Courier Business Awards
Entries for The Courier Business Awards are now officially closed. Thank you to everyone who entered; we look forward to reviewing your submissions and announcing the finalists in August.
Categories
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APPRENTICE
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APPRENTICE
This award recognises an individual who has participated in an apprenticeship programme during 2023/2024 and exceeded their employer’s expectations. Entries can be submitted by the provider or apprentice.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Commitment to personal development and progression
- Proof of significant contribution to the workplace
- Use of skills gained through apprenticeship programme
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BUSINESS LEADER
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BUSINESS LEADER
This award is open to any individual or nominated person who has had a game-changing impact on a business operating within Tayside and Fife.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Track record of strong business or project leadership
- Impactful responses to business challenges and opportunities
- Proof of inspiring others
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COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY
This award recognises more than profit groups and businesses who put community at their heart.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Significant contribution to the community
- Ability to influence customers and suppliers to adopt best environment, workplace and community practices
- Commitment to local employment, partnership working and social inclusion
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BRAND MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
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BRAND MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
This award is open to all businesses who have maximised the potential of marketing to grow their sales or those of a third party client. This could be through building a social media presence or delivering a targeted marketing campaign.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Creative use of marketing and/or social media platforms
- Proof of improved audience engagement
- Proof of revenue impact/subscribers or other benefits to business
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EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
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EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
This award recognises a member of staff in a business operating in Tayside and Fife who has made a game-changing impact. This could be someone who has led a new initiative which has brought positive results; someone who regularly goes above and beyond for the company or their colleagues; or a member of staff who has dedicated themselves to the business through long years of service. Entries can be submitted by the business or employee.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Someone who acts as a role model or inspiration for colleagues
- Evidence of behaviour or an initiative which has brought benefits to the business
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FAMILY
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FAMILY
Celebrating outstanding family owned and operated businesses who call Courier Country home. Open to any business with at least one family member leading the company and others actively involved in the business. A family business from Angus and Dundee, Fife and Perthshire will each receive a regional award.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of family led operations
- Service excellence
- Proof of market traction and commitment to growth
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GROWTH
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GROWTH
This award recognises companies which have achieved sustained growth over the past three years. Open to any business from any sector which can show evidence of accelerated turnover growth of 100% or greater over the most recent three-year period.
Winner will demonstrate:
- The reasons for rapidly increasing sales
- An embedded growth culture
- Strategy for future expansion
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INDEPENDENT RETAIL
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Find out how to become a sponsor here.INDEPENDENT RETAIL
This award is open to all independent retail businesses operating in Tayside and Fife.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of retail strategy in store and/or online
- Focus on customer service excellence and USP
- How they plan to build for the future
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INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
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INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This award is open to all companies who put innovation and continuous improvement at the heart of their business. Whether it be through teamwork, changes to systems, adopting or developing new products or services or pivoting strategy through the use of technology.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Out of the box thinking and the ability to solve problems
- Commitment to continuous improvement
- Commercial benefits from innovative activities and practices
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LEGAL AND PROPERTY
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LEGAL AND PROPERTY
This award is open to professional services firms operating in the legal and property sectors in Tayside and Fife.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of service excellence
- Commitment to attracting talent and upskilling workforce
- Demonstrate plans for future growth
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LEISURE, TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
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LEISURE, TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
This award is open to all businesses which provide the best leisure, food and drink, visitor experiences and/or accommodation within Tayside and Fife; showcasing the region to the world.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of service excellence
- Evidence of brand building and future strategy
- Commitment to attracting talent and upskilling workforce
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SERVICE
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SERVICE
This award recognises service excellence by businesses operating within Tayside and Fife.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Clearly defined customer service objectives and strategy
- Evidence of service excellence and going above and beyond to delight customers
- Commitment to developing talent
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SMALL BUSINESS
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SMALL BUSINESS
Celebrating the small and micro businesses that form the bedrock of the economy in Courier Country. Open to any business with between 1 and 15 employees.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Business USP and commitment to customer satisfaction
- Proof of strategy for growth
- Commitment to developing workplace talent
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TRANSITION TO NET ZERO
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TRANSITION TO NET ZERO
This award is open to any business offering products or services to help the transition to net zero. It is also open to companies, in any sector, who have undergone changes to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Winner will demonstrate:
- A clear net zero strategy
- Investment in upskilling and people to achieve net zero goals
- Environmental benefits to date
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YOUNG BUSINESS
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YOUNG BUSINESS
This award is open to exciting and innovative companies operating within Tayside and Fife which started trading or launched a distinct new venture within the last three years.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of clear business strategy
- Innovation and commitment to service excellence
- Proof of growth
The Courier Business Awards Judges
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Graham Huband
Managing Editor The Courier
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David Smith
Managing Partner Henderson Loggie
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Dr Liz Cameron CBE
Director and Chief Executive Scottish Chamber of Commerce
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Caryn Gibson
Business Partnerships Manager Dundee and Angus College
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Rob McLaren
Business Editor The Courier
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2024 Partners
Henderson Loggie has been serving Scotland and Scottish business for well over a century. Our vision is to be first choice in Scotland as a place to work and for our services to owner managed businesses.
