Now in their second year, the 2014 awards received a record number of entries and judges praised the high calibre of “truly outstanding” individuals and firms that went the extra mile to make a difference to people’s lives.

A variety of sectors, including business, art and culture, community and the environment were all recognised, but it was the impact of the hugely successful Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games that took centre stage.

The 11-day event, hailed as the best-ever Games, shone an international spotlight on Glasgow as the city welcomed thousands of visitors from around the globe.

In recognition of his role in the event, Lord Smith of Kelvin, chairman of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, was presented with the lifetime achievement award, while Dr Bridget McConnell won the People Make Glasgow award in recognition of her key role in Glasgow’s bid for the games and her work in leading the delivery of sport and culture in Glasgow.

With sport high on the agenda, Glasgow City FC scooped the sport award for being Scotland’s most successful women’s football club.

This year nine partners, including Glasgow Airport, Glasgow Credit Union, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow Taxis, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish Gas, St Enoch Centre and STV Glasgow, gave their support. This is a testament to the growing popularity of the awards.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council and chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “The Inspiring City Awards 2014 is a truly special occasion celebrating the individuals, businesses and organisations that consistently go the extra mile to ensure that we, as a city, face challenges head-on and exploit and embrace new opportunities.

“This is the Year of Glasgow, our most historically significant year. We’ve already successfully delivered a sporting and cultural spectacular, with the eyes of the world trained on Glasgow during the best-ever Commonwealth Games.

“These awards presented the perfect opportunity to reward those who continue to make a difference to this city. People do make Glasgow. People make Glasgow flourish.”

Two business awards also recognised individuals who inspire others, with the Outstanding contribution by a Business Leader Award, supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, awarded to Dr Rabinder Buttar, an award-winning scientist and founder of ClinTec.

The second went to entreprenueur Andrew Dobbie, who was awarded the Outstanding Contribution by a Young Business Leader, for his success in founding his business MadeBrave and developing it into a recognised, creative brand.

Professor John Lennon, Acting Dean of Glasgow School for Business and Society, said, “GSBS would like to congratulate The Herald and Chamber, all finalists and winners on what was a fantastic evening and which showcased the best of Glasgow business, absolutely illustrating the ‘inspiring city’ awards title. The School is proud to be associated with such an excellent initiative and enjoyable event.”

Stephen Flynn, vice-chairman of Glasgow Taxis Ltd, said: “I would like to extend our congratulations to those shortlisted for the Inspiring City Education Award.

“Each made an invaluable contribution to the strengthening and development of educational opportunities across Glasgow this year and deserve great praise for their efforts.

“Particular recognition should of course be paid to the Communications Workers Union. Well done to them and all those who contributed to another memorable night of celebration in Glasgow.”

Andrew Robertson, chairman of NHSGGC, said: “Glasgow’s burgeoning reputation on the global stage is one we should all take pride in. The fantastic awards gave an opportunity for some really inspirational companies and individuals to take centre stage and further enhance the wonderful story of 21st-century Glasgow.”

June Walker, CEO of Glasgow Credit Union said: ‘The night was a great celebration of all that’s good about Glasgow.  The people, the stories behind the successes and the event itself were all truly inspirational – Glasgow Credit Union is proud to have been involved.”

Gordon Morrison, Head of Retention for Scottish Gas Services said: “These awards demonstrate what a vibrant, innovative city Glasgow is to do business in. Our congratulations go to all of the winners and those who were shortlisted.”

Anne Ledgerwood, General Manager of St Enoch Centre, said: “2014 has been a highly successful and exciting year for Glasgow and the work done by the nominees across all the award categories has been genuinely inspirational.  The judges had an extremely challenging job in selecting the winners, all of whom deserve tremendous praise for the contribution they have made to the culture and economy of our city.”

Elizabeth Partyka of STV Glasgow said: “The Inspiring City Awards were a wonderful celebration of all that is great about the people, organisations and businesses in Glasgow and the awards ceremony was a fantastic opportunity to reward so many deserving nominees who have made 2014 a truly inspirational year for this city. STV Glasgow has been honoured to support Inspiring City 2014 and our presenters, Jennifer Reoch and David Farrell, were thrilled to present the winner of the Arts & Culture category with their award.”

Amanda McMillan, managing director at Glasgow Airport, said: “We all have a role to play in creating the right image for Glasgow and the Inspiring City Awards are a fantastic way to recognise those who have helped further enhance its reputation as a world class city. 2014 has been a huge year for Glasgow and not only were the Commonwealth Games a fabulous advertisement for the city, they will have hopefully inspired people, regardless of age and ability, to get involved in sport and I would like to congratulate all those who were shortlisted.”