Once again here at West Lothian Chamber we are delighted to be able to highlight just some of the innovation and true business success in our area.
Each year the Chamber awards, in partnership with our sponsors, celebrate the achievements of local businesses as we feel it is important that West Lothian is recognised for its business success and that it is highlighted as a region that holds unlimited potential for the future.
This thought was expressed by our keynote speaker and main sponsor, Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, as he called on businesses in West Lothian to realise the extent of its ‘pulling power potential’ as a world class hub for investment. He went on to further describe the region as ‘exceptionally ambitious’, encouraging communities to see the potential that is there to be harnessed and used as a business opportunity.
Those being recognised this year included Waste Switch Ltd with the Entrepreneur and Business Start Up Award, (sponsor Business Gateway West Lothian), JHM Dance and Fitness business owner was recognised for her commitment to the business and her local community through the Shona Sibbald Woman in Business Award presented by the Sibbald Group.
Family owned, and managed businesses shone through with Dacoll Ltd, an independent provider IT services, receiving the Excellence in Staff Learning and Development Award from West Lothian College and the Best Tourism Business Award went to Williamscraig Holiday Cottages supported by Mercure Livingston.
The High Growth and Innovation Award (supported by West Lothian Economic Growth Plan) was won by family business David Philp Commercials Ltd for their outstanding growth through continuous investment.
Exposing the global market to West Lothian is this year’s winner of the Best Business Award John Bean Technologies (JBT) a leading solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries.
The Developing Young Workforce West Lothian Regional Group presented local employer Best Western Hilcroft Hotel with the regional Employer Award as a great example of how a local employer and a local school can successfully work in partnership to benefit the future workforce. Lareine Engineering in turn presented the Enterprising School Award to St Kentigern’s Academy who demonstrated a commitment to innovation, creativity, and enterprise in their curriculum.
Another West Lothian business excelling is Sibbald Training who were declared champions of sustainability at the VIBES Scottish Environmental Business Awards 2017. Sibbald were appointed as winners of the Transport category for their considerable efforts in reducing transportation related carbon emissions, the training provider has invested heavily in sustainable energy production and renewables which have contributed to considerable carbon reduction.
To support our enterprising businesses West Lothian Chamber aims to make 2018 a year of true value for our new and existing members. Throughout the Chamber’s time in operation, we have been lucky enough to have the support of great members. While offering a range of traditional Chamber services that have helped maintain West Lothian’s business culture and growth, but we realise business needs are forever developing and no two businesses are the same. To continue being a trusted source of business support the Chamber, through partnership working is now growing to ensure we continue to offer true value.
Whilst maintaining the classic Chamber values, we will offer options on the type of membership to suit individual business needs within three membership options:
n Classic (Traditional Chamber Services)
n International (Focusing on international trade support)
n Environmental (Focusing on environmental practices within business).
The creation of this new look Chamber will offer all businesses, from one-person start-ups to national companies the chance to share knowledge and experiences through a range of avenues and topics to truly offer businesses the chance to learn from one another, share best practice while promoting their own business journey success.
Moving forward the Chamber will continue to progress support as businesses develop to ensure West Lothian is recognised as the best place to do business.
