Dental firm hat-trick
the business 10 years ago, revealed that the delighted staff attending the awards ceremony were “completely blown away” by their success in two separate categories.
“Then to be announced as Perthshire Business of the Year 2017 was surreal,” he said.
He added: “It is also very humbling. We’re absolutely thrilled. It means a lot to every one of us.
“We’re a very close-knit team at Blackhills and this hat-trick emphasises that we’re doing all the right things well and we can all celebrate this great success together.”
Mr Stone said winning was a real achievement after experiencing the robust judging process and scrutiny of the Business Star Awards.
He continued: “It is a considerable accolade to achieve recognition from such a cross-section of respected business leaders,” he said.
Blairgowrie-based Castle Water, which lifted the Beyond Scotland category award, was named runner-up to the Business of the Year.
Judges agreed that, despite being relatively new to the area, the country’s leading independent water retailer has created “an incredible impact” and supported a large number of jobs.
The chamber again decided to present an Outstanding Achievement Award.
This year the honour went to Lucinda Russell. The Kinross-shire trainer’s One for Arthur became the first Scottish winner of the Grand National for nearly 20 years and put the area firmly in the sporting spotlight.
A new category introduced this year saw Athole McDonald, co-founder of Kilmac, crowned Most Inspirational Business Leader.
The company founded in 2004 now has a 100-plus workforce and a £20 million turnover, with the Kilmac Foundation supporting community interests across the region. The award reflects Athole’s “vision, drive and inspirational leadership”.
In total, 17 new Business Stars shone at the 2017 showcase, recognising and rewarding outstanding contributions across the whole spectrum of local business – from tourism, food and drink production and independent retailing to e-commerce, sustainability Vicki Unite, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive, presents racehorse trainer Lucinda Russell with the Outstanding Achievement Award and business growth.
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 “an outstanding celebration of business excellence”.
“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.”
• See Friday’s PA for more pictures of the winners from Graeme Hart of Perthshire Picture Agency.