Gongs all round at glitzy awards ceremony
Renfrewshire’s best b u s i n e s s e s we re rewarded at a glitzy record-breaking awards ceremony.
Now in its 15th year, the Roccos saw gongs handed out to winners across 17 categories.
Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce’s premier business event was held in the Normandy Hotel, Renfrew, on Friday evening, hosted once again by comedian Fred MacAuley and sponsored by Paisley.is
Chamber president Tom Johnston welcomed everyone to the ceremony and Finance Secretary Derek Mackay MSP was the special guest speaker.
Deputy council leader Jim Paterson gave the main sponsor address, while talented singers from Scottish Opera provided the evening’s entertainment.
When general director Alex Reedijk introduced mezzosoprano Bethan Langford, pianist Erika Gundesen and soprano Lucy Anderson, he emphasised the importance of young people building on three sell-out shows of Pagliacci in the summer at Paisley Opera House.
The Rocco raffle raised a record-breaking £11,000, with individual pledges of £1,000 each from intu Braehead and the Normandy Hotel for local charities and good causes, with main beneficiaries St Vincent’s Hospice and Paisley YMCA’s digital fabrication project.
Chamber chief executive Bob Grant said: “For many, Rocco 2018 will be remembered as a Rocco of records.
“The event sold out in record time, we had a record number of awards and raised a record amount for our two Rocco charities.
“A massive thank you to all our sponsors, those who donated raffle prizes and a hearty congratulations to all who made the shortlist and our 17 worthy winners.
“Our 15th Rocco was a record- breaker and reflects the growth and investment we are seeing in the Renfrewshire economy.
“Paisley.is is proving to be a fantastic selling point for Renfrewshire, with our new destination brand already gaining global traction as the go to place for news of activity and investment in Renfrewshire.”
He added: “Thank you to the entire chamber team for all their work before and on the night to ensure our 500 guests had a great time.
“Special thanks go to principle sponsor Paisley. is, Diageo who supplied our drinks reception, Cameron Presentations & Gap TV for all the AV, Mark from Flash Bang Booth, The Printbrokers for the programme, Gary from NS Design for the excellent social media coverage and the Normandy Hotel for the superb meal and service.
“Finally, thank you for the outstanding entertainment from Scottish Opera.
“Planning for Rocco 2019 is already under way, and we hope to see you enter and attend.”