THE short-list has been revealed for the 2024 edition of The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards, in association with Business Gateway – and it could prove to be a memorable year for some of the country’s finest companies.

A wide range of family-owned concerns, trading across a variety of sectors, have made the final shakedown for 11 contested categories in this year’s competition, which will also include an award for outstanding contribution to family business, sponsored by Strathclyde Business School. This accolade has been received by some of the biggest names in Scottish family business, and was presented last year to Sir Jim Walker ofWalker’s Shortbread.

Some firms are in the running for several awards this year. Seabirds-and-Seals, The Original Noss Boat Tours secured no fewer than six nominations this year, with the Shetland-based firm in the short-list for the Commitment to the Community, Customer Service Excellence, Rural Family Business, Business Innovation, Recognition, and Scottish Family Business of the Year, Micro, sponsored by Business Gateway, awards.

Perthshire-based Taylors Snacks is in the final of four categories - Business
Innovation, Recognition, Scottish Family Business of the Year, Large, sponsored
by Malcolm Group, awards and the next generation category for managing director James Taylor. And recycling specialist The NWH Group is up for three awards (Commitment to the Community, Fastest Growing Family Business and Recognition Award).

Two nominations were secured by funeral care business Anderson Maguire (Commitment to the Community and Customer Service Excellence) and
Hebridean Cruises – Green Family Business and Scottish Family Business of the Year (Micro).


The results will be announced at a major ceremony at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel on Thursday November 28 and will be hosted by Scottish entertainer and previous Britain’s Got Talent contestant, Edward Reid.


This year’s partners also include Virgin Money, which is sponsoring the Scottish
family business of the year (small/ medium) category. Hugh Lightbody, chief officer of Business Gateway, said: “Family businesses are a hugely important sector
in the Scottish economy and Business Gateway is, once again, delighted to be
sponsoring The Herald Family Business Awards. The Awards recognise the values these businesses represent and the commitment and contribution that they make every year to their employees and the communities they operate in. “Judging the finalists doesn’t get any easier, and this year sees the return of some familiar faces as well as some interesting new entrants. Each one of them has demonstrated the great work they are doing, which makes choosing a winner in each category very challenging.”


David Henderson, head of strategic
finance at Virgin Money, said: “Judging day for the Family Business Awards is
always a highlight on my annual calendar, and this year was no exception with the
number and quality of entrants truly demonstrating the contribution this key business segment makes to our wider economy. It’s always an honour to represent Virgin Money on the judging panel and play our part in highlighting and celebrating the success of all entrants. We look forward to meeting the finalists at the awards dinner later this month.”

 John Anderson, director of growth at Strathclyde Business School, said: “What
a fantastic line-up we have for this year’s Scottish Family Business Awards. The great spread of family businesses from all sectors and all parts of Scotland clearly demonstrates what our own experience as family business researchers and practitioners tells us – that family businesses make a hugely significant contribution to the Scottish economy. We are committed to raising the profile of this vital sector with the Scottish Government and its agencies with hard evidence and this year’s finalists provide that hard evidence. Congratulations to them all for being shortlisted and we thank them for standing up to be counted.”

Andrew Malcolm, chief executive of the Malcolm Group, said: “As a family business with over a century of history, the Malcolm Group is immensely proud to sponsor The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards. Family businesses are pillars of our communities and a vital force in our economy. At the Malcolm Group, we understand the dedication, perseverance, and passion required to sustain and grow a family-run company. Our journey has been shaped by these very values, and we deeply appreciate the unique challenges and rewards that come with the commitment to family-led operations. “These awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and hard work that are the heart of every successful family business, recognising their substantial contribution to our economic landscape and the strength they bring to our communities. We are honoured to support and highlight the remarkable achievements of these businesses and look forward to seeing their legacies continue to grow.”

Ian McConnell, business editor of The Herald and chair of the judging panel, said: “The quality of entries highlighted the great strength of Scotland’s family businesses, across firms of all sizes operating in a raft of sectors. “There were many inspiring stories, and I would like to thank all of the businesses which entered.”

Harjett Kaur, head of sales and marketing at Little’s and member of the judging panel: “Judging these awards has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to witness the strength and diversity of Scotland’s family businesses. The entries reflect an impressive standard and a broad range of industries, each showcasing the passion, resilience, and commitment that drive family businesses. Having spent over ten years in a family business myself, I am proud to celebrate the vital role these businesses play in our communities and their lasting impact.”

tickets to this year’s awards are now savailable at: newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/familybusiness