IT has been a landmark year for Glasgow and, to round off an action-packed summer, the nominees have been announced for the second annual People Make Glasgow Inspiring City Awards due to take place next month.
After such a successful year for the city, it is only fitting the people, businesses and organisations working on the front line to ensure Glasgow’s growth and development as one of the world’s most exciting, dynamic and successful cities are recognised.
The name says it all: featuring the city’s famous slogan endorsing the crux of what makes Glasgow special – People Make Glasgow – the Inspiring City Awards are about acknowledging the citizens making a significant contribution to the cultural and economic life of Glasgow.
The awards are held in partnership with The Herald and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, in association with People Make Glasgow.
They aim to recognise citizens who are inspiring a difference in their local community, as well as those working on enhancing the city’s reputation across the world.
They also acknowledge those continuing Glasgow’s long and distinguished reputation for producing world-renowned innovators, pioneers and traders.
The Herald and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, as two of the city’s most trusted institutions, are proud to be involved in the awards.
They will see the finalists crowned at an exclusive black-tie event in the city’s Grand Central Hotel on September 11.
The awards encompass not only the business and community fields, but also the arts and the world of sport.
The now-annual awards also recognise other categories and include an Environmental award, a Lifetime Achievement award, a Legacy Award and a Young Business Leader award.
Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson, who is also chairman of the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “The Inspiring City Awards 2014 is the perfect platform to reward those truly remarkable individuals, businesses and organisations that consistently go the extra mile to ensure Glasgow continues to flourish.
“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.”
This year’s finalists encompass contributors from across a variety of fields, including community projects, live productions, digital innovation and educational research.
A number of businesses are shortlisted for giving something back to their communities, and to the city’s younger generation through recruitment, advice and support.
The Best Corporate Social Responsibility award will recognise such work.
Royal Bank of Scotland regional managing director Gordon Merryless, whose company is a sponsor of the awards, said: “The Royal Bank of Scotland is proud to be involved with the Inspiring City Awards.
“The awards are a great opportunity to showcase the talent that the city of Glasgow has fostered, and the calibre this year is truly outstanding.
“Congratulations to the four shortlisted finalists of the Outstanding Contribution by a Business Leader category. Good luck to you all.”
Gordon Morrison, of Scottish Gas, added: “I am impressed by the calibre of finalists this year and I don’t envy the judges choosing a winner.
“It is going to be a great event and we are proud to be a part of it.”
Professor John Wilson, Executive Dean of Glasgow School for Business and Society at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “To be shortlisted is itself an impressive achievement.”
June Walker, Chief Executive of Glasgow Credit Union, sponsor of the Industry and Business category said: ‘Business plays such an important role in the growth and success of a city – in terms of employment, investment and social responsibility. The Industry and Business award celebrates the companies that have a positive impact on Glasgow, and we wish all the finalists the best of luck.’
Stephen Flynn, vice chairman of Glasgow Taxis Ltd said: “Glasgow Taxis Ltd. are delighted to support this year’s Education Award. Those involved in education in the city deserve a lot of credit for their hard work and commitment to teaching the people of Glasgow. While People Make Glasgow, it is also true that it is the teachers, lecturers and other educators who make people. A large majority of our drivers are parents and they see each and every day the difference that teachers can make to our children. This impact can also be felt later in life, with many Glaswegians choosing to expand their horizons by becoming mature students. The Inspiring City awards give us an opportunity to pay tribute to all those that inspire us and we are honored to be a part of it.”
Anne Ledgerwood, general manager of St. Enoch Centre, said: “We’d like to offer our warmest congratulations to all of the finalists, especially to those shortlisted for the legacy award, sponsored by St. Enoch Centre. “This category is deeply important to us not only because we want to celebrate those who are making a positive difference to Glasgow but also because we hope others will be inspired to follow their lead. “Continuing the good work of those who are improving our communities will be the real legacy of the Commonwealth Games.”