Stirling Business Awards open

Members of the public are being invited to vote in this year’s Stirling Business Awards.

Tickets for the inaugural event which takes place at The Golden Lion Hotel on Thursday February 23, are now on sale to the public.

Organised by Business Improvement District Go Forth, the gala night, hosted by Central FM, will include a three course dinner with special guests The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

There are 10 awards categories and shortlisted businesses have been selected for each one following a nominations process which attracted nearly 1200 votes.

A final shortlist of three businesses per category will be chosen once voting closes with the winners announced during the ceremony.

The categories are: Restaurant of the Year; Cafe/coffee Shop of the Year; Bar/ Pub of the Year; Hair and Beauty Business of the Year; Unique Retailer of the Year; Retailer of the Year; Visitor Attraction of the Year; Professional Services Business of the Year; Charity of the Year; Outstanding Contribution to the City Award.

Go Forth Stirling project director Danielle Mcrorie Smith said a “fantastic” number of local businesses received nominations for a prestigious award.

She commented: “The awards aim to celebrate, highlight and showcase the city’s wealth of businesses.

“The great variety of unique shops, bars, restaurants, hairdressers, attractions and other independent businesses on our doorstep are a fantastic asset to the city and we want to highlight and celebrate them.

“The nomination stage received a fantastic amount of nominations and voting is open now to pick the winners.”

To see a list of the shortlisted businesses in all of the categories and to vote, visit independentstirling. co.uk/awards

The public can vote up to the January 23 deadline.