The Event
Apex Hotel Dundee – Saturday 28th October, 2017.
This year we are celebrating five years of The Courier Business Awards and we want you to celebrate with us.
The prestigious awards, held at the Apex Hotel Dundee on Saturday 28th October, recognise business and individuals from across Tayside, Fife, Perthshire and Angus; businesses and individuals with entrepreneurial flair, who are pushing the envelope in the pursuit of commercial success and who go that extra mile to serve their customers and put the community at the heart of everything they do.
There are 21 categories, plus the coveted Business of The Year, sponsored by our title partner Henderson Loggie, that is awarded to a shortlisted company which stands out from the pack and exhibits determination to achieve excellence in their field and create wealth and opportunity along the way.
New for 2017 is the Enterprise in Education Award and The Family Business of The Year award has been split into geographical regions, so we have The Family of the year for Dundee, Angus, Perthshire and Fife, as well as one of those businesses being awarded overall Family Business of the year. If you are a family business, there are more reasons than ever to enter.
Widely recognised as the leading business awards for Dundee, Angus, Perthshire and Fife and continuing to grow year on year to become the largest event of its kind in the area, we are proud to be returning to the grounds of the Apex to ensure a very special night to remember.
All of our finalists have one thing in common! They can never believe that they were shortlisted, this could be you. To ensure your business gets the recognition it deserves this year, enter now.
Key Dates
| 3 May: | Entries Open |
| 29 June: | Entries Close (5pm) |
| 9 July: | Entries Extended Deadline |
| 21 August: | Shortlist Announced this week |
| 4 September: | Site Visits (week 1) |
| 11 September: | Site Visits (week 2) |
| 18 September: | Site Visits (week 3) |
| 28 October: | Award Ceremony |
Itinerary
| 18:30: | Drinks Reception |
| 19:15: | Welcome |
| 19:30: | Proceedings Commence |
| 20:15: | Dinner |
| 23:20: | Proceedings Conclude |
| 23:30: | Entertainment & Networking |
| 02:00: | Carriages |
| *Timings subject to change |
2017 Partners
Henderson Loggie has been serving Scotland and Scottish organisations for over a century now. We maintain a local presence with national coverage, with offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. We are proud to be part of the Courier Business Awards which provide a great ‘shop window’ to promote the talent that exists throughout the area. We work closely with businesses of all sizes and we see at first hand the effort that goes into making them a success.
Recognising business achievement is, unquestionably, a positive thing to do – it sends out clear messages 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.
Visit Henderson Loggie website
Henderson Loggie has been serving Scotland and Scottish organisations for over a century now. We maintain a local presence with national coverage, with offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. We are proud to be part of the Courier Business Awards which provide a great ‘shop window’ to promote the talent that exists throughout the area. We work closely with businesses of all sizes and we see at first hand the effort that goes into making them a success.
Recognising business achievement is, unquestionably, a positive thing to do – it sends out clear messages 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.
Visit Henderson Loggie websiteAmazon.co.uk is proud to be a part of the Fife community and largest employers.
Amazon.co.uk opened its virtual doors in October 1998 and is part of the Amazon group which strives to be the world’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.
Dunfermline Fulfilment Centre opened in 2011 and now employs more than 1,700 people in full time permanent roles with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.
The communities in which we operate are important to us. In 2016, we supported more than 30 charities nominated by our employees in Fife.
Visit Amazon websiteBlackadders provide a comprehensive range of legal services to individuals and businesses. We are a long established law firm with offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Perth. Our ability to adapt to our clients’ changing needs and to anticipate how circumstances may change has helped us in our delivery of quality legal services and has contributed to our diverse, loyal and growing client base.
Our business lawyers are trusted by businesses, public bodies and not-for-profit organisations across Scotland to support them with legal advice that is commercially-focussed, helping them to achieve their goals. We also regularly help clients doing business internationally, and advise clients outside Scotland on Scottish business. Our clients range from SMEs to FTSE 100 companies and high-growth, high-tech start-ups to professional partnerships.
