Business excellence awards winners

RETAIL, LEISURE & TOURISM Sponsored by

This award was open to any restaurant, hotel, cafe, pub, retail, leisure facility, visitor attraction or similar business. Entrants provided an overview of operations and achievements in the last 12 months, their approach to team, customer experience, as well as community involvement.

WINNER

Stirling Distillery

Stirling Distillery is a small family-run concern that has been creating hand-crafted spirits in the historic Old Smiddy – the city’s first legal distillery on the castle rock – since 2019. It also offers daily gin and whisky tastings, distillery tours and a weekly gin school.

OTHER FINALISTS

Fletcher’s

The Real Food Cafe, Tyndrum

APPRENTICE/TRAINEE Sponsored by

This award recognises any apprentice or trainee who has gone that extra mile and exceeded the expectations of their trainer or mentor.

Ryan Coalter

Ryan was referred to the Learning and Employability Service by Skills Development Scotland as a school leaver living with autism.

Keen on developing a career in transport and logistics, his experience of school had left him feeling very isolated with poor expectations.

However, in addition to working with a literacies specialist, Ryan has successfully passed his driving theory and practical exams. OTHER FINALISTS

Emma Blair

James Seath

WINNER BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY

This award recognises a dynamic contribution a company has made to the local community by supporting local charities, initiatives or other community events.

WINNER

Babes in the Wood Stirling

As a not-for-profit enterprise, Babes in the Wood Stirling’s mission is dedicated to reducing environmental impact, alleviating child poverty, and fostering community engagement.

Recognising the latter as a means of creating a positive impact on both people and the environment, it actively supports local firms through competitive hall hire rates, subsidised community classes, and a Christmas toy appeal.

OTHER FINALISTS art4you Scotland Ltd - art school in the heart

of Scotland innovate create

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by

This award recognises a business that has shown great commitment to the welfare of its people by encouraging communication and creativity throughout the organisation.

WINNER

Blueberry Hill Meals

Blueberry Hill prides itself on drawing talent from the local pool of long-term unemployed people, and has also invested in its staff through supported driving lessons and flexible working arrangements. They remain passionate about providing people with food that is not only nutritious, but also tasty, with that home-cooked flavour sorely missed by so many people. OTHER FINALISTS

Emblation Ltd

Fraser C Robb