
Courier Business Awards
OUR AMAZING 10TH ANNIVERSARY WINNERS HAVE BEEN CROWNED
The Courier would like to thank all of our attendees for another successful Courier Business Awards. Thanks also to our sponsors as your continued support is greatly appreciated.
We wish all of our winners continued success and hope you all strive for greatness and your business continues to thrive within Courier Country and beyond.
The Courier Business Awards is in association with Henderson Loggie and we look forward to seeing you all for The Courier Business Awards 2024.
Look out for details on our forthcoming Courier Business Conference and Food & Drink awards; both launching soon.
Shortlist
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APPRENTICE
Sponsored By:
- Erin Davies, Mowi Consumer Products UK
- Winner Jake Meakins, Here's The Plan
- Ross Crosbie, Carnoustie Golf Links
- Highly Commended Sean Fraser, Fife Council Building Services
Sponsored By:
APPRENTICE
This award recognises an individual who has participated in an apprenticeship programme during 2022/2023 and exceeded their employer’s expectations. Entries can be submitted by the provider or apprentice.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Commitment to personal development and progression
- Proof of significant contribution to the workplace
- Use of skills gained through apprenticeship programme
Shortlist
- Erin Davies
- Winner Jake Meakins
- Ross Crosbie
- Sean Fraser
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BUSINESS LEADER
Sponsored By:
- Michael Wells, Carnoustie Golf Links
- Stephen Leckie, Crieff Hydro Hotel
- Winner Theresa Lawson, ESP Group
Sponsored By:
BUSINESS LEADER
This award is open to any individual or nominated person who has had a game-changing impact on a business operating within Tayside and Fife.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Track record of strong business or project leadership
- Impactful responses to business challenges and opportunities
- Proof of inspiring others
Shortlist
- Michael Wells
- Stephen Leckie
- Winner Theresa Lawson
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COMMUNITY
Sponsored By:
- Hillcrest
- Winner Kanzen Karate
- Highly Commended TOGS
Sponsored By:
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
Shortlist
- Hillcrest
- Winner Kanzen Karate
- TOGS
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FAMILY
Sponsored By:
- ESP Group, Angus Family
- Winner Powerwasher Services, Angus Family
- Timber Tree Surgery, Angus Family
- Winner Caltech Lifts, Dundee Family
- Economy Car & Van Hire, Dundee Family
- MK Greens Services T/A GreenThumb Dundee & Perth), Dundee Family
- Lawson Property Group, Fife Family
- Novellis, Fife Family
- Winner The Fix Fife, Fife Family
- Winner Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire Family
- Graham Pest Control, Perthshire Family
- Taste Perthshire, Perthshire Family
Sponsored By:
FAMILY
Celebrating outstanding family owned and operated businesses who call Courier Country home. Open to any business with at least one family member leading the company and others actively involved in the business. A family business from Angus and Dundee, Fife and Perthshire will each receive a regional award.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of family led operations
- Service excellence
- Proof of market traction and commitment to growth
Shortlist
- ESP Group
- Winner Powerwasher Services
- Timber Tree Surgery
- Winner Caltech Lifts
- Economy Car & Van Hire
- MK Greens Services T/A GreenThumb Dundee & Perth)
- Lawson Property Group
- Novellis
- Winner The Fix Fife
- Winner Crieff Hydro Hotel
- Graham Pest Control
- Taste Perthshire
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INDEPENDENT RETAIL
Sponsored By:
- Carnoustie Golf Links
- Gammies Groundcare
- Winner Tiger Lily Boutique
Sponsored By:
INDEPENDENT RETAIL
This award is open to all independent retail businesses operating in Tayside and Fife.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of retail strategy in store and/or online
- Focus on customer service excellence and USP
- How they plan to build for the future
Shortlist
- Carnoustie Golf Links
- Gammies Groundcare
- Winner Tiger Lily Boutique
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INNOVATION
Sponsored By:
- Here's The Plan
- Powerwasher Services
- Winner Wasted Degrees Brewing
Sponsored By:
INNOVATION
This award is open to all companies who put innovation and continuous improvement at the heart of their business. Whether it be through teamwork, changes to systems, adopting or developing new products or services or pivoting strategy through the use of technology.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Out of the box thinking and the ability to solve problems
- Commitment to continuous improvement
- Commercial benefits from innovative activities and practices
Shortlist
- Here's The Plan
- Powerwasher Services
- Winner Wasted Degrees Brewing
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LEISURE, TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Sponsored By:
- Winner Carnoustie Golf Links
- Crieff Hydro Hotel
- Logiealmond Estate
Sponsored By:
LEISURE, TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
This award is open to all businesses which provide the best leisure, food and drink, visitor experiences and/or accommodation within Tayside and Fife; showcasing the region to the world.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of service excellence
- Evidence of brand building and future strategy
- Commitment to attracting talent and upskilling workforce
Shortlist
- Winner Carnoustie Golf Links
- Crieff Hydro Hotel
- Logiealmond Estate
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MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA
Sponsored By:
- ALTAR Group
- M.ad agency
- Winner Tiger Lily Boutique
Sponsored By:
MARKETING & 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
Shortlist
- ALTAR Group
- M.ad agency
- Winner Tiger Lily Boutique
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RESILIENCE & RECOVERY
Sponsored By:
- Miconex
- Rosie Fraser Real Estate
- Winner The Lass O'Gowrie
Sponsored By:
RESILIENCE & RECOVERY
