Lanarkshire’s cream of the business crop

TV’s Kaye Adams presents awards for 2016

Glitz and glamour were brought to the Radstone Hotel on Friday as over 350 guests attended the most prestigious night in the local business calendar.

Following months of anticipation, we can now unveil the winners of the 23rd Lanarkshire Business Excellence Awards 2016.

Upon arrival at the hotel, guests were welcomed by a drinks reception before the opening of the formalities by TV personality Kaye Adams who was host for the evening.

Guests also had the pleasure of listening to a live performance from local music group SoundSational prior to dinner. As tension mounted within the room, comedian Des Clarke provided some entertainment before the winners were unveiled.

The event, hosted by North and South Lanarkshire Councils, alongside main sponsor Clydesdale Bank, raised more than £4000 for the charities Kidney Kids and Kilbryde Hospice.

Councillor Chris Thompson, of South Lanarkshire Council, opened the event and said: “In business, we are all aware that success doesn’t always come easily and certainly not always first time.

“Success is achieved through hard work, patience, faith in what you are doing and the courage to carry on and turn your vision into a reality.

“It is encouraging to see this vibrancy in our business sector highlighting that Lanarkshire is a great place to do business, and see the enthusiasm in the business community for ‘doing business better’.“

Councillor John McLaren, of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “Lanarkshire has so much to celebrate. These awards are an excellent platform for local businesses to highlight their success.

“Congratulations to all the finalists and the winners tonight. With a record number of entries this year, competition was fierce and all the judges were impressed by the range and quality of the entries.

“Thank you to this year’s sponsors – without their support the awards would not be possible.”

Simon Kerr, from principal sponsor the Clydesdale Bank said: “The quality of application within each category of the awards was truly outstanding, which pays tribute to the strength in depth of the business community across the Lanarkshire area.

“Clydesdale Bank are privileged to play our part in helping businesses grow and fulfil their ambitions. May I express my congratulations to all winners and nominees.”

Excellence in Customer Services Award – Provista UK Ltd

Best Small Business (50 employees or less) – Highlander International Recycling Ltd

The John Brinkins Award for Excellence in Tourism – The Elphinstone Hotel

Enterprising Third Sector – Clydesdale Community Initiatives

Best New Business – JUST: Gluten Free Bakery

Excellence in Innovation – The Electric Heating Company Ltd

Lanarkshire Food & Drink – Border Biscuits Ltd

Apprentice of the Year – William Smith, Amey Public Services PLC

Best Family Business – Bells Food Group Ltd

Best Business (51 Employees or more) – Rosti Automotive Larkhall Ltd

Competition was fierce and all the judges were impressed by the range and quality of the entries