The Event
Well folks, that’s it for another year…WOW!!!!!!
What a fantastic night it was in our CBA marquee. Thank you to everyone who made it and made CBA18 the biggest and best black tie awards across the East Coast of Scotland. Thank you also to our celebrity hosts, the Apex Hotel staff (especially the chef as the meal was amazing), our fabulous entertainment and of course our amazing award winners.
We will be launching CBA19 in April 2019 so stay tuned on online and in print for updates
Thank you once again from all of us The Courier Business Awards
Key Dates
| 26 Apr 2018: | Entries open |
| 8 Jul 2018: | Entries close |
| 17 Aug 2018: | Shortlist announced |
| 27 Oct 2018: | Event |
Itinerary
| 18.15: | Drinks reception |
| 18.55: | Awards ceremony starts |
| 20.15: | Dinner |
| 22.00: | Awards ceremony continues |
| 23.00: | Entertainment/Networking |
| 02.00: | Carriages |
Hosts
Rachel Riley
Rachel Riley is the numbers expert on Channel 4’s long-running quiz show Countdown and a resident team member on the hit Channel 4 comedy show 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Rachel has appeared on Room 101, Top Gear and Would I Lie To You (BBC). She co-presented It’s Not Rocket Science for ITV and has appeared on several TV quiz shows raising money for charity including: Celebrity Mastermind, Pointless Celebrities (BBC 1), The Chase (ITV), The Bank Job, Million Pound Drop and Fifteen to One (Channel 4). Rachel is an avid Manchester United fan. She presented Fantasy Football Club and Friday Night Football on Sky Sports in 2016-17 and has appeared on Football Focus (BBC 1), Soccer AM (Sky Sports) and Follow the Football (BT Sport). She has also presented shows on MUTV as well as featuring on BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT radio. Brought up in Thorpe Bay, Essex, Rachel graduated with a degree in Mathematics, covering Quantum Theory, Fluid Mechanics and Applied Maths from Oriel College, Oxford. Rachel has a keen interest in promoting maths and science to young people and has been involved in a number of national numeracy initiatives. She is involved with Premier League Primary Stars, an initiative designed to help develop children’s skills and ambition both on and off the sports field.
Fred MacAulay
Having presented the very funny and eventful MacAulay and Co. on BBC Radio Scotland for almost 18 years and with a string of TV appearances, Fred’s on air witticisms and on screen reputation are the product of years of experience on the live circuit, including a stint as the first ever-Scottish compere at the Comedy Store in London. Arriving late to the world of stand-up comedy in the early 90’s, he has gone on to be a regular at the Edinburgh Fringe and at comedy festivals worldwide. Appearances on many Radio 4 comedy panel shows including I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, Just A Minute, The Unbelievable Truth and The News Quiz guarantee an audience for Fred’s Live stand-up tours. He has successfully featured in and presented many programmes for BBC Scotland: he hosted the talk show McCoist and MacAulay and presented Life According to Fred, Hoots, Simply Fred and Scots on the Box, as well as the 2014 On The Road magazine programme with Martell Maxwell. On national BBC Television he has been a panellist on shows including Mock the Week, QI and Have I Got News For You. In addition, in the US he was a guest on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and his performance at The Montreal Comedy Festival has been shown coast to coast in North America as well. He lasted 7 out of 11 nights when he sang on Comic Relief Does Fame Academy. Further charity challenges saw him kayak the Caledonian Canal for Sport Relief in temperatures as low as -18 Celsius and in 2011 he scaled Mt Kilimanjaro. His West Highland Way-Hey walk was broadcast on Hogmanay 2012 on STV. Before his comedy career took off, he studied at the University of Dundee and graduated with an MA in Accountancy and Jurisprudence. He received an honorary doctorate (LLD) from the same University in 2006 in appreciation of his time there as Rector.
2018 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 one of its largest employers. Amazon.co.uk opened its virtual doors in October 1998 and celebrating its 20th anniversary in the UK this year. It 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. The Dunfermline Fulfilment Centre opened in 2011 and now employs more than 1,500 people in full time permanent roles with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits. The communities in which we operate are important to us and we are delighted that, for the second consecutive year, we are sponsoring the Dundee Courier Business Awards.
