With the entry deadline of October 11 approaching, there is still time for entries to be submitted to the eleven contested categories.
The categories are supported by Business Gateway, Burness Paull, Clydesdale Bank, Campbell Dallas, Craig Corporate, TL Dallas, Strathclyde Business School, City Gate Construction and The Kinnell Group.
Winners of last year’s awards included Dr Robert Graham and the Graham’s Family Dairy, which took home the Outstanding Contribution Award, Campbell and Kennedy, winner of the Fastest Growing Family Business Award, and Douglas Laing & Co, which secured the Business Innovation Award.
Hugh Lightbody, chief officer at the Business Gateway National Unit said: “Business Gateway supports lots of growing businesses across Scotland including many family businesses.
“We understand the particular challenges facing businesses that are growing quickly so we are delighted to be sponsoring the Fastest Growing Family Business Award.”
Peter Dawson of The Kinnell Group said the firm was sponsoring this year’s Business Innovation award because “we think businesses that prioritise doing things differently should be rewarded.”
TL Dallas managing director Bernard Dunn said: “Family businesses are the bedrock of the Scottish economy, and we need to highlight and celebrate the contribution that they make”.
Grant Stevenson at Burness Paull, International Growth award sponsor, said the “ambition and vision of those looking to grow internationally should be celebrated.”
Strathclyde Business School is sponsoring the Outstanding Contribution award, which director John Anderson said “seeks to recognise the long term impact of exceptional family businesses in Scotland which have continued to innovate and create employment and prosperity for communities in Scotland”.
Andy Ritchie of Campbell Dallas, sponsor of the Rural Family Business (large) award, noted: “We are looking for rural family businesses who can demonstrate business growth and success either by taking advantage of new opportunities, focusing on key strategic objectives, overcoming challenges or developing through innovation”.
Leo Reilly, managing director of City Gate Construction, said the firm is sponsoring the Commitment to the Community category because it is “right up our street.” He added: “We are looking for the business that demonstrates exceptional willingness to go the extra mile for others”.
Brian Colquhoun of Clydesdale Bank said: “Family firms play a vital role in helping to drive Scotland’s economic prosperity, and we’re delighted to be celebrating the success of these businesses as sponsor of the Scottish Family Business of the Year category.”
Tom Craig of Craig Corporate, which is sponsoring the Family Company of the Year (Large Companies) award for a sixth year, said: “It has been heartening to see the numbers of large family companies participating in the awards over the years – it is important that we help to showcase their achievements”.
To complete your application, please visit newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/family business, or call Heather Steven on 0141 302 6018 to discuss your entry before the deadline.
