Construction workshop launch
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help Scottish construction businesses lift profits by improving productivity and efficiency.
The Construction Scotland Innovation Centre has teamed up with bodies such as Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service for a series of workshops and events beginning in October. THE Herald today launches its latest annual search for Scotland’s best family businesses.
The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards, held in association with Business Gateway, set out once more to honour family-owned companies which make impressive contributions to the economy at home and abroad, as well as to their local communities.
Now in their fifth year, there are 11 categories in this year’s awards, ranging from fastestgrowing business to the family business of the year (small/ medium and large).
The contest will culminate with a gala dinner and prize-giving ceremony at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on Wednesday, December 7.
Hugh Lightbody, chief officer at Business Gateway National Unit, which is also sponsoring the fastest growing family business category, said: “The contribution Scotland’s family businesses make to the country’s economy continues to be significant.
“The sector, which accounts for almost three quarters of Scotland’s companies, plays many different roles including employers, exporters of high quality products and services.”
Accountancy firm Campbell Dallas will again sponsor the business innovation award, with Fraser Campbell stating that the firm recognises that “helping families in business to succeed is fundamental to the continued prosperity of Scotland.”
Bernard Dunn of TL Dallas, sponsor of the customer service excellence award, said: “It has been a joy to see great family Business Innovation supported by campbell dallas International Growth supported by Burness Paull Outstanding Contribution being celebrated from the length and breadth of Scotland, for their innovation, focus and tenacity.”
The international growth award will recognise family firms who have enjoyed success in overseas markets as well as at home.
Grant Stevenson of law firm Burness Paull, the award sponsor, Green Family Business of the Year
Customer Service Excellence supported by TL dallas
Commitment to the Community supported by Grand central Hotel Rural Family Business (large) said: “Family businesses are unique organisations, and it is important to celebrate their distinct personality and characteristics.”
The Scottish family business of the year award (small/medium) is being sponsored by Clydesdale Bank. Regional director Brian Colquhoun said: “Family businesses are and always have been crucial to Scotland’s economy, and the Scottish Family Business Awards provide a fantastic platform for some of the best business talent in this country.”
Craig Corporate is backing the large company segment of the Scottish family business of the year for the fifth year in a row. Chairman Tom Craig said: “Family companies are at the very heart of the Scottish economy and contribute greatly in terms of employment, income and community support.”
Gillian Cameron of Supplier Development Programme, sponsor of the rural family business (small/ medium) award, said family businesses are a “cornerstone of the economy supporting local people and communities across the country”.
The Herald is sponsoring the rural family business (large) category; the Grand Central Hotel is supporting the commitment to the community category; and there is also green family business of the year award.
This year’s awards also have an official drinks partner, Oakbank Products. Oakbank’s Robbie Corbett said the awards “may help spur more people on to taking the plunge and starting their own business”.
An award for outstanding contribution, sponsored by Strathclyde Business School, will also be presented on the awards night. John Anderson, head of SME engagement at Strathclyde Business School, said: “The importance of family businesses and their leaders needs to be championed and we are delighted be able to highlight Scotland’s successful role models.”
Entries can be made at www. herald-events.com/familybusiness or by calling Lynsay Wong on 0141 302 6082.
The closing date is Wednesday, October 19.