
The Courier Business Awards
The Courier Business Awards 2025 is a flagship moment in our commitment to the business community across Tayside, Fife and Stirling. For over a decade, we’ve proudly recognised the ambition, resilience, and innovation of the region’s most outstanding companies—from established enterprises to game-changing entrepreneurs.
But this event is more than a celebration. It’s a live expression of what The Courier stands for: a champion of local stories, a supporter of key industries, and a vital connector across the business landscape. It reflects our belief that news is just one part of what we do—building up the people and businesses behind the headlines is where we truly make our mark.
Join us on Friday, 24th October for an event that strengthens our community, fuels growth, and gives a powerful voice to the organisations shaping the future of Courier Country.
Categories
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APPRENTICE
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APPRENTICE
This award recognises an individual who has participated in an apprenticeship programme during 2024/2025 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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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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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, Fife and Stirling.
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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Find out how to become a sponsor here.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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EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
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Find out how to become a sponsor here.EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
This award is open to any organisation which puts its staff at the heart of the business.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Exemplary staff communication and engagement practices
- A strategy for personal development and internal progression within the organisation
- Creative initiatives to enhance employee engagement, attraction and retention
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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.
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 turnover growth of at least 50% over the last three years.
Winner will demonstrate:
- The reasons for rapidly increasing sales
- An embedded growth culture
- Strategy for future expansion
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INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
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INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
This award is open to companies who put innovation and/or technology at the heart of their business. This could take the form of changes to systems, adopting or developing new products or services or a creative use of technology. It is also open to businesses who build bespoke platforms/technology solutions for themselves or customers.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Out of the box thinking and evidence of successful implementation
- Commitment to continuous improvement
- Proof of commercial benefits or market traction
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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, Fife and Stirling.
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
Available for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read MoreAvailable for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here.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, Fife and Stirling; 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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MEDIUM TO LARGE BUSINESS
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MEDIUM TO LARGE BUSINESS
The award celebrates the medium and large businesses that are crucial to the economy in Courier Country. Open to any business with more than 16 employees (businesses with fewer employees are welcome to enter our Small Business category).
Winner will demonstrate:
- Demonstrate your business USP and commitment to customer satisfaction
- Proof of strategy for growth
- Commitment to developing workplace talent
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SERVICE
Available for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here. Read MoreAvailable for Sponsorship
Find out how to become a sponsor here.SERVICE
This award recognises service excellence by businesses operating within Tayside, Fife and Stirling.
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 (businesses with more employees are welcome to enter our Medium to Large Business category).
Winner will demonstrate:
- Demonstrate your 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, Fife and Stirling which started trading or launched a distinct new venture within the last three years (the company should have started after June 2022).
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of clear business strategy
- Innovation and commitment to service excellence
- Proof of growth
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Business of the Year
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Business of the Year
The Courier Business Awards’ prestigious Business of the Year award
recognises and celebrates the finest company operating in Courier Country.
The winner must uphold strong commercial and social values
and demonstrate excellence in all areas from operations to customer service,
workforce management and corporate responsibility.
Judges
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David Clegg
Editor, The Courier
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David D Smith
Managing Partner, Henderson Loggie
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Angela Linton
Group Chief Executive, Hillcrest
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Rob McLaren
Business Editor, The Courier
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Chris van der Kuyl CBE, FRSE
Chairman, 4J Studios
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2025 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 website
Alpha Projects is an industry leading services provider specialising in Construction, Fit out and Refurbishment projects within the commercial and local authority sectors. With offices in Aberdeen, Dundee and Montrose, and a workforce spread across the region we are ideally positioned to provide construction services across the North East of Scotland. We take pride in our honest, professional approach, diligent project management and genuine emphasis to customer care. We foster positive, collaborative partnerships with our clients and their advisors to achieve successful project outcomes.
Visit Alpha Projects website
Family-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
Blackadders LLP is a national law firm with offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Our ambitious team provides expertise across private and commercial law, delivering tailored, innovative solutions to individuals, businesses and organisations. Our commitment to client service is central to everything we do. By adopting the smartest and most efficient ways of working, we blend modern practices with our firm’s traditional values. Our Legus membership and cross-border collaborations with partner firms ensure that we can handle even the most complex legal challenges with confidence.

