The Event
Apex Hotel Dundee – Saturday, October 27, 2018.
We’re back… and this year we are celebrating six years of The Courier Business Awards.
Join us for a night with the stars at our prestigious awards, held at the Apex Hotel Dundee on Saturday, October 27, where we recognise and reward business and individuals from across Dundee, Fife, Perthshire and Angus; businesses and individuals with entrepreneurial flair, who are pushing the envelope in the pursuit of commercial success and who go that extra mile to serve their customers and put the community at the heart of everything they do.
There are 21 categories, plus the coveted Business of The Year, sponsored by our title partner Henderson Loggie, that is awarded to a shortlisted company which stands out from the pack and exhibits determination to achieve excellence in their field and create wealth and opportunity along the way.
Widely recognised as the leading business awards for Dundee, Angus, Perthshire and Fife and continuing to grow year on year to become the largest event of its kind in the area, we are proud to be returning to the grounds of the Apex to ensure a very special night to remember.
All of our finalists have one thing in common! They can never believe that they were shortlisted, this could be you. To ensure your business gets the recognition it deserves this year, enter now.
Key Dates
| 26 April: | Entries open |
| 8 July: | Entries close |
| 17 August: | Shortlist announced |
| 27 October: | 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 |
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 websiteShortlist
Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Fraser Bruce, Michelin Tyre Plc
- Reece McLaren, BT
- Ryan Fair, Fife Council
- 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
- Fraser Bruce
- Reece McLaren
- Ryan Fair
- Stephanie Ewan
Design and Innovation Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- 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
- Ace Aquatec
- NCR
- SP Technology
Digital Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Bella and 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
- Bella and Duke
- ChilliConnect
- Horisk Leslie Development
Enterprise in Education
Sponsored By:
- Pocket Sized Hands
- Solasonach
- Take Your Marks
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
- Pocket Sized Hands
- Solasonach
- Take Your Marks
Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Graeme Carling, Carling Property Group
- John Reynolds, Castle Water
- 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
- Graeme Carling
- John Reynolds
- Nathan Pyne-Carter
- Roy Henderson/Lee Nixon
Export Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- 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
- ATL Turbine Services
- NCR
- STAR-Dundee
Family Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Allson (Sparkle) Ltd, t/a Allson Wholesale
- Binn Group
- Blacks of Brechin
- Blaze Manufacturing Solutions
- Blue Star St Andrews
- Caltech Lifts
- Clark's Bakery
- Gillies
- James F Stephen Architects
- Perthshire Caravans
- 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
- Allson (Sparkle) Ltd, t/a Allson Wholesale
- Binn Group
- Blacks of Brechin
- Blaze Manufacturing Solutions
- Blue Star St Andrews
- Caltech Lifts
- Clark's Bakery
- Gillies
- James F Stephen Architects
- Perthshire Caravans
- The Castlecroft Group
Games Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- 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
- ChilliConnect
- Pocket Sized Hands
Growth Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Castle Water
- SP Technology
- Stoneridge Electronics
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
- Castle Water
- SP Technology
- Stoneridge Electronics
Manufacturing Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Blaze Manufacturing Solutions
- Matrix International
- SP Technology
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
- Blaze Manufacturing Solutions
- Matrix International
- SP Technology
Retail Business of the Year
- Gillies
- HTS (Scotland) Ltd, t/a Assai Records
- Perthshire Caravans
- The Bathroom Company
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
- Gillies
- HTS (Scotland) Ltd, t/a Assai Records
- Perthshire Caravans
- The Bathroom Company
Science and Technology Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Ace Aquatec
- NCR
- 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
- Ace Aquatec
- NCR
- STAR-Dundee
Service Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Allson (Sparkle) Ltd, t/a Allson Wholesale
- ATL Turbine Services
- Balhousie Group
- 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
- Allson (Sparkle) Ltd, t/a Allson Wholesale
- ATL Turbine Services
- Balhousie Group
- Premier Properties Perth
Small Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Horisk Leslie Development
- Jon Frullani Architect
- KitschnBake
- Premier Properties Perth
- Volpa
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
- Horisk Leslie Development
- Jon Frullani Architect
- KitschnBake
- Premier Properties Perth
- Volpa
Social Impact Business of the Year
- Better:Gen
- Circle Scotland CIC
- Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
- 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
- Better:Gen
- Circle Scotland CIC
- Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
- The Yard
Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa
- Bon Viveur Group
- Pirate Boats
- The Black Watch Castle & Museum
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
- Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa
- Bon Viveur Group
- Pirate Boats
- The Black Watch Castle & Museum
Young Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Bella and Duke
- Pirate Boats
- Redcastle Spirits
- The Butcher The Baker
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
- Bella and Duke
- Pirate Boats
- Redcastle Spirits
- The Butcher The Baker
Business of the Year
Sponsored By:
Read MoreSponsored 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.
Outstanding Contribution of the Year
Sponsored By:
Read MoreSponsored By:
Outstanding Contribution of the Year
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?
Stephen Edmiston, Director of Operations, Ingenico:
“I’m absolutely overwhelmed that we have won this award. When I first found out we had won I was lost for words. It is a tribute to the staff who have put so much dedication and innovation into making customers’ lives easier, through the solutions they provide. We are very proud of them all, and they absolutely deserve the recognition for all their hard work. What we do is provide seamless payment solutions, reducing the risk for customers in the payment industry. We have a large market share, and over the past year we have been working to retain that. We are all about innovation in technology, but at the same time we’re very customer focused – out customers shape the way we do business. Winning this award will be great for business, it’s a recognition not only of our staff, but our customers who have stuck with us and helped us develop our products. The awards ceremony itself was impressive. It’s the first time we’ve been to it and we were so impressed with the organisation and the atmosphere. We were very proud to have been invited and to have been part of it all.”