Visit Blackadders websiteLaunched in June 2013, Blue2 is a digital design agency, based in a beautiful converted church in Broughty Ferry. We specialise in designing and developing websites, apps, back-end systems and integrated software. We work with clients of all shapes and sizes across all sectors – locally, nationally and internationally. We also have a digital marketing team that creates online campaigns for clients; they write blogs, handle SEO and create PPC and social media adverts.
We believe trust is everything in business and communication is at the heart of that, both for our clients and within our own team. We pride ourselves on a bold approach to finding digital solutions and strategies for our clients, and we deliver exceptional results.
Visit Blue2 websiteBrewin Dolphin’s Dundee office originated as Bell Lawrie (a firm which can trace its heritage back to 1841). The team – including highly experienced investment managers and financial planners – has built a strong reputation for providing a high-class professional service in Dundee and the surrounding areas.
To offer a wealth management service that reflects each client’s individual needs, we get to know our clients well and understand what is important to them. While each person’s needs are different, common concerns of our clients are how to generate an income, growing their investments for specific or general future need, and managing the tax payable on their investments.
The trust our clients have shown us over successive generations has made us create one of the largest independently owned wealth managers in the UK, now with over £32 billion of client funds under management.
Visit Brewin Dolphin websiteDundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce (DACC) is the leading business membership organisation in Dundee & Angus, with over 520 business members, who between them employ around 50,000 people, DACC works hard to help provide members with the business connections and opportunities they need to flourish. DACC represents members’ views, use the collective voice to influence opinion makers and promotes the region as a world class destination, helping the local business community to thrive.
It’s vision is of a successful local economy where buoyant, profitable enterprises help make Dundee & Angus a world class destination. A place investors and visitors flock to, and where home grown business talent wants to stay and thrive.
Visit Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce websiteOperating from three campus sites in Dundee and Arbroath, the multi-award-winning D&A College delivers cutting-edge training and education to nearly 15,000 learner, both full and part-time.
The nationally-recognised qualifications on offer at D&A College are designed to arm successful students with the skills demanded by today’s employers or a chance to go on to further study.
Visit Dundee and Angus College websiteForth Ports is a dynamic UK-based multimodal ports owner and operator. Their ports are strategically positioned and serve as logistical gateways across the UK. They offer businesses a wide range of diverse, port-related services, and help connect customers the UK with Europe and the rest of the world.
Forth Ports owns and operates eight commercial ports on the Firth of Forth, the Firth of Tay and the Thames: Tilbury (London), Grangemouth, Dundee, Leith, Rosyth, Methil, Burntisland and Kirkcaldy.
The group offer high levels of handling and logistic-related services to customers who are looking for solutions to move goods cost effectively and efficiently, and provide warehousing and storage facilities.
Visit Forth Ports Scotland websiteFounded almost 30 years ago in Dundee, Scotland, Insights provides people development solutions that help companies all over the world get the very best from their people.
We use a simple and accessible model of personality type based on the work of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung and a broad range of psychometric models of increasing depth.
Insights creates more effective teams by helping people better understand themselves and others, communicate with impact and tackle pressing business challenges.
Our work is founded in the notion that personal breakthroughs lead to business breakthroughs, enabling increased innovation, creativity and productivity.
Visit Insights website2017 brings big changes to the restaurant and is really exciting for us!
We have introduced a new small plate section to our menu giving more fish and poultry alongside all the old favourite cuts of beef. We’ll be serving our new dry age meats from our in house dry aging fridges- on display in the restaurant for all you meat lovers to see!
Not forgetting the addition of a new outdoor glass atrium making 2017 the biggest year for meat house since we’ve opened and we’re delighted in this big year for us to be supporting The Courier Business’ Awards.
Visit Meat House of Dundee websiteEstablished in 1972, the factory in Dundee employs 860 people and makes approximately 7.5 million car tyres per year for the European and export markets. The plant operates 24/7 and is currently undergoing an exciting programme of transformation and investment. This will allow it to access other markets, make new types of products, and continue to be a competitive and world class manufacturing facility, into the future.
