For more than a decade, The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards, in association with Business Gateway, have been celebrating the achievements of family enterprises across the length and breadth of the country.

From agriculture to manufacturing; retail to tourism and in every other sector, these family-run concerns are the backbone of the Scottish economy.

Some are relative newcomers, others are building on the legacy built up over generations, and all of them are providing employment and opportunities for others, while at the same time maintaining a family ethos at the core of what they do.  In addition, many of them also drive diversity and dynamism and all of them play a crucial role in enriching their local communities.

This year the awards that recognise the best of these will take place on Thursday, 7 December, in DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow when host Bryan Burnett, will introduce the evening and welcome those who have made it onto the shortlist.

Those finalists have just been announced and they include Girvan-based farm and butchery business We hae meat, who have been shortlisted in five categories, including Rural Family Business of the Year and Business Innovation Award.

Also in the line-up for multiple awards are Hebrides Cruises,  whose small-vessel voyages take passengers to some of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich locations in the Western Isles, and Alloa-based Beatson’s Building Supplies Ltd who have five branches across Scotland.

Awards that will be presented on the evening include Fastest Growing Family Business, sponsored by Business Gateway; Customer Service Excellence; Next Generation Award and three Scottish Family Business of the Year awards, in categories from micro to large.

Also in the course of the evening, the winners of the Recognition Award, the Judge’s Award and an Outstanding Contribution award, sponsored by Strathclyde Business School, will also be announced.

Anticipating the event is David Henderson, Head of Strategic Finance, West of Scotland for Virgin Money, whose company is sponsoring the Scottish Family Business of the Year (Small-Medium) category.

He said: “This year’s entries demonstrate that even during a period of economic challenge and uncertainty, Scotland’s Family Business Community continues to thrive. With entries from right across the economy both in terms of geography, sector and business scale, narrowing the list down to our finalists was not an easy task, so everyone who submitted an entry should be rightly proud of what they have achieved in the last year. “

John Anderson, Director of Growth at Strathclyde Business School, sponsor of the Outstanding Contribution award, said: “What a fantastic line-up we have yet again for this year’s Scottish Family Business Awards. With many new names featuring, the impressive spread of family businesses from all sectors and all parts of Scotland clearly demonstrates what our own experience as family business researchers and practitioners tells us – that family businesses make a hugely 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 more of that evidence. Congratulations to all finalists and we thank them for standing up to be counted.”

And Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer, Business Gateway National Unit,  sponsors of the Fastest Growing Family Business and Scottish Family Business of the Year (micro) categories, said: “The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards recognise the extraordinary spirit of family businesses in Scotland, and we are proud to be headline sponsor, and sponsor of the Fastest Growing Family Business award.

“We are looking for entrants who demonstrate not only impressive growth and achievements, but also a commitment to sustainability and supporting their local communities. This award looks for more than just the numbers, but for the unique story behind each family business. Good luck to all family businesses across Scotland who have entered, as this is a chance to gain recognition for your hard work and inspire others with your journey.”

A number of tickets to this year’s event are still available at https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/familybusiness/