Courier Business Awards
The Courier Business Awards’ mission is to find and celebrate the best in business in Tayside and Fife.
It is our job to seek out and showcase the finest companies – big, small and micro – entrepreneurs and disruptors who, through a combination of hard work, innovation and a commitment to continually improve standards, make the economy of north east Scotland tick by generating wealth .
But shining a light on success is not our only purpose. We also help build those wider business connections and networks that will ensure our diverse and vibrant region continues to thrive and prosper into the future.
The Courier Business Awards’ community is robust, influential and growing and we are proud to be hosting our gala celebration once again in 2023.
Enter now for your chance to shine.
Categories
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APPRENTICE
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APPRENTICE
This award recognises an individual who has participated in an apprenticeship programme during 2022/2023 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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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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INDEPENDENT RETAIL
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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
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INNOVATION
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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LEISURE, TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
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LEISURE, TOURISM & 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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MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA
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Find out how to become a sponsor here.MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA
This award is open to all businesses who have maximised the potential of marketing to grow their sale 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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RESILIENCE & RECOVERY
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RESILIENCE & RECOVERY
This award is open to all businesses who have shown a clear strategy to survive and thrive through turbulent economic times.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of change of strategy in response to economic, social and workplace challenges
- Evidence of positive outcomes and resilience
- Plans for future growth and recovery
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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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TECHNOLOGY
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TECHNOLOGY
This award is open to any company which puts technology at its heart, whether to drive its own business or to build bespoke platforms/technology solutions for customers.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Innovation through technology
- Evidence of successful implementation
- Proof of market traction and growth
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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
2023 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 (Courier Awards) 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 (Courier Awards) websiteFamily-owned and full of heart, Apex Hotels is a collection of 10 hotels in the UK’s most exciting cities. The 4-star properties are renowned for their sumptuous bedrooms, chic restaurants and bars, stylish spas, and above all, their warmer welcome. Perfectly placed in the heart of Dundee, Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is ideal for a getaway, whether it be for business or leisure.
Visit Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa websiteBlackadders is a leading, national law firm offering expert advice to individuals and businesses across Scotland and beyond. Our business lawyers specialise in corporate & commercial law, intellectual property, employment, commercial property and dispute resolution, acting for private companies, entrepreneurs and investors across a range of sectors including digital/tech, food & drink, healthcare and the creative industries.
Visit Blackadders websiteCarnoustie Golf Links is a world-famous golfing destination employing over 120 members of staff during the summer months. Boasting three outstanding golf courses, with the jewel in the crown being The Carnoustie Championship Course.
Located within Links House, we proudly present seven state-of-the-art golf simulators, an award-winning Professional Shop and our wonderful The Rookery Restaurant and Bar – open to everyone and showcasing locally sourced, seasonal produce. As a charity, Carnoustie are extremely dedicated to contributing to the local community through our Community Benefits Programme and take great pride in our fully funded junior golf development programmes welcoming over 350 local children every week.
Visit Carnoustie Golf Links websiteCoelBrew is a new Scottish gluten-free craft brewery in Guardbridge, St Andrews. Team CB are now stomping out the gluten around Tayside with their first batch of fresh lager ‘STOMP’. Created by local friends and family frustrated at the lack of gluten-free options, the innovative team behind the brewery have been busy getting buds buzzing with pre-sale tasters, launching football partnerships with Arbroath FC and Dundee United Women’s Football Club, ahead of rolling out their first cans and opening their new site for business.
Visit CoelBrew websiteDeveloping the Young Workforce (DYW) North East plays a key part in the delivery of the Young Person’s Guarantee, making it easier for employers and education to connect and equip young people for the world of work. We work closely with employers and educators to facilitate meaningful relationships that will best support the needs of our young people. By engaging with schools, employers can help young people develop the skills they need to enter the world of work, while building a sustainable pipeline of talent. DYW North East also supports organisations who wish to offer apprenticeships by helping them to access the framework that is right for them.
Visit Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) North East 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 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 websiteInsights 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 websiteJigsaw Media is a web design, branding and marketing agency based in Dundee.We are a talented team who truly understand what makes good marketing great. We’re relentless in our pursuit of results and have an unrivalled passion for finding solutions to problems that help our clients stand out.From strategy and creative development to execution and measurement, we have everything covered. Our mission is simple: to help our clients achieve their business goals through world-class marketing, branding and web. And our vision is to be the go-to marketing partner for ambitious businesses in Scotland and the UK. We. Create. Demand.