Established in 1987, Search Consultancy has grown to become one of the UK’s leading recruitment consultancies. With offices in 13 locations across the country, we place people at all levels across a wide range of commercial and industry sectors. We strive to be the recruitment partner of choice for organisations who demand success through talented and motivated people. We’re here to provide expertise and value to both our candidates and clients at every stage of the recruitment process.
Visit Search websiteThorntons is one of Scotland’s largest full service law firms. Being full service means they can provide clients with legal advice and guidance regardless of the challenge or opportunity presented. Their business law teams across Dundee, Fife, Perth, Angus and Edinburgh deliver advice on issues from buying, selling or leasing premises, corporate structures and governance, corporate finance, protecting and exploiting intellectual property to managing your workforce.
They communicate in plain English, not legal jargon and deliver commercially aware advice to clients. They are also transparent about their fees and charges from the outset so there are no surprises further down the line.
Visit Thorntons websiteWe’re proud of our local heritage. For over two decades we have worked alongside Thorntons Solictors to provide the very best professional advice to our community. Since separating from the law firm in 2014, our business has grown from managing the investment portfolios of private clients, to offering discretionary and institutional financial management. What remains constant is our commitment to personal service and our calm and considered approach to help you make the most of your money. Your financial security is important to us.
Visit Thorntons Investments website
The University of Dundee is one of the top universities in Europe for “advancing science, inventing new technologies, and helping to drive the global economy” (Reuters 2017). We support our researchers to share knowledge, build partnerships, and make an impact beyond the regular learning and teaching environment. We collaborate with businesses in Scotland and across the world, and we have over 20 active spinout companies from the University contributing to the local economy.
Research and Innovation Services provides professional services to support the University’s extensive research activities. We encourage industry engagement through licensing, consultancy, knowledge transfer and collaborative R&D.
Visit University of Dundee website
Apex Hotels is a family-owned collection of 10 hotels in some of the UK’s most exciting cities. Our contemporary Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa offers a warm welcome tailored to both leisure and business travellers alike, providing a premium four star experience within the heart of Dundee.
Visit Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa websiteCameron Presentations is a family run events company with a strong focus on the client experience. The ethos – create engaging, memorable experiences using the highest quality equipment and most talented personnel.
Cameron Presentations provide comprehensive event solutions to a variety of clients operating in a vast array of fields. We have a wealth of experience in facilitating top-end, high-specification events of varying size with an array of service requirements. This diversity in client requirements is fulfilled by the ability to offer a completely comprehensive level of service. The full-service offering allows for client support through idea generation and presentation design to logistical troubleshooting and technical guidance on the day of the event.
Visit Cameron Presentations websiteShortlist
Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Cameron Hardy, Babcock International
- Dylan Cooney, Thorntons Investments
- Matthew Alexander, WBS Keillor
- Max Chase, Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
- Olivia Mitchell, Apex Hotels
- Rachel Connell, Volpa
Sponsored By:
Visit Dundee and Angus College WebsiteApprentice of the Year
A new award designed to commend an individual who has participated in an apprenticeship programme during 2017, and exceeded their employer’s expectations. Entries can be submitted by the provider or the apprentice.
Key criteria:
Proof of significant contribution to the workplace
Performance excellence
Use of skills gained through apprenticeship programme
Commitment to personal development and progression
Passion for chosen industry.
Shortlist
- Cameron Hardy
- Dylan Cooney
- Matthew Alexander
- Max Chase
- Olivia Mitchell
- Rachel Connell
Digital Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Horisk Leslie Development
- Ninja Kiwi
- UK Games Talent and Finance CIC
Sponsored By:
Visit Blue2 WebsiteDigital Business of the Year
Open to innovative and cutting edge companies providing products and services across any electronic medium or sector operating in Courier Country.
Key criteria:
Differentiation and innovation
Commercial success and/or evidence of growth
Commitment to training
Employment of local talent
Shortlist
- Horisk Leslie Development
- Ninja Kiwi
- UK Games Talent and Finance CIC
Design and Innovation Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Exscientia
- SoilEssentials
- STAR-Dundee
- Stoneridge Electronics
Sponsored By:
Visit Amazon WebsiteDesign and Innovation Business of the Year
Open to all companies that put design and the use of innovative technologies at the heart of their business.