Visit Amazon websiteApex Hotels is one of the UK’s leading independent operators of four-star contemporary hotels. Headquartered in Edinburgh, the family-owned group operates 10 hotels in Dundee, London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Bath. Known for its signature warmer welcome, the Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is ideally suited for both leisure and business travellers. Situated within the heart of Dundee city, the hotel and spa has recently undergone a £2.4 million bedroom refurbishment and provides a modern, premium four-star experience, no matter the occasion.
Visit Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa 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, Glasgow 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 lawyers collaborate across various disciplines to give our clients the all-round perspective and results they require. Our commitment to training and development ensures that our experts have the professional knowledge and skills to deal with the most complex cases. Our clients include private individuals, SMEs, FTSE 100 companies and high-growth, high-tech start-ups and professional partnerships. We offer our expertise nationally and, as part of the Legus international network, we can ensure a seamless service even when our clients’ interests lie further afield.
Visit Blackadders websiteBlue2 is an innovative digital services company providing specialist consultative advice combined with visionary thinking and reliable technical delivery. Our services include website design & development, back-end systems design and integration, App and software development.
Our team is passionate about all things digital and we strive to develop innovative solutions to improve the way our clients do business.
Bolder
We push boundaries, challenging ourselves to produce excellent work and to better ourselves. We inspire our clients to think differently and to follow our advice.
Smarter
We constantly strive to create brilliant solutions for our clients and achieve the highest standards possible.
Visit Blue2 websiteBrewin Dolphin is a UK FTSE 250 leading provider of discretionary wealth management. With £41.5 billion of total funds, it offers award-winning personalised wealth management services that meet the varied needs of over 80,000 account holders, including individuals, charities and pension funds. Our services range from bespoke, discretionary investment management to retirement planning and tax-efficient investing. In line with the premium we place on personal relationships, we’ve built a network of 29 offices across the UK, Jersey and Dublin, staffed by qualified investment managers and financial planners.
Visit Brewin Dolphin website
Dundee and Angus College has three campus sites in Dundee and Arbroath with more than 11,000 students and offers a wide range of full and part-time courses.
Its mission is to generate regional economic growth and social wellbeing through the provision of skills and education for individuals, employers and the wider community.
Through its Future Talent initiative, it is moving away from traditional thinking and focussing much more on ‘careers not courses’. This is tied closely into detailed labour market analysis so that learners can identify job opportunities and employers can benefit from a pipeline of new talent.
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 websiteMalmaison was established in 1994, in Edinburgh, as the pioneer of metropolitan modern townhouse hotels with an emphasis on quality. Each with chic and affordable bedrooms and event spaces. Food and beverage is the heart and soul of each Malmaison hotel, and the brand drives the majority of its non-room business through its destination bar and brasseries, providing a fresh mix of contemporary dishes in a relaxed and vibrant setting, within its local community. Current locations of Malmaison: Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Cheltenham, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford and Reading. Link for online: www.malmaison.com
Visit Malmaison websiteEstablished in 1972, the factory in Dundee employs 850 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.
Visit Michelin 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 websiteEstablished 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 websiteWith clear, commercially focused advice Thorntons helps you take your business further. Their Business Law teams help businesses of every size – from start ups and SMEs through to large corporate private and public sector organisations.
If you’re starting out in business, you need to get practical advice from the beginning. Thorntons can make sure your contracts are fit for purpose and that you are protecting any valuable business ideas and your brand.
If you are growing your business, again you need advice and support you can trust. Whether it’s managing your estates or your people, getting the right advice at the right time is invaluable. Thorntons are there to guide you. They can also help with debt management and commercial disputes. Again, when you’re selling your business or passing it on to family members, Thorntons can provide the best advice for your and your business’s circumstances. Their Business Law teams are all specialists in their area of the law so you can be assured you’re getting the advice you need.