Carnoustie Golf Links is a world-famous golfing destination featuring three outstanding courses, including the acclaimed Carnoustie Championship Course, named the World’s Best Golf Course in 2019. Carnoustie welcomes around 23,000 international visitors annually, alongside 2,800+ local Season Ticket Holders and the wider community. Employing over 160 members of staff during our peak months, we’re deeply committed to supporting the local area, offering fully funded junior golf programmes for over 350 children weekly. Links House plays home to seven cutting-edge simulators, an award-winning Professional Shop, and The Rookery Restaurant and Bar – open to all and serving locally sourced, seasonal cuisine.
Visit Carnoustie Golf Links website
We 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 website

Gilson Gray is a full service law firm with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, North Berwick, London and Lincoln. Gilson Gray offers specialist legal, property and financial services. We have risen to be one of the UK’s fastest growing and most prominent law firms. We’ve done this by being different. Our partner led teams include accredited specialists and award winning individuals, focused on you and your goals, be you an individual or a business. 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 website
Hillcrest 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 website
Elevate your corporate experience at Hotel Indigo and Staybridge Suites Dundee, the perfect choice for business travellers engaged in project work. Our hotels offer agile meeting spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and tailored services to meet all your professional needs. Enjoy spacious accommodations at Staybridge Suites, complete with fully equipped kitchens for extended stays, or opt for the stylish design of Hotel Indigo, reflecting the local culture. Both hotels are strategically located near key business districts, ensuring easy access to project sites. Enhance your team’s productivity and comfort—book your corporate stay with us today and make every moment count!
Visit Hotel Indigo website

Originally 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 website
McLaughlin & 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 various industries.
Visit McLaughlin and Harvey website
MSIP is a dynamic and creative home for innovators, manufacturers and skills leaders who are actively working towards reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future. MSIP offers space to manufacture and scale up; business, skills and innovation support; and access to green energy from sustainable sources.
Visit MSIP website
NCR Atleos expands self-service financial access worldwide. With a presence in over 100 countries, NCR Atleos empowers banks and financial institutions to shift more transactions to self-service through innovative, secure, and efficient technologies. 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 advanced solutions for the global market in our Research and Development facility.
Visit NCR Atleos website

Partners& is a Chartered insurance broker providing specialist insurance, employee benefits, risk management and claims advice to businesses and private clients.
We’re here to challenge the status quo and aim to establish a new level of service. Partners& combines the best traditions of broking, such as technical advice and client service, with modern thinking and intelligent use of technology, to enhance the client experience and create a dynamic workplace for its talented team.

Founded 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 website
RADIX is the UK’s leading provider of sustainable foundation solutions, specialising in low-carbon ground screws and screw piles. Our award-winning systems offer a cleaner, faster, and more eco-friendly alternative to concrete, reducing embodied carbon by over 50% and preserving natural habitats. Trusted across sectors from solar farms to heritage sites we help clients build smarter and greener.
As proud sponsors of the Courier Business Awards 2025, we’re committed to challenging traditional construction, collaboration with others and driving the transition to net zero. Together, we’re laying the right foundations for a sustainable future.
Visit RADIX website
At SSEN Transmission, we are responsible for the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, maintaining and investing in the high voltage electricity transmission network. Our network consists of underground and subsea cables, overhead lines on wooden poles or steel towers, and electricity substations. It extends over a quarter of the UK’s land mass, crossing some of its most challenging terrain. We’re investing over £20bn to upgrade the network infrastructure across our region between now and 2030 as it gets ready to play a leading role in the clean energy transition.
Visit SSEN Transmission website
The 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 exceeding expectations.
Visit The ESP Group website
We 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 website
Thorntons Wealth, with roots in Dundee, offers comprehensive financial planning and investment services across the UK. Established in 1995 and becoming independent from the Law firm (Thorntons Law) in 2014, we have offices in Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. Our team embodies key values: prudent, down-to-earth, and innovative. We cover all areas of financial planning including IHT planning, retirement planning, long term care planning and more. Our mission is to help clients achieve their financial aspirations with personalised, client-centric service. Trust Thorntons Wealth for expert guidance and a commitment to your financial success.
Visit Thorntons Wealth website
Son 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 websiteHear what our 2024 winners have to say