This award is open to all businesses who have shown a clear strategy to survive and thrive through turbulent economic times.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of change of strategy in response to economic, social and workplace challenges
- Evidence of positive outcomes and resilience
- Plans for future growth and recovery
Shortlist
- Miconex
- Rosie Fraser Real Estate
- Winner The Lass O'Gowrie
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RISING STAR
Sponsored By:
- Evelin Eros, The Rocket Group
- Kira Wishart, ESP Group
- Rosie Fraser, Rosie Fraser Real Estate
- Winner Shelley Booth, Shelley Booth Health Coach
Sponsored By:
RISING STAR
A new award for 2023, the Rising Star recognises a game-changing newcomer whose vision and determination in business has marked them out as one-to-watch.
Working on their own venture or within an established firm, our Rising Star will be an entrepreneur at heart whose driving passion is to make waves in the world of business.
While still in the relatively early stages of their career, our Rising Star will be the one calling the shots in their own business or, as an in-house member of staff, be actively influencing strategic thinking and taking a lead on project delivery.
Either way, it will be obvious that great things beckon for our Rising Star.
For the first time the winner of this category will be decided by readers and subscribers of The Courier in print and online.
The prize will include Club Membership to DC Thomson News Brand’s Corporate Membership Programme for our Rising Star.
Key criteria:
A maximum of 10 years business experience
Proof of game-changing impact, sector disruption and / or strategic influence
Ongoing commitment to professional development
Shortlist
- Evelin Eros
- Kira Wishart
- Rosie Fraser
- Winner Shelley Booth
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SERVICE
Sponsored By:
- Affertons Funeral Care
- Highly Commended Graham Pest Control
- Winner WBS Keillor
Sponsored By:
SERVICE
This award recognises service excellence by businesses operating within Tayside and Fife.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Clearly defined customer service objectives and strategy
- Evidence of service excellence and going above and beyond to delight customers
- Commitment to developing talent
Shortlist
- Affertons Funeral Care
- Graham Pest Control
- Winner WBS Keillor
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SMALL BUSINESS
Sponsored By:
- Andrew Black Design
- Cellexus International
- Winner Clootie McToot
- Horisk Leslie Development
Sponsored By:
SMALL BUSINESS
Celebrating the small and micro businesses that form the bedrock of the economy in Courier Country. Open to any business with between 1 and 15 employees.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Business USP and commitment to customer satisfaction
- Proof of strategy for growth
- Commitment to developing workplace talent
Shortlist
- Andrew Black Design
- Cellexus International
- Winner Clootie McToot
- Horisk Leslie Development
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TECHNOLOGY
Sponsored By:
- Cellexus International
- Horisk Leslie Development
- Highly Commended Leviton Manufacturing UK
- Winner NCR Atleos
Sponsored By:
TECHNOLOGY
This award is open to any company which puts technology at its heart, whether to drive its own business or to build bespoke platforms/technology solutions for customers.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Innovation through technology
- Evidence of successful implementation
- Proof of market traction and growth
Shortlist
- Cellexus International
- Horisk Leslie Development
- Leviton Manufacturing UK
- Winner NCR Atleos
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TRANSITION TO NET ZERO
Sponsored By:
- Carnoustie Golf Links
- Winner Realise Energy Services
- Tayside Re-users
- Highly Commended Utili-Tay
Sponsored By:
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
Shortlist
- Carnoustie Golf Links
- Winner Realise Energy Services
- Tayside Re-users
- Utili-Tay
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YOUNG BUSINESS
Sponsored By:
- CAM Ventures
- Winner Chocolatia
- Highly Commended Evermore
- Maison Dieu Coffee Roasters
Sponsored By:
YOUNG BUSINESS
This award is open to exciting and innovative companies operating within Tayside and Fife which started trading or launched a distinct new venture within the last three years.
Winner will demonstrate:
- Evidence of clear business strategy
- Innovation and commitment to service excellence
- Proof of growth
Shortlist
- CAM Ventures
- Winner Chocolatia
- Evermore
- Maison Dieu Coffee Roasters
2023 Partners
Henderson Loggie has been serving Scotland and Scottish business for well over a century. Our vision is to be first choice in Scotland as a place to work and for our services to owner managed businesses.
Our purpose is to help our teams and our clients achieve their potential, to create wealth for the local economy now and to leave legacy for the future in the communities where we are located.
That’s why we have been so involved with the Courier Business Awards since the beginning. It fits our purpose in Courier Country. Our offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow give us national coverage and we are proud to be headquartered in Dundee.
The Awards are a terrific celebration of everything local in Courier Country. We work closely with businesses of all sizes and we see at first hand the effort that goes into making them a success.
Recognising business achievement through the Awards sends out clear messages about the calibre of the organisations operating in this region and, via the Courier, it demonstrates to the wider public the vital role that local companies play as the backbone of our economy.
The Awards represent tangible recognition and reward for the knowledge, skills, capability, hard work and determination of the workforces in the diverse award categories. Courier Country is such a desirable area to build and run a business.
Like you, we want to make a difference in our local area and to see Courier Country grow and fly. The Awards are a showcase of the talent that exists throughout the area who have the same ambition.
Visit Henderson Loggie (Courier Awards) website

