Inspiring.
That was Clydesdale Bank chairman Jim Pettigrew’s verdict after sifting through more than 100 submissions for The Courier Business Awards.
The Dundee-born high-flyer said his new role as chairman of the awards judging panel for 2015 left him blown away by the business community in Tayside and Fife.
The former Dundee High School pupil said his business career had taken him around the world in search of great companies, but The Courier Business Awards again being held in association with chartered accountants Henderson Loggie proved there were gems on the doorstep all along.
“What we are seeing is just wonderful,” Mr Pettigrew said. “We have everything from traditional family businesses who have done well and then had to adapt and change, to digital, new world growth businesses.”
He added: “One of the great qualities of the Scots is that we don’t shout from the rooftops. But the great thing about these awards is it enables us to talk about our business community.”See more at www.thecourierbusinessawards.comThe shortlisting session took place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Dundee this week, and Fife entrepreneur Jackie Waring was among the new faces around the judging table.
“There are some exceptional businesses shortlisted,” she said
“Despite the most challenging of economic climates in recent years, we have businesses that have bucked the trend and achieved growth.
“It is really good to see that and very inspirational for other businesses who can see that, with the right approach, strategy and drive, it can be done.”
Veteran businessman Nick Kuenssberg said: “I have been genuinely impressed at the entries we have seen, in particular for apprentice of the year and family business. I think we have all been surprised and delighted at the quality and the businesses that operate successfully below the radar.”
Courier editor Richard Neville said: “The business community in Courier country just continues to surprise and delight.
“Over the three years this award scheme has been running, we have seen every type of business imaginable and I have never tired of the judging job.
“It is a pleasure to hear such inspiring business stories. It seems like every time we have turned over a rock we have uncovered a new gem.
“The competition is fierce, and if your business emerges as a winner at The Courier Business Awards then you know it is an award that is truly deserved.”
The winners of the Courier Business Awards will be revealed at a gala ceremony at the Fairmont St Andrews Resort on November 27.The shortlist:Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Dundee and Angus College)
Adam Wallace, Fife Council
Alastair Mclean, Fife Council
Carly Stewart, Tree of Knowledge
Derry Lever, Fife Council
Natasha Inglis, Hillcrest Housing
Deal of the Year (sponsored by Blackadders)
John St Social Housing Purchase
Clark Thomson Chartered
Insurance Brokers Ltd and Willis UK
Digital Business of the Year (sponsored by Clark Thomson)
Blue2 Digital
mtc Media Ltd
Waracle
Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Thorntons)
Strathmore Foods Ltd
Stuart’s of Buckhaven
Wood Leisure
Growth Business of the Year (sponsored by MacRoberts)
Angels’ Share Glass
CXR Biosciences Ltd
Kerry Smith Architects
Manufacturing Business of the Year (sponsored by Bank of Scotland)
Rockwell Solutions Ltd
Strathmore Foods Ltd
Stuart’s of Buckhaven
Retail Business of the Year (sponsored by Overgate)
Jannettas Gelateria
Stuart’s of Buckhaven
The Chillilicious Farm
Rural Business of the Year
BlueSky Experiences
Stirfresh
The Chillilicious Farm
Science and Technology Business of the Year (sponsored by McGill)
CXR Biosciences Ltd
Rockwell Solutions Ltd
Whole Life Consultants Ltd
Services Business of the Year (sponsored by DP&L Travel Management)
Allson Wholesale
Beam Orthodontics
Blackhills Specialist Dental Clinic
Harry Lawson Ltd
Partners Hair & Beauty
Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce)
BlueSky Experiences
Gowrie Contracts Ltd
Kerry Smith Architects
Social Impact Business of the Year (sponsored by Alliance Trust)
Dovetail Enterprises
Furniture Plus Ltd
Rossie Young People’s Trust
Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Business of the Year (sponsored by Italian Grill and Meat House)
BlueSky Experiences
Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort
Scone Palace
Young Business of the Year (sponsored by Avian)
Lobster Pod Ltd
Synergy Fabrication Ltd
Vivomotion
Local Matters Angus (sponsored by Business Angus)
Rossie Young People’s Trust
Strathmore Foods
Local Matters Dundee (sponsored by Keepsafe Storage Centres)
Hillcrest Group of Companies
Showcase the Street
Wave 102 FM
Local Matters Fife (sponsored by Fife Economy Partnership)
Allson Wholesale
Ivan Wood & Sons
Local Matters Perthshire (sponsored by Keepsafe Storage Centres)
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Wood Leisure
Outstanding contribution award (presented by The Courier)
The winner will be announced on the night
Business of the year (sponsored by Henderson Loggie)
The winner will be announced on the night