Entrepreneurship and innovation were celebrated at West Lothian’s premium business awards in the luxurious Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, Uphall on Friday 29th November 2019.
These awards celebrate the success and achievements of local businesses – the Chamber of Commerce hosts the awards with support of our sponsors to highlight and recognise West Lothian as a region full of unlimited potential ensuring all businesses can grow and achieve excellence with the determination of its people.
The power of business success was highlighted by our keynote speaker Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive and Director of Scottish Chambers, who expressed great delight at the gathering of so many businesses who are working to make not only West Lothian a great destination for business but Scotland as a whole using the Chamber network to grow and support business activities.
This year’s winners truly represent the hard work that goes into making a business successful while showcasing commitment to excellence, prime examples of what makes West Lothian a true hub for business.
We are delighted to announce our worthy winners from the Business Excellence Awards 2019:
The Best Business Award sponsored by West Lothian Council Business Gateway was presented to an exceptional business that demonstrated consistent growth and investment, showing true business excellence and long-term commitment to the local economic growth. This year’s winner was The Glenmorangie Company, based at Alba in Livingston. The company which employs over 100 staff was awarded the title of Best Business for their principles of innovation and sustainability to drive continuous improvement across all aspects of the business. Over the last 10 years, production at Alba has went from strength to strength and significant expansion plans are underway.
Another outstanding local business is incovo who were awarded the Business Growth Award sponsored by West Lothian Chamber of Commerce.
Founded in 2002, incovo is an independent Scottish business specialising in telecommunications and print solutions. Chris Thomas, appointed CEO in 2016, has revolutionised the business whilst earning himself a place on the shortlist for the Institute of Directors ‘Young Director of The Year’ award.
The Innovation Award is a new category sponsored by The Glenmorangie Company who within their own organisation embrace values that encourage both pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit. The judges selected Livingston based Elite Control Systems as the winner for their innovative approach to solving their client’s unique problems as well utilising the upskilling of their team for Elite’s business growth plan.
West Lothian has a culture of supporting entrepreneurship and the Business Start-Up Award sponsored by West Lothian Council Business Gateway recognises a good role model for other start-up companies. Michael Harkins, Founder of Turtle Pack took his passion for teaching children to swim and created an innovative, fun and safe swim aid which has now gone global. Also showcasing entrepreneurship was our Highly Commended Start-Up Business, Spring Solutions Ltd who seen a niche in their market and took steps to address it.
Shin-Etsu Livingston have sponsored the Environmental Champion Award again to recognise local businesses who are innovative and sustainable in managing the environmental impact of their organisation. This year’s champion, The Glenmorangie Company, was recognised for their commitment to creating a culture of sustainability for their processes, places and people. Also recognised was Paterson Arran for their continued investment in environmental projects and Brewster Brothers Ltd were commended for encouraging waste reduction and recycling.
Recognising that our young people are key to the local economic development, the support offered by businesses is applauded by the Developing the Young Workforce West Lothian Regional Group through the sponsorship of the DYW Regional Employer Award which was presented to Veolia who have established strong links with the local schools to deliver inspiration events including the Circular Economy Challenge for primary schools.
Also supporting young people in the area is Angela Moohan, founder of The Larder Cook School and she was presented with the Shona Sibbald Woman in Business Award sponsored by the Sibbald Group. Angela’s commitment and drive with the support of her team has realised true success for the organisation and importantly young people in West Lothian. The Larder’s aim is to inspire the use of food to change lives and build an empowered and resilient communities as well as developing a dignified response to food poverty.
Also recognised was Tracy Murdoch from Kidz-Eco, who was Highly Commended for her successful social enterprise offering families affordable high-quality preloved clothes, toys and essentials.
The Enterprising School Award sponsored by Paterson Arran recognises the hard work of teachers and students as they incorporate a business approach to curriculum. Low Port Primary were presented with the Winner Award for their recognition of the importance of developing work-life skills achieved through strong partnerships, hands on learning and fun. Blackburn Primary School were Highly Commended for their focus on real world issues that affects their pupils giving them some valuable learning experiences.
Over 180 people attended this year’s event, where alongside the award announcements, the attendees were entertained by taking part in the Big Quiz by The Team Challenge Company.
As part of the evening, a Charity Draw was held on behalf of The School Bank West Lothian, a volunteer-led group aiming to improve the lives of children in West Lothian whose families maybe struggling financially and unable to provide uniforms and basic items for attending school. With the generous donations from SCHUH, Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, Mitsubishi Electric, Macrae Seafood and Paradise Island Adventure Golf Livingston, we raised £1500 for this very worthy local charity.
If you would like to know more about the Business Excellence Awards 2019 please visit: www.wlchamber.com
