
Society Awards 2022
We have spent this past month excitedly counting down to The Society Awards, in association with Aberdeen Inspired. From sassy new categories to some fresh faces on the judging panel, we were all looking forward to dancing the night away in person. Life never goes to plan however, and we’ve had to make a very difficult decision. The awards have been postponed in light of rising Covid cases, a decision which was not taken lightly. This event exists to celebrate you and all you have achieved, but sectors across the board are once again faced with uncertain times.
There is no such thing as business as normal, from cancelled restaurant reservations to those worried about their livelihoods. Society has and always will, champion local businesses across the north-east. With that in mind, we cannot bring ourselves to judge the many different categories, when business owners continue to be faced with so much. We also want to give you the night you deserve, and have opted to postpone the event until later next year, as opposed to going virtual. We still believe that we’ll meet again in person, because better days are surely coming.
For more information please contact becky.hendry@dctmedia.co.uk .
Categories
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BAR OF THE YEAR
A well-known spot in Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire. 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.
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BEST SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE OF THE YEAR
The 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 their business. From using Instagram stories, to daily Facebook posts or tweets, to strong use of video, the winner of this award will have a strong targeted following who engage regularly online. Screenshots must be supplied to showcase this.
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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 the business. Although the food offering may 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 offering great value for money. The winner of this award will be based in Aberdeen or the Shire.
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DRINKS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Exceling in their field of expertise, the award for a business in Aberdeen or the Shire which is successfully selling within the region – possibly even expanding further afield. From home brewers to established distillers the winner of this category will boast a stand-out brand.
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ECO AWARD
An independent business in Aberdeen or the Shire considerable strides to be environmentally friendly both in offerings to customers and how the business is ran day to day.
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FOOD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
From producing their own products to serving up dishes using some of the best local produce, this award is for any business in Aberdeen or the Shire that satisfies the appetite of hungry north-east customers. From small businesses or larger firms with products stocked in stores, to restaurants who have adapted their business models to continue trading through difficult times. The winner of this category will be passionate about what they do, and will have established an exciting brand with loyal customers. Not only will they champion what they do, but they will be adaptable to market trends too.
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HAIR & BEAUTY AWARD
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 have continued to engage with customers despite hard times. This category is also open to beauticians, nail artists, MUAs and salons that provide any kind of beauty treatments in Aberdeen and the Shire.
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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AWARD
This category is open to any individual or business in Aberdeen or the Shire which has made a conscious effort to take care of the north-east both physically and mentally too. From leisure facilities to personal trainers and those who offer alternative therapies, alongside fitness studios, the winner must be passionate and clear on what they offer.
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HOME & INTERIORS AWARD
An independent business in Aberdeen or the Shire which offers a service aimed at enabling customers to create a place they can call home.
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INDEPENDENT FASHION/CLOTHES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
An independent business located in Aberdeen or the Shire either online or based at a premises which offer a considerable choice in clothing in a bid to style people of the north-east.
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INDEPENDENT RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
A restaurant in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire which offers an inventive menu and excellent hospitality to its customers.
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MOST ADAPTABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
A business in Aberdeen or the Shire which has a proven record of changing direction in order to adapt to the pressures of the Covid 19 pandemic.
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NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
A new independent business in Aberdeen or the Shire which has been launched no earlier than January 2020. The winner of this award will have an amazing story to tell with regards to setting up a new business during a pandemic.
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JUDGES’ CHOICE – OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
The Society Outstanding Contribution Award will be awarded at the discretion of the judging panel. The award reflects on the extraordinary contribution by an individual or business to the local community . The winner must inspire others, build relationships and have a clear vision.
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 previous projects include delivering the third edition of the global award winning street art festival, Nuart Aberdeen, the Aberdeen International Comedy Festival, the Christmas Village, Aberdeen Restaurant Week, Inspired Nights on the Green and Alive After Five, which had done much to enhance our great city’s reputation for great events and festivals.
Of course much of this is currently on ‘hold’, but we have quickly realigned our priorities to maximise support for our businesses on the ground, at a time when it is most needed, and continue to play a leading role in the wider partner city centre business recovery plan.
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 previous projects include delivering the third edition of the global award winning street art festival, Nuart Aberdeen, the Aberdeen International Comedy Festival, the Christmas Village, Aberdeen Restaurant Week, Inspired Nights on the Green and Alive After Five, which had done much to enhance our great city’s reputation for great events and festivals.
Of course much of this is currently on ‘hold’, but we have quickly realigned our priorities to maximise support for our businesses on the ground, at a time when it is most needed, and continue to play a leading role in the wider partner city centre business recovery plan.
Visit Aberdeen Inspired websiteJudges
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Ellie House
Editor, Society Magazine
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Adrian Watson
Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired
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Elizabeth Mathie
Project Manager, Opportunity North East
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Rebecca Carr
Owner, Rebecca Carr Hair Salon
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Ros Studd
Fashion/Textiles Tutor, Co-Founder of Repair What You Wear