ENTRIES EXTENDED UNTIL MONDAY, 22nd JULY
Society Awards
As a lifestyle brand, Society celebrates all that is great about Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and comes in the form of print, online and mobile.
Published every Thursday with the Evening Express – the biggest selling evening newspaper in Scotland – Society is packed full of features to pore over. And there’s even more online with the latest lifestyle news and video.
Due to the overwhelming success of Society since launching less than a year ago, we want to embrace all that’s good about the north-east on an even bigger scale with Society Awards 2019.
The awards aim to recognise and reward hard-working businesses within Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s retail, entertainment, leisure, food, drink and tourism sectors, After all, they are what makes the north-east such a fantastic and vibrant place to work and live in.
For more information please contact lesley.taylor@dctmedia.co.uk or call 01224 343290
Key Dates
| 22 Jul 2019 | Entries Close |
| 29 Aug 2019 | Finalists Announced |
| 7 Nov 2019 | Awards Ceremony |
Itinerary
| 7pm: | Drinks Reception |
| 7:30pm: | Welcome |
| 7:40pm: | Awards part 1 |
| 8.00pm: | Dinner |
| 10.15pm: | Awards part 2 |
| 11.15pm: | Entertainment/Networking |
| 12.30am: | Carriages |
Shortlist
-
1
- College Bar
- Grape & Grain
- The Spiritualist
- The Chester Hotel
1
Bar of the Year
A well-known spot, this bar will boast regular clientele and a fantastic, diverse range of drinks. From fabulous cocktail menus, to quirky drinks trees, not to mention a solid core offering of ice cold beers, this vibrant bar will be bustling with party-goers. Staff will provide a friendly service and put customers’ needs first. Plus they’ll have a good knowledge of the local drinks industry and all it has to offer, knowing what’s hot and what’s not.
Shortlist
- College Bar
- Grape & Grain
- The Spiritualist
- The Chester Hotel
-
2
- Beauty at the Barn
- Kaerlig Beauty
- Shelley Milne
- The Gym
2
Beauty Award of the Year
This category is open to beauticians, nail artists, MUAs and salons that provide any kind of beauty treatments. With a regular base of clientele, the winner of this award will have their customers desperate to post a selfie showing off their new nails, on point brows, fluttering lash extensions or must-have make up look. They will give customers the feel good factor time and time again. This award is also open to those offering innovative aesthetic treatments.
Shortlist
- Beauty at the Barn
- Kaerlig Beauty
- Shelley Milne
- The Gym
-
3
Sponsored By:
- Aberdeen Performing Arts
- The Tunnels
- Unit 51
Sponsored By:
3
Best Contribution to Entertainment of the Year
Each week this venue will offer the north-east a range of exciting events. From showcasing local bands, to welcoming some of the world’s biggest artists to the stage, this award aims to highlight those bringing entertainment to the north-east. Whether it’s a venue offering comedy, theatre, arts, music or something different, we want to celebrate those helping to make the north-east a fantastic destination to go out and enjoy.
Shortlist
- Aberdeen Performing Arts
- The Tunnels
- Unit 51
-
4
Sponsored By:
- Aberdeen Inspired
- AVO
- Bon Accord
- Visit Aberdeenshire
- Westholme Interiors
Sponsored By:
4
Best Social Media Presence of the Year
This award is open to any company or individual who is able to demonstrate an innovative and effective use of social media which has been used as a key tool to developing your business. From using Instagram stories, to daily Facebook posts or tweets, the winner of this award will have a strong targeted following who engage regularly online. Screenshots must be supplied to showcase this.
Shortlist
- Aberdeen Inspired
- AVO
- Bon Accord
- Visit Aberdeenshire
- Westholme Interiors
-
5
- AVO
- Foodstory
- Nooks & Crannies
- The Breakmaker
- ReCHarge Cafe
5
Casual Dining/Coffee House of the Year
A hub of the local community offering a relaxed and homely atmosphere, regular clientele will be a testament to the success of this business. Although the food offering might be simple and quick to prepare, the quality will not be any less than perfect. The ideal place to catch up with friends, or cosy up with a hot cuppa and a copy of the latest Society, this eatery is like a home from home offering great value for money.
