The winners of the Highland Business Awards 2025 were announced at a packed ceremony on Friday 26 September, celebrating the innovation, resilience and success of businesses across the region.
The event, organised by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, brought together more than 250 guests from across the Highland business community to recognise outstanding achievements in leadership, talent, and community impact.
The principal sponsor of this year’s awards was The Highland Council, whose Chief Executive, Derek Brown, delivered the sponsor’s address. In his speech, Derek highlighted the Council’s commitment to ensuring unique investment opportunities help our people and places to thrive, saying “Larger developers in the energy sector need to step up to the plate now and move beyond words into action, leaving a long-term meaningful and lasting community legacy for the Highlands.”
Guests also heard from keynote speaker Christianna Logan, Director of Customers and Stakeholders at SSEN Transmission, who shared her insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the Highlands as the region plays a central role in the UK’s green energy transition. Christianna spoke about the balance between energy security, protecting the natural environment, and ensuring communities remain at the heart of decision-making.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Highland Business Awards are all about celebrating the remarkable achievements of businesses and individuals right across our region. The judging process this year was particularly challenging given the outstanding quality of entries, and every finalist should feel justifiably proud of their success. Our winners represent the very best of the Highlands that are all making a real difference in our thriving economy and communities.
“I would also like to extend my thanks to our keynote speaker, Christianna Logan. Her expertise in stakeholder engagement and leadership in driving forward sustainability made her an outstanding voice for the event, and her insight was hugely valuable for our guests. And to Derek Brown for delivering such a thought-provoking address on behalf of The Highland Council. Their contributions helped make this year’s event a truly memorable celebration of Highland business.”
“The Highland Business Awards are only possible with the support of our sponsors, and we are grateful for their commitment in helping us shine a spotlight on the incredible businesses and people driving our region forward.”
The prestigious business event was also attended by Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, who addressed a packed audience at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, and highlighted the immense potential of the Highlands.
Speaking at one of the region’s most prestigious business events, Mr Alexander celebrated the entrepreneurial drive, innovation, and growth potential of the Highlands, while underlining the vital role of SMEs and emerging sectors in shaping the region’s economic future.
Drawing on developments from earlier in the day, he highlighted the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, reflecting the UK Government’s commitment to supporting sustainable investment and economic growth across the region.
He also spoke about the exciting emerging sectors in the Highlands, including energy and space, noting the region’s strong potential for innovation and inward investment. Douglas Alexander referenced UK Government regional investment initiatives, including the Inverness & Highland City Region Deal and support through the Plan for Change and Industrial Strategy, and highlighted the Scotland Office Brand Scotland programme, which promotes Scotland on the global stage.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, said, “The Highlands have immense potential – from world-class SMEs to cutting-edge emerging sectors – and the UK Government is committed to supporting this growth.
“Initiatives such as the Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and our local growth investments demonstrate how we are working to ensure opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.
“The entrepreneurial drive of this region is inspiring, and it was a privilege to celebrate it at the Highland Business Awards.”
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, added, “We were delighted to welcome Douglas Alexander to this year’s Awards. His address not only celebrated the achievements of our finalists but also highlighted the enormous potential of the Highlands and the opportunities for growth and innovation. Having his insight and support at the event added real energy and inspiration for our business community.”
The Highland Business Awards continue to recognise excellence across the region, celebrating the people, teams and businesses driving innovation, growth and community impact throughout the Highlands.
2025 Highland Business Awards Winners:
Award for Innovation
sponsored by University of the Highlands and Islands
Ecosystems Technologies
Award for Resilience
sponsored by Caithness Chamber of Commerce
Strathdearn Community Developments
Award for Positive Environmental Impact
sponsored by Pentland Ferries
Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
Award for Global Growth
sponsored by Thorntons Law
Wester Ross Fisheries
Award for Most Promising New Business
sponsored by Business Gateway
Practest
Award for Best Marketing Campaign
sponsored by STV
Culloden Cars
Award for Outstanding Community Engagement
sponsored by Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
New Start Highland
Award for Corporate Community Impact
sponsored by Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
Parklands Care Homes
Award for Employer of the Year
sponsored by Azets
Ri Cruden
Award for Young Employee of the Year
sponsored by The Springfield Group
Caitlin Maclean – teclan
Award for Business Leader of the Year
sponsored by Saffery
Malcolm Morrison – GMG Energy
Highland Business of the Year
sponsored by Balfour Beatty
New Start Highland