Key criteria:
Ability to show out of the box thinking and problem solving
The demonstration of market disruptive behaviours
Commercial traction of a new productive or service
Embracing new technology in product or service design
Shortlist
- Exscientia
- SoilEssentials
- STAR-Dundee
- Stoneridge Electronics
Enterprise in Education
Sponsored By:
- MyWay Digital Health
- STAR-Dundee
- Whole Life Consultants
Sponsored By:
Visit University of Dundee WebsiteEnterprise in Education
Open to all spin-out companies formed out of research /ideas generated from within the education sector and also to spin-in companies who use the services of an education institution to turn a concept into a commercial reality and develop an existing business.
Key criteria:
Innovation & research excellence
Demonstrate business strategy for commercial success
Ability to form partnerships for future growth
Shortlist
- MyWay Digital Health
- STAR-Dundee
- Whole Life Consultants
Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Announced on the night
Sponsored By:
Visit Thorntons Investments WebsiteEntrepreneur of the Year
This award is open to any individual or nominated person who has had a game-changing impact on a business operating from Courier Country.
Key criteria:
Should have a track record of starting and growing new business ventures
Must be able to demonstrate business vision
New product or service should have achieved commercial traction
Should be inspiring
Shortlist
- Announced on the night
Export Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Grampian Growers
- Ingenico
- Mackie's at Taypack
- Stoneridge Electronics
Sponsored By:
Visit Forth Ports Scotland WebsiteExport Business of the Year
This award is open to any business of any size based in Courier Country that does a significant portion of its trade outwith Scotland.
Key criteria:
Must have a clearly defined export strategy.
Must be able to demonstrate success in wider UK or overseas markets
Must be able to show ongoing commitment to the exporting of products or services internationally
Shortlist
- Grampian Growers
- Ingenico
- Mackie's at Taypack
- Stoneridge Electronics
Family Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Blue Star St Andrews
- Burnside Motors
- CCTC - T/A Christmas Direct & Sparkling Lights
- Clarks Bakery
- Denfind Stone
- Ferguson Oliver
- Gillies of Broughty Ferry
- Gowrie Contracts
- Hettie's Tearooms
- McLeod Glaziers
- Tayside Aviation
- The Adamson Restaurant & Bar
Sponsored By:
Family Business of the Year
This award celebrates outstanding family owned and operated businesses which call Courier Country home. It is open to any business from any sector which has one family member as CEO/Managing Director with at least one other family member on the board.
New for this year, a family business from Fife, Angus, Tayside, Perth/Perthshire will be chosen to receive a regional award and automatic entry into the overall Family Business of the Year.
Key criteria:
Demonstration of innovation and service excellence
Commercial success and/or evidence of growth
Commitment to local procurement.
Shortlist
- Blue Star St Andrews
- Burnside Motors
- CCTC - T/A Christmas Direct & Sparkling Lights
- Clarks Bakery
- Denfind Stone
- Ferguson Oliver
- Gillies of Broughty Ferry
- Gowrie Contracts
- Hettie's Tearooms
- McLeod Glaziers
- Tayside Aviation
- The Adamson Restaurant & Bar
Growth Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Genoa Black
- Homelands Trust-Fife
- Jon Frullani Architect
Sponsored By:
Visit Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce WebsiteGrowth Business of the Year
This category acknowledges companies which have achieved sustained growth and increased their workforce over the past three years. Open to any business from any sector which can show evidence of turnover growth of 100% or greater over the most recent three-year period.
Key criteria:
Commitment to developing talent through apprenticeship/continued professional development programmes
Demonstration of commercial success against stated business goals
Shortlist
- Genoa Black
- Homelands Trust-Fife
- Jon Frullani Architect
Manufacturing Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Alexander Oastler
- Ingenico
- Mackie's at Taypack
Sponsored By:
Manufacturing Business of the Year
The category celebrates manufacturing excellence in companies ranging from start-ups to established multi-nationals within Courier Country.
