For the past five years, the awards have rewarded family firms who have continued to grow under family ownership and management and have become household names. The Herald is delighted, along with our partners to continue to celebrate the success of this diverse, dynamic and innovative family business sector, by paying tribute to them at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.
A number of businesses have been shortlisted in more than one category with bathroom supplier Wholesale Domestic leading the way on four nominations. Equipment rental company GAP Hire Solutions is one of a number of businesses to have a double shortlisting. Others include Mactaggart & Mickel and Mackie’s of Scotland.
Hugh Lightbody, chief officer from the Business Gateway National Unit, said: “The quality of all finalists in The Herald Family Business Awards continues to be exceptionally high, which reinforces the standards that those running Scotland’s family businesses demand and are delivering on. This sector plays a major part in the country’s economy so we are delighted to be not only the main sponsor since the event’s inception in 2012 but also sponsoring the Fastest Growing Family Business Award.”
This year’s panel was impressed by many of the finalist’s stories, big and small, across a variety of sectors.
Ian McConnell, business editor of The Herald and chairman of the judging panel, said: “It has once again been a pleasure to be involved in the judging of these awards. The entries underlined the strength, depth, diversity and long-term approach of Scotland’s family businesses, featuring an array of success stories across the size and age spectrum. It is heartening to see that so many family businesses continue to thrive, in spite of the tough economic backdrop that has prevailed for nearly a decade.”
Grant Stevenson, partner, Burness Paull, said: “I’d like to congratulate all finalists. This recognition is well deserved and they should be very proud. The finalists showcase the impressive calibre of family businesses in Scotland, and really fly the flag for what can be achieved with drive and ambition.”
Leo Reilly, managing director of City Gate Construction, said: “The finalists have demonstrated tremendous commitment to doing good things in business whether that is for individuals or communities. Being committed to communities is an essential part of modern day business.”
Brian Colquhoun, UK head of commercial banking at Clydesdale Bank, said “This year the calibre of entries was extremely high, which is testament to the success of family businesses in Scotland. I look forward to seeing all the entrants on the night and wish everyone good luck.”
John Anderson, director at Strathclyde Business School, said: “The great spread of family businesses from all sectors and parts of Scotland clearly demonstrates what our work as one of the UK’s largest family business research teams tells us – that family businesses make a significant contribution to the Scottish economy.
“We are committed to raising the profile of this vital sector with the Scottish Government and its agencies with hard evidence and this year’s finalists provide that hard evidence.”
Peter Dawson, founder of Kinnell Group, said: “The success of family businesses in Scotland is evident from the quality and variety of submissions. The standard is very high and we congratulate all finalists.”
Fraser Campbell, head of family business advisory services at Campbell Dallas, said: “The bar has been set very high and it has been a pleasure to judge so many innovative businesses at the heart of the Scottish rural economy. The finalists should all be very proud of themselves.” Head of Rural, Andy Ritchie added: “The variety of submissions demonstrates the strength and success of our rural businesses. All of the entrants should be congratulated”.
Gordon McCall, associate director, Craig Corporate, said: “Following on from this year’s research into the Top 100 family businesses, it reinforces just how important family businesses are to the Scottish economy. The judging panel had a very difficult decision this year given the exceptional quality and variety of entrants into each nominated category.”
Bernard Dunn, managing director of T L Dallas, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists for committing the time to entering the Family Business Awards – the overall quality of the submissions was of a superb standard, and the information was a great testament to the businesses and their people.
For more information on attending the awards please visit www.newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/familybusiness or contact Heather Steven on 0141 302 6018.
