Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Glasgow has a distinguished history of talented people producing innovators, pioneers and traders who have succeeded in making their mark on the global stage.
“It is an honour that People Make Glasgow is a main sponsor of the Inspiring City Awards for the third consecutive year rewarding those individuals and organisations who have developed the cultural and economic fabric of Glasgow.”
Previous award winners have included Glasgow Film Festival for its unique platform to showcase the best of international and Scottish cinema and City Legacy for creating the largest apprenticeship programmes for people across Scotland.
Magnus Llewellin, editor of The Herald, said: “The Inspiring City Awards go from strength to strength and The Herald is delighted and proud to be hosting them with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce once again this year.
“Anyone who has attended the awards will know they are great fun and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate what is best about the great city of Glasgow.
“The people of Glasgow have a fantastic story to tell about themselves and the city and I am sure this will again be reflected in the nominations.”
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Stuart Patrick said: “It’s fitting that two of Glasgow’s most trusted and respected institutions join forces to celebrate the people and organisations which contribute freely to the culture and economy of the city, to the benefit of all.
“With these awards, the partnership of the Chamber and The Herald provides a high-profile platform to reinforce this commitment, and we look forward to being overwhelmed with nominations.”
Entries are being invited in 11 categories including business, education, arts, culture and sport. New for this year is the Industry & Youth Innovation Award which will recognise where industry has created an innovative project that has proven to make a significant difference to young people in the city.
Alison McRae, Project Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Inspiring500 was launched following the success of the partnership between Glasgow Chamber and The Herald and we are delighted that they are sponsoring the Industry & Youth Innovation Award.
“This award will recognise the businesses in the city who work hard to support our young people and we are delighted to be able to acknowledge their valuable work.”
Awards sponsor, Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “The airport is incredibly proud to be the gateway to this fantastic city, welcoming millions of visitors from across the globe every year.
“Our city enjoys a well-earned reputation for enterprise and creativity throughout its history, so The Herald and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce deserve huge credit for organising these awards, which give due recognition to the individuals and organisations that make Glasgow so special.”
Anne Ledgerwood, general manager of St. Enoch Centre, said: “St. Enoch Centre is proud to sponsor the Inspiring City Awards 2015. “Glasgow must be the envy of cities across the world right now. Last year we hosted the Commonwealth Games, we’ve got one of busiest live music venues internationally at the SSE Hydro and our reputation as a great place to do business continues to grow and thrive. “It is an honour to acknowledge the people and organisations who are contributing to Glasgow’s success and enhancing its reputation as world-class.”
Professor John Lennon, Assistant Vice Principal, Glasgow Caledonian University said: “Glasgow School for Business and Society is delighted to support these awards which helps highlight the economic and employment impact of companies and organisations within the city with a real interest in the social impact of their business. This is pivotal in building the profile of local businesses in the field of corporate social responsibility which our university continues to champion.”
Stephen Flynn, Vice Chairman of Glasgow Taxis Ltd, said: “The Inspiring City Awards have become a fantastic part of Glasgow’s events calendar, rewarding some of the most committed organisations and individuals who make this great city tick. “Glasgow Taxis Ltd is once again a very proud supporter of the event this year and we are looking forward to another fantastic night of celebrations in September.”
NHSGGC Chairman Andrew Robertson: “Once again Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board are proud to support The Inspiring City Awards and to encourage the growing international reputation that Scotland’s largest city has gained for education, research, healthcare, development, innovation, hospitality, and sheer style!”
Susan Fauquier, regional managing director, business banking in Scotland, said: “The Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted to once again support the Inspiring City awards. “The event is a celebration of everything that makes Glasgow great and we are honoured to be the sponsor of the Best Contribution by a Business Leader category.”
“Glasgow Clyde College are proud to be sponsoring the Industry and Business category of the Inspiring City Awards. We value all the young people growing up in and around the Glasgow area. Helping people make the most of their opportunities is paramount for Glasgow Clyde College and these awards help to recognise the great work the people of Glasgow are doing. We’re excited to be supporting the awards and look forward to celebrating the winners and watching to see what great things they achieve in the future.”
Anna Doran, Virgin Trains General Manager for Anglo-Scottish services, said: “There’s so many great things going on in Glasgow at the moment, we need an event like this to celebrate all the amazing people who are making it happen and we’re proud to play our part in supporting this. Virgin Trains has served Glasgow since 1997 and we have a really strong relationship with the city which goes from strength to strength.”
The deadline for online submissions is Thursday, July 23, 2015.
Sport Award
To recognise an outstanding achievement that has fostered the development of sport in the city. They may have inspired others to become more active, been a role model or helped secure facilities and funding within their local communities, region or throughout Scotland.
Environmental Award – supported by Virgin Trains
To recognise an outstanding contribution to enhance Glasgow’s environment and/or combating climate change within the country.
Industry and Business Award – supported by Glasgow Clyde College
For an outstanding contribution that has encouraged, inspired and fostered business growth and development in the city.
Education Award – supported by Glasgow Taxis
To recognise a pioneering achievement by an individual or institution that has made an impact on the learning and development of Glasgow citizens at all levels.
Art and Culture Award
For an outstanding contribution that has enhanced the reputation of Glasgow’s cultural ambitions on the global stage. This category will embrace all art forms, including digital, design and architecture.
Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award – supported by Glasgow Caledonian University – Glasgow School for Business and Society
This category will recognise an individual or group within an organisation who has inspired actions that make a significant difference to the wellbeing of the community in which they operate.
Legacy Award – supported by St Enoch Centre
Judges will assess how the 2014 games have helped businesses, communities and individuals create lasting change across Glasgow. Has your business successfully secured new contracts or has your community been improved by new facilities and greater engagement? We want to hear about the organisations and people who have utilised the legacy of 2014 to make a positive difference.
Outstanding Contribution by a business leader – supported by Royal Bank of Scotland
To recognise an individual at the forefront of business who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and commitment to Glasgow. Judges will look for someone who inspires others through their contribution with exceptional commitment, motivation, effort and vision.
Outstanding Contribution by a young business leader – supported by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
This award will recognise a young individual (under 35) at the forefront of business who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and commitment to Glasgow. Judges will look for someone who inspires others through their contribution with exceptional commitment, motivation, effort and vision.
Industry & Youth Innovation Award – supported by Inspiring500
To recognise where industry has created an innovative project that has proven to make a significant difference to young people in the city.
People Make Glasgow Award – supported by People Make Glasgow
For an individual or business which has made a lasting contribution to the city.
Outstanding Contribution Award – supported by Glasgow Airport
This award is not open for entry. The award will be presented at the event to an outstanding individual/organisation who have dedicated their time to the development of the city and its people.