Henderson Loggie has been serving Scotland and Scottish business for well over a century. Our vision is to be first choice in Scotland as a place to work and for our services to owner managed businesses.
Our purpose is to help our teams and our clients achieve their potential, to create wealth for the local economy now and to leave legacy for the future in the communities where we are located.
That’s why we have been so involved with the Courier Business Awards since the beginning. It fits our purpose in Courier Country. Our offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow give us national coverage and we are proud to be headquartered in Dundee.
The Awards are a terrific celebration of everything local in Courier Country. We work closely with businesses of all sizes and we see at first hand the effort that goes into making them a success.
Recognising business achievement through the Awards sends out clear messages about the calibre of the organisations operating in this region and, via the Courier, it demonstrates to the wider public the vital role that local companies play as the backbone of our economy.
The Awards represent tangible recognition and reward for the knowledge, skills, capability, hard work and determination of the workforces in the diverse award categories. Courier Country is such a desirable area to build and run a business.
Like you, we want to make a difference in our local area and to see Courier Country grow and fly. The Awards are a showcase of the talent that exists throughout the area who have the same ambition.
Visit Henderson Loggie (Courier Awards) 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 full-service Scottish law firm serving private clients, individuals, businesses and organisations from offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.
With 65 partners and solicitors, Blackadders has a broad spectrum of expertise ranging from family matters to business and commercial specialities, including employment, dispute resolution and commercial real estate and contracts.
The firm recently underwent an ambitious rebrand as part of its strategic aim to become a top five Scottish law firm within the next few years. Under the leadership of joint Managing Partners, Emma Gray and Ryan McKay, the firm is aiming to be an employer of choice in the legal industry and a destination of choice for clients.
The team hopes to achieve their ambition by adopting a forward-thinking approach to the way they work, reframing what it means to be a leading law firm while still using the traditional values of exceptional client service and a strong work ethic.
One of the key strengths of the highly-rated Blackadders’ employment team is that it can work across sectors and services to ensure clients are given the best advice and achieve the optimal outcome. Whether dealing with employment tribunal representation, advising on restructuring exercises, discrimination and equality advice, executive dismissals and negotiations or bespoke training services for employers, the Blackadders’ experts will work together to ensure clients are fully supported and achieve their aims.
Selecting the right law firm takes a lot of thought. Blackadders’ ambition is for clients to never to have to think about it again.
Visit Blackadders website
Carnoustie Golf Links is a world-famous golfing destination employing over 120 members of staff during the summer months. Boasting three outstanding golf courses, with the jewel in the crown being The Carnoustie Championship Course.
Located within Links House, we proudly present seven state-of-the-art golf simulators, an award-winning Professional Shop and our wonderful The Rookery Restaurant and Bar – open to everyone and showcasing locally sourced, seasonal produce. As a charity, Carnoustie are extremely dedicated to contributing to the local community through our Community Benefits Programme and take great pride in our fully funded junior golf development programmes welcoming over 350 local children every week.
Visit Carnoustie Golf Links website
CoelBrew is a new Scottish gluten-free craft brewery in Guardbridge, St Andrews. Team CB are now stomping out the gluten around Tayside with their first batch of fresh lager ‘STOMP’. Created by local friends and family frustrated at the lack of gluten-free options, the innovative team behind the brewery have been busy getting buds buzzing with pre-sale tasters, launching football partnerships with Arbroath FC and Dundee United Women’s Football Club, ahead of rolling out their first cans and opening their new site for business.
Visit CoelBrew 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
Across Tayside there is a pressing need to make sure young people have the right world of work skills and experience to enter fulfilling careers and grow our local economy. Here at Developing the Young Workforce Tay Cities we facilitate meaningful partnerships between business and education to provide work-based learning opportunities for young people and better prepare them for their future career. We bring together local schools, colleges and businesses to offer skills development and learning opportunities, this is to ensure that more young people enter a positive destination when they leave education and start their career journey.
Visit DYW – Tay Cities website
Gilson Gray is a full service law firm with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, North Berwick and Lincoln. Gilson Gray offers specialist legal, property and financial services. We have risen to be one of Scotland’s most prominent law firms. And we’ve done this by being different. Our partner led teams include accredited specialists and award winning individuals, focused on you and your goal. We harness a team of highly skilled, qualified, professionals representing every aspect of law, to come together to achieve what you need to get done. Many of our lawyers are dual qualified in both Scottish and English law.
Visit Gilson Gray 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. 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 Hotel Indigo website