We’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
We are Scotland’s most innovative University*. Our researchers share knowledge, build partnerships and make impact beyond the learning and teaching environment. This world-leading research has social, cultural and economic impact across the globe and feeds into our overarching mission – to transform lives, locally and globally through the creation, sharing and application of knowledge. We encourage industry engagement through licensing, consulting, knowledge transfer and collaborative R&D. Our Research & Innovation Services team provide professional support for external research activities. We collaborate with businesses in Scotland and across the world and have over 20 spinout companies contributing to the local economy.
*Reuters 2017
Visit University of Dundee website
Business Gateway is a publicly funded service contributing to the economic wellbeing of Scotland by providing access to free business support services. We give assistance and impartial advice to people starting or growing their business through a combination of:-
A programme of fully funded local workshops and events held throughout Scotland.
Advice to suit specific business needs through a network of experienced business advisers.
Online support – a comprehensive website with practical information and useful guides.
Business information – a dedicated team providing information and support on all aspects of starting and growing a business.
Visit Business Gateway Tayside websiteEstablished in 1984 Fairways Recruitment, with offices in Perth and Dundee, has continued to diversify and grow organically. Fairways provides pragmatic value for money services throughout the employment journey – from recruitment solutions to training and development, HR consultancy and employment law advice to exit strategies, the full 3600 employment solutions service.
Visit Fairways Recruitment website3 Session Street is Dundee’s newest late-night jazz inspired cocktail lounge serving up classic cocktails with a contemporary twist along with boutique spirits and craft beers until the wee hours of 2am (Tuesday – Sunday). The venue is mid-century modern in design offering a unique space, great for casual drinks, celebrations, corporate get-togethers with options to personalise your night-out with specialised masterclasses and tastings. A casual dining offering launches September 2018 featuring locally sourced produce displaying our favourite sharing dishes and small plates from around the world.
Visit 3 Session Street websiteAt GRC we specialise in communication.
GRC Media services include event and public relations management, corporate video, radio, podcast and vodcast production along with website design and hosting.
We provide professional MC/Presenter hosting and facilitation plus voice-over services, graphics production and live streaming for events and conferences across the UK.
GRC Training provides highly practical workshops to develop presentation and public speaking skills, internal and external communication strategies and comprehensive media training for teams and individuals in organisations of all sizes.
In addition to delivering training in the private and public sectors, we are committed to working with schools to build essential communication, presentation and confidence-building skills in young people, preparing them for life outside the classroom.
Visit GRC 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 websiteWinners
Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Ryan Fair, Fife Council
- Highly Commended Reece McLaren, BT
- Fraser Bruce, Michelin Tyre Plc
- Stephanie Ewan, Fife Council
Sponsored By:
Visit Dundee and Angus College WebsiteApprentice of the Year
Designed to commend an individual who has participated in an apprenticeship programme during 2018 and exceeded their employer’s expectations. Entries can be submitted by the provider or 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
Shortlist
- Winner Ryan Fair
- Reece McLaren
- Fraser Bruce
- Stephanie Ewan
Design and Innovation Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner ACE Aquatec
- NCR
- SP Technology
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
Demonstration of market disruptive behaviours
Embracing new technologies in product or service design
Commercial traction of a new product or service
Shortlist
- Winner ACE Aquatec
- NCR
- SP Technology
Digital Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Bella & Duke
- ChilliConnect
- Horisk Leslie Development
Sponsored By:
Visit Blue2 WebsiteDigital Business of the Year
Open to cutting edge companies providing products and services on a digital platform operating within Courier Country.
Key criteria:
Ability to harness and develop digital platforms
Proof of market traction and growth
Evidence of service excellence
Commitment to local economy
Shortlist
- Winner Bella & Duke
- ChilliConnect
- Horisk Leslie Development
Enterprise in Education
Sponsored By:
- Winner Pocket Sized Hands
- Highly Commended Take Your Marks
- Solasonach
Sponsored By:
Visit University of Dundee WebsiteEnterprise in Education
Open to all companies formed out of research or ideas generated within the education sector, including student or staff start-ups, spin-out companies, or companies formed by recent graduates (graduated within the last two years).
