Talent celebrated at seventh Courier Business Awards

Phill Jupitus and Fred MacAulay to host black-tie event

Excitement is building ahead of the biggest night in the Tayside and Fife business calendar.

More than 800 guests will descend on Dundee tonight for the 2019 Courier Business Awards.

This year’s black-tie event, held in association with accountants MHA Henderson Loggie, will be hosted by television presenter Phill Jupitus and Scots comic Fred MacAulay.

A total of 24 awards will be presented to the best and brightest businesses and entrepreneurs from Courier Country within a specially erected marquee in the grounds of Apex City Quay Hotel.

Guests will enjoy a drinks reception and sumptuous three-course meal and there will be entertainment from Duende Voices with Loadsaweeminsingin’ and the Waterfront Band.

Perth-born Fred MacAulay returns to the awards after hosting with Countdown presenter Rachel Riley last year. He said: “Last year was a great success with a mixture of humour and glamour. I am delighted to be asked back to provide the glamour and I am looking forward to the humour from Phill Jupitus.”

The awards are in their seventh year and reflect the diverse nature of the business landscape in Tayside and Fife with categories including digital, design, games, retail and tourism and hospitality.

The ceremony will culminate with awards for Business of the Year and Outstanding Contribution.

DC Thomson Media’s Head of Newspapers, Richard Neville, who was on this year’s judging panel, said it had been another great year for the awards.

He said: “The quality of entries we received this year was higher than ever and showed that Courier Country remains a vibrant place to live and work.

“The judging process for the Courier Business Awards is rigorous – much discussion and debate takes place to decide our shortlist and winners. Every business and entrepreneur in the room tonight should be proud of what they have achieved and I am looking forward to celebrating their success.”

Tonight’s ceremony can be followed with a live blog on The Courier website.

Pictures: Andrew Cawley/Getty Images/Kris Miller/Kim Cessford. Clockwise from top left: Fred MacAulay; Phill Jupitus; a guest enjoying last year’s awards; Richard Neville.