‘I am absolutely ecstatic. I totally wasn’t expecting it. For a long time I planned on being a PE teacher. When I left school I went to university and got my degree. But to be a teacher I had to do my post grad but that didn’t quite work out so I started labouring in the construction industry. Luckily I got an apprenticeship when I turned 23 and it’s went from there. I really enjoy what I do.’ Todd Arthur, Apprentice of the Year 2024

‘This win is not just for me but the whole organisation. I was in Australia when I found out I’d been nominated. I was so surprised, the same as I was tonight. We are really busy just now and always looking to do different things. Our mantra is to help people live better lives and that’s what we want to do. If we manage to do that and do it well then it’s great.’ Angela Linton, Business Leader Winner 2024

Genna Millar, Dundee Bairns manager, said: “This absolutely means the world to us. We work so hard every day to support our community. To be recognised in this way is phenomenal. I started this job the first week of lockdown and I’ve been working away ever since. When I started, I was the only employee and we now have eight members of staff. It’s grown massively but it’s a sad reason why. We are meeting a need.”

‘I am absolutely overwhelmed. It’s an amazing feeling. I’m normally working at this event and do a 14 hour shift to make sure it goes smoothly. I’ve got so much support from colleagues across the business. I’ve worked here for 20 years in total and I love it.’ Lyndsey Nicholls, Employee of the Year Winner 2024

Jordan Black, managing director, said: “I am over the moon. It’s a special win. I started at the company when I was 15 and turn 30 next weekend. It’s been a long journey. My grandfather Ian Black started the company 40 years ago and I wouldn’t be where I am without him. This award is recognition to us as a family, to my grandfather and the people who work in the business who are just like family.”

Kevin Brown, contracts director, said: “It’s great to be recognised for everything we’ve done in the last seven years in a very challenging industry. We are really appreciative and would like to thank everybody at the Courier Business Awards. We started off with just three guys and now we have over 100 employees and everyone plays an integral part.”

Carmen Sinclair, Bella Mella owner, said: “I feel like everybody is a winner and I am probably lost for words that we have won it. It’s a journey, there are ups and downs. I feel proud of the girls, I feel proud of myself. It’s the first time we’ve been at the awards, and we would love to come back, it’s been an amazing time.”

Ronnie McGill, vice president design and projects, said: “This is a testimony to the staff. Lately, we think it’s important to take a step back and share what we do with the local community and people that work with us. We’re looking for more staff so we’re keen to show people what we can do and what they could be employed doing as part of this global business. We are using the awards and this platform to try and attract staff as well.”

Emma Gray, joint managing partner, said: “For us this award recognises the growth and change within the business in the last year. We’ve rebranded, we’ve heavily invested in our people, our premises and our offering. We are harnessing technology to offer our services in a different way. It’s really positive.”

Leigh O’Connor, commercial manager, said: “It was an unexpected win. It’s nice recognition for the organisation and recognition for us to validate what we’re doing within the business and local community as well. Business is good and we are very buoyant.”

Chief executive and owner Theresa Lawson said: “It’s always an honour and great fun to be here. To take home a win makes it all worthwhile. Business has been very successful and we have some exciting things in the pipeline. The growth trajectory is looking good.”

Adam Taylor Spaces Taylored managing director, said: “I’m blown away and gobsmacked. The competition was very good and I never expected this. To be recognised for this award is amazing. Small business is a toughly fought accolade and I’m extremely proud. It’s been a tough year but we are doing well. We have won a few big contracts and grown as a team.”

Gus Laing, operations manager, said: “This is our first year being nominated so it was quite a shock. I genuinely didn’t think it would happen. The two other nominees, particularly Street Soccer Scotland, I admire. It’s amazing to be recognised on this level. We are a bunch of blokes trying to do the best we can to run a business. It’s huge to be involved in the event.”
David Smith, Managing Partner, Henderson LoggieDavid D 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.”