Shortlist
- AVO
- Foodstory
- Nooks & Crannies
- The Breakmaker
- ReCHarge Cafe
-
6
- Esker Spirits
- Porter's Gin
- Six Degrees North
- The Tea Smith Spirits Company
6
Drinks Business of the Year
From home brewers to established distillers this award will highlight a business that has committed itself to delivering a high quality product and a stand out brand. Excelling in their field of expertise, this award is for a local business which is successfully selling within the region or one which exports overseas expanding its reach further afield. Whether you sell one staple product or a range of drinks bursting with unique and tasty flavours, the winner of this award will be supported by the local drinks industry including bars, pubs and restaurants.
Shortlist
- Esker Spirits
- Porter's Gin
- Six Degrees North
- The Tea Smith Spirits Company
-
7
Sponsored By:
- Gibbs Menswear
- Indi & Will
- Tiger Lily Boutique
- John Lewis & Partners
Sponsored By:
7
Fashion Award of the Year
From a stylish boutique to a fashion-forward High Street retailer, shopping centre or online business, this award will celebrate those who go out of their way to offer not just a new outfit, but a retail experience too. Offering a variety of clothing from vintage threads to must-have footwear, the winner of this award will adapt to market trends. Regular repeat business will be a testament to their success and popularity.
Shortlist
- Gibbs Menswear
- Indi & Will
- Tiger Lily Boutique
- John Lewis & Partners
-
8
- Eat on the Green
- The Silver Darling
- Tor na Coille
- Vovem
8
Restaurant of the Year
This restaurant will offer an exciting dining experience. From a creative and innovative menu, which uses as much locally sourced produce as possible, to friendly, knowledgeable employees who go the extra mile. Each dish will be served up looking nothing short of artwork on a plate, paired with an extensive drinks offering, this restaurants stands out from all the rest. Not only will the food look the part, but the venue itself will also be dressed and decorated to impress.
Shortlist
- Eat on the Green
- The Silver Darling
- Tor na Coille
- Vovem
-
9
- Rora Dairy
- Smoke & Soul
- The Bay Fish & Chips
- Lost in Food
9
Food Business of the Year
Whether you are producing your own products or serving up dishes created with some of the best produce in the area, this award is the one for you. From street food trucks to local producers developing new products, to pop-up businesses championing the north-east at local farmers’ markets, we’re looking for someone who’s passionate about all that they do. The winner of this category will have established an exciting brand which has burst onto the north-east food scene.
Shortlist
- Rora Dairy
- Smoke & Soul
- The Bay Fish & Chips
- Lost in Food
-
10
- Nethermill Salon
- The Gym
- Vanity Studio
- West with Style
10
Hair Salon of the Year
A hairdresser is like a good friend – they listen to our problems, offer us advice and generally make us feel good about ourselves. This award recognises not only those who can provide a sleek cut or brighten up tired tresses, but those who also offer a personal service. Hair stylists will be patient for even the fussiest of customers, taking the time to make sure everyone leaves the salon feeling brand new and truly pampered. The salon itself should be inviting and comfortable making it a fabulous environment to work and visit.
Shortlist
- Nethermill Salon
- The Gym
- Vanity Studio
- West with Style
-
11
- Banchory Lodge
- Meldrum House Country Hotel
- Tor Na Coille
11
Hotel of the Year
This hotel will be well-known by not just its name, but its outstanding reputation for customer service too. A bustling chain, the winner of Hotel of the Year must maintain a high standard in all aspects of the service provided. From comfortable, clean rooms, to tantalising menus busting with passionately cooked food and a fully stocked bar. Guests may find themselves relaxing in the spa, slurping a hot coffee with a good book or feeling energised after a swim in the pool.