Key criteria:
Ability to disrupt the market with new technology or services
Demonstrate business strategy for commercial success
Proof of market traction and growth
Focus on excellence in innovation
Shortlist
- Winner Pocket Sized Hands
- Take Your Marks
- Solasonach
Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner John Reynolds, Castle Water
- Graeme Carling, Carling Property Group
- Nathan Pyne-Carter, ACE Aquatec
- Roy Henderson/Lee Nixon, SP Technology
Sponsored By:
Visit Thorntons Investments WebsiteEntrepreneur of the Year
Open to any individual or nominated person who has had a game-changing impact on a business operating within Courier Country.
Key criteria:
A track record of growing business ventures
Proof of market traction and growth
Clear business vision and investment in local operations
Inspiring attitude to others
Shortlist
- Winner John Reynolds
- Graeme Carling
- Nathan Pyne-Carter
- Roy Henderson/Lee Nixon
Export Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner ATL Turbine Services
- NCR
- STAR-Dundee
Sponsored By:
Visit Forth Ports Scotland WebsiteExport Business of the Year
Open to any business based in Courier Country that completes a significant amount of its trade outwith Scotland.
Key criteria:
Ability to identify new market opportunities
Clearly defined export strategy
Traction in wider UK or overseas markets
Evidence of service excellence
Shortlist
- Winner ATL Turbine Services
- NCR
- STAR-Dundee
Family Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Overall Family Business of the Year, Gillies
- Winner James F Stephen Architects, Angus Region
- Winner Gillies, Dundee Region
- Winner Allson Wholesale, Fife Region
- Winner Perthshire Caravans, Perthshire Region
- Blacks of Brechin
- Blaze Manufacturing Solutions
- Blue Star St Andrews
- Caltech Lifts
- Clark's Bakery
- The Castlecroft Group
Sponsored By:
Visit Thorntons WebsiteFamily Business of the Year
Celebrating outstanding family owned and operated businesses which call Courier Country home. Open to any business from any sector which has one family member as CEO/MD with at least one other family member on the board. A family business from Fife, Angus, Dundee, Perthshire will receive a regional award and automatic entry into the Overall Family Business of the Year award.
Key criteria:
Evidence of family led operations
Proof of market traction and growth
Local procurement and service excellence
Commitment to developing workplace talent
Shortlist
- Winner Overall Family Business of the Year
- Winner James F Stephen Architects
- Winner Gillies
- Winner Allson Wholesale
- Winner Perthshire Caravans
- Blacks of Brechin
- Blaze Manufacturing Solutions
- Blue Star St Andrews
- Caltech Lifts
- Clark's Bakery
- The Castlecroft Group
Games Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner ChilliConnect
- Pocket Sized Hands
Sponsored By:
Visit Ninja Kiwi WebsiteGames Business of the Year
Open to all businesses operating in the video gaming industry within Courier Country. From start-ups to established companies incorporating games design, mobile app and software developers and those operating in the augmented and virtual reality arena.
Key criteria:
Evidence of clear digital business strategy
Proof of commercial traction and growth
Demonstration of market disruptive behaviours
Investment in local operations
Shortlist
- Winner ChilliConnect
- Pocket Sized Hands
Growth Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Castle Water
- SP Technology
Sponsored By:
Visit Search WebsiteGrowth Business of the Year
Open to Courier Country companies that have achieved sustained growth over the last two years.
Key criteria:
Evidence of a clear business scale-up strategy
Adoption of innovative practices
Commitment to developing talent and investment in local operations
Growth of at least 50% over the most recent two year period
Shortlist
- Winner Castle Water
- SP Technology
Manufacturing Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner SP Technology
- Blaze Manufacturing Solutions
- Matrix International
Sponsored By:
Visit Michelin WebsiteManufacturing Business of the Year
Open to all manufacturing companies with a footprint in Courier Country.
Key criteria:
Evidence of manufacturing innovation
Demonstration of quality and safety standards
Proof of market traction and growth
Commitment to developing new talent and investment in local operations
Shortlist
- Winner SP Technology
- Blaze Manufacturing Solutions
- Matrix International
Retail Business of the Year
- Winner Perthshire Caravans
- Highly Commended The Bathroom Company
- Gillies
- HTS (Scotland) Ltd, t/a Assai Records
Retail Business of the Year
Open to any retail business operating within Courier Country, from independent traders to major high street outlets.
