Thirty finalists will line up for the Bee’s Knees Business Awards 2018, the 15th annual challenge for Inverclyde businesses and a major highlight in the Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce calendar of events.

Finalists were selected from a shortlist of entrants who have presented their case to category judging panels over the past few weeks.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony and gala dinner in the Marquee at the Chartroom, Kip Marina, on Friday 8 June, when the Lifetime Achievement winner, selected by Inverclyde Chamber President Linda Scott, will also be revealed. The evening will be hosted by one of Scotland’s best-known comedy actors, Karen Dunbar.

Bee’s Knees Business Awards 2018 finalists in the ten categories are:

Inverclyde Business of the Year: sponsored by Riverside Inverclyde

Ferguson Marine, Specsavers, Waterfront Cinema

Inspiring Sole Trader: sponsored by the Waterfront Cinema

Clyde Activity Bikes, Leapmoor LLP, PJH Bookkeeping

Proud to be in Inverclyde: sponsored by West College Scotland

Compassionate Inverclyde, Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Inverclyde Tourist Group

Outstanding Customer Service: sponsored by Holiday Inn Express Hotel

Specsavers, The Chartroom, Waterfront Cinema

Inspiring Professional of the Year: sponsored by Inverclyde Council

McClure Solicitors, Specsavers, Welsh Walker

Excellence in Skills and Learning: sponsored by Autotec Scotland

Ferguson Marine, Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Morton in the Community, Welsh Walker

Best Use of Innovation or Digital Technology: sponsored by River Clyde Homes

Balmore Group, RIG Arts, Waterfront Cinema

Best Brand Promotion/Campaign: sponsored by The Chartroom

Caledonian MacBrayne, Wet Wall Works

Emerging Young Talent: sponsored by Texas Instruments

Michael Sinclair, Project Planner, Ferguson Marine; Emma Smith, Business Development Executive, PG Paper Company; Stuart McKenzie, Online Sales & Distribution Manager, Wet Wall Works

Most Promising New Business: sponsored by Peelports – Clydeport

PJH Bookkeeping, The Pirate and Bluebelle, Wet Wall Works

“Our sponsor representatives and Inverclyde Chamber directors who made up the category judging panels, found themselves challenged once again with an exceptional and diverse line up of shortlisted candidates, each showcasing their achievements and ambitions to claim their place in the Bee’s Knees Business Awards finals,” said Linda Scott, President, Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce.

“Our congratulations go to all finalists who are helping us demonstrate continued business growth here in Inverclyde. We have a great deal to be proud about and we thank our sponsors for joining with us to recognise the talent within our resilient local business community.

“We look forward to celebrating their impressive achievements at our awards dinner this June, where we will welcome the local business community, their customers, friends and family, to a wonderful evening hosted by Karen Dunbar in the spectacular setting of Kip Marina.“

Each finalist is invited as a guest of Inverclyde Chamber to attend the summer gala awards dinner, where the business community will unite to hear the winners announced. As well as enjoying the accolades of success, category winners are awarded a crystal trophy and certificate.

For their own promotional purposes, they will receive a DVD showcasing their business from media sponsor Gryffe Studios, screened for the first time during the awards dinner. PR sponsor, Elaine Stewart Public Relations, and programme sponsor, Love & Humphries, are also supporting the Bee’s Knees Business Awards 2018.

Tickets are now available for the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on Friday 8 June at: www.inverclydechamber.co.uk. Further details are available online or by contacting Inverclyde Chamber Senior Executive Officer, Margaret Moran, on Tel: 01475 806824, Mobile: 07534 196253,
Email: seo@inverclydechamber.co.uk.

Everyone is invited to join in the Bee’s Knees Business Awards chat by tagging Tweets #BeesKneesAwards2018.