Our purpose is to help our teams and our clients achieve their potential, to create wealth for the local economy now and to leave legacy for the future in the communities where we are located.
That’s why we have been so involved with the Courier Business Awards since the beginning. It fits our purpose in Courier Country. Our offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow give us national coverage and we are proud to be headquartered in Dundee.
The Awards are a terrific celebration of everything local in Courier Country. 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 through the Awards 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 our economy.
The Awards represent tangible recognition and reward for the knowledge, skills, capability, hard work and determination of the workforces in the diverse award categories. Courier Country is such a desirable area to build and run a business.
Like you, we want to make a difference in our local area and to see Courier Country grow and fly. The Awards are a showcase of the talent that exists throughout the area who have the same ambition.
Visit Henderson Loggie website
Henderson Loggie has been serving Scotland and Scottish business for well over a century. Our vision is to be first choice in Scotland as a place to work and for our services to owner managed businesses.
Our purpose is to help our teams and our clients achieve their potential, to create wealth for the local economy now and to leave legacy for the future in the communities where we are located.
That’s why we have been so involved with the Courier Business Awards since the beginning. It fits our purpose in Courier Country. Our offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow give us national coverage and we are proud to be headquartered in Dundee.
The Awards are a terrific celebration of everything local in Courier Country. 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 through the Awards 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 our economy.
The Awards represent tangible recognition and reward for the knowledge, skills, capability, hard work and determination of the workforces in the diverse award categories. Courier Country is such a desirable area to build and run a business.
Like you, we want to make a difference in our local area and to see Courier Country grow and fly. The Awards are a showcase of the talent that exists throughout the area who have the same ambition.
Visit Henderson Loggie websiteFamily-owned and full of heart, Apex Hotels is a luxury collection of hotels situated in the heart of the UK’s most vibrant cities – Edinburgh, London, Bath, Glasgow, and Dundee. The 4-star properties, each with their own personalities and distinctive style, are renowned for their sumptuous bedrooms, chic restaurants and bars, stylish spas, modern meetings and events spaces, and above all, their warmer welcome. Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is perfectly placed for a chic getaway, whether it be for business or leisure.
Visit Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa website“CalForth Construction Ltd are honoured to be this year’s sponsor of the Employee of the Year award at the Courier Business Awards. We look forward to celebrating with all the fantastic entrants.” – Steven Callander & Grant Handforth – Company Owners / Directors, Calforth Construction
Visit Calforth Construction 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 websiteCarnoustie Golf Links is a world-famous golfing destination, welcoming visitors from around the globe as well as catering for 2,500+ local Season Ticket Holders and the local non-golfing community. With three outstanding courses, the jewel in the crown being The Carnoustie Championship Course – named the World’s Best Golf Course 2019. As a charity, Carnoustie is dedicated to contributing to the community through its Community Benefits Programme which has contributed almost £400k to local good causes since 2014. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Carnoustie strives to balance environmental responsibility with providing an exceptional golfing experience.
