The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Companies compete to be best in business
Awards: North and north-east firms well represented in scheme
Thirteen north and northeast businesses are in the final mix in the annual hunt for Scotland’s best small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said these and 37 other SMEs around the country had not only demonstrated growth and success in their sector but also contributed to their local communities over the past year.
They all now hope to win one of the gongs up for grabs in the FSB Scotland Celebrating Small Business Awards, which reach their climax in a ceremony in Edinburgh on March 19.
With the exception of the community business of the year award, winners go forward to a UK final in London in May.
A seven-strong contingent from the Highlands and islands on the Scottish final shortlist includes two firms on Barra – Buth Bharraigh and Cobhair Bharraigh – which are in direct competition for the community business accolade.
Inverness has three would-be winners – Yellow Cherry Digital, The TEFL Org and My Primary Tutor – in the digital/e-commerce, international business and self-employed/sole trader categories respectively.
Making up the strong north presence are Wow Scotland of Tomatin and Ballachulish firm Glencoe Activities, which are in the running for the micro business and product innovation awards respectively.
Aberdeen has four finalists. Avo is up for community business award while The TechForce has been shortlisted for micro business of the year.
Meanwhile, Graham Dawson Body and Paint Shop is in the running for high-growth business of the year, while Doqaru is in with a chance of winning the accolade for start-ups.
Shortlisted businesses from Moray include the Hobbit Hideaway, run by Kim Siu and Mark Thomson, in the environmental category and the Royal Oak Hotel, Cullen, where owner Caroline Ronald is hoping to win the self-employed/ sole trader award.
FSB Highlands and islands area leader Tanja Lister said: “It is really important that we all encourage and support our businesses, and that we recognise those that go the extra mile.
“The FSB Awards are all about celebrating excellence, and I’m delighted to see such a fine and diverse haul of businesses from the region.”
“It is really important that we recognise those that go the extra mile”