Insights Learning & Development is a global organisation which was founded in Dundee, Scotland, 30 years ago. We work with some of the world’s biggest companies, helping their people to increase self-awareness, improve relationships, and solve real and pressing business issues. Through the framework of a common language of colour, we help people understand themselves and others, communicate with impact, tackle business challenges and become more effective teams by putting people right at the heart of everything we do.
Insights’ purpose is to create a world where people truly understand themselves and others and are inspired to make a positive difference in everything they do. Our people are guided by our values of making a difference, delivering results, working together, enabling success and enjoying the journey.Visit Insights website
Kerr’s Dairy were founded by Sandy Kerr in 1900, and over 120 years later are still run by the same family, with fifth generation Kelvin Kerr Jnr currently at the helm. We are committed to delivering a high-quality service throughout the North-East of Scotland, coupled with providing the finest dairy products. One of our unique selling points is our commitment to continually show strong understanding of environmental needs, with thousands of glass bottles of milk sold each day as an alternative to plastics. We pride ourselves on continued growth, with our aim of providing our products to as many customers as possible.
Visit Kerr’s Dairy website
Nestled in the lively heart of Scotland’s fourth-largest city and perched on the banks of the charming River Tay, Malmaison Dundee is a haven of sophistication and style. This hotel, just a casual stroll from popular attractions like the V&A Dundee museum, RRS Discovery, and the Caird Hall concert venue, is your perfect Scottish getaway.
Malmaison Dundee’s rooms spell style and comfort, with options including standard rooms, club rooms, and suites. Each space is a tribute to luxury, boasting plush bedding, modern decor, and a wealth of amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Visit Malmaison website
Marsh Commercial – a diverse colleague community, serving a diverse client community with insurance, risk management and employee health & benefits advice. They leverage the scale, expertise and access to products and services provided by Marsh McLennan Companies for their clients’ benefit – whilst maintaining a personal client-centred approach.
Visit Marsh Commercial website
McLaughlin & Harvey is a privately-owned construction and civil engineering business with 170 years of experience. The company employs over 800 people and operates throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland delivering quality construction, civil engineering and fit-out projects – and facilities management services – to various sectors
Visit McLaughlin and Harvey website
Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, an ambitious joint venture between Dundee City Council, Michelin, and Scottish Enterprise, is a world class Innovation Parc focused on sustainable mobility and decarbonisation. With a 32-hectare site and excellent physical connectivity, MSIP has dynamic space that can adapt to all sizes of business. As well as large, flexible space, tenants will have access to an innovation campus, a skills academy, business support and competitive, green energy delivered from sustainable sources. Underpinning all activities at MSIP is a collaborative approach to achieve the goal of net zero.
Visit Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc website
From small cafes to the most sophisticated banks and retailers on the planet, NCR powers the technology that integrates everything and runs the entire operation. We provide the software, hardware and services to deliver experiences that delight customers. NCR has a long history in Dundee with over 600 employees (and growing) in their Research and Development facility.
Visit NCR website
Ninja 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 website


