The starting gun has sounded on the 2017 Courier Business Awards, the fifth annual celebration of the commercial life of East Central Scotland.
The awards scheme has recognised the efforts of scores of local companies in a brilliant first four years.
But there are many more exciting businesses and talented individuals living and working in this part of the world that also deserve recognition for their efforts in driving the local economy.
The 2017 awards, which are again being held in association with our long-term partner, chartered accountants Henderson Loggie, are designed to reflect all facets of the hugely diverse private sector operating on our doorstep.
From one-man bands to multi-national conglomerates, if you contribute to the economy of Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perthshire then the Courier Business Awards are for you.
Entries are free and open now at http://www.dctevents.com/event/courier-business-awards/.
For early birds who get their applications in before May 31, there is the also chance of winning a fantastic night’s stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at any Apex Hotel in Scotland.
The awards ceremony will be held in a bespoke marquee in the grounds of the Apex City Quay, Dundee, on Saturday, October 28 and we are delighted that writer, broadcaster and polymath Gyles Brandreth will once again be our genial host this year.
Courier Editor Richard Neville said the awards brought great prestige for both the shortlisted companies and the eventual winners.
“Time and again our participants have spoken of the positive impact of being involved in the awards process,” Mr Neville said.
“Winning a Courier Business Award is a fantastic validation of a company’s strategy, their achievements and the talents of their team.
“But many of our stand-out companies have also enjoyed a subsequent uplift to their bottom line as their awards success helped boost their reputation in the community.
“For my team and me, the opening of entries for The Courier Business Awards 2017 is an exciting moment.
“Growth in the economy in Fife, Perthshire, Dundee and Angus is vital to all of our wellbeing and, with a backdrop of the waterfront redevelopment in Dundee and the forthcoming Tay Cities Deal, we look forward to engaging once again with the brilliant businesses and entrepreneurial bright sparks driving forward our region.”
David Smith, managing partner of Henderson Loggie, said the Courier Business Awards were a great “shop window” for the private sector locally.
He said: “We work closely with businesses of all sizes and we see at first hand the effort that goes into making them a success,” Mr Smith said.
“Recognising business achievement is, unquestionably, a positive thing to do – it sends out a clear message about the calibre of the organisations operating in this region and, via The Courier, it demonstrates to the wider public the vital role that local companies play as the backbone of the economy.
“The awards represent tangible recognition and reward for the hard work, ability, energy and determination of the workforces in the award categories and puts the spotlight on the challenges that companies face and how they develop innovative solutions to overcome them.
“In addition, the awards reflect the knowledge, skills and capability of those located in this part of Scotland and will reinforce the message that Courier Country is a desirable area in which to build and run companies, as the talent pool is here to help businesses succeed.”
