Glasgow ‘never ceases to amaze’ as Inspiring City line-up is named

The organisations and people who have inspired the city of Glasgow have been shortlisted for the 2019 Inspiring City Awards organised by The Herald and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

With our award partners Arnold Clark, Cala Homes (West), COLAB, Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow, Glasgow Airport, Glasgow Caledonian University: Glasgow School for Business and Society, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Volunteer Glasgow, the awards provide a platform that celebrates the incredible talent and work going on across the city
Now in their seventh year, the Inspiring City Awards illustrate that there is no shortage of examples of where Glaswegian businesses, institutions and charities have gone beyond the call of duty to contribute to Glasgow’s prosperity and legacy with the 2019 awards receiving over 100 nominations across the 13 categories.

Each of the nominations have now been scrutinised by an expert panel of leaders who representing the many different sectors that make up our diverse city to identify the shortlisting of finalists to go forward to the awards ceremony on 5 September 2019.
Each of the finalists has demonstrated a broad range of work from across all the sectors from caring individuals, leading environmental campaigns, volunteer excellence, business leadership, investing in young people and achievements in arts.

Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, commented on behalf of the judging panel said:
‘Glasgow never ceases to amaze me, with so many outstanding contributions from across the city. The impressive calibre of the 2019 entries demonstrate that Glasgow is a place whose citizens and businesses contribute freely to its culture and economy to the benefit of us all.
Can I offer congratulations to all of the shortlisted finalists, all of whom have demonstrated evidence of going the extra mile to make sure Glasgow flourishes both at home and internationally. Well done!’

The winners will be announced at the 2019 Inspiring City Awards, which will take place at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow and will be hosted by Amy Irons and David Farrell.

Liana Canavan, sales and marketing director for CALA Homes (West), said: “We would like to congratulate all of the award finalists, particularly those shortlisted for the Legacy Award. We are proud to sponsor a category that celebrates the people, businesses and communities who are committed to creating positive and lasting change for Glasgow.

“I am looking forward to finding out which of the deserving finalists are announced as winners on the night.”
Alison McRae, Senior Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce also said:

‘’On behalf of the Developing Young Workforce Glasgow team, I’d like to congratulate all of the shortlisted finalists. It’s been great to see the range of inspiring and innovative activity going on across the city with young people and it is going to be a really close call.”

Professor John Lennon, Dean of Glasgow School for Business and Society at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), added: “Glasgow School for Business and Society would like to congratulate all finalists and particularly, of course, those shortlisted for the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award. To be shortlisted is itself an impressive achievement and we look forward to hearing how these organisations enhance lives and business in Glasgow.”

David Maxwell, Chief Executive, Volunteer Glasgow said: “Every one of the twenty entrants for the #AllyInspire19 category has so much to be proud of. In a city so constrained by increasing levels of inequalities, it is hugely encouraging that so many groups and organisations are embracing diversity and involving people from all walks of life in their volunteering opportunities.

The five finalists are the volunteering initiatives that stood out to the judges for their commitment to inclusion and for their positive impact on the city.”
A spokesperson for Arnold Clark says: ‘Arnold Clark is delighted to be sponsoring the Young Person category at the Inspiring City Awards. Sir Arnold Clark was a young entrepreneur from the East End of Glasgow when he started the company with just one showroom in 1954. So it feels very fitting for us to sponsor this award, which celebrates and recognises the city’s future business leaders.’

A spokesperson for COLAB said:

“At COLAB one of our founding principles is to nurture and support the arts scene in Glasgow and provide a platform for the creative community to work, exhibit and collaborate with other likeminded creatives. We were really encouraged to see the quality of entries to the arts and culture category and would like to congratulate all of the amazing finalists.

“Glasgow is known for its rich and diverse arts and culture offering and we are delighted to be sponsoring this award which recognises those making a positive impact on arts in the city.”

To join in celebrating Glasgow’s Inspirational people, book a table by visiting www.newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/icas or contact Kirsty Loughlin at Kirsty.loughlin@newsquest.co.uk or on 0141 3026016.

The 2019 Inspiring City Awards: Finalists

Art and Culture Award – sponsored by COLAB
• Culinary Ability Awards CIC
• Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity/ Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail
• Mackintosh at the Willow
• Scottish Ballet
• Soryia Siddique
Carer of the Year Award – sponsored by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
• Common Wheel
• Grace Franklin
• Mary McLean
• Renaissance Care – Whitecraigs

Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award – sponsored by Glasgow Caledonian University – School for Business
• Altogether Travel Ltd
• Dell Technologies
• McTaggart Construction
• Possobilities
• St. Enoch Centre
Education Award
• City of Glasgow College – City Phonics
• Gordon McIntyre
• Kibble
• MCR Pathways
• Glasgow Science Festival, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow

Environmental Award
• City of Glasgow College
• Glasgow Wood Recycling
• Ideeas ltd
• Scottish Water
• WEEE Scotland Ltd

Innovation in Business Award
• Altogether Travel Ltd
• Balmore Group (Scotland) Ltd
• Beauty with a Conscience
• Glasgow Council on Alcohol / Elevate-Glasgow PSP
• WEEE Scotland Ltd

Outstanding Contribution by a Business Leader
• Gary Meek
• Kirsty Anne Rae
• Rhona Baillie
• Lisa Donati

Outstanding Contribution by a Young Business Leader – sponsored by Arnold Clark
• Kieran Coyle
• Lauren Stewart
• Nikola Kelly

Sport Award
• Allan Thomson
• Business Fives
• Hock Aun Teh
• Movement Park
• Raza Sadiq

Industry & Young People Innovation Award – sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow
• Dell Technologies
• Mackintosh at the Willow
• MCR Pathways
• McTaggart Construction
• Multiplex – University of Glasgow

Legacy Award – sponsored by Cala Homes (West)
• Glasgow Disability Alliance
• Glasgow Recovery Communities
• Phoenix House (T/A Phoenix Futures)
• The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice
• Whiteinch Centre

The Alastair Malloy Award for Inclusive Volunteering – sponsored by Volunteer Glasgow
• Beatson Cancer Charity
• Concrete Garden & St Matthew’s Centre Partnership
• Glasgow Wood Recycling
• Govan Home and Education Link Project (Govan HELP)
• The Hidden Gardens Trust

Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by Glasgow Airport
• To be announced on the evening