The countdown is underway to the announcement of this year’s The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards, in association with Business Gateway. Finalists have just one week left to discover if they will be named amongst the best of their kind.
The results will be revealed during a glittering celebration on Thursday, 28 November in the Glasgow Marriott Hotel in front of an audience of leading figures from family-owned businesses across the country and there is still a chance to snap up tickets for the evening when host, entertainer Edward Reid, will take charge of proceedings.
These awards are now in their second decade and they continue to highlight the achievements of a key sector of the Scottish economy, underlining its importance not just financially, but also to communities, many of them in rural areas.
The spread of talent and innovation contained within the sector was made clear during last year’s ceremony, when winners included Beatson’s Building Supplies, Allied Vehicles and Donaldson Group, the timber frame, roofing and building services company that is now in its sixth generation.
Other winners included Maclennan Distribution, Hebrides Cruises and farm-to-fork food company, We Hae Meat.
This year there are 12 categories covering every aspect of business life, from customer service excellence, business innovation and commitment to the community.
Amongst the finalists this time round are Shetland-based boat tours company, Seabirds and Seals, which is nominated in six categories, including Commitment to the Community and Rural Family Business; Perthshire-based Taylor Snacks, which has four nominations, including Family Business of the Year (large) sponsored by Malcolm Group; and funeral care business, Anderson Maguire, whose two nominations are Customer Service Excellence and Commitment to the Community.
Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer, Business Gateway National Unit, sponsors of the Scottish Family Business of the Year (micro) Award, said: “The Family Business Awards offers the perfect occasion to celebrate the incredible homegrown talent that drives Scotland’s economy, as well as providing an opportunity to reconnect, share knowledge, and forge new relationships for the future. It’s a fantastic event that both celebrates current achievements, and provides inspiration for the future. ”
David Henderson, Head of Strategic Finance, Virgin Money, sponsors of the Scottish Family Business of the Year (small/medium) category, said: “ Virgin Money are proud to continue our support for this annual celebration of the very best in Scottish Family Business. If you own a family business or are someone who works with them this is an event not to be missed. We look forward to meeting all the finalists and winners on the night and playing our part in recognising their success.”
And host, Edward Reid, said: "I’m so excited to be hosting this event because I’m a huge supporter of family businesses. Seeing the passion that families pour into their ventures is inspiring. Some of my own family and friends run businesses and I’ve witnessed how deeply they care about what they do and the personal connections they build with their customers. As someone who values both family and entrepreneurship this cause is incredibly close to my heart."
The event begins at 7pm on Thursday, 28 November in the Glasgow Marriott Hotel and tickets are available from newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/familybusiness/
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