Dudley Zoological Gardens' CEO, Peter Suddock, has scooped a top business accolade in the West Midlands Institute of Directors' (IoD) annual awards.

The event saw Peter take the title Director of the Year in the Not For Profit category and highlighted his passion and committed leadership of the 76-year-old 40-acre tourist attraction.

The ninth annual awards, presented at a champagne breakfast at Warwickshire Cricket Club, were given to winners in six different categories who will go forward to represent the West Midlands region at the IoD’s national competition to be held in London on Friday, October 11. 

Regional chairman Jason Wouhra said: "The judges recognised Peter as an outstanding leader with a real passion for his business. The attraction receives 225,000 visitors each year as well as undertaking important animal conservation and education. 

"Peter’s dedication and business vision has seen this not for profit enterprise increase its visitor numbers as well as the zoo’s profile." 

Jason added: "We have had some fantastic winners this year from a variety of backgrounds, all recognised for their business excellence, drive, commitment and strong leadership qualities. 

"The West Midlands has an excellent track record of winning at the national awards which is a great way to showcase all the hard work and enterprise that goes on in our region." 

Peter said: "I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. It is an honour to be recognised by such a prestigious body and a lovely surprise.

"I was up against stiff competition from a broad spectrum of industries and it is good to see a tourist destination and a charity, where any surplus is ploughed into the business for reinvestment, receiving recognition."

He added: "Dudley Zoological Gardens is a truly unique business; it's not just a collection of exotic and endangered animals, there's also the 11th century Dudley Castle at the heart of the gardens and the world's only single collection of Modernist Tecton listed buildings, too, which make for a very enjoyable challenge – and the best job in the world."