Key criteria:
Evidence of manufacturing innovation and productivity improvement,
Demonstration of quality and safety standards
Commercial success and/or evidence of growth
Focus on the environment and sustainability
Commitment to developing talent through apprenticeship/continued professional development programmes
Commitment to local procurement and Courier Country
Shortlist
- Alexander Oastler
- Ingenico
- Mackie's at Taypack
Retail Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Clarks Bakery
- Gillies of Broughty Ferry
- Renu Skin Clinic
- The Buffalo Farm
Sponsored By:
Retail Business of the Year
This award recognises the wide-ranging retail scene in Courier Country from boutiques and independent traders to major high street chains. Open to all retail businesses.
Key criteria:
Focus on service excellence
Differentiation and innovation and online retail strategy
Commercial success and/or evidence of growth
Defined marketing strategy
Commitment to local procurement
Shortlist
- Clarks Bakery
- Gillies of Broughty Ferry
- Renu Skin Clinic
- The Buffalo Farm
Rural Business of the Year
- Angus Ross
- Denfind Stone
- Grampian Growers
- SoilEssentials
Shortlist
- Angus Ross
- Denfind Stone
- Grampian Growers
- SoilEssentials
Science and Technology Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Exscientia
- STAR-Dundee
- Vascular Flow Technologies
Sponsored By:
Visit Blackadders WebsiteScience and Technology Business of the Year
Open to any organisation, irrespective of size, operating within life science, pharmaceuticals and the technology sectors. It serves to commend specialist firms delivering innovative and commercially successful products.
Key criteria:
Innovation and research excellence
Commercial success and/or evidence of growth
Successful transition to effective and profitable market application
Partnership working with academia and Commitment local procurement and Courier Country
Shortlist
- Exscientia
- STAR-Dundee
- Vascular Flow Technologies
Services Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Fairways Recruitment
- Gowrie Contracts
- Tay Valley Veterinary & Equine Centre
- Tayside Aviation
Sponsored By:
Visit Brewin Dolphin WebsiteServices Business of the Year
This category recognises the diverse range of companies supplying a service throughout Courier Country.
Key criteria:
Strong customer service objectives and strategy
Commercial success and/or evidence of growth
Evidence of customer satisfaction and service excellence
Commitment to developing new talent through apprenticeship/continued professional development programmes
Commitment to local procurement in the area
Shortlist
- Fairways Recruitment
- Gowrie Contracts
- Tay Valley Veterinary & Equine Centre
- Tayside Aviation
Small Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Jon Frullani Architect
- Lauriston Nursery
- Tay Valley Veterinary & Equine Centre
- Castlecroft Group
- WBS Keillor
Sponsored By:
Visit Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa WebsiteSmall Business of the Year
This category celebrates the small businesses which form the bedrock of the local economy. Open to any business from any sector which has between 1 and 49 employees.
Key criteria:
Demonstration innovation and service excellence
Commitment to developing talent through apprenticeship/continued professional development programmes
Evidence of commercial success and/or growth
Commitment to local procurement and Courier Country
Shortlist
- Jon Frullani Architect
- Lauriston Nursery
- Tay Valley Veterinary & Equine Centre
- Castlecroft Group
- WBS Keillor
Social Impact Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
- Enterprising Eastern Perthshire (GrowBiz)
- Furniture Plus
- Gowrie Contracts
Sponsored By:
Visit Cameron Presentations WebsiteSocial Impact Business of the Year
This category is designed to reward firms which put sustainability at the heart of their business and is open to any organisation from any sector.
Key criteria:
Demonstration of significant contribution or engagement with the community or environment for non-commercial gain
Partnership working and contribution to economic regeneration through social inclusion
Influence on suppliers, customers and contacts to adopt best environment, workplace and/or community practices
Commitment to fostering talent
Shortlist
- Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
- Enterprising Eastern Perthshire (GrowBiz)
- Furniture Plus
- Gowrie Contracts
Tourism Leisure and Hospitality Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Bon Viveur Group
- Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
- Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort
- The Black Watch Castle & Museum
Sponsored By:
Visit Meat House of Dundee WebsiteTourism Leisure and Hospitality Business of the Year
This category celebrates and rewards an innovative business which best showcase our area to the world.