Key criteria:
Focus on customer service excellence
Market differentiation
Evidence of online retail strategy
Proof of commercial traction and growth
Shortlist
- Winner Perthshire Caravans
- The Bathroom Company
- Gillies
- HTS (Scotland) Ltd, t/a Assai Records
Science and Technology Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner NCR
- ACE Aquatec
- STAR-Dundee
Sponsored By:
Visit Blackadders WebsiteScience and Technology Business of the Year
Open to any business organisation operating within the sciences and technologies communities. It serves to commend specialist firms delivering innovative and commercially successful products.
Key criteria:
Research excellence and creation of new intellectual property/technology platform
Adoption of innovative practices
Proof of market traction and growth
Commitment to Courier Country
Shortlist
- Winner NCR
- ACE Aquatec
- STAR-Dundee
Service Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Balhousie Group
- Highly Commended ATL Turbine Services
- Allson (Sparkle) Ltd, t/a Allson Wholesale
- Premier Properties Perth
Sponsored By:
Visit Brewin Dolphin WebsiteService Business of the Year
Open to all companies operating within Courier Country providing B2B or B2C services.
Key criteria:
Clearly defined customer service objectives and strategy
Proof of market traction and growth
Evidence of service excellence
Commitment to developing new talent and investment in local operations
Shortlist
- Winner Balhousie Group
- ATL Turbine Services
- Allson (Sparkle) Ltd, t/a Allson Wholesale
- Premier Properties Perth
Small Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Volpa
- Highly Commended Horisk Leslie Development
- Jon Frullani Architect
- KitschnBake
- Premier Properties Perth
Sponsored By:
Visit Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa WebsiteSmall Business of the Year
Celebrating the small businesses that form the bedrock of our local economy in Courier Country. Open to any business with between 1 and 12 employees.
Key criteria:
Demonstrating innovation and service excellence
Commitment to developing workplace talent
Proof of market traction and growth
Commitment to local procurement and Courier Country
Shortlist
- Winner Volpa
- Horisk Leslie Development
- Jon Frullani Architect
- KitschnBake
- Premier Properties Perth
Social Impact Business of the Year
- Winner Circle Scotland CIC
- Highly Commended Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
- Better:Gen
- The Yard
Social Impact Business of the Year
Designed to reward not for profit firms which put sustainability at the heart of their business and is open to any organisation from any sector.
Key criteria:
Significant contribution to the community or environment
Commitment to partnership working and social inclusion
Ability to influence customers and suppliers to adopt best environment, workplace and community practices
Commitment to fostering talent
Shortlist
- Winner Circle Scotland CIC
- Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
- Better:Gen
- The Yard
Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner The Black Watch Castle & Museum
- Highly Commended Pirate Boats
- Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa
- Bon Viveur Group
Sponsored By:
Visit Malmaison WebsiteTourism and Hospitality Business of the Year
Open to all businesses which provide the best leisure, food and drink, visitor experiences and accommodation within Courier Country; showcasing the region to the world.
Key criteria:
Evidence of service excellence
Market differentiation
Proof of commercial traction and growth
Commitment to adding value to the region
Shortlist
- Winner The Black Watch Castle & Museum
- Pirate Boats
- Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa
- Bon Viveur Group
Young Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner The Butcher The Baker
- Bella & Duke
- Pirate Boats
- Redcastle Spirits
Sponsored By:
Visit Insights WebsiteYoung Business of the Year
Open to exciting and innovative new companies operating within Courier Country which started trading or launched a distinct new venture within the last two years.
Key criteria:
Evidence of clear business strategy
Innovation and commitment to service excellence
Proof of market traction
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 2019. For more information and additional terms and conditions, please contact: communications@insights.com
***
Shortlist
- Winner The Butcher The Baker
- Bella & Duke
- Pirate Boats
- Redcastle Spirits
Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Castle Water
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
- Winner Castle Water
Outstanding Contribution of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Mike Galloway
Sponsored By:
Outstanding Contribution of the Year
Shortlist
- Winner Mike Galloway
Judges
Richard Neville
Editor-in-Chief, The Courier
David Smith
Managing Partner, Henderson Loggie
Lord Andrew Dunlop
Chairman, Member of the House of Lords and Board member of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry
Liz Cameron, OBE
Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce
Chris van der Kuyl
Chairman and co-Founder, 4J Studios
Gayle Mann
Chief Operating Officer, Entrepreneurial Spark
Why enter?