The Rocket Group Ltd comprises Rocket Heritage & Archaeology, Rocket Ecology, Rocket Architectural Design & Surveying, Rocket Construction, Rocket Property and Rocket Building Surveying.
Our Heritage & Archaeology team delivers the full scope of mitigation works, as agreed with Planning Authorities, from watching briefs to full-scale invasive excavation. We undertake everything from geophysical surveys and burial archaeology to custom services for historic buildings and heritage-related planning advice.
Rocket’s ecologists run preliminary ecological appraisals and impact assessments, bat, great crested newt and protected species surveys, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and everything in between while cognisant of the wildlife legislation that governs everything we do.
Our Architectural Design & Surveying team plan, design and consult on new-builds and conversions in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors and support clients at any and all stages of their projects from initial concept to construction phase.
Rocket Construction offers end-to-end construction solutions, from landlord and handyman services to multi-property developments and are equally able slot into clients’ projects at whatever stage is necessary to complete the job.
Visit Rocket Group website

STAR-Dundee is a leading supplier of spacecraft on-board data-handling technology, supplying a range of chip designs and test and development equipment to the international aerospace industry. Our technology is integrated in spaceflight systems monitoring the Earth, exploring our Solar System, studying the universe, and supporting commercial space applications.
Visit STAR-Dundee 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
Utili-Tay operated originally as an energy broker in Dundee, Scotland, however as energy prices continued to rise and the global focus shifted towards achieving net zero emissions, we saw first hand the daily struggles that businesses faced. How could they tackle these challenges while remaining profitable?
That’s why we sought out to create a more encompassing solution to combine our expertise in energy brokering with carbon monitoring technologies and a wide range of energy-saving solutions – that would make achieving Net Zero easier for businesses.
Our goal is to provide customers with the opportunity to reduce their energy wastage, secure the best utility deals for electricity, gas, and water, and make significant savings that will impact their bottom line.
By partnering with Utili-Tay, businesses can take advantage of our comprehensive approach to energy management and sustainability, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Visit Utili-Tay website2023 Judging Panel
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Mike Soutar
Judging Panel Chair
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Graham Huband
Managing Editor, DC Thomson Media
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David Smith
Managing Partner, Henderson Loggie
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Angela Vickers
CEO, Apex Hotels
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Elaine Maddison
Chief Executive Officer, brightsolid
Hear what our 2023 winners have to say

“The Courier Business Awards is the biggest awards around. I’m very lucky to work for a company in Perth that does such amazing work. I left Bell Baxter High School in Cupar with one higher and thought I had to work my way through a company. I’ve now got a first class honours degree.”

