A Dundee company that changed direction to play a critical role in securing PPE for Scottish hospitals is our Business of the Year.
Hutchison Technologies won the top award at Courier Business Awards 2021, held in association with Henderson Loggie, in Dundee on Saturday night.
The company has operated in Dundee for almost 30 years and is a leading producer of audio and lighting equipment for shops and gyms, a smart meter producer and access control specialist.
But when Covid-19 hit, Hutchison Technologies realised its China office put it in a unique position to help.
While governments around the world scrambled to secure PPE, some of which wasn’t up to scratch, Hutchison Technologies assumed all the financial risk to secure quality supply for NHS Scotland.
Mike Forbes, marketing director of Hutchison Technologies, said: “This is a terrific piece of validation for all the work the staff have put in not just over the past weeks and months but over the last year and a half.
“This award really is nothing to do with me and everything to do with a big team effort.
“More than 100 people have shown amazing resilience, innovation and ingenuity.
“We’re currently finishing off a brand new office in Dundee Technology Park and when we move in this trophy will take pride of place in our display cabinet.”
Courier Business Awards 2021 winners
There were 20 Courier Business Awards trophies up for grabs.
There were new awards for best social media, won by the Crystal Shop Scotland, and energy, won by Coast Renewable Services.
Hillcrest won best community business while Crieff Hydro won two awards, for Perthshire family business and tourism and hospitality.
Others emerging victorious included Harry Lawson, ATL Turbine Services, Grain and Sustain, Assai Records, NCR and Social Good Connect.
For the full list of winners click here
50 best pictures from Courier Business Awards 2021
Outstanding contribution award
The final award of the night, for outstanding contribution, was presented to Tim Allan.
After a decade in the British Army, and a spell in banking, Mr Allan’s property company developed Dundee’s City Quay area.
He has held senior positions for Young Enterprise, Big Lottery Fund and is president of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
Two years ago he was appointed chair of V&A Dundee.
In this role led a fundraising campaign that raised £1 million for Dundee’s five main cultural organisations.
Mr Allan said: “I was absolutely not expecting this. I’m actually very moved by it.
“There have been so many people over the past 18 months who have endured so much and given so much of themselves.
“Thousands of people have made outstanding contributions to their communities throughout this pandemic.
“To my mind what I’ve contributed is no more than my duty.”
Confidence in Tayside and Fife business community
It was all smiles among the 400 guests at the awards, where there was a three-course meal and musical entertainment.
The Courier editor David Clegg said the awards were testament to the “incredible resilience” shown by businesses.
Opening the event, he said: “This has been an incredibly tough period for everyone.
“But I have been blown away with the talent, ingenuity and determination with which businesses across Tayside and Fife responded.
“Tonight we celebrate that brilliance.
“I am confident that whatever the months and years ahead hold the businesses represented in this room are ready to prosper and grow.”
David Smith, managing partner at Henderson Loggie, added: “The vibe from the awards night was so positive.
“It gives me confidence our local businesses are moving forward with purpose to create an amazing future for Courier Country.
“Congratulations to the worthy winners, but also to everyone who took part this year.”
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For the full list of Courier Business Awards 2021 winners click here
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50 best pictures from CBA 2021