“We are very excited to have won. We have invested a lot of time and energy on bringing the best to the market and our success is really all down to the work of our customers.”
“It’s a fantastic occasion and it’s a great achievement. It has really been a wonderful night.”
“I am just so pleased for all the workforce. It highlights all the hard work they have put in over the past year.”
“We are delighted to win this award. I think it represents all the hard work of our 1500 members of staff.”
“I am ecstatic to have won this award. We did not expect to win at all and to win the digital business awards, which is exactly what our business is all about, is just fantastic, it means so much to us.”
“It’s fantastic to be recognised for a huge amount of hard work. We just didn’t expect everything tonight.Winning the Business of the Year award, and the others we have been given tonight, has just been completely unexpected. This is a huge honour and the whole evening has been a great experience. Everyone at Castle Water is delighted to have been involved. There is a real buzz about our offices at the moment and this award will take pride of place, it will help us take things further. We have big plans for the next twelve months. We will look to continue to expand our business across the country, with some significant growth plans in place. I think Tayside in the past has been lacking in a bit of self-confidence, but things are certainly looking forward. Events like the Courier Business Awards are important, they allow businesses of all sizes from across Courier Country to be recognised for the work they do and earn the recognition they deserve.”
“We are super excited to have won. We are only in our second year and this is our second award, it is wonderful to be recognised locally for the work we are doing to try and change the world.”
“We are very excited to be hear and pretty surprised to have won, to be honest. We were nominated last year so absolutely delighted to win this year. This is testament to the people and groups who we work with and have done throughout the last year.”
“A great thank you to all our staff on a fantastic achievement.”
“We are delighted, we never thought would win to be honest. Both of our sons are involved with the company and our four grandchildren might join too, which would be lovely.”
“I am delighted to have won. These awards are a credit to the area and Tayside and Courier Country is a wonderful place to build a business. I have worked and set up businesses across the world but I have never been in such a good area to do business in.”
“Most people who know me know I’m not speechless very often but I am this time. I just didn’t expect it at all. I came here 21 years ago thinking I would be here for five years but Dundee just got in my blood and now I would not leave it for the world. Let’s not make bones about it – Dundee two decades ago was for some people not the best of cities. But I wanted to try and get ourselves to believe that we could be the best little city ever. We’re getting there now. The recently retired city planner added: “In some ways I’m sad that I’m not going to be there to lead it but there’s so much more to come.”
“We didn’t expect it but we are absolutely delighted. We have been a big part of the community in Dundee for many years and we are so pleased to be recognised.”
“We have been a family-run business for 82 years and it is very exciting to be recognised like this. Who would have thought we would win two awards in one evening, I am delighted”
“Incredibly humbled to have won this award. It has been a very good year for us at Pocket Sized Hands, we have had tremendous support from Abertay University. To be in a room filled with so many fantastic industry leaders, there is such a buzz in Dundee at the moment and it is so exciting to be a part of it.”
“This win was so unexpected, I am really happy to have won. Just being nominated was a surprise and an honour. I am delighted to have won.”
“We entered in 2015 but this is the first year since. Over the last year we have been trying to get our name out there and that’s why we entered again. It’s a bit of a surprise but we’re really pleased.”
“I can’t believe we have won a Courier Business Award for a second year in a row. It was so unexpected, we were just delighted to have been nominated for this year’s award. We used last year’s win as a benchmark, to see how we have improved over the year. We have a terrific team of volunteers and staff who do such a great job, without whom we wouldn’t be where we are.”
“It is absolutely amazing to have won this award. What we are trying to achieve with the business is a fresh and new approach to butchery, so Young Business of the Year award is perfect.”
“Our team have worked really hard this year and recently we have been nominated for quite a few awards. Some we have won but some we haven’t but it’s a complete surprise to win this. We have just opened our office in Dundee too.”