Visit Carnoustie Golf Links websiteWe are the leading business membership organisation in Dundee & Angus and part of the worldwide long-established Chamber of Commerce brand. We have over 700 members who between them employ over 67,000 people. We work hard to help provide members with the business connections and opportunities they need to flourish.
We represent our members’ views and use our collective voice to influence opinion makers. We are passionate about Dundee and Angus and promote it as a world class destination, helping the local business community to thrive.
Visit Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce websiteThe ESP Group is an experienced and reliable outsourced partner of choice, offering true peace of mind to clients and customers by delivering bespoke customer care solutions. With over 30 years of remarkable growth, the ESP Group is a trusted provider of end-to-end services. From omni-channel customer experience to back-office support, product fulfilment, and cutting-edge technology solutions, its comprehensive offerings cater to diverse client needs. Serving companies globally, delivering exceptional results and exceed expectations.
Visit The ESP Group websiteGilson Gray is a full service law firm with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, North Berwick and Lincoln. Gilson Gray offers specialist legal, property and financial services. We have risen to be one of Scotland’s most prominent law firms. And we’ve done this by being different. Our partner led teams include accredited specialists and award winning individuals, focused on you and your goal. We harness a team of highly skilled, qualified, professionals representing every aspect of law, to come together to achieve what you need to get done. Many of our lawyers are dual qualified in both Scottish and English law.
Visit Gilson Gray websiteHillcrest was first established in 1967 as Hillcrest Housing Association. Over the decades, we have grown and developed into a large, diverse and continually evolving social organisation. Our mission is to help people live better lives.
The companies within Hillcrest provide housing, maintenance services, support, training and employment opportunities. Our structure allows us to work together to make a positive social impact by contributing to improving the quality of life of the people and communities we work with.
Visit Hillcrest websiteOriginally built by the Baxter family in 1822, the hotel overlooks Dundee’s waterfront and sees two 400-year grade-A listed former mill buildings converted into boutique Hotel Indigo, Daisy Tasker restaurant, brand-new-state-of-the-art bar, Eighteen22, plus aparthotel – Staybridge Suites Dundee, the perfect home away from home for longer stays.
Set in a fantastic location, a ten-minute walk from the waterfront, train station and City Centre; legendary golf courses, stunning walks, and distilleries are all on the doorstep. Whilst luxurious, thoughtful details and clever design capture the culture, spirit and history of the city and add memorable experiences for guests, who consistently rank the hotels in the top 2 places to stay in Dundee.
Visit Hotel Indigo website
Insights Learning & Development is a global organisation which was founded in Dundee, Scotland, 30 years ago. We work with some of the world’s biggest companies, helping their people to increase self-awareness, improve relationships, and solve real and pressing business issues. Through the framework of a common language of colour, we help people understand themselves and others, communicate with impact, tackle business challenges and become more effective teams by putting people right at the heart of everything we do.Insights’ purpose is to create a world where people truly understand themselves and others and are inspired to make a positive difference in everything they do. Our people are guided by our values of making a difference, delivering results, working together, enabling success and enjoying the journey.
Visit Insights websiteOriginally built by the Baxter family in 1822, the hotel overlooks Dundee’s waterfront and sees two 400-year grade-A listed former mill buildings converted into boutique Hotel Indigo, Daisy Tasker restaurant plus aparthotel – Staybridge Suites Dundee, the perfect home away from home for longer stays. And from April, their brand-new state-of-the-art-bar, Eighteen22. Beautifully designed to capture the culture, spirit and history of the city, giving guests a stunning location to enjoy a selection of wine, beers, spirits and cocktails celebrating local home-grown Dundee brands alongside well-known favourites, plus a selection of welcoming, locally sourced dishes.
