One of Scotland’s biggest business celebrations took place in style as Ayrshire’s top companies and entrepreneurs were honoured across 16 categories.
The annual Ayrshire Business Awards brought together the region’s leading businesses for a glitzy evening at Ayr Racecourse. The culmination of Ayrshire Business Week, sponsored by RMC Double Glazing Ltd, the awards are organised by the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.
Claire Baird, CEO of Ayrshire Chamber, said: “It was a fantastic evening celebrating the drive and innovation of Ayrshire businesses. The finalist videos showcased some truly inspiring journeys – it’s clear our region is bursting with talent, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.”
One of the standout successes of the night was Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd, who walked away with two awards – Growth Business of the Year (11-50 employees) and Apprentice of the Year, the latter awarded to rising star Evan Williamson. With more than two decades of expertise, Ailsa Reliability Solutions is a specialist in enhancing the reliability and performance of industrial plants and assets.
Backed by sponsors, the awards recognised excellence, innovation and resilience in a diverse range of sectors.
Entry to the awards began earlier this year with a written submission, followed by finalist presentations to an independent panel of expert judges.
“The judging process is never easy, but we’re fortunate to have such a rich variety of businesses here in Ayrshire. While only one winner can be chosen in each category, every finalist should feel incredibly proud. These awards are about shining a spotlight on the brilliant work being done right here in our communities.”
Guests were treated to entertainment from TV magician Ben Hanlin, followed by a lively DJ set from Colin McCardle to round off the evening in celebratory style.
The evening also featured a charity raffle, raising £5,067.00 in support of Hansel, a leading social care charity, and Pennyburn Regeneration Youth Development Enterprise (PRYDE), a community-owned organisation supporting local youth and development initiatives.
The awards were backed by principal sponsor Business Gateway, event partner Ayrshire Eye Clinic and category and other event sponsors, including:
Booklet design sponsor – Adworks
Booklet print sponsor – Print Room Scotland
Drink reception sponsor – Ayre Racecourse
Tablecloth and chair cover sponsor – Maid to Mop
Table gift sponsor – Loch Lomond Group
Trophy sponsor – Recognition Express
The winners were:
Apprentice of the Year Award
sponsored by Ashleigh Building
Evan Williamson – Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd
Ayrshire’s Growth Business of the Year Award (0-10 employees)
sponsored by Dains Accountants
Rail Spares Limited
Ayrshire’s Growth Business of the Year Award (11-50 employees)
sponsored by Business Gateway
Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd
Ayrshire’s Growth Business of the Year Award (51 employees or more)
sponsored by Woodward Inc
DM Roofing & Roughcasting Ltd
Charity of the Year Award
sponsored by Regency Facilities Management
The Killie Community
Community Award
sponsored by Stagecoach
Alloway Railway Tunnel ART SCIO
Community Wealth Building Award
sponsored by: Booth Welsh
Ayrshire Independent Living Network
Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Award
sponsored by DYW Ayrshire
Emergency One (UK) Ltd
Digital Innovation Award
sponsored by Ayrshire 5GIR
Scotia Windows and Doors
Driving Sustainability
sponsored by HALO Powering the Nation
Renewable Oil Services Limited
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
sponsored by Ailsa Reliability Solutions
George Taggart – GT Groundcare Ltd
Hospitality and Tourism Business of the Year Award
sponsored by Trump Turnberry
SimpsInns
Innovation Award
sponsored by Wallace McDowall Ltd
Land Energy Girvan
Outstanding Contribution to the Visitor Economy Award
Shelia Gilmore – Visit Arran
Resilience Award
sponsored by 9CC Group
Donnini Apartments
Start-up Business of the Year Award
sponsored by Ralston Contracts Ltd
Detalo Creative
Workplace Health and Wellbeing Award
sponsored by Lighthouse IT & Network Services
J.C. Peacock & Company Ltd
Highly commended runners-up were:
Apprentice of the Year
Rachel Alexander, Alex Begg Group
Innovation of the Year Award
CCL Logistics & Technology
