Fresh from taking the Government to task over electricity market reform, SSE chief executive Ian Marchant was lauded by his peers at the Institute of Directors Awards.
The 52-year-old due to step down from his high-profile role at the head of the Perth-based utility this summer made the keynote address at the ceremony in Glasgow before receiving the prestigious chairman’s award for outstanding contribution to business.
The event, hosted by broadcaster Kaye Adams, also saw a number of high-profile business people from Tayside and Fife lauded for their efforts.
John Lupton, chief executive of Tayport-based Scott & Fyfe, was named as Fife and Central Scotland’s regional director of the year for his role in transforming the fortunes of the historic Fife business.
The 148-year-old firm, which produces technical textiles, became employee-owned in September after management agreed a £5 million deal to take it out of private hands. Under the landmark agreement the future of the business was secured and around 100 staff became shareholders in the firm for the first time.
IoD Scotland executive director David Watt said Mr Lupton had shown extraordinary vision and skill.
He said: “John’s leadership at Scott & Fyfe has been very impressive, turning around a previously ailing company at an exhilarating pace by way of releasing the energies and talents of existing staff.”
The equivalent Tayside award went to Perth-based Balhousie Care Group chief executive Tony Banks. The ex-serviceman and charity fund-raiser founded the company in 1991. It has grown to manage a portfolio of 27 care homes with more than 8,000 residents and in excess of 1,100 staff.
Mr Watt said: “The care home industry often suffers from a poor reputation, but Tony’s vision to be recognised as the leading provider of care for the elderly and vulnerable in Scotland is being fulfilled, as well as providing significant job creation for the region.”
There were two highly commended runners-up in Fife: Andrew Cort of FMC Technologies and Bruce Galloway of Glendale Plastics.
Vivien Buchan of Dundee-based Insights Learning & Development narrowly missed out in Tayside.
The main prize of the night director of the year was split in two for the first time, with Clansman Dynamics managing director Dick Philbrick taking the title for a business with a turnover of less than £30m and Global Energy Group chairman Roy MacGregor taking the over-£30m award.
Mr Watt added: “Despite the economy continuing to throw up challenges to businesses, this year’s nominations reflected the superb achievements of Scotland’s directors and leaders and demonstrated real evidence of growth, profitability, outstanding business practices and real leadership.”
business@thecourier.co.uk