Inspiring City Awards shine light on Glasgow
Stars of business, arts and sport honoured at a celebration of inspiration
PEOPLE and businesses who drive the heart of Glasgow have been celebrated at the Inspiring City Awards.
More than 400 of the most influential people in Scotland’s largest city gathered at the Grand Central Hotel for the awards ceremony last night, hosted in conjunction with The Herald and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and in association with People Make Glasgow.
Now in their second year, the 2014 awards received a record number of entries and judges praised the high calibre of “truly outstanding” individuals and firms that went the extra mile to make a difference to people’s lives.
A variety of sectors, including business, art and culture, community and the environment were all recognised, but it was the impact of the hugely successful Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games that took centre stage.
The 11-day event, hailed as the bestever Games, shone an international spotlight on Glasgow as the city welcomed thousands of visitors from around the globe.
In recognition of his role in the event, Lord Smith of Kelvin, chairman of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, was presented with the lifetime achievement award, while Dr Bridget McConnell won the People Make Glasgow award in recognition of her key role in Glasgow’s bid for the games and her work in leading the delivery of sport and culture in Glasgow.
With sport high on the agenda, Glasgow City FC scooped the sport award for being Scotland’s most successful women’s football club.
This year nine partners, including Glasgow Airport, Glasgow Credit Union, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow Taxis, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish Gas, St Enoch Centre and STV Glasgow, gave their support. This is a testament to the growing popularity of the awards.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council and chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “The Inspiring City Awards 2014 is a truly special occasion celebrating the individuals, businesses and organisations that consistently go the extra mile to ensure that we, as a city, face challenges head-on and exploit and embrace new opportunities.
“This is the Year of Glasgow, our most historically significant year. We’ve already successfully delivered a sporting and cultural spectacular, with the eyes of the world trained on Glasgow during t he best- ever Commonwealth Games.
“These awards presented the perfect opportunity to reward those who continue to make a difference to this city. People do make Glasgow. People make Glasgow flourish.”
Two business awards also recognised individuals who inspire others, with the Outstanding contribution by a Business Leader Award, supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, awarded to Dr Rabinder Buttar, an award-winning scientist and founder of ClinTec.
The second went to entreprenueur Andrew Dobbie, who was awarded the Outstanding Contribution by a Young Business Leader, for his success in founding his business MadeBrave and developing it into a recognised, creative brand.
Professor John Lennon, Acting Dean of Glasgow School for Business and Society, said, “GSBS would like to congratulate The Herald and Chamber, all finalists and winners on what was a fantastic evening and which showcased the best of Glasgow business, absolutely illustrating the ‘inspiring city’ awards title. The School is proud to be associated with such an excellent initiative and enjoyable event.”
Stephen Flynn, vice-chairman of Glasgow Taxis Ltd, said: “I would like to extend our congratulations to those shortlisted for the Inspiring City Education Award.
“Each made an invaluable contribution to the strengthening and development of educational opportunities across Glasgow this year and deserve great praise for their efforts.
“Particular recognition should of course be paid to the Communications Workers Union. Well done to them and all those who contributed to another memorable night of celebration in Glasgow.”
Andrew Robertson, chairman of NHSGGC, said: “Glasgow’s burgeoning reputation on the global stage is one we should all take pride in. The fantastic awards gave an opportunity for some really inspirational companies and individuals to take centre stage and further enhance the wonderful story of 21st-century Glasgow.”