The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has announced Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, as the recipient of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Edinburgh Chamber Business Awards.
The award was presented by Chamber Chief Executive Liz McAreavey at the celebration, hosted at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. With an audience of over 600 business leaders, innovators, and policy makers, the evening was a vibrant showcase of Edinburgh’s exceptional talent, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Liz McAreavey said: “When Gordon became Chief Executive in 2012, he brought a clarity of vision and determination that reshaped not just the airport, but Edinburgh’s economic outlook. He has been a tireless advocate for this city – in boardrooms, in government, and on the global stage – championing the idea that connectivity fuels opportunity.
His leadership has helped secure the growth, investment, and international reach that make Edinburgh one of the world’s most ambitious and outward‑looking cities.”
Beyond the Lifetime Achievement Award, the evening shone a spotlight on 16 outstanding winners across a broad range of categories, celebrating everything from bold leadership and innovation to emerging talent and impactful third sector partnerships. Categories included Large Business of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Net Zero Champion, and Inspiring Partnership.
Together, these awards captured the very best of Edinburgh’s business community – its resilience, creativity, leadership, and commitment to driving good growth. It was an evening brimming with energy, pride, and inspiration, honouring the people and organisations who help make Edinburgh one of the best places to do business.
Headline sponsor Henderson Loggie paid their congratulations to all the winners. Jaslin Bhagrath, Partner, of the chartered accountancy firm said: “Edinburgh’s business community is built on innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for driving the city forward. At Henderson Loggie, we are committed to championing that spirit and supporting the organisations and individuals who make Edinburgh such a vibrant place to do business. We are incredibly proud to be the headline sponsors of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and to celebrate the achievements of so many outstanding businesses across the city.”
Liz added: “The judging process is entirely independent of the Chamber, and is deliberately rigorous, so everyone who was shortlisted should feel genuinely proud of their achievement. The calibre this year was outstanding.
“It’s also important to recognise that success isn’t all about performance. We want to celebrate the businesses who are driving positive change across our city – those tackling social challenges, championing sustainability, creating opportunities for young people, and building a more inclusive and resilient Edinburgh. They remind us that strong commercial performance and wider societal impact can, and absolutely should, go hand in hand.
“The Chamber remains deeply committed to working with our members and with government at every level to deliver good, sustainable economic growth. That ambition sits at the heart of our business‑led local growth plan, Edinburgh 2030: Unleashing Our Economic Ambition.
“This plan was developed in response to the Call to Action we issued last year, bringing the city’s business community together behind a bold, measurable set of missions. Edinburgh 2030 sets out a clear and determined path to making this one of the world’s most successful and forward‑thinking city economies – built on a united ‘Team Edinburgh’ approach.”
The audience also heard from Teddy Lee, founder of Maki & Ramen, who shared the inspiring journey of opening his first Japanese restaurant in Edinburgh’s Southside in 2015 and how he has since grown it into a global success, achieving more than £28 million in sales worldwide. Sarah Howard MBE, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce, also addressed the room as well as Edinburgh Chamber President Pamela Smyth, reflecting on the vital role of the Chamber network in enabling businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving, increasingly competitive, and digitally driven economy.