Key criteria:
Promotion of the region
Service excellence
Achievement against business goals
Commercial success and/or evidence of growth
Investment and delivery of innovations and improvements
Adding value to the area
Creating employment opportunities and/or staff development
Evidence of improved numbers of customers and of customer satisfaction with the service/facilities on offer
Commitment to local procurement and Courier Country
Shortlist
- Bon Viveur Group
- Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
- Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort
- The Black Watch Castle & Museum
Young Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Homelands Trust-Fife
- Kartel Scotland
- Lawson & Thompson
- The Circle
- UK Games Talent and Finance CIC
Sponsored By:
Visit Insights WebsiteYoung Business of the Year
This category acknowledges exciting and innovative new companies operating in Courier Country. Open to any business from any sector which started trading or launched a distinct new business venture within the past three years.
Key criteria:
Demonstration of innovation and service excellence
Entrepreneurial spark
Commitment to developing new talent through apprenticeship/continued professional development programmes,
Commercial success and/or evidence of growth
Commitment to local procurement
Fantastic winners Prize:
Insights is delighted to offer you and your senior management team the opportunity to experience our flagship model, Insights Discovery*.
Insights Discovery helps people to better understand themselves and others. It begins with an easy to answer online evaluation that takes around 20 minutes to complete. The individual then receives an Insights Discovery Personal Profile that highlights their strengths and weaknesses, communication style, approach to problems and value to the team.
The Insights Discovery Personal Profile can be used for individual coaching sessions or as part of a team workshop experience. By providing learning that works for you and your team, we’ll help deliver personal breakthroughs that lead to business breakthroughs.
*Up to a maximum of 10 people. Offer must be used by 31 October 2018. For more information and additional terms and conditions, please contact: communications@insights.com
***
Shortlist
- Homelands Trust-Fife
- Kartel Scotland
- Lawson & Thompson
- The Circle
- UK Games Talent and Finance CIC
Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Announced on the night
Sponsored By:
Visit Henderson Loggie WebsiteBusiness of the Year
Awarded to a company which stands out from the pack and exhibits determination to achieve excellence in their field and create wealth and opportunity along the way. The winner will demonstrate a sound and flexible business model, turnover growth, plans to expand and a supportive attitude towards its workforce.
The winner will be chosen from all entries and named by The Courier Business Awards judging panel.
Shortlist
- Announced on the night
Judges
Richard Neville
Editor, The Courier
David Smith
Managing Partner, Henderson Loggie
Prof. Nick Kuenssberg OBE
Chairman, Scott & Fyfe and Social Investment Scotland
Jim Pettigrew
Chairman, Clydesdale Bank
Philip Long
Director, V&A Museum of Design Dundee
Liz Cameron, OBE
Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce
Alison Henderson
Chief Executive Officer, Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce
Why Enter?
“As a ‘new kid on the block’ in Dundee it was really rewarding for our company to be selected as a finalist. We had been in operation for less than a year. However, the work that led up to us starting – the deal that we were recognised for in the awards – had been a long hard journey, so it was great to be shortlisted”
“Winning represented a massive boost for the team who have all been contributing significantly to the city’s economy in various roles before this. The companies we support are located across the length and breadth of the UK but being recognised for the unique aspect of us doing that from a Dundee base spurred us on to get involved in the Tay Cities Deal bid so that we can do more for the region in the future”
“The Courier Business Awards showcase the incredible depth and breadth of our region’s unique business environment. Entering the awards will help to remind you and your team of what a privilege it is to be part of our the Courier Country story. In addition, there’s sure to be a great night in store at the awards themselves amongst the region’s friendly and supportive business community”
Paul Durrant, UK Games Fund
“Winning the award highlighted our impact in the area, we are one of the largest employers and our staff know they work for an award winner, it makes them and me proud to work for such an amazing company as Journeycall. It also has a significantly positive impact on our recruitment process”
Theresa Wishart, ESP Journeycall
” Winning the award has given our company massive exposure to sectors that either hadn’t heard of our business or were unsure of exactly what we did. We noticed a very good rise in the number of new sales enquiries and orders after we won this award.”