Dan Bunce, Accounts and Marketing Manager, Clark’s Bakery:
“It is amazing to have won this award. We’re really trying to drive the business forward and provide the best produce to the people of Dundee. We really strive to be the best we can be. We want to thank everybody who works for us, our customers, as well as everybody at the Courier.”
Denfind Stone, Alison and Brian Binnie said:
“It’s absolutely unexpected to win. Obviously we’re delighted. The credit goes to all of the Denfind family for making all of this possible. It’s a nice validation for all the work we do. We have the best staff in all of Angus.”
The Adamson Restaurant & Bar, Graham Dalton said:
“We’re delighted. It’s fabulous to win and we didn’t expect it – we’re just happy to have a great night out. It’s a lovely award to win because it’s local. The Courier were great when we put ourselves forward and took an interest in what we are doing. It’s wonderful being here and seeing everyone and getting recognition from people that we know is really nice.”
Cameron Hardy, Babcock International said:
“It’s a really nice event – it’s something different. I have never been to anything like this before so it is an exciting thing to say the least. It’s a good thing for Fife, Dundee and all the areas the Courier covers to recognise what people do.”
Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman of 4J Studios:
“I am overwhelmed. I nearly ended up not coming so I’m glad that I did. I have incredibly support from my family and the team behind me so I hope it is an indication for all the of them. This is my home town so I am glad to to be awarded this here. When I left for university in Edinburgh 30 years ago when I was 18 I wasn’t sure if I’d come back but I did and there is so much technology going on. I had no idea this was going to happen. There’s been many years of work gone into transforming this city and we’re finally seeing it come through. It’s been wonderful watching the change in the city over the years. There’s so much going on in Dundee now and I could not be more excited for next year.”
Homelands Trust – Fife:
“We opened in September 2014, and it was a very hard start, so to have got back on track and to have got this award is fantastic. We’re now looking forward to the future and planning to expand. All the hard work of the trustees and staff has really paid off.”
Richard Bickerton, Chief Information Officer, Exscientia:
“We are absolutely thrilled and very humbled to have won this award, especially seeing as we are amongst a really impressive set of companies at these awards. We are a small company with lofty ambitions and we want to be a success story. It has been a good year for us and it’s just the start. Dundee is a great place to do business and there are a lot of things to be optimistic about.”
Mark Clark, Managing Director, Grampian Growers said:
“It’s been fantastic. This is the first time we’ve won something like this and the first time we’ve put ourselves up for an award and we started in 1970. We’ve been in the process of taking on new staff and expanding so we started looking into the award scene. We are a quiet company and work under the radar. The award and certificate will take pride and place in the office and we’re trying to build a new office so this is a good start. We are a small team with an average of up to 17 years service so this is a great recognition for all of them.”
Anne Kinnes. Chief Executive, Black Watch Castle & Museum said:
“I feel amazing, but this is for my team and volunteers and a credit to all the hard work that they do so congratulations to them. Tourism is a growing industry so to be recognised in it is fantastic. We just want to give visitors an amazing experience and by getting this award we are doing that it seems.”
David Hamilton, Ninja Kiwi said:
“I’m totally buzzing to win. It’s great to win a digital award as Dundee has so many things going on digitally and a rich history so it was a tough category. The win is a credit to the team as they have done some brilliant work with some great results. To win one of the toughest categories is a great feeling.”
Stuart Mills, CEO, STAR-Dundee said:
“I’m delighted to win, we didn’t expect to. We won an award at the first ever Courier Awards so we thought our turn had come, but we put ourselves in again anyway. It’s a great award to tell people about. Fantastic things are happening in Dundee so to be a part of that is wonderful. We recently became an employee owned company so this is a great reflection of all the hard work that they do. When we won four years ago it was great so it do it again is brilliant.”
Ian Philp, Gillies of Broughty Ferry said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to win, it’s a great honour. This is a testament to everyone that works with Gillies who give excellent service. We didn’t come expecting to win, but we did think we had a chance. We pride ourselves on great presentation and service. It’s a strong category so it’s great to win.”
Jackie Brierton, Enterprising Eastern Perthshire (GrowBiz) said:
“I’m absolutely delighted that we won. This is a win for the businesses that support as well as our own. We’ve got a fantastic team who give more of their time than they need as well as voluntary business mentors that give their time for free so it’s wonderful for them. It’ll be on display on our shelf as it’s quite a prestigious award. It’s good that a rural business won as sometimes the smaller businesses don’t get as much attention.”
Derek Petterson, CEO, McLeod Glaziers:
“We are delighted to win, absolutely. It’s a fantastic achievement. We’ve been in business since 1836, which is amazing. It is my 20th year with the company, and although myself and my nephew own the business, it’s the team that have helped win this award. I want to thank them for all their hard work – they really are a dream team.”
Scott Cunningham, MyWay Digital Health:
“We are an online self-management platform for people with diabetes and we’re currently trialling this concept beyond Scotland, which we’ve been working very intensively on. It is absolutely fantastic to get such an honour for our team. It will help us advertise the services we offer.”