Local businesses reach for the Stars
Celebrating the very best in Perthshire
Joanne Grimmond presents the award to Liam Wilkie of Kilmac Winner Michelle Maddox of Clootie McToot Traditional Dumplings gets her award from John Reynolds The great and good of Perth and Kinross business joined together at Crieff Hydro last week for the 2018 Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Star Awards.
In total, 15 new business stars shone at the 2018 showcase, recognising and rewarding outstanding contributions across the whole spectrum of local business – from tourism, food and drink production and independent retailing to customer service, innovation, sustainability and business growth.
Blairgowrie-based company Castle Water was crowned business of the year at a glittering ceremony which was attended by a record 420-plus people.
They heard how Castle Water captured the judges’ vote for their “impressive and sustainable business growth, superb level of customer service and innovative strategy”.
In other highlights of the evening, the chamber’s coveted outstanding achievement award went to Brigadier Sir Melville Jameson KCVO CBE for tireless work to promote Perthshire – its tourism, products, businesses and charities – during his 12 years as Lord Lieutenant of the area.
Stephen Leckie, CEO of the Crieff Hydro hotel group, was awarded the business leader of the year accolade, following 25 years at the helm of the long-established family business – taking it from two local hotels to a family of nine high-quality independent establishments across Scotland.
He said: “Perthshire is a wonderfully diverse business community and to have been chosen for this award amongst so many strong and inspirational business leaders is a great honour.”
Ross Graham, said that this year’s event – sponsored by Binn Group and hosted by media duo Maureen Young and Stuart Webster – had proved “an outstanding celebration of business excellence”.
He added: “Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards repeatedly deliver a tremendous celebration of the vibrant business community in this area.
“It’s wonderful to be able to give local companies a platform on which to shine and to showcase the amazing quality of businesses based here.”
Event organiser, Chamber CE Vicki Unite, reflected on another sell-out success, adding: “The Star Awards is the Perthshire business community’s big night out and everyone has a great time.
“People are so supportive of all our nominees and our winners and the atmosphere is really lively and engaging.
“This year has been another sparkling showcase of the best in the business with a host of very impressive companies and individuals coming to the fore – Perthshire really does boast some outstanding business stars.
“We are so grateful to Binn Group and all of our sponsors and supporters for making it all possible.”
In addition to main sponsor, Binn Group and the 15 category sponsors, support was also received from Highland Spring, Perthshire Advertiser and Jelf Clark Thomson with each worthy winner taking home a beautiful, unique, handmade, glass Star Award.