THERE is still time for family firms to enter one of the Scottish business sector’s most prestigious awards.

The closing date for entries to The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards 2016, held in association with Business Gateway, is on Wednesday October 19.

It gives family enterprises one more week to stake their claim for one of the 11 awards available this year, which seek to recognise excellence in areas such as innovation, community engagement, environmental practice and overseas success.

In addition to Business Gateway, this year’s awards are being sponsored by Burness Paull, Clydesdale Bank, Campbell Dallas, Craig Corporate, TL Dallas, Strathclyde Business School, William Tracey, Supplier Development Programme, Grand Central Hotel and Oakbank Products, the official drinks sponsor.

Hugh Lightbody at Business Gateway National Unit, said: “With the deadline now approaching for submissions, I’d encourage every family business considering an entry to go for it. Gaining recognition for hard work and success is very important.”

Fraser Campbell at Campbell Dallas said, sponsor of the innovation category, said: “Family owned businesses dominate the Scottish economy – employing half of all employees in the private sector and contributing £1.23 billion to the economy. Their success is down to hard work, dedication and the ability to deliver constant innovation in changing markets.

“Campbell Dallas is looking for entrants in this category to be able to showcase how they have embraced innovation and overcome the challenges they have faced. Business entrants should also demonstrate how innovation has directly led to a competitive advantage.”

Brian Colquhoun at Clydesdale Bank said: “We know from our long-standing relationships with many family businesses the hard work and talent required to build a successful business.

“The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards provide a fantastic platform to highlight these businesses, and with the deadline fast approaching, we would urge all family firms, whatever their size or sector, to enter.”

John Anderson, of the Strathclyde Business School, noted: “From our work as one of the UK’s largest family business research teams we know that family businesses make a significant contribution to the Scottish Economy and we are committed to raising the profile of this vital sector with the Scottish Government and its agencies with hard evidence.

“The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards provide the ultimate showcase of why this is arguably the most important part of the Scottish economy and we would urge as many family businesses to enter and help to make a difference.”

Gillian Cameron at Supplier Development Programme said: “Supplier Development Programme works closely with SMEs to help them win work with the public sector and grow their business. “We would urge any small rural business to bid for the award and gain recognition for the quality work they produce year-round.”

Bernard Dunn of TL Dallas, said: “The Herald family business awards have grown each year, both in size and quality of entry. Every entrant I have spoken to has said the awards process been very beneficial to their company, both in meeting other owners and in receiving objective feedback about the business and its future strategy.

“Having worked with many family companies over the years, I would encourage them to invest the time to enter their businesses for the Herald Awards – I have no doubt they will reap the benefits for years to come.”

Robin Stevenson at The William Tracey Group said: “The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the success of family businesses of all sizes. Scotland is home to a hugely diverse range of successful family businesses that are integral to the fabric of our society.

“Their commitment to innovation and excellent customer service are values that we share.

“As a recycling and resource management company with strong roots as a family business we look forward to seeing how this year’s entrants have taken action to minimise their environmental impact and the commercial benefits they have realised as a result.”

Grant Stevenson at Burness Paull said: “Family firms remain the fabric of our business community. Many of Scotland’s biggest and best-known organisations are still under family ownership or management.

“The Herald’s Scottish Family Business Awards celebrate the very best of this dynamic and diverse sector and we would urge any business to submit a nomination.”

Pauline Corbett at Oakbank Products added: “We would recommend businesses throughout Scotland to apply for a Family Business award.

“Regardless of business sector, the awards embrace the family run business to show that it is not just big corporates that make up Scotland’s diverse business community.

“Some of the most successful brands in Scotland are, or have their roots firmly placed, in family managed businesses. The awards recognise the contribution made by family businesses to the business economy.”

To enter the awards, visit http://herald-events.com/familybusiness/. For more information contact Lynsay Wong on 0141 302 6082.