Two companies win honours at glittering ceremony
local business – from tourism, food and drink production and independent retailing to e-commerce, sustainability and business growth.
Commenting, the judges agreed that, despite being relatively new to the area, Castle Water - described as the country’s leading independent water retailer - has created “an incredible impact” and supported a large number of jobs.
John Reynolds OBE, chief executive officer of Castle Water, said: “The team at Castle Water has had a great year following the deregulation of the English business water market.
“From our offices in Scotland, Castle Water now supplies about 99% of all business premises inside the M25.
“To receive these awards from the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce is fantastic recognition of everyone’s hard work and commitment during 2017.”
Kirsty Lunn from Molke was delighted to have won their category. She said: “It has been a roller coaster of a year! It was only November last year that I first entered the offices at GrowBiz in Blairgowrie and spoke to Jackie Brierton.
“Since then we’ve moved from my front room in Rattray to premises at Perth Airport and have taken on some fantastic staff to get our underwear out all over the world.
“It was wonderful to win the most promising new business award at the Star Awards. Getting that recognition for all our hard work was just amazing.
“We have really thrown ourselves, heart and soul, into Molke and seeing others agree that it really can become something means so much.
“There is a great network of small businesses in east Perthshire whom we’ve had valuable support and advice from, and we are proud to be among them.
“Next we hope to increase production and start some new lines. We have lots of ideas and exciting things to come including a colourful breastfeeding clothing range.”
Chamber chief executive Vicki Unite said this year’s event - sponsored by Binn Group and hosted by local journalist duo Maureen Young and Gordon Bannerman - had proved to be “an outstanding celebration of business excellence”.
“The Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards repeatedly delivers a tremendous celebration of the vibrant business community in this area,” she added.
“It’s wonderful to be able to give them a platform on which to shine and to showcase the amazing quality of businesses based here.”