Visit Jigsaw Media websiteKerr’s Dairy were founded by Sandy Kerr in 1900, and over 120 years later are still run by the same family, with fifth generation Kelvin Kerr Jnr currently at the helm. We are committed to delivering a high-quality service throughout the North-East of Scotland, coupled with providing the finest dairy products. One of our unique selling points is our commitment to continually show strong understanding of environmental needs, with thousands of glass bottles of milk sold each day as an alternative to plastics. We pride ourselves on continued growth, with our aim of providing our products to as many customers as possible.
Visit Kerr’s Dairy websiteMarsh Commercial – a diverse colleague community, serving a diverse client community with insurance, risk management and employee health & benefits advice. They leverage the scale, expertise and access to products and services provided by Marsh McLennan Companies for their clients’ benefit – whilst maintaining a personal client-centred approach.
Visit Marsh Commercial websiteMcLaughlin & Harvey is a privately-owned construction and civil engineering business with 170 years of experience. The company employs over 800 people and operates throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland delivering quality construction, civil engineering and fit-out projects – and facilities management services – to various sectors.
Visit McLaughlin & Harvey Construction websiteMichelin Scotland Innovation Parc, an ambitious joint venture between Dundee City Council, Michelin, and Scottish Enterprise, is a world class Innovation Parc focused on sustainable mobility and decarbonisation. With a 32-hectare site and excellent physical connectivity, MSIP has dynamic space that can adapt to all sizes of business. As well as large, flexible space, tenants will have access to an innovation campus, a skills academy, business support and competitive, green energy delivered from sustainable sources. Underpinning all activities at MSIP is a collaborative approach to achieve the goal of net zero.
Visit Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc websiteFrom small cafes to the most sophisticated banks and retailers on the planet, NCR powers the technology that integrates everything and runs the entire operation. We provide the software, hardware and services to deliver experiences that delight customers. NCR has a long history in Dundee with over 600 employees (and growing) in their Research and Development facility.
Visit NCR websiteNinja Kiwi is a computer game developer with offices in Dundee and Auckland. Founded as Digital Goldfish in 2005 by two graduates from Abertay University the company went on to be acquired in 2012 by New Zealand based Ninja Kiwi. They have accumulated over 100 million downloads on the AppStores.
Visit Ninja Kiwi websiteWelcome to the next generation insurance advisory business.
Our aim is to be the best insurance advisory business in the UK, characterised by:
• People who stand shoulder to shoulder with you
• Advice that makes a difference
• Outcomes that shape your future
Partnership is the core element that drives who we are and what we believe… with our clients and with our people.
We’re combining the best traditions of broking, which place value in relationships and technical knowledge, with modern thinking and intelligent use of technology to ensure our clients experience a better way.
Welcome to Partners&
Visit Partners& websiteBridging academia and industry, Research and Innovation Services at the University of Dundee are key strategic drivers of innovation and commercialisation, offering opportunities to develop and grow your business through access to academic knowledge and resources.
We do this by:
Connecting local businesses to academic experts
Advising on opportunities to access funding, innovate and grow
Facilitating conversations and events that bring partnerships to fruition
Visit Research and Innovation Services, University of Dundee 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 websiteUtili-Tay operated originally as an energy broker in Dundee, Scotland, however as energy prices continued to rise and the global focus shifted towards achieving net zero emissions, we saw first hand the daily struggles that businesses faced. How could they tackle these challenges while remaining profitable?
That’s why we sought out to create a more encompassing solution to combine our expertise in energy brokering with carbon monitoring technologies and a wide range of energy-saving solutions – that would make achieving Net Zero easier for businesses.
Our goal is to provide customers with the opportunity to reduce their energy wastage, secure the best utility deals for electricity, gas, and water, and make significant savings that will impact their bottom line.
By partnering with Utili-Tay, businesses can take advantage of our comprehensive approach to energy management and sustainability, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Visit Utili-Tay website2023 Judging Panel
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Mike Soutar
Judging Panel Chair
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Graham Huband
Managing Editor, DC Thomson Media
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David Smith
Managing Partner, Henderson Loggie
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Angela Vickers
CEO, Apex Hotels
Hear what our 2022 winners had to say
Lucy Morrison, project manager apprentice, NCR: I feel absolutely overwhelmed. Never in a million years did I think that I would be recognised for my work. I left school at 15 and I went on to study beauty therapy and now I’m in a technology-based role at one of the largest companies in the world. It’s like a fairytale come true. It means everything. For four years I had to work extremely hard, I was working full-time and doing a full-time degree at night time, for a long time I was wondering was it really worth it, but now I know it was.