Shortlist
- Banchory Lodge
- Meldrum House Country Hotel
- Tor Na Coille
-
12
Sponsored By:
- AVO
- Sandman Signature Hotel
- Scotia Homes
- Sonya Angus: The Unique Boutique
- The Cleavin Barber Club
Sponsored By:
12
Interior Award of the Year
Do you hand-craft unique one-of-a-kind home accessories or provide a one-stop-shop for all customers’ home interior needs? Maybe you have one of the north-east’s trendiest show homes within your development or you’ve been the mastermind behind the mood board for a funky fit-out. This award will highlight those leading the interior industry in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire. From a stand-out show home which has you wanting to move in straight away, to bringing to life a venue’s design concept, this award is open to designers, retailers or home developers.
Shortlist
- AVO
- Sandman Signature Hotel
- Scotia Homes
- Sonya Angus: The Unique Boutique
- The Cleavin Barber Club
-
13
- AKR Fitness
- Sport Aberdeen
- Village Gym
13
Leisure/Fitness Facility of the Year
This category is open to any leisure or fitness centre. While the standard of equipment on offer and size and range of your facilities will be considered, we will be particularly looking at what makes you stand out from your competitors, with a strong focus on marketing, customer service, retention and innovation. You don’t have to be the biggest gym in the area, but you do have to show passion about your business and be proud to serve in the community you live in. This award is for everyone from hotel gyms, leisure facilities to independent spas or fitness centres.
Shortlist
- AKR Fitness
- Sport Aberdeen
- Village Gym
-
14
Sponsored By:
- Nuart- Aberdeen Inspired
- Signature Food Festival
- Taste of Grampian
- VSA Fundraising Ball
Sponsored By:
14
North-East Event of the Year
This award will be awarded to an organisation that delivers an outstanding experience for its attendees. This could be a sporting event, charity/community event, music/food and drink festival or even a business conference. Judges will be looking for details around your event, including planning, effective promotion, overall quality of the event delivered and longer term benefit to the north-east.
Shortlist
- Nuart- Aberdeen Inspired
- Signature Food Festival
- Taste of Grampian
- VSA Fundraising Ball
Thursday 7th November, 2019
The Sandman Hotel, St.Andrews Street, Aberdeen.
Table of 10 – £900 +VAT
Table of 11 – £990 +VAT
Individual Ticket – £95 +VAT
Price of ticket includes complimentary drink on arrival, 3 course meal, awards ceremony and entertainment. All other beverages, including table wines are additional and ordered with and charged by the venue directly.
If you experience any difficulties using this booking process, please contact Lesley Taylor t. 01224 343290 e. lesley.taylor@dctmedia.co.uk
Buy TicketsJudges
-
Samantha Leckie
Editor Society Magazine
-
Adrian Watson
Chief Executive Aberdeen Inspired
-
Cheryl Smith
Marketing Manager Bon Accord
-
Julia Bryce
Associate Editor Society Magazine
-
Roz Taylor
Operations Manager Elevator
Visit Website -
Elizabeth Mathie
Project Manager Opportunity North East
2019 Event Partners
Aberdeen Inspired is the multi-award winning Business Improvement District for Aberdeen City Centre and represents over 900 businesses. Our aims are wide ranging and designed to reinvigorate the city centre for the benefit of all who work, live, shop and visit. Our focus is to ensure a significant return for our levy payer’s investment and to represent our local businesses with a single voice to realise the city’s potential and encourage positive change.
We aim to revitalise and re-stimulate Aberdeen city centre for a long-term sustainable future, to recapture its status and competitive edge in order to influence footfall, tourism, business and spend. Aberdeen Inspired is also an integral partner in driving the city centre master plan forward.
