Friday March 8th 2024
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, giving the keynote speech. Photograph by Lee Live
The Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Business Awards took place night.
The event at Eskmills in Musselburgh was attended by 260 business people from across the region. The evening consisted of a business exhibition, 2 course meal and the awards presentation. Dr Liz Cameron CBE, of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, gave the keynote speech.
The annual business awards recognise the work of local businesses and this year there were several new categories to reflect the breadth and scope of regional economic activities.
HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: sponsor: Howden (Global Insurance Group)
Winner: Flowcopter
Other shortlisted businesses:
The Aerial Man
Ingenza Ltd
MadeByOrocco
Judges remarks: The judges were not only impressed with the very rapid rise in the staff and early growth, but also the immense potential in so many business sectors, both locally and internationally.
BEST INNOVATION IN BUSINESS: sponsor: Hargreaves Land
Winner: Melville Golf Centre
Other shortlisted businesses:
The Aerial Man
Alive Photos Ltd
Brand Satellite
Judges remarks: Judges were impressed with the forward thinking of using such a wide range of new technologies to enhance the customer experience, attracting more customers and saving money at the same time.
BEST COMMITMENT TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: sponsor: DYW (Developing the Young Workforce)
Winner: CSY Architects
Other shortlisted businesses:
Ingenza Ltd
Pigeon Penguin
Wild Cairns
Judges remarks: Judges thought it refreshing to see an old, established business of this nature so committed to encouraging young students of all ages to gain experience in such a creative environment and provide opportunities to develop to professional status.
BEST COMMUNITY IMPACT: sponsor – Hargreaves Land
Winner: Penicuik Storehouse
Other shortlisted businesses:
Midlothian View
Teapot Trust SCIO
WanderWomen Scotland
Judges remarks: Judges were particularly impressed with the training and encouraging of local volunteers to help support people with a wide range of special needs. The community helping the community.
BEST TOURISM BUSINESS: supporter: Edinburgh Napier University
Winner: Rosslyn Chapel
Other shortlisted businesses:
Dalkeith Country Park
Scottish Seabird Centre
WanderWomen Scotland
Judges remarks: This tourist venue is unique, has a story to tell and their visitor centre brings that story to life. The judges were very impressed with the attention to detail in their visitor presentation.
FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: sponsor: Agri-Epi Centre
Winner: Stewart Brewing
Other shortlisted businesses:
Belhaven Smokehouse
The Crumbleologist
Winton Brewery
Judges remarks: In addition to brewing a great range of beers, the judges were impressed with their innovative concept of encouraging customers to engage with the product and its production. Traditional beer drinkers love to talk about beer, at Stewart Brewing, they can.
BEST EATERY: supporter: Edinburgh College
Winner: The Radhuni
Other shortlisted businesses:
Parrilla Argentinian Grill
Rosslyn Chapel Café (Saltire Hospitality)
Secret Herb Garden Café Bistro
Judges remarks: All the entrants in this category were superb, but the judges felt that Radhuni go the extra mile for service and community involvement and support which is outstanding.
FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: sponsor: AAB
Winner: Saltire Hospitality
Other shortlisted businesses:
The Brand Family
Macmac Cleaning Services Ltd
True Potential Wealth Management
Judges remarks: A hugely-successful family business. The judges were impressed with their dedication to providing such a wide range of food in so many different types of events, whilst always being mindful of using local produce and commitment to all things green.
SME OF THE YEAR: sponsor: Thomson Cooper
Winner: Audio Light Systems
Other shortlisted businesses:
CSY Architects
MNB Networks Ltd
Saltire Hospitality
Judges remarks: Judges were impressed with the continued use of technology to enhance and grow their client base and sustain a highly-profitable on-going business.
NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: supporter: The HR Dept and the H&S Dept
Winner: Gensource
Other shortlisted businesses:
Fidra Scaffolding Ltd
Healthcraft Herbs Ltd
Table Sense Technologies Ltd
Judges remarks: The judges were impressed with the way Gensource have seen major business opportunities in what is a climate emergency facing our society and they are building a business dedicated to using innovative solutions to address its customers’ needs. Very impressive.
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: sponsor: Vattenfall
Winner: Agilico
Other shortlisted businesses:
NSD Labels
Saltire Hospitality
Stewart Brewing
Judges remarks: Agilico’s dedication to achieving net zero is outstanding throughout their business. Opening their recycling centres for old machines was inspirational and has proved to be hugely-successful.
MICRO BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: supporter: The Midlothian Science Zone (MSZ)
Winner: Beyond Green
Other shortlisted businesses:
Edinburgh Cider Co
Learn to Grow Ltd
Macmac Cleaning Services Ltd
Station House Bakery
Judges remarks: A small business dedicated to helping other small businesses becoming more efficient and more profitable and, most important of all, more environmentally friendly. The judges were impressed with that nuanced package.
LOCAL HERO sponsor: NetworkROI
John Keogh has been named as the Local Hero 2024 in the Midlothian and East Lothian Business Awards due to his “fantastic work for the homeless community”.
He set up The Ootsider, waterproof outside coats for those who love the great outdoors, and John also collaborated with The Gyle Shopping Centre in Edinburgh for the Big Ootsider Sleep Out last November. It raised in excess of £5,000.
John retired as head of engineering at Jabil Electronics in Livingston in 2017 and the concept of The Ootsider began in December 2021 when he was walking down Buchanan Street in Glasgow.
Keith Barbour, president of Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber, who organised the event, one of the leading business awards in Scotland, said: “On talking with the homeless – yes, he didn’t walk past – he realised that what was more valuable to them was something 100 per cent waterproof that would protect them and their belongings from the elements.
“A wild swimmer himself, John was familiar with waterproof changing robes, and using his vast career experience, John set about setting up a Community Interest Company (CIC) so that he could take donations and grants as well as manufacture and sell products commercially. So, The Ootsider was born.”
Barbour added: “His waterproof Ootsider coats sell to those who enjoy the great outdoors and the coat is also excellent for wheelchair users, and John reinvests profits to provide sleeping coats, a sleeping bag conversion of the coat, FREE of CHARGE, to those sleeping rough.
“Ootsiders garments are manufactured solely in Scotland to very high standards and the business focuses on working towards Net-Zero Omissions and the Circular Economy. John hopes business growth will create jobs in Scotland.”
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