Quality of applications impresses judging panel Ceremony celebrates the best in business

First stage of Courier Business Awards judging complete as this year’s finalists revealed

“Anyone who makes the shortlist really deserves to be there.”

That was the consensus of our expert judging panel as they sifted through a record number of applications for The Courier Business Awards 2017.

The event, which will take place at Dundee’s Apex City Quay Hotel on October 28, is a highlight of the local business calendar and the 2017 awards are shaping up to be the best yet.

Jim Pettigrew, the Dundee-born Clydesdale Bank chairman who once again chaired the judging panel, said he was delighted to be involved.

“It is so heartening to see the quality of the applications that have come forward this year,” Jim said.

“There were more than 130 entries but going through them was definitely not a chore for the judges. “It was an absolute pleasure.” Returning to the panel for 2017 are David Smith, managing partner of chartered accountants and principal awards sponsor Henderson Loggie, Social Investment Scotland chairman Nick Kuenssberg, V&A Dundee director Philip Long and Courier editor Richard Neville.

“It is a fantastic shortlist this year,” David said.

“We have built on the submissions from previous years and we have an incredible range of companies that have come forward this year.” Back by popular demand, broadcaster and polymath Gyles Brandreth is returning as host of the Courier Business Awards for 2017.

The gala event will again be held in a bespoke marquee to be built in the grounds of the Apex City Quay Hotel at Dundee waterfront.

The ceremony, one of the largest black-tie dinners to be held in Scotland this year with an anticipated 700-plus strong guest list, is the event of the season and a must-attend for members of the business community across Tayside and Fife.

Tickets are available at www.thecourier businessawards.com or by contacting Sharon Methven via email at smethven@dcthomson. co.uk or on the phone at 01382 575563.

Making her debut on the judging panel for 2017 was Scottish Chambers of Commerce director and chief executive Liz Cameron OBE.

She found the applications such compelling reading she took the judging pack on holiday with her.

“It is great to see so many businesses not just surviving but thriving,” Liz said.

“The quality of the applications, and the breadth of sectors they cover, is fantastic.

“Courier Country certainly excels in terms of innovation, we’ve seen some absolute hidden gems.”

Courier editor Richard Neville added: “To have in black and white in front of you such a wealth of exciting businesses – with great ideas, innovative products and services and the drive to see things through – is just so inspiring.

“It shows beyond doubt that Courier Country is thriving and the business community here has every right to hold its head high.”

The quality of applications, and the breadth of sectors they cover, is fantastic...we’ve seen some absolute hidden gems.

LIZ CAMERON OBE, JUDGE, COURIER BUSINESS AWARDS 2017