Set in a fantastic location, a ten-minute walk from the waterfront, train station and City Centre; legendary golf courses, stunning walks, and distilleries are all on the doorstep. Whilst luxurious, thoughtful details and clever design add memorable experiences for guests, who consistently rank the hotels in the top 2 places to stay in Dundee.
Visit Malmaison websiteMcLaughlin & Harvey is a privately owned construction and civil engineering business with over 170 years of experience. Founded in 1853 and now operating throughout the UK and Ireland, the business employs over 800 people and has office locations in Belfast, Glasgow, London, Birmingham and Bristol. With a focus on its three core values of collaboration, commitment and care, the business delivers construction, civil engineering and fit-out projects and provides facilities management services to public and private sector clients in many industries.
Visit McLaughlin and Harvey websiteNCR Atleos is a global technology company, we partner with banks all over the world and enable them to transform their self-service channel and expand access to financial services using our market-leading software, hardware and services. Our network of 15,000 “Cashzone” ATMs provide vital Access to Cash Services to our communities here in the UK, providing convenient, accessible cash to all. We have a long history in Dundee where our team develop highly advanced solutions for the global market in our Research and Development facility.
Visit NCR Atleos website
Neville Robertson Communications is a strategic communications consultancy offering tailored solutions for businesses and organisations. Specialising in media management, corporate communications and public relations, NRC helps clients to be seen and heard by their employees, clients, peers and the wider world. The agency provides strategic advice to leaders and their executive teams, implementing comprehensive communication plans to meet specific organisational needs. NRC’s expertise extends to crisis communication, reputation management and stakeholder engagement. The team also provides media training to enhance understanding of the media and how to deal with interviews.
Visit Neville Robertson Communications websiteFounded in 1972, Persimmon is one of the UK’s leading 5-star house builders. With headquarters in York, the Group operates from 30 regional offices throughout the UK, trading under the brand names of Persimmon Homes, Charles Church and Westbury Partnerships, building quality homes across England, Wales and Scotland. The company is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer, directly employing more than 5,000 people and supporting around 86,000 jobs in the construction sector.
Visit Persimmon Homes websiteThe Rocket Group Ltd comprises Rocket Heritage & Archaeology, Rocket Ecology, Rocket Architectural Design & Surveying, Rocket Construction, Rocket Property and Rocket Building Surveying.
Our Heritage & Archaeology team delivers the full scope of mitigation works, as agreed with Planning Authorities, from watching briefs to full-scale invasive excavation. We undertake everything from geophysical surveys and burial archaeology to custom services for historic buildings and heritage-related planning advice.
Rocket’s ecologists run preliminary ecological appraisals and impact assessments, bat, great crested newt and protected species surveys, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and everything in between while cognisant of the wildlife legislation that governs everything we do.
Our Architectural Design & Surveying team plan, design and consult on new-builds and conversions in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors and support clients at any and all stages of their projects from initial concept to construction phase.
Rocket Construction offers end-to-end construction solutions, from landlord and handyman services to multi-property developments and are equally able slot into clients’ projects at whatever stage is necessary to complete the job.
Visit Rocket Group websiteWe deliver top quality advice and service to suit our clients and help businesses of every size – from family businesses, start-ups and SMEs through to large private and public sector organisations. With our lawyers covering every aspect of business set-up, development, compliance, protection and planning, we’re here for your business for the long term.
Visit Thorntons websiteSon of the Sea video production company Scotland provides award winning video production and photography services. Branding, marketing, events, promotional videos, breathtaking photography. All our products are crafted with extensive care and precision and are eye grabbing and are powerful communication tools.
Visit Video Production by Son Of The Sea website2023 Gallery
Hear what our 2023 winners have to say
“The Courier Business Awards is the biggest awards around. I’m very lucky to work for a company in Perth that does such amazing work. I left Bell Baxter High School in Cupar with one higher and thought I had to work my way through a company. I’ve now got a first class honours degree.”
Iain Lawson, accepting on behalf of his wife, said: “She would be absolutely over the moon. She started from the bottom and recently completed the deal to buy the business, so she really has worked her way right up. I am just so proud of her and all the hard work she’s put in over the years.”
