Port of Aberdeen landed the top honour at the Northern Star Business Awards last night after being named 2023 Business of the Year.
More than 800 people packed P&J Live for the glittering ceremony, the biggest business party of the year, hosted by BBC and MTV television star Edith Bowman.
The awards – run by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, in association with Brodies LLP – recognise successful and growing businesses that make a positive impact on the North-east economy.
Other big winners on the night included Aberdeen Performing Arts, ASCO, Mission10, JBS Group, Aberdeen FC Community Trust and Schoolhill Hydraulic Engineering.
Port of Aberdeen impressed the independent panel of judges with its commitment to the region’s economy through the £420million South Harbour development.
For almost 900 years, the Port of Aberdeen has been at the heart of the North-east economy, constantly evolving to support new industries.
The Port contributes £1.5billion to Scotland's economy, employs around 100 people, and supports 12,000 jobs. It is the port-of-choice for offshore energies, decommissioning, general cargo, cruise and ferry services, connecting customers to around 40 international trading routes.
There were also special awards for City Restoration Project, in recognition of its work to regenerate Union Street, and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was given the Regional Contribution Award.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “These awards represent a big part of our role in talking up our city region as a great place to live, work, study, visit, invest and do business.
“They provide a unique stage to showcase and celebrate the brilliant work being done by businesses from all sectors, of all sizes, and from across the length and breadth of our fantastic area.
“Economic headwinds continue to blow, but opportunity for this region abounds and our innovative companies are demonstrating that in spades, none more so than our Business of the Year, Port of Aberdeen.”
Elaine Farquharson-Black, Partner at Brodies LLP, said: “The Northern Star Business Awards has been a highlight in this region's business calendar for a number of years and Brodies is delighted to be the title sponsor.
“The last 12 months have been undeniably challenging for our business community, but I love that this evening is about celebrating the many wonderful achievements of local businesses. We don't shout about our successes enough.
“The 2023 nominees follow in a long line of people and organisations who, inspired by their Northern Star experience, have gone on to achieve even greater things and I am excited to see what the future holds for this year's winners.”
The Northern Star Business Awards are also being supported by ANM Group, Aberdeen International Airport, Balmoral, Bancon Group, University of Aberdeen, Port of Aberdeen, bp, Gray & Adams, Aberdeenshire Council, Shell, RGU, True North, Colin Lawson Transport, Our Union Street and Ledingham Chalmers LLP.
The awards also raised money for four local charities, Mental Health Aberdeen, Aberdeen Science Centre, The Archie Foundation and Kayleigh’s Wee Stars.
The 2023 Northern Star Business Awards winners are:
Business of the Year (sponsored by ANM Group)
Port of Aberdeen
Regional Contribution (sponsored by Shell)
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Customer First (sponsored by Colin Lawson Transport)
Aberdeen Performing Arts
Driving Sustainability (sponsored by bp)
ASCO
Family Business (sponsored by Aberdeenshire Council)
Schoolhill Hydraulic Engineering Ltd
Going Global (sponsored by Aberdeen International Airport)
JBS Group
Inspiration from Innovation (sponsored by Port of Aberdeen)
DeltaTek, an Expro Company
Inspiring Futures (sponsored by Gray & Adams)
Aberdeen FC Community Trust
Making the Difference (sponsored by Balmoral Group)
CFINE
The Archibald Simpson Award (sponsored by Our Union Street)
City Restoration Project
Start-up Business of the Year (sponsored by Ledingham Chalmers)
ABERDAM Dutch Fries
Marketing Magic (sponsored by True North)
Mission10
Rising Star (sponsored by University of Aberdeen)
Entier Ltd - Shane Pirie
Staff Matter (sponsored by Bancon Group)
WM Donald
Student Placement (sponsored by Robert Gordon University)
Prospect 13