THE Wee County witnessed another “amazing evening” celebrating the very best in Clackmannanshire business. Now in it’s sixth year, the Clacks Business Awards proved to be as strong as ever with companies all over the county vying for the top spot.

There were some familiar winners as returning winners picked up awards in different categories, while newcomers also earned themselves acclaim. The Best Not-For-Profit Organisation Award went to Wellbeing Scotland with the Orchard Care Home picking up the Community Spirit Award. Kelso and Titch Natural Pet Treats picked up the Embracing Digital Technology Award – sponsored by DigitalBoost. Gillian Timmons, Business Gateway Forth Valley Manager and DigitalBoost Programme Steering Group Member, said: “The awards recognised and celebrated the incredible work done every day by Clackmannanshire’s entrepreneurs.“A passion and desire to create a first-class product, coupled with a willingness to explore different strategies, set our winners apart, and we wish them every future success.”

Elsewhere, the Excellence in Customer Service Award – sponsored by Alloa First – was won by The Sorting Office, in Dollar. Diane Brown, Project Manager, Alloa First, added: “What an amazing evening celebrating with the winners and finalist at the prestigious awards dinner.
“This is the first year that Alloa First has sponsored an award and it has given us a perfect platform to raise our profile, celebrate our local businesses and most importantly showcase the energy, talent and innovation in Clackmannanshire. “Running a business today can be challenging, which is why the Alloa First is constantly exploring ways to help. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of tonight’s awards.

“Let’s hope other businesses take inspiration from the evening and enter next year.” Rhona McCallum Hair won the Success Through Sustainability Award – sponsored by SV24-7 Vending; while Alicia Wardlaw, of Stewart Accounting Services Limited, was the winner of the Apprenticeship Award on the night.

The Most Impressive Employee of the Year Award was won by Craig Mitchell, of SV24-7 Vending; while the Family Business of the
Year Award went to the Crown Inn Business Gateway sponsored the Most Promising New Business Award, which was won by uGym Ltd.
Alison Davidson, Manager of the Business Gateway service in Clackmannanshire, added: “Local businesses contribute to job creation, creativity and innovation across Clackmannanshire.

“This was brilliantly recognised at the awards, which covered a broad mix of categories. “All those nominated were a testament to the hard work it takes to move forward with a business and the winners fully deserve our congratulations, particularly given the high standard of the competition. We are looking forward to seeing what they do next.”

And, finally, the Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Ceteris – was given to SV24-7 Vending for all their achievements this year.
Gary Wilson, Managing Director of Ceteris, said: “ The Clacks Business Awards once again showcased the vibrancy of our local business community. All nominees were very deserving of their recognition and it was so uplifting to hear of the many innovative ideas, business
growth strategies and success stories happening right here in Clackmannanshire.”

“I was delighted to see so many of our tenant companies nominated, and I would especially like to congratulate Alicia Wardlaw of Stewart Accounting, who won the Apprenticeship Award, and everyone at SV24- 7 on their magnificent double achievement of both winning the
Business of the Year Award and having Craig Mitchell named as Most Impressive Employee of the Year.”