Glasgow businesses to be celebrated once again following challenging year

Following a year off amidst the pandemic, the Glasgow Business Awards is returning for its 23^rd year.

The awards, which are hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, celebrate the best of the city’s business community with winners selected in a range of areas from sustainability to innovation across 16 categories.

Sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, and with The Herald as media partner, the awards will take place on 7 October 2021 and will play homage to the city’s next biggest event – COP26 – with four categories featuring sustainability for the first time.

Last year was the first absence of the Glasgow Business Awards since commencing in 1998, with the awards cancelled due to the pandemic.

Entries are now open for the 13 competitive categories, with the other three awards selected by a panel of judges.

The most prestigious accolade on the night is for Royal Bank of Scotland’s Most Outstanding Business, with the title awarded to one of the winners from the other categories. In its last year in 2019, Allied Vehicles won the title in addition to Family Business of the Year and Best Performing Large Business.

Also up-for-grabs once again is Glasgow’s Favourite Business, sponsored by sister publication Glasgow Times, with SWG3 holding the current title after winning the public vote in 2019. 

The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Award for Lifetime Achievement will also be presented on the night, most recently awarded to retired Edrington chief executive Ian Curle, commending his 15 years in the role which saw the company’s staff numbers expand from 900 to 3,000.

Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “For over 20 years, the Glasgow Business Awards have championed the local business community. They have showcased the innovations of various sectors, celebrated the triumphs over challenges and highlighted the business resilience and success stories and the people who continue to drive our economy.

“For obvious reasons, last year’s awards could not take place. However, we are absolutely thrilled to be launching our 23^rd year as we continue to tell the business narrative of our great city. Following the enormous challenges of the past 15 months, our local businesses, large and small, deserve a celebration that recognises the magnitude of the efforts made by so many to survive and thrive. Our thanks as always go to our title sponsors Royal Bank of Scotland and the strong array of category sponsors too.

“Glasgow’s business community has always been resilient, and in a year that will see us host COP26, we look forward to once again welcoming those who are leading the way in shaping the future of our city.”

Malcolm Buchanan, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The last 12 months have been one of the most challenging periods in history for families, customers, businesses and communities throughout Scotland.

“For companies across all sectors, this has been a testing time and as we begin to exit lockdown, it is wonderful to see the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Awards return.  These awards hold an important space on the city’s business and social calendar, and Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted once again to partner and support the event.

“Whether an owner, client or customer, the last year has been a reminder of the important role our city’s businesses serve and we would encourage everyone to join in this celebration of the value they provide for us all.”

Categories

• Royal Bank of Scotland Award for Most Outstanding Business
• The Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Large Business
• The Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Small-Medium Business sponsored by Beam Digital and Design
• The Glasgow Business Award for Community Wealth Building sponsored by Glasgow City Council
• The Glasgow Business Award for Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP
• The Glasgow Business Award for Excellence in Communications sponsored by The Herald
• The Glasgow Business Award for Family Business of the Year sponsored by Get Living
• The Glasgow Business Award for Green Champion sponsored by ScottishPower
• The Glasgow Business Award for Health and Wellbeing
• The Glasgow Business Award for Innovation in Business sponsored by Circular Glasgow
• The Glasgow Business Award for International Trade sponsored by Dentons
• The Glasgow Business Award for Net Zero Achievement sponsored by Glasgow City Council
• The Glasgow Business Award for Sustainable Development sponsored by Scottish Water
• The Glasgow Business Award for Young Business Person of the Year sponsored by City of Glasgow College
• Glasgow Times Award for Glasgow's Favourite Business
• Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Award for Lifetime Achievement