THE finalists for Glasgow’s exclusive black tie dinner, the Inspiring City Awards – PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW 2016 have been announced.

Now in their fourth year, organised by The Herald and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in association with award-winning city brand, PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW, these awards celebrate the people and organisations that make Glasgow a remarkable place to live, work and play.

Working with AHR, amiExecutive, Glasgow Airport, Glasgow Caledonian University, European Championships Glasgow 2018, Glasgow Taxis, Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow, Loretto Care part of Wheatley Group, Virgin Trains, The Watson Foundation and Hacking & Paterson Management Services to celebrate the incredible talent in Glasgow, through business, education, arts and the environment by hosting the annual awards ceremony on Thursday, September 8, 2016.

Title partner, Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “We have received an outstanding selection of candidates for the PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW Inspiring City Award.

“The nominations recognise those who are working to make a difference at every level – from inspiring action geared at improving their local communities to enhancing the city’s reputation on a global scale.  “I have been impressed by the calibre of finalists this year and would like to congratulate all those who continue to make a lasting contribution to the city’s legacy.”

Finalists this year demonstrated a broad range of work across a variety of sectors, from caring individuals, environmental campaigns, achievements in the arts and investing in young people.  The judging panel was also impressed with the amount of businesses going the extra mile to give back to voluntary and community organisations.

The event will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, bringing together those at the heart of making Glasgow flourish.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said:  “Congratulations to all of the finalists at this year’s Inspiring City Awards.

“It is a real privilege for the airport to be sponsoring the Lifetime Achievement category – after all, it is the people who make this city so special.  From experience, we know that when the city does well, the airport prospers, and it is fitting that this award will go to somebody who has gone above and beyond to make Glasgow the unique place it is today.  These awards are a fantastic way of giving credit to the people and organisations who make this city such a fantastic place to live, work and invest.  We are counting down the days until the Inspiring City Awards ceremony later this year.”

James Muir, Chair of Loretto Care, part of Wheatley Group, said: “We would like to congratulate all the finalists in the carer of the year category at this year’s Inspiring City awards.

“At Loretto Care we know how many people there are out there who go the extra mile, every day, to help people who need support. All of them deserve to be recognised for what they do. To have reached the final stages of this category is a huge achievement and we wish all the finalists every success.”

Alison McRae, Senior Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said: “Congratulations to all finalists for this year’s Industry & Young People Innovation Award! We are delighted to have such a fantastic range of Glasgow businesses that are dedicated to making a significant difference to young people through various innovative projects.   Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow is immensely proud to be supporting this award and the Inspiring City Awards is an excellent way to recognise and showcase this very worthwhile activity while inspiring other businesses to help young people in Glasgow to reach their potential.  We wish all finalists the very best of luck on 8 September.”

John M Watson, Entrepreneur and philanthropist, The Watson Foundation, said: “Warmest congratulations to those who have become finalists. You are the cream of the crop and being recognised as finalists is a triumph in itself. Good luck as the excitement builds towards a splendid occasion in September.”