Some of our projects this year include delivering the third edition of the global award winning street art festival, Nuart Aberdeen. In October we will deliver our fourth Aberdeen International Comedy Festival featuring a star line-up including: Ben Elton, Daniel Sloss, Count Arthur Strong, Jimeon, Fern Brady and many others.
At Aberdeen Inspired, a big focus for us is working towards creating a vibrant night time economy which showcases everything Aberdeen city centre has to offer. As part of this, we have brought in initiatives like Aberdeen Restaurant Week, Inspired Nights on the Green and Alive After Five, which put Aberdeen as a city to the fore nationally.
Visit Aberdeen Inspired website
Aberdeen Inspired is the multi-award winning Business Improvement District for Aberdeen City Centre and represents over 900 businesses. Our aims are wide ranging and designed to reinvigorate the city centre for the benefit of all who work, live, shop and visit. Our focus is to ensure a significant return for our levy payer’s investment and to represent our local businesses with a single voice to realise the city’s potential and encourage positive change.
We aim to revitalise and re-stimulate Aberdeen city centre for a long-term sustainable future, to recapture its status and competitive edge in order to influence footfall, tourism, business and spend. Aberdeen Inspired is also an integral partner in driving the city centre master plan forward.
Some of our projects this year include delivering the third edition of the global award winning street art festival, Nuart Aberdeen. In October we will deliver our fourth Aberdeen International Comedy Festival featuring a star line-up including: Ben Elton, Daniel Sloss, Count Arthur Strong, Jimeon, Fern Brady and many others.
At Aberdeen Inspired, a big focus for us is working towards creating a vibrant night time economy which showcases everything Aberdeen city centre has to offer. As part of this, we have brought in initiatives like Aberdeen Restaurant Week, Inspired Nights on the Green and Alive After Five, which put Aberdeen as a city to the fore nationally.
Visit Aberdeen Inspired websiteBon Accord has been at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector for more than 25 years, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores. Attracting 100s of thousands of visitors a week, boasting a range of key retailers, blending some of the High Street’s most prominent brands with a boutique store line-up that is both unique and innovative in its offering.
Visit Bon Accord websiteAberdeen is being transformed into one of the best digitally connected areas on the planet as CityFibre invests £40m+ in a new full fibre network throughout Aberdeen. The network will provide lightning-fast digital connections to everyone and everything – from your family at home, to your children at school, your workplace and even traffic lights and CCTV cameras.
Visit City FIbre websiteP&J Live is the largest event complex in the North of Scotland, boasting world-class conference and exhibition facilities for organisers and delegates across the globe, all sustainably powered by local, renewable energy sources.
The development also comprises three on site hotels including the adjoining 4-star Hilton with 200 bedrooms, the Aloft Hotel with 150 bedrooms and a third budget hotel to be confirmed with a further 150 bedrooms.
With unrivalled public transport connections, the new venue is located right next to Aberdeen International Airport – the UK’s most connected regional airport, a few short minutes from the city’s new western peripheral route, and in prime position for the improved rail links between Aberdeen and the North of Scotland, due to be completed next year.
P&J Live is the UK’s single largest investment of its kind and one of many occurring across Aberdeen, as the energy city looks beyond oil and gas and continues to grow in a range of exciting new industries. Aberdeen International Airport is undergoing a £50 million expansion, while £30 million is being spent on rejuvenating the city’s Art Gallery. New hotels are going up across the city and the ongoing Marischal Square Development, with its refreshing mix of offices, cafes, restaurants and hotels, adds to the city centre’s vibrant and cosmopolitan appeal.
Perth-based Stagecoach is one of Scotland’s biggest business success stories, having developed from running just two buses to becoming an international transport operator, running bus and rail services for millions of people every day. In Scotland, Stagecoach carries more than 80 million bus passengers a year and employs more than 3,200 people from the south west of Scotland all the way to Orkney. The company offers a broad range of career opportunities for both men and women across all parts of the business, with a clear focus on diversity, employee well-being and career development opportunities.
Visit Stagecoach website