Celebrating all that is best in the Borders business sector, the 2017 Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards ceremony took place on Friday 3rd November at Springwood Park, Kelso. For the third year in a row, this annual awards scheme was organised and hosted by the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce (SBCC).
Attended by 200 guests, the gala event was once again presided over by TV presenter Fiona Armstrong. The Guest of Honour was Malcolm Buchanan, Chairman of the Scotland Board of the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Jack Clark, Chairman of SBCC, said: “With entries up a staggering 300% on last year, it is clear that the business and commercial sector here in the Borders is in fine fettle and that confidence is growing. That’s great news. These awards are a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate the success of the many innovative and high quality businesses we have here in the Borders. The judges – to whom go our thanks – have done an excellent job in examining every submission and coming up with worthy winners in each tightly contested category.
“These awards are all about recognising excellence and quality, surely two of the most vital ingredients in any company’s long term success and growth. The diversity of the submissions we received, and the range of ambitious businesses they represent across many sectors, are testament to the fact that the Borders is a great location from which to do business and run a successful company.
“The Chamber’s thanks go to all our sponsors and other companies for their support. To all our winners and runners-up, I say ‘Congratulations and continued success.’”
Cllr Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council Executive Member for Business & Economic Development: “Events such as this demonstrate just what an incredible range of businesses we have here in the Borders, of all sizes and in all sectors, and the fantastic products, services and work opportunities they provide. I hope these awards encourage all our local firms to shout about their successes throughout the year, building up new custom and encouraging partnerships with others. SBC is passionate about supporting local businesses to grow and reach their full potential. Our Business Gateway service is a one-stop shop providing new and established firms and entrepreneurs with free advice and support on a wide range of topics from social media advertising to exporting.”
Winners included Mitchell Glass, SME Business of the Year; Duns Castle Estate, Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year; Farne Salmon, Supporting Young Workforce Business of the Year; Johnstones of Elgin, Manufacturer & Exporter of the Year; Ron Hastings of Hastings Legal, Business Leader of the Year; and Ron Wilson of Border Union Agricultural Society, Lifetime Achievement Award.
