After much cogitation and spirited debate, the finalists in the first ever Courier Business Awards have been chosen.
Our prestigious panel of judges led by Alliance Trust chief executive Katherine Garrett-Cox spent hours poring over more than 100 award entries at the trust’s Dundee headquarters this week in order to produce the final shortlist of companies.
Ms Garrett-Cox said the judging process had been a difficult task for all involved but said it had also been an enormous pleasure to find so many companies doing exciting things.
“There was a very strong sentiment among the judges that we really were overwhelmed by the number and quality of submissions received,” Ms Garrett-Cox said.
“I think we had a pretty difficult job when it came to the individual discussions about some of the companies but we all came away with a strong sense that the region is not just about jute, jam and journalism there is so much more.
“The innovation, the entrepreneurial spirit and the strong business potential that we have seen sends out a very strong message.
“The diversity was huge from family-owned businesses to multinational organisations operating on a scale that surprised us all.
“There was everything from high performing digital companies to globally relevant manufacturing companies.
“We are perhaps all a bit guilty of looking at what is happening far away without recognising the amazing things happening in our own back yard.
“These awards have shone a bright light on a hugely talented business community.”
Courier editor and fellow judging panel member Richard Neville said it had been an eye-opening experience for all of the judges.
“What really stood out to me was the sheer range of businesses which call Courier Country home,” Mr Neville said.
“The area cannot be pigeonholed in the way Aberdeen is with oil. We have a broad business base with a strong tourism and agri-business offering, a major digital cluster and vibrant life sciences sector.
“But that is just the tip of the iceberg. When you really shine a light on local commercial life as the Courier Business Awards has attempted to do you find yourself uncovering gem after business gem in every sector conceivable.
“It really has been an enlightening experience for the judges and I hope it has been a similarly rewarding experience for all of the companies who have taken part.
“I wish all the entrants the best for the future and look forward to congratulating the award winners on their success in November.”
The awards organised in conjunction with chartered accountants Henderson Loggie will take place at the Fairmont St Andrews Resort on November 1.The Courier Business Awards shortlist (companies listed in alphabetical order):Tourism Business Of The Year (sponsored by Bank of Scotland)
Bridgeview Station Dundee Heritage Trust Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort
Agricultural Business Of The Year (sponsored by Thorntons)
Mackie’s at Taypack Mylnefield Research Services Ltd United Auctions
Digital Business Of The Year (sponsored by Blue2)
PayWizard STAR-Dundee Ltd YoYo Games
Retail Business Of The Year (sponsored by Scottish Wedding Directory)
Bertie Browns Ltd Scaramanga Trading Ltd The Bathroom Company
Life Sciences Business Of The Year (sponsored by McGill)
Advanced Pest Solutions Ltd Mylnefield Research Services Ltd Omega Diagnostics Group plc
Manufacturing Business Of The Year (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland)
GA Engineering PressureFab Group Scott & Fyfe Ltd
Social Impact Business Of The Year (sponsored by Alliance Trust)
Enable Scotland Darling’s Coffee Shop Factory Skatepark Tullis Russell
Growth Business Of The Year (sponsored by Federation of Small Businesses)
4J Studios Ltd GA Engineering PressureFab Group
Young Business Person Of The Year (sponsored by McIntyres Salons)
F Melville & Son and St Andrews Country Cabins Newlife Fitness Club St Andrews Golf Experience
Employer Of The Year (sponsored by Blackadders)
Graham Environmental Services Limited Hillcrest Group of Companies Stoneridge Electronics Limited
Winners will be announced at the Courier Business Awards 2013.
Tickets are on sale now. For more information visit www.thecourierbusinessawards.co.uk.