Intercity has just been named named Large Business of the Year at the West Midlands Business of the Year Awards, with our CEO, Charlie Blakemore, also recognised as CEO of the Year. It’s a significant moment for our business. But more importantly, it’s a useful moment for organisations asking a very real question: Which managed service providers can you trust to deliver at scale, under pressure, over time?
WHY THIS AWARD MATTERS
The West Midlands Business of the Year Awards aren’t based on a single success story or a well‑timed campaign.
They assess sustained performance, leadership, resilience, growth and impact over time. Judges look closely at how a business operates, how it treats its people, how it serves customers, and how it performs in a challenging market.
In other words, they’re designed to answer the question many buyers are already asking: is this a business that stands up when it’s properly examined?
HOW INTERCITY CAME TO BE CONSIDERED
It’s also important to be clear about how Intercity entered the process.
We didn’t apply for the award. We were approached by PwC nominated for consideration.
That distinction matters. It removes self‑selection from the process and reflects recognition coming from outside the business. Being nominated independently says something different to filling in an entry form. It suggests a level of confidence from partners who see how a business operates up close.
A RIGOROUS JUDGING PROCESS
Once shortlisted, the process itself was thorough.
Judges visited our offices to meet our colleagues, see how we work day to day, and understand how our culture translates into delivery. They looked beyond leadership decks and marketing messages, and into how the business actually runs.
This was followed by formal presentations and detailed questioning.
The finalist category included credible businesses and respected peer MSPs from across the region. It was a strong field, and the scrutiny was real.
That context matters. Recognition only carries weight if it’s earned through challenge.
A DOUBLE WIN...
The night also saw Charlie Blakemore recognised as CEO of the Year.
Leadership awards aren’t about profile. They’re about decision‑making under pressure. Where to invest. How to grow. How to protect standards as a business scales.
For customers, leadership stability directly affects service quality, continuity and trust. Strong leadership creates clarity for teams and consistency for clients.
This recognition reflects the choices made behind the scenes to build a business that’s designed to last.
SO. WHICH MSP IS 'THE BEST'?
There’s no single, objective answer to who the “best MSP” is. Especially in a crowded market like managed services, where many providers will claim to be the best at one thing or another.
Ultimately, organisations need to make their own assessment based on what they can see.
That usually comes down to:
- Independent trust signals that validate the story being told
- Feedback from customers and partners who’ve worked with that MSP first‑hand
- Evidence that the business can scale without losing quality
We’re genuinely humbled by the feedback our customers share with us.
A PATTERN, NOT A ONE OFF.
This recognition isn’t random.
In 2025, Intercity was named Employer of the Year at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards, one of the most prestigious B2B awards in the UK.
The year before that, we were recognised as WIRED Magazine’s Trailblazer of 2024, highlighting sustained growth, innovation and impact.
Different judges. Different criteria. Same underlying story.
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU DO, IT'S HOW YOU DO IT.
One of the clearest demonstrations of how Intercity operates is how we’ve chosen to grow.
Over the last few years, the business has doubled in size, while deliberately remaining independent and privately owned. That hasn’t happened by chasing growth for its own sake. It’s been driven by a conscious decision to invest in people, platforms and delivery, with targeted acquisitions fuelled by organic growth, not private equity. This way we can scale while protecting service quality rather than stretching it.
For those who want the detail, our 2025 rewind video captures that journey clearly. But the principle is simple: grow when it strengthens the business, not when it compromises it.
That approach is reflected in how we’ve expanded into new areas.
We set ourselves a challenge to enter the world of sport, starting with Edgbaston, before scaling into Birmingham City Football Club, and now working with several other high‑profile organisations.
These aren’t transactional supplier relationships. They’re partnerships built on trust, delivery and consistency.
They’ve happened because customers have been genuinely satisfied with the managed services we provide, and confident enough to expand the relationship over time.
If you’re curious about who else we’re working with, we’re always happy to talk!
WHY DOES THIS MATTER NOW?
The market is challenging. Businesses are being forced to make harder decisions about who they invest in and who they work alongside.
Awards don’t make those decisions for you. But they do provide useful signals.
Being named Large Business of the Year in the West Midlands, alongside recognition for leadership and people, tells us that Intercity is being seen externally as a business that delivers properly, at scale, over time.
So, if you’re currently reviewing your MSP, or simply questioning whether your existing setup will still serve you in the next phase, the most useful next step is clarity.
A straightforward conversation. A chance to compare what you need with what’s actually being delivered.
No pressure. Just perspective. That’s usually where better decisions start.
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