocating major programming, including Newsbeat, to Birmingham, it has created opportunities for regional artists and producers. BBC Radio 1Xtra continues to foster inclusivity, boost Birmingham’s cultural identity, and position the city as a hub for innovation and creativity.
All Villa No Filler
Best Podcast of the Year
All Villa No Filler is a fan-driven platform centred around Francis Maguire’s passionate and humorous takes on Aston Villa matches. Over the past 12 months, it has organically built a loyal global community, extending support groups to places like Minnesota and Canada. Through Francis' heartfelt dedication and authentic voice, the platform celebrates Aston Villa while shining a light on the West Midlands' vibrant football culture, positioning him as a promising talent in sports commentary.
Best Emerging Talent - Shaka Tafari (BOM)
Best Emerging Talent of the Year
Shaka Tafari is a multi-award-winning interdisciplinary artist, designer, and creative technologist specialising in inclusive technology and bio-design. Founder of Circuit & Clay (CIC), she creates innovative solutions at the intersection of art, science, and technology, empowering underrepresented communities. In 2024, Shaka achieved notable success, including winning London’s XR Hackathon, presenting at AWE XR Vienna, and developing transformative projects like a mixed-reality journaling app. Her impactful work fosters collaboration, innovation, and healing, making her a trailblazer in creative technology.
Mohib Sheraz
Content Creator of the Year
Mohib Sheraz is a dynamic content creator known for his innovative storytelling and engaging visuals. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creativity, Mohib has built a strong online presence, captivating audiences across platforms. His expertise spans videography, photography, and digital strategy, making him a versatile force in the industry. Mohib’s content resonates with authenticity and inspiration, empowering brands and individuals to connect meaningfully with their audiences and achieve impactful results.
Legacy - Daniel Alexander
Best Independent Film/Video of the Year
The LEGACY documentary, produced by Punch Records, celebrates Birming
ham's rap, hip-hop, and grime scenes by spotlighting the unsung legends who shaped the city’s Black music culture. Featuring rare, never-before-seen footage and pivotal milestones, LEGACY highlights the evolution from pirate radio to mainstream success. Over the past year, this powerful series has amplified stories of artists, DJs, and producers while addressing broader social issues like racial injustice, inspiring future generations and cementing Birmingham’s influence in UK urban music.
Mother Nature (BOM)
Best Video Game of the Year
Birmingham Open Media (BOM) is a pioneering immersive arts organisation, founded in 2014, dedicated to empowering communities through innovation in immersive technologies and inclusive learning programmes. Specialising in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), BOM has created award-winning experiences that merge creativity with social purpose. Their impactful projects, such as Mother Nature, a mobile game co-designed by young girls to promote climate justice, exemplify BOM's commitment to inclusivity and environmental awareness and inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM and game design.
Jashaan Gill
Fashion Designer of the Year
Jashaan Gill, a British-Punjabi fashion designer from Oldbury, West Midlands, is the visionary behind the urban streetwear brand Jheez. Known for vibrant designs inspired by his Asian heritage, Jashaan’s journey began at 17, turning challenges into milestones. Over the past year, he showcased his collections at Paris and New York Fashion Weeks, earning features in GQ and collaborating with artists like The Game. His story, captured in the documentary Winner: Jashaan Gill, inspires aspiring designers worldwide.
Propel Dance
Best Dance Performance of the Year
Propel Dance, the Midlands' only wheelchair dance company, is breaking barriers in inclusive dance. Founded by Helen Mason, a Birmingham-based Dance Artist with over 20 years of experience, Propel Dance champions equity, representation, and opportunity for wheelchair dancers. Their breathtaking performance at the Paralympics Homecoming at the Utilita Arena showcased their artistry and impact. Guided by compassion and inclusion, the all-female-led company inspires change, progression, and a brighter future for professional wheelchair dance.
The Crescent Theatre
Best Theatre Company of the Year
The Crescent Theatre, one of Birmingham's oldest theatre companies, has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape for over a century. With a purpose-built venue in Brindleyplace, it boasts a 340-seat main house, a 120-seat studio theatre, and facilities supporting its 250+ members. Annually producing 15 in-house shows and hosting diverse local and national productions, The Crescent nurtures creative talent while serving as a vibrant hub for Birmingham's theatre community. A true West Midlands cultural jewel.
Kofi Stone
Best Music Artist of the Year
Kofi Stone, a Birmingham-based rapper, is celebrated for his authentic storytelling and profound exploration of topics like family structures and rap culture. Drawing inspiration from his Grandad’s poetry, Kofi’s artistry connects deeply with audiences. In the past year, he released "May Sound Crazy" with the late Benjamin Zephaniah and his album "A Man After God's Own Heart". Currently on a 20-date UK, Ireland, and Europe tour, Kofi continues to inspire and uplift through his music and vision.
Alison Grade - Mission Accomplished
Creative Talent Champion Award
Mission Accomplished Ltd, led by Alison Grade, is revolutionising the creative and screen industries by providing essential training and career progression opportunities for freelancers, especially from traditionally excluded backgrounds. Through the TV and Film Fusion programme, Alison has helped 70 new entrants secure roles on high-profile productions, with 60% finding paid work in the industry. Alison’s leadership in developing e-learning resources, alongside her advocacy for freelancers, is creating lasting change in the Midlands’ creative sector, empowering individuals to thrive in freelance careers and contribute to industry growth.
