ACS wears it well, as sustainable clothing business celebrates triple awards win

ACS Clothing Ltd has been named Glasgow’s Most Outstanding Business at The Glasgow Business Awards 2024. 

The business enjoyed triple success at the 26th anniversary of the ceremony, having also secured the awards for Fair and Healthy Workplace and Innovation in Business.

ACS Clothing works across the UK and Europe and specialises in fashion rental logistics and servicing garment returns. Led by CEO Andrew Rough, it works to transform the fashion industry, promoting a circular fashion model that extends the life of existing textiles and diverts clothing from landfill. 

Allied Vehicles Ltd secured the Best Performing Large Business award for the second consecutive year. As the UK’s leading supplier of adapted and special purpose vehicles, it has a history of success, having previously taken home the award for Business Resilience in 2023 and Most Outstanding Business at the 2019 ceremony. 

SWG3, one of Glasgow’s leading independent entertainment venues, celebrated a double achievement, having bagged the Sustainable Development award and the Green Champion award. WEEE Scotland also scooped two awards and was presented with the Community Wealth Building and Best Performing Small-Medium Business accolades. 

Cain Fleming, Director of Green Fulfilment, took home Young Business Person of the Year, impressing the judges with his delivery of eco-friendly logistics solutions for e-commerce businesses.  The evening also saw Victoria Nicol of My Language Connection win Entrepreneur of the Year, marking a second year of success for Victoria who won Young Business Person of the Year in 2023.  

Media partners, The Herald and Glasgow Times supported the event which is hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and organised in partnership with University of Strathclyde.

Comedian Fred MacAulay hosted the event for the ninth consecutive year, entertaining 700 guests at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central, where 17 awards were presented.

Among the list of remarkable winners were: First Bus (Excellence in Communications) Bellrock Technology (Best Use of Digital Technology), J.G.B Steelcraft (Family Business of the Year), The King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal Glasgow (Inspiring Future Talent) and Pest Solutions (Net Zero Achievement).

This year's award for Glasgow’s Favourite Business was won by Waverley Excursions, as voted by locals through the Glasgow Times. Competing against five other local businesses, Waverley Excursions stood out, showcasing its strong connection with the Glasgow community.

This year's Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Peter Duthie, former CEO of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), who retired earlier this summer after 40 years with the organisation. Peter was honoured for his pivotal role in establishing the SEC as a premier event destination and for his efforts in promoting Glasgow on the global stage.

The Glasgow Business Awards were established in 1997 and have taken place annually since, breaking only for the pandemic. The event has grown significantly over the years to become the champion of major achievements and business success in the city, becoming a highly sought-after highlight for Glasgow’s business community.

Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “The 2024 Glasgow Business Awards have once again showcased the incredible talent, innovation, and resilience within our business community.

“Thank you to University of Strathclyde, our event partner, to each of our category sponsors, and to the Herald and Glasgow Times for joining us as media partners.  

"We are proud to celebrate the achievements of all our winners, particularly those leading the charge in sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. These businesses are not only contributing to Glasgow’s economy but, as our judges found, are setting the standard for excellence on a national and international stage."

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce for this year's Glasgow Business Awards as we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee. It was truly inspiring to see so many outstanding businesses from across the region showcased for their innovation, resilience, and success.

“Well done to the shortlisted companies and congratulations to all the winners – you are a testament to the dynamic spirit of Glasgow’s business community. At the University of Strathclyde, we are committed to supporting and celebrating the achievements of local businesses and fostering growth within our vibrant ecosystem." 

RESULTS  

The Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Large Business sponsored by Virgin Money

• Allied Vehicles Limited
• Matthew Algie - commendation 

The Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Small-Medium Business sponsored by Beam Digital and Design 

• WEEE Scotland Limited
• Splatter Art Studio - commendation 

The Glasgow Business Award for Best Use of Digital Technology sponsored by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce

• Bellrock Technology
• Safe2Drive - commendation 

The Glasgow Business Award for Community Wealth Building 
sponsored by Glasgow City Council 

• WEEE Scotland Limited 

The Glasgow Business Award for Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP 

• Victoria Nicol, My Language Connection 

The Glasgow Business Award for Excellence in Communications sponsored by The Herald 

• First Bus 

The Glasgow Business Award for Fair and Healthy Workplace sponsored by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Healthy Working Lives

• ACS Clothing Limited 

The Glasgow Business Award for Family Business of the Year sponsored by ATG Entertainment

• J.G.B Steelcraft (UK) Limited 

The Glasgow Business Award for Green Champion sponsored by ScottishPower 

• SWG3
• Peel Ports Clydeport - commendation 

The Glasgow Business Award for Innovation in Business sponsored by Glasgow City Innovation District

• ACS Clothing Limited 

The Glasgow Business Award for Inspiring Future Talent 
Sponsored by MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers  

• The King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal Glasgow
• Stratum Masonry - commendation 

The Glasgow Business Award for Net Zero Achievement sponsored by Glasgow City Council 

• Pest Solutions 

The Glasgow Business Award for Sustainable Development sponsored by Scottish Water 

• SWG3 

The Glasgow Business Award for Young Business Person of the Year sponsored by City of Glasgow College 

• Cain Fleming, Green Fulfilment
• Ryan Clark, Safer Group - commendation

Glasgow Times Award for Glasgow's Favourite Business 

• Waverley Excursions Ltd 

University of Strathclyde Award for Most Outstanding Business

• ACS Clothing Limited 

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Award for Lifetime Achievement

• Peter Duthie