“Anyone who makes the shortlist really deserves to be there.”
That was the consensus of our expert judging panel as they sifted through a record number of applications for The Courier Business Awards 2017.
The event, which will take place at Dundee’s Apex City Quay Hotel on October 28, is a highlight of the local business calendar and the 2017 awards are shaping up to be the best yet.
Jim Pettigrew, the Dundee-born Clydesdale Bank chairman who once again chaired the judging panel, said he was delighted to be involved.
“It is so heartening to see the quality of the applications that have come forward this year,” Jim said.
“There were more than 130 entries but going through them was definitely not a chore for the judges. It was an absolute pleasure.”
Returning to the panel for 2017 are David Smith, managing partner of chartered accountants and principal awards sponsor Henderson Loggie, Social Investment Scotland chairman Nick Kuenssberg, V&A Dundee director Philip Long and Courier editor Richard Neville.
“It is a fantastic shortlist this year,” David said. “We have built on the submissions from previous years and we have an incredible range of companies that have come forward this year.”
Making her debut on the judging panel for 2017 is Scottish Chambers of Commerce director and chief executive Liz Cameron OBE.
She found the applications such compelling reading she took the judging pack on holiday with her.
“It is great to see so many businesses not just surviving but thriving,” Liz said.
“The quality of the applications, and the breadth of sectors they cover, is fantastic. Courier Country certainly excels in terms of innovation – we’ve seen some absolute hidden gems.”
Mr Neville added: “To have in black and white in front of you such a wealth of exciting businesses – with great ideas, innovative products and services and the drive to see things through – is just so inspiring.
“It shows beyond doubt that Courier Country is thriving and the business community here has every right to hold its head high.”
Tickets for the awards are available at www.thecourierbusinessawards.com
The shortlist in full – categories and nominees are in alphabetical order:
Apprentice
Cameron Hardy, Babcock International
Dylan Cooney, Thorntons Investments
Matthew Alexander, WBS Keillor
Max Chase, Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
Olivia Mitchell, Apex Hotels
Rachel Connell, Volpa
Design & Innovation
Exscientia
SoilEssentials
STAR – Dundee
Stoneridge Electronics
Digital
Horisk Leslie Development
Ninja Kiwi
UK Games Talent and Finance CIC
Enterprise in Education
MyWay Digital Health
STAR-Dundee
Whole Life Consultants
Export
Grampian Growers
Ingenico, Mackie’s at Taypack
Stoneridge Electronics
Family
Blue Star St Andrews
Burnside Motors
CCTC – trading as Christmas Direct and Sparkling Lights
Clarks Bakery
Denfind Stone
Ferguson Oliver
Gillies of Broughty Ferry
Gowrie Contracts
Hettie’s Tearooms
McLeod Glaziers
Tayside Aviation
The Adamson Restaurant and Bar
Growth
Genoa Black
Homelands Trust – Fife
Jon Frullani Architect
Manufacturing
Alexander Oastler
Ingenico
Mackie’s at Taypack
Retail
Clarks Bakery
Gillies of Broughty Ferry
Renu Skin Clinic
The Buffalo Farm
Rural
Angus Ross
Denfind Stone
Grampian Growers
SoilEssentials
Science & Technology
Exscientia
STAR-Dundee
Vascular Flow Technologies
Services
Fairways Recruitment
Gowrie Contracts
Tay Valley Veterinary & Equine Centre
Tayside Aviation
Small
Jon Frullani Architect
Lauriston Nursery
Tay Valley Veterinary & Equine Centre
Castlecroft Group
WBS Keillor
Social Impact
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
Enterprising Eastern Perthshire – trading as GrowBiz
Furniture Plus
Gowrie Contracts
Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality
Bon Viveur Group
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre
Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort
The Black Watch Castle and Museum
Young
Homelands Trust – Fife
Kartel Scotland
Lawson & Thompson
The Circle
UK Games Talent and Finance CIC
Three further awards will be announced on the night.
They are:
Entrepreneur of the Year
Business of the Year
Outstanding Contribution
