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Herald Scottish Family Business Awards Finalists 2024 – 06.11.2024

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Herald Scottish Family Business Awards
Finalists 2024 – 6 Categories

We received fabulous news on 6th November 2024, informing us that we have been shortlisted for the 2024 Herald Scottish Family Business Awards, in association with Business Gateway.

A wide range of family-owned concerns, trading across a variety of sectors, have made the final shakedown for 11 contested categories in this year’s competition, which will also include an award for outstanding contribution to family business, sponsored by Strathclyde Business School. This accolade has been received by some of the biggest names in Scottish family business, and was presented last year to Sir Jim Walker of Walker’s Shortbread.

Some firms are in the running for several awards this year and we were delighted to receive the news that we secured no fewer than 6 nominations this year, we are delighted to be in the shortlist for:

Commitment To The Community 

Customer Service Excellence 

Rural Family Business 

Business Innovation 

Business Recognition

Scottish Family Business Of The Year (Micro)

The results will be announced at a major ceremony at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel on Thursday November 28 and will be hosted by Scottish entertainer and previous Britain’s Got Talent contestant, Edward Reid.

We could not be more prouder, we have worked very hard over the years to make our family business a top Shetland attraction and pride ourselves in providing a very high standard of customer care as well as taking great care of all our employees.  We couldn’t be more prouder of our team and are so thankful to all our amazing supporters for making this and our many other fabulous awards possible.  

This year’s partners also include Virgin Money, which is sponsoring the Scottish family business of the year (small/ medium) category.

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer of Business Gateway, said: “Family businesses are a hugely important sector in the Scottish economy and Business Gateway is, once again, delighted to be sponsoring The Herald Family Business Awards.  The Awards recognise the values these businesses represent and the commitment and contribution that they make every year to their employees and the communities they operate in. “Judging the finalists doesn’t get any easier, and this year sees the return of some familiar faces as well as some interesting new entrants. Each one of them has demonstrated the great work they are doing, which makes choosing a winner in each category very challenging.”

David Henderson, head of strategic finance at Virgin Money, said: “Judging day for the Family Business Awards is always a highlight on my annual calendar, and this year was no exception with the number and quality of entrants truly demonstrating the contribution this key business segment makes to our wider economy. It’s always an honour to represent Virgin Money on the judging panel and play our part in highlighting and celebrating the success of all entrants. We look forward to meeting the finalists at the awards dinner later this month.”

 John Anderson, director of growth at Strathclyde Business School, said: “What a fantastic line-up we have for this year’s Scottish Family Business Awards. The great 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 that hard evidence. Congratulations to them all for being shortlisted and we thank them for standing up to be counted.”

Andrew Malcolm, chief executive of the Malcolm Group, said: “As a family business with over a century of history, the Malcolm Group is immensely proud to sponsor The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards. Family businesses are pillars of our communities and a vital force in our economy. At the Malcolm Group, we understand the dedication, perseverance, and passion required to sustain and grow a family-run company. Our journey has been shaped by these very values, and we deeply appreciate the unique challenges and rewards that come with the commitment to family-led operations. “These awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and hard work that are the heart of every successful family business, recognising their substantial contribution to our economic landscape and the strength they bring to our communities. We are honoured to support and highlight the remarkable achievements of these businesses and look forward to seeing their legacies continue to grow.”

Ian McConnell, business editor of The Herald and chair of the judging panel, said: “The quality of entries highlighted the great strength of Scotland’s family businesses, across firms of all sizes operating in a raft of sectors. “There were many inspiring stories, and I would like to thank all of the businesses which entered.”

Harjeet Kaur, head of sales and marketing at Little’s and member of the judging panel, said: “Judging these awards has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to witness the strength and diversity of Scotland’s family businesses. The entries reflect an impressive standard and a broad range of industries, each showcasing the passion, resilience, and commitment that drive family businesses. Having spent over ten years in a family business myself, I am proud to celebrate the vital role these businesses play in our communities and their lasting impact.”