Finalists in one of the North-east’s highest profile awards - the Elevator Awards 2016 - have been announced in what is being hailed as its most successful year yet.
Applications in a number of the 10 award categories have doubled, and in some cases tripled, compared with last year, with a 25% increase in applications altogether. The awards - which are in their 17th year - aim to commend business excellence, entrepreneurial behaviour and outstanding community contributions made by top businesses in Aberdeen City and Shire.
Those who have been successful represent a range of up-and-coming businesses, innovative organisations and firms from sectors including energy, technology, sport, leisure, food and drink, beauty and professional services.
The winners of the awards will be announced at a black tie ceremony, which will be held at the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel on Thursday, June 30, 2016.
Professor Gary McEwan, Chief Executive of Elevator - a social enterprise which works across Grampian and Tayside to help facilitate the start-up and growth of new and existing businesses - said the awards provide local businesses with the perfect opportunity to showcase what they can do for their community.
“We have received a significant increase in certain categories, including Employer of the Year, Enterprising Communities and Spirit of Enterprise,” he said.
“The response has been overwhelming, especially given that the region is facing one of its most turbulent periods in recent years with the downturn in oil and gas. Despite this change in fortune, the number of companies and entrepreneurs entering the awards shows that this is the perfect time to seek new opportunities and capitalise on the experience and skills in the area.
“It was a very difficult task to choose just 30 finalists out of what was a very competitive field, and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit an application as we really do appreciate how busy they all are.”
The Royal Bank of Scotland is the principal partner and sponsor of the awards. Russell Whyte, director with the Royal Bank of Scotland's corporate and commercial team, said: "The Royal Bank of Scotland is once again very pleased to be supporting the Elevator Awards.
"Every year it is a reminder of the crucial work and importance businesses in the North-east play in the success and prosperity of the Scottish economy. This year we've been delighted with the quality and standard of entries which has made judging such a difficult process.
"We wish every finalist the greatest success this year."
In the last year, Elevator has seen a 20% increase in the number of start-up businesses assisted in Aberdeen City and Shire, having supported more than 1,200 businesses to start up and over 800 to grow via delivery of Business Gateway services in the April 2015 to April 2016 year.
The finalists are:
Business Success Over Three Years:
Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV)
Mackies of Scotland
Premier Coaches Kintore Ltd
Business Success Under Three Years:
Abersea Engineering Limited
Aircon Scotland
Breakout Games Limited
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
Barry Park, OEM Group
Tom McAra, Rebel PT
Yva Yorston, Boost Business Support
Employer of the Year
imorph Limited
Phil Anderson Financial Services Ltd
Richard Irvin Energy Solutions
Enterprising Communities Award
Crathie Opportunity Holidays
Denis Law Legacy Trust – Streetsport
North East Sensory Services
Most Promising New Business
Aberdeen Concrete Limited
FreshMex
Linton & Mac
Spirit of Enterprise
BackStrong Adventures Ltd
Gail Reid Mortgage Services Ltd
Sheryl Newman, Appetite for Business
The Grampian Award for Innovation
Churchill Drilling Tools
ENREN (Energy Neutral Recovery of Elements and Nutrients)
Exnics
Entrepreneurial Supporter of the Year
Jai Aenugu, Entrepreneurs Scotland
Angela McLean-Boyle and Lisa Brannan, Myriad
Shonagh Fraser, Hall Morrice
There are no finalists in the Entrepreneur of the Year category as the winner is selected on the evening of the awards in June.