Iain Lawson, accepting on behalf of his wife, said: “She would be absolutely over the moon. She started from the bottom and recently completed the deal to buy the business, so she really has worked her way right up. I am just so proud of her and all the hard work she’s put in over the years.”

Roy O’Kane, Kanzen Karate founder, said: “I’m overwhelmed. The theme tonight is punching above our weight, and I think we have done that this year by hosting the world championships on top of all the other events we’ve done. We are really thrilled.”

Liz Carnie from Powerwasher Services said: “We are delighted to have won. It is testament to the fact we’ve been in business for 40 years and all the work that has gone into the business over the years.”

Managing director Andrew Renwick said: “It’s amazing. It’s our third time as a finalist and our first time winning. It’s been our biggest year on record in 45 years of business. We’ve hit all of our goals. This win just sums it up.”

Owner Chris Swan: “We have a very loyal customer base who have stuck with us despite a tough year for people with the cost-of-living pressures. This award is for the whole team.”

Kristian Campbell, general manager, said: “The award means so much to the Leckie family, but also to the whole Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels. We really believe in celebrating success, especially given everything that the business has been through over the past four or five years.”

General manager Kristian Campbell said: “It is much deserved recognition for the staff for everything they do – we couldn’t do it without them.”

Debbie Brash, Tiger Lily Boutique owner, said: “It’s a tough category and amazing businesses to be up against. This year has been amazing. We’ve had the best spring and summer on record and we’re gunning towards Christmas. It’s been a fantastic year.”

Jack Low, Wasted Degrees Brewing co-founder, said: “I’m buzzing. It’s just so nice to have the recognition. I’m so proud for the team but particularly my younger brother Conall who is also co-owner. This all started as his hobby. We’ve gone from 25 litre plastic home brew buckets in 2016 to brewing 25,000 litres of beer a month.”

Adair Simpson, Carnoustie Golf Links deputy chief executive, said: “We are over the moon. It represents everything that we are about. The award is for team. It is for every single employee because they all delivered something.”

Ali Abercrombie, who runs Lass O’Gowrie with husband Bob, said: “It’s not often I am speechless but I am absolutely blown away by this. It just means everything to us. We wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for our staff and our customers. I promised I wouldn’t cry, but I just can’t believe it.”

Shelley said: “It’s a combination of a lot of things coming together to make it happen. It’s not about me, it’s about we. I’m helping women and men realise their potential and develop who they are.”

Mike Smith, WBS Keillor managing director, said: “It’s a great way for us to mark the 75th year of the business. It’s great for the workers as well, who have delivered some great projects over the last year.”

Anne Clark, mum of Clootie McToot founder Michelle Maddox, who was unable to attend, said: “We’re really thrilled. To win any award is great recognition and all the team will be so pleased. It is a business that is really going places – and will continue to in the next year.”

Neil Martin, area sales director, said: “We have been working with NatWest for a long time and we have been working on some new technology that we will deliver for 18 million NatWest customers.”

Mark Jennison, co-founder of Realise Energy Services, said: “We’re only a small business in Perth and this award really is testament to the hard work of all our staff. We are absolutely delighted to have won.”

Owner Chloe Oswald said: “I was really shocked. I didn’t think it was happening for me. It was such a lovely surprise. I was blown away. It’s been an amazing year for the business. I entered so many competitions and this award is special.”

Chief executive Michael Wells: “The strength of all the businesses is a credit to Courier Country. To win this award is great for the staff and I am just so proud of them. We’ve had so many challenges over the past few years, but they believe in what they do and they want to succeed.”
David Smith, Managing Partner, Henderson Loggie"For the past ten years, we have been proud partners of the Courier Business Awards. We are committed to supporting the growth of our community, and we believe that the Courier Business Awards are an important part of that effort. Over the past decade, we have seen first-hand how much of a positive impact winning an award can have on local businesses and their teams. The winners exemplify the very essence of entrepreneurial spirit, customer service and innovation. Their amazing achievements serve as inspiration for businesses across Courier Country. Congratulations to each and every deserving winner for their outstanding contributions to our business community”.