“I would encourage any company who are proud of their business to enter the awards. It’s a worthwhile exercise in itself just to take a step away from the day to day running of the business to get involved in the application process and to reflect and write down all the milestones and achievements that have made your company a success over the last few years – irrespective of what the judge’s decisions are!”
Ross Graham, Managing Director, Graham Pest Control
“We are proud to tell people of the award and had some great feedback from other businesses. It has given the company a real boost to be recognised and lifted moral with staff.”
“Sometimes you have to believe in the work you do is worth shouting about – no matter how small your company is. There are so many fantastic businesses around this region that go unheard and these awards justly give us the opportunity to showcase what we do and bask in a little bit of glory.”
Seonaid Ross, SoilEssentials
“To win Manufacturing Business of The Year was a fantastic boost for the site and has reinforced our position as a major player in the Life Sciences manufacturing sector. It is also an endorsement of the commitment and perseverance of our skilled labour force in Courier Country and beyond.”
“Winning the award has raised the profile of the site in the local area which is helping in our efforts to recruit the best people in Dundee and Angus.”
“The Courier Business Awards is a great way to showcase your business, to recognise your achievements and to help build confidence in Dundee and Angus as being a great place to live and work.”
Dr Craig Sommerville, Operations Director, GSK
“We were delighted to be short listed as a finalist. The recognition of being one of three finalists in the Service Business of the Year Category ahead of the many strong service companies in Courier territory was a great tribute to the hard work of all Caledonia staff in putting our tenants and excellent service at the forefront of all we do.”
“The award was a fantastic accolade for Caledonia Housing Association recognising our strong desire to give the best possible service at all times. The sense of pride and achievement amongst all of our staff, volunteers and Board members was tangible.”
“The awards offer a real opportunity to reflect on all that you achieve as an organisation. It provides external acknowledgement and validation of the work of everyone connected to the organisation and if you are classed as the best in the Courier area it provides a real boost both internally and externally.”
Rachel Martin, Marketing and Communications Officer, Caledonia Housing Association
“I was extremely excited to be chosen as a finalist and confirmed to me that all the hard work I had put into both my submission and the work that I do had paid off.”
“Winning has had a positive impact on me, has increased my confidence and I feel has brightened my future prospects, it has also had a very positive message for other trainees about what can be achieved and the high standard of training that Fife Council are providing.”
“Definitely put yourself forward for these awards, it was a great experience from compiling the submission, getting to the finals, winning and the benefits which I have gained from the success.”
Donna Smith, Apprentice, Fife Council
“As this was the first time that there had been an Export category, Stoneridge were delighted to have been selected as a finalist.”
“The other finalists were strong competition and therefore we were honoured and very proud to be win this category. The quality of the event endorsed the value of the award and it was wonderful to be standing on the stage in front of lots of people representing the best in local industry.”
“Stoneridge had their bi-annual Importer seminar in Netherlands end November 2016, with importers from 20 countries attending the 2 day event. Part of the event talked about The Courier Award, we displayed the trophy and thanked them for their support in helping us achieve such an accolade. It has also been helpful in recruitment, as candidates have mentioned it in interviews saying it is one of the things that attracts them to us as a possible employer.”
“Apply! It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your company’s capabilities and an excellent demonstration of the diversity of successful businesses throughout our region.”
Svetlana Bogdonova, Human Resources Manager, Stoneridge Electronics
“We were delighted to win, because the awards have such a high profile. Particularly because design and innovation are so important in our home city of Dundee given its UNESCO City of Design status and the fast advancing completion of the V&A. These initiatives present the city and the wider region with so many opportunities, but it also means that many businesses must recognise the importance of design in order to seize them. The award is therefore a great reminder that we are based in the city and what we can offer help and assistance to local businesses.”
“Winning the award created a huge feel good factor within our business and the acclaim which we received provided our practice with a slew of very positive publicity, which illustrated the range of work we have successfully delivered both locally and across the entire country.”
“The awards are an ongoing success story, they get bigger and better every year. They can provide any business with added kudos and I suppose the biggest acknowledgement of their success and importance is that we will definitely be endeavouring to win again in 2017.”
Willie Watt, Director, Nicoll Russell Studios