Tension mounting as Star businesses get ready to shine

High standard makes judges’ task difficult

Excitement is building to this year’s Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star awards as judges complete their demanding task of unearthing this year’s“stars”from a huge entry of local companies.

The shortlisted entrants for Perthshire’s most prestigious business awards – sponsored by Binn Group – have been busy hosting visits by – and meetings with – the judges as they carry out the task of visiting and interviewing this year’s finalists.

And Chamber chief executive Vicki Unite said the competition couldn’t be fiercer as one of the most impressive line-ups ever assembled for the Star Awards goes under the spotlight.

“Each of those companies shortlisted had to convince judges that they have real ‘Star quality’,” she said. “The standard this year is exceptional and the judges’ task will be extraordinarily difficult any of the finalists could be our ultimate winners.

“Finalists have been delivering sharp impressive presentations to judges, matching the high standard of their entry, and backed by a stand-out profiling of their business as they bid to secure the judges’ vote.”

But Vicki stressed that entrants who don’t win the ultimate accolades this year should not be downhearted.

“We were very impressed by the standard of entry - right across the board - and finding the true star from three or four finalists in each category has been a really tough job,” she said.

“Everyone who entered should be extremely proud of their business and what they have achieved to even make them a candidate for the awards.”

Celebrating all aspects of the local business world, the area’s premier Awards will highlight the real “stars” across leading sectors including tourism and leisure, food and drink, retail, innovation, customer service and commitment to the community.

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce also recognises the value of emerging talent and individuals who have proved outstanding in their particular sector will have a chance to shine in the apprentice and employee of the year categories.

Entrants this year include regular Star Awards supporters as well as new faces, with established internationally renowned organisations sharing the shortlisted slots with emerging one man operations.

Chamber directors, sponsors and experts from the business world will help unearth the shiniest Stars in one of the country’s most robust judging procedures in the run-up to a glittering showdown at a black-tie dinner at Crieff Hydro on Friday, November 25.

“The Chamber is so proud to be able to showcase the best in the business at our awards dinner,” explained Vicki. “It really is a very exciting evening for everyone and the suspense among the finalists is tangible. Everyone joins in the celebration and acclaim for our winners and that makes for a great atmosphere.

“We’re looking forward to another outstanding celebration of Perthshire’s high achievers this year,” she added.

“As the definitive local business awards, Perthshire Business Star Awards continues to attract, showcase, applaud and reward those companies and individuals who are making a difference.

“Over the years, the PCC Business Star trophies have become much-sought- after targets for companies to achieve,” she added, “and we have rolled out hundreds of examples of business excellence in the form of our winners. This November we will undoubtedly discover some new bright shining Stars.”

The Chamber is delighted to welcome leading Scottish waste management company Binn Group on board as their main Star Awards event sponsor for the next three years.

Glenfarg-based Binn Group’s commercial director Jim Brown said the company was “honoured and delighted” to be associated with what he considered to be one of the best events of its type in the country.

“The Star Awards is not just a great night out but one of the most robust and ultimately rewarding business competitions,” he said. “I have been a judge myself for these awards and was genuinely taken aback by the calibre of shortlisted entrants and pleasantly surprised by how thorough the judging process is.

“These awards are not just a paper exercise – it’s a very rigorous judging process and that showed me that to actually win a Star Award really means something.

“Binn Group wants to support that professionalism, success and enthusiasm going forward and we’re happy to sponsor a night which brings together so many elements of the local business community in an outstanding celebration of the wealth of business success in Perth and Kinross.”

• This annual celebration of the best in the business world always proves a spectacular night out and tickets (£70 + VAT) can be booked in advance by contacting the Chamber office on 01738 488325 or by email to events@perthshirechamber. co.uk

Star Awards is not just a great night out but one of the most robust and ultimately rewarding business competitions