Genna Miller, project coordinator, Dundee Bairns: I’m absolutely over the moon delighted that we have won tonight, so excited. It means everything, recognition for all the hard work we’ve done. There have been literal nights, a lot of real passion and dedication that goes into what we do and it’s so great to have that recognition for the charity but also our volunteers, I’m absolutely blown away.
Ian Philp, managing director Gillies, said: “We’re absolutely over the moon to win the Dundee and Angus family award. We had some fantastic competition this year and we’re really delighted. It is well-deserved recognition for all the team – we couldn’t do it without them.”
Eric Milne, managing director, Fisher and Donaldson: It’s fantastic, I’ve never entered any awards, but I’ve been pushed in by my younger family to do awards this year and they’ve done a very good job with it. I’m staggered. They’re going to be able to use this to push the business forward over the next generation, that’ll be fantastic for the business.
Steve Crozier, Auto Services Perth managing director, said: “It’s a great surprise for us as this is the first time we’ve done anything like this, but we’re thrilled to win. We do things differently to others in our sector and this shows that we’ve got it right. It will be great to take the award back to the staff on Monday.”
Kelvin Kerr, director, Kerr’s Dairy: This award means a lot to us, we’ve worked really hard over the last three or four years, all our staff, we’ve worked over Covid and all that supporting everybody, everyone needs milk so we’ve gone out of our way and it’s great to be recognised.
General Manager Gregor Welsh: ‘We are thrilled to have won the Innovation award against such a high standard of finalists. This is great recognition of the hard work and commitment from the whole SoilEssentials team based in rural Angus.’
Deputy chief executive of Carnoustie Golf Links Adair Simpson said: “This award is not just for us, for all the tourism industry. We all realised through the pandemic that we’ve got to work together. It has been a really challenging time for the whole industry – but we are really over the moon.”
Elaine Kenneth, founder of Fresh Inc Medispa, said: “We pride ourselves on the level of care we provide to our clients and this is great reward for that. We’re absolutely over the moon to have won.”
Michelle Maddox, owner of Clootie McToot, said: “I’m thrilled. The award means everything to me – and to the staff, many of whom are not able to attend events like this, so we’ll have our own party back at Clootie McToot HQ for all their work.”
David Craig, chief executive of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, said: “This is deserved recognition for all of the hard work that has gone in to our social media. We’re really delighted. Over the past two years, our social media channels have become an important fundraising tool and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds, which will keep us in the air.”
Fraser Edmond, chief executive, Broker Insights: I feel very excited, I did not expect this, I’m delighted. It’s massive, we set this business up as a completely new idea and we built a team in Dundee and I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved and to be recognised.
David Webster, director of energy, Forth Ports: It’s so exciting, it’s amazing to win this award. I think our commitment to the transition to net zero has been well recognised, we’ve put a lot of time and effort into it and it’s just brilliant. It’s a combination of a lot of teamwork, a lot of time and a lot of effort into develop what we’ve done and to win is fantastic.
Michael Oates and George Shields, operations director and quality director, International Testing Services: Blown away, to be nominated and to come away with this is really humbling. It’s much a privilege to be part of this and it’s a lot of hard effort from our employees as well. We’re a service business so it’s solely down to our team that we’ve achieved this.
Grace Sloan, operations director at Balhousie Care Group, said: “Winning the award hasn’t sunk in yet. This is for the homes. All 26 of our homes deserve this for all the work they’ve put in over the past two years, which has been a really challenging time.”
“I feel overwhelmed, I can’t believe it. This award is not for us here tonight, this is for the 26 care homes that have given their all over the past two and a half years.”
Terry Banks, Tony’s sister, collected the award on his behalf. She said: “It’s great recognition for the work Tony has put into the business over all the years. He is trying to take a step back and this award is quite a fitting way for him to bow out. We have tried to deliver the best level of service of care for all our clients and this is well deserved for him.”
David Smith, Managing Partner, Henderson Loggie"For the past ten years, we have been proud partners of the Courier Business Awards. We are committed to supporting the growth of our community, and we believe that the Courier Business Awards are an important part of that effort. The awards celebrate the achievements of Courier Country's most outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs, and give us a chance to recognise the innovation and creativity that drives our local economy forward. Over the past decade, we have seen first-hand how much of a positive impact winning an award can have on local businesses and their teams. We encourage you to enter the 2023 awards and are excited to read through your submissions!"