Roy O’Kane, Kanzen Karate founder, said: “I’m overwhelmed. The theme tonight is punching above our weight, and I think we have done that this year by hosting the world championships on top of all the other events we’ve done. We are really thrilled.”
Liz Carnie from Powerwasher Services said: “We are delighted to have won. It is testament to the fact we’ve been in business for 40 years and all the work that has gone into the business over the years.”
Managing director Andrew Renwick said: “It’s amazing. It’s our third time as a finalist and our first time winning. It’s been our biggest year on record in 45 years of business. We’ve hit all of our goals. This win just sums it up.”
Owner Chris Swan: “We have a very loyal customer base who have stuck with us despite a tough year for people with the cost-of-living pressures. This award is for the whole team.”
Kristian Campbell, general manager, said: “The award means so much to the Leckie family, but also to the whole Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels. We really believe in celebrating success, especially given everything that the business has been through over the past four or five years.”
General manager Kristian Campbell said: “It is much deserved recognition for the staff for everything they do – we couldn’t do it without them.”
Debbie Brash, Tiger Lily Boutique owner, said: “It’s a tough category and amazing businesses to be up against. This year has been amazing. We’ve had the best spring and summer on record and we’re gunning towards Christmas. It’s been a fantastic year.”
Jack Low, Wasted Degrees Brewing co-founder, said: “I’m buzzing. It’s just so nice to have the recognition. I’m so proud for the team but particularly my younger brother Conall who is also co-owner. This all started as his hobby. We’ve gone from 25 litre plastic home brew buckets in 2016 to brewing 25,000 litres of beer a month.”
Adair Simpson, Carnoustie Golf Links deputy chief executive, said: “We are over the moon. It represents everything that we are about. The award is for team. It is for every single employee because they all delivered something.”
Owner Debbie Brash said: “I am absolutely delighted. I just don’t know what to say. To win one award was amazing let alone two. We put in a lot of work to social media and marketing. We have three full-time staff designated to it.”
Ali Abercrombie, who runs Lass O’Gowrie with husband Bob, said: “It’s not often I am speechless but I am absolutely blown away by this. It just means everything to us. We wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for our staff and our customers. I promised I wouldn’t cry, but I just can’t believe it.”
Shelley said: “It’s a combination of a lot of things coming together to make it happen. It’s not about me, it’s about we. I’m helping women and men realise their potential and develop who they are.”
Mike Smith, WBS Keillor managing director, said: “It’s a great way for us to mark the 75th year of the business. It’s great for the workers as well, who have delivered some great projects over the last year.”
Anne Clark, mum of Clootie McToot founder Michelle Maddox, who was unable to attend, said: “We’re really thrilled. To win any award is great recognition and all the team will be so pleased. It is a business that is really going places – and will continue to in the next year.”
Neil Martin, area sales director, said: “We have been working with NatWest for a long time and we have been working on some new technology that we will deliver for 18 million NatWest customers.”
Mark Jennison, co-founder of Realise Energy Services, said: “We’re only a small business in Perth and this award really is testament to the hard work of all our staff. We are absolutely delighted to have won.”
Owner Chloe Oswald said: “I was really shocked. I didn’t think it was happening for me. It was such a lovely surprise. I was blown away. It’s been an amazing year for the business. I entered so many competitions and this award is special.”
Chief executive Michael Wells: “The strength of all the businesses is a credit to Courier Country. To win this award is great for the staff and I am just so proud of them. We’ve had so many challenges over the past few years, but they believe in what they do and they want to succeed.”
David Smith, Managing Partner, Henderson LoggieDavid Smith, managing partner of Henderson Loggie, said: “We have been proud partners of The Courier Business Awards since its inception more than a decade ago.
“We want to raise awareness of all the great businesses and all the great people working in Tayside and Fife.
“The Courier Business Awards gives them an avenue to shine a light on their businesses and celebrate their personal successes and those of their team.
“I’d encourage everyone to enter. Don’t hide your light under a bushel - shout about what you do.”