THE shortlist for the 2018 Clackmannanshire Business Awards has finally been announced.

Judges had to make some difficult decisions but have assessed the entries and have put forth their recommendations.

Best Not-For-Profit Organisation Award
Makers Cafe and Community Hub
Sauchie Active 8
Sauchie Community Group
Wellbeing Scotland

Community Spirit Award
Blush Boutique
Wee County Wellness
The Ladybird Tea Room
Tesco Extra Alloa

Embracing Digital Technology Award – sponsored by DigitalBoost
AHC Tools (Alloa Hire Centre Ltd)
Bodymap Apps
SV24-7 Vending

Excellence in Customer Service Award
Tron Barbers
Rhona McCallum Hair
Happy Pooch
Bespoke Resourcing Solutions Ltd

Success through Sustainability Award
123v PLC
Avanti Scotland
Ceteris
SV24-7 Vending

Excellence in Staff Development – sponsored by Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association
Flourish Home Support Services
The Bridge Sauchie

Most Impressive Employee of the Year
David McGregor – Inglewood House and Spa
Luke Pickerill – Tesco Alloa
Jake Neufeld – Jump n Joy Trampoline Park

Family Business of the Year
AHC Tools (Alloa Hire Cent. Ltd)
Forth Plant and Sons
Little Stars Nursery
Rhona McCallum Hair

Apprenticeship Award – sponsored by Forth Companies
Callum Bonner – Clackmannanshire Council
Rhys Jones – SV24-7 Vending
Sophie Fraser – Ceteris

Most Promising New Business Award – Sponsored by Business Gateway
Jump n Joy Trampoline Park
The Sorting Office
Carpenter Ward Limited

Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Ceteris
CALM Training
Emblation
Little Stars Nursery
Safequip Limited

As ever, thanks is given to all those who entered this year – with the standard of entry exceeding all expectations.

Michelle McKearnon, regional employer engagement director, Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “Congratulations to the finalists in the category of Excellence in Staff Development sponsored by HRCA.

“A very high standard of entries made judging a real challenge but we are looking forward to meeting the finalists and hearing more about their businesses.”

Alison Davidson, manager of the Business Gateway service in Clackmannanshire, added: “This year’s awards programme has seen a host of very impressive businesses submit applications and I would like to congratulate all our finalists.

“The judges had to work very hard to identify winners from amongst this group of inspiring companies.”

Once again, local businesses and business people will descend on Alloa Town Hall later this month for the gala dinner and awards presentation.
All those on the judging panel have given their thanks to those who entered.

Gillian Timmons, Business Gateway Forth Valley Manager and DigitalBoost programme steering group member, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations not only to the finalists in the Embracing Digital Technology Category but to all the impressive businesses that have reached this stage. It is shaping up to be a fantastic awards programme.”