Glenmorangie toast of business awards
Consistent growth and investment
Entrepreneurship and innovation were celebrated at West Lothian’s premium business awards in the Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, Uphall, on Friday.
The Business Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce host the awards to highlight West Lothian as a region full of unlimited potential.
Keynote speaker Liz Cameron OBE, chief executive and director of Scottish Chambers, expressed great delight at the gathering of so many businesses who are working to make not only West Lothian a great destination for business but Scotland as a whole, using the Chamber network to support business activities.
The best business award. sponsored by West Lothian Council Business Gateway, was presented to an exceptional business that demonstrated consistent growth and investment, showing true business excellence and long-term commitment to the local economic growth.
This year’s winner was The Glenmorangie Company, based at Alba in Livingston. The company, which employs over 100 staff, was awarded the title for its principles of innovation and sustainability to drive continuous improvement across all aspects of the business.
Another outstanding local business is Incovo, which received the business growth award, sponsored by West Lothian Chamber of Commerce.
Founded in 2002, Incovo specialises in telecommunications and print solutions. Chris Thomas, appointed CEO in 2016, has revolutionised the business while earning himself a place on the shortlist for the Institute of Directors young director of the year award.
The innovation award is a new category sponsored by The Glenmorangie Company. The judges selected Livingston-based Elite Control Systems for its innovative approach to solving its clients’ problems.
The business start-up award, sponsored by West Lothian Council Business Gateway, recognises a good role model for other start-up companies.
Michael Harkins, founder of Turtle Pack, took his passion for teaching children to swim and created an innovative, fun and safe swim aid which has now gone global. Spring Solutions Ltd, which saw a niche in its market and took steps to address it, was highly commended.
Shin-Etsu Livingston sponsored the environmental champion award again. This year’s champion,
The Glenmorangie Company, was recognised for its commitment to creating a culture of sustainability for its processes, places and people.
Also recognised was Paterson
Arran for its continued investment in environmental projects and Brewster Brothers Ltd was commended for encouraging waste reduction and recycling.
The Developing the Young
Workforce West Lothian regional group sponsoredthe DYW regional employer award. This was presented to Veolia, which has established strong links with local schools to deliver inspirational events including the Circular Economy Challenge.
Angela Moohan, founder of The Larder Cook School, was presented with the Shona Sibbald woman in business award sponsored by the Sibbald Group. Angela’s commitment and drive have realised true success for the organisation and young people in
West Lothian.
Tracy Murdoch from Kidz-Eco was highly commended for her successful social enterprise offering families preloved clothes, toys and essentials.
The enterprising school award, sponsored by Paterson Arran, was won by Low Port Primary in Linlithgow for its recognition of the importance of developing work-life skills. Blackburn Primary School was highly commended for its focus on real world issues that affect pupils.
More than 180 people attended this year’s event, where they were entertained by taking part in the Big Quiz by The Team Challenge Company.
A charity draw raised £1500 for The School Bank West Lothian, which provides school uniforms for struggling families. There were donations from Schuh, Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, Mitsubishi Electric, Macrae Seafood and Paradise Island Adventure Golf Livingston.
For details of the Business Excellence Awards visit www.wlchamber.com.