New categories for 21st entrepreneur showcase

The latest edition of an annual showcase of some of Scotland’s finest entrepreneurial talent is up and running.

Organisers of the Elevator Awards have added three new categories this year, for founder, social enterprise and young entrepreneur of the year.

The 21st annual awards – sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) – celebrate business growth and success across Scotland, rewarding excellence and resilience.

There are eight categories in all, with gongs also up for grabs for firms less than five years old, businesses more than five years old, young entrepreneurs, emerging entrepreneurs and anyone who merits the spirit of enterprise and innovation of the year accolades.

Elevator chief executive Gary McEwan said: “Entering a new decade we felt it was right to reshape some of our award categories, reflecting not only changes within the entrepreneurial landscape but also the pace of change within Elevator.

“Our emphasis for 2020 is to recognise people, businesses and products which are making an impact on Scotland’s economy.

“More and more we are witnessing the younger generation break the glass ceiling, and devote their time and energy to build successful businesses, along with those who are hungry to give back through new ways of thinking.

“The 2020 Elevator Awards is the perfect platform to showcase this success at a national level.”

For the first time, the Elevator Awards – previously focused on the north-east – is open to people and businesses throughout the country.

Mr McEwan said: “I urge individuals and companies to be brave and shoot for the stars; apply for the recognition you deserve as we celebrate the depth and breadth of talent across Scotland.”

The founder of the year category has been introduced as a result of an expansion in Elevator’s accelerator offering, with programmes now running in Moray, Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth across the digital, creative, energy, academic and general business sectors.

Elevator’s social enterprise of the year award is open to organisations which “give back, enrich communities and make a strong contribution to society”.

Entries will be accepted until March 16, finalists will be announced in April and the winners will be unveiled at a black-tie ceremony at Ardoe House Hotel, near Aberdeen, on June 25.

Elevator is a social enterprise working across Scotland to help facilitate the start-up, acceleration and growth of new and existing businesses.

Elevator’s Gary McEwan, left, with Eileen Tocher and Russell Whyte, both of RBS