A family-owned transport firm and a seafood company took the top honours at Moray Chamber of Commerce’s annual business awards last night.
More than 270 members of Moray’s business community gathered at the Alexander Graham Bell Centre, in Elgin, for the awards ceremony.
The most prestigious honour of the evening, the Main Business Award, went to Aberlour-based McPhersons Ltd.
The award, which recognises companies that have made a significant contribution to the local economy and is sponsored by Moray Council and Business Gateway, was presented by Councillor John Cowe.
Founded in 1925 to serve the Speyside whisky industry, McPherson’s has grown to become the pre-eminent bulk spirits logistics specialist in Scotland, with more than 360 employees. It caters for every aspect of production, from transportation of grain to the movement of bulk spirit to bottling and packaging plants.
Company director Martin Brown said: “We are honoured to be recognised as being ranked as one of the top business in Moray.
“It is testimony to all of the hard work that our teams have put in over the years. It is our goal to continue to deliver unrivalled customer service to all of our customers and to develop our skills base in order to meet those demands.”
Buckie-based Associated Seafoods were winners of the evening’s other top honour, The Moray Export Award, sponsored by Walkers Shortbread
With export sales accounting for 70% of its near £20m turnover, the company sells Scottish seafood to customers in 28 countries around the world.
The award was presented to Associated Seafood’s export manager, Henry Angus, by James Walker.
Mr Angus said: “We are thrilled to have won this award. At the heart of our success has been the commitment of our staff in producing premium Scottish smoked salmon that is in strong demand around the world.
“We intend to further grow our export base over the coming years, which will deliver further benefits to the Moray region and the wider Scottish economy.”
Sarah Medcraf, chief executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce said: “I am pleased that even in a tough business climate, our Moray businesses are proving time and time again that they can press on through.
“We have a great range of sectors and businesses here. As well as having some of Scotland’s most successful brands on our doorstep, we also have some very successfully SME’s and strong start-ups ranging from tourism to creative industry and it is great that we are able to celebrate them.”
Guest speaker at the chamber’s 13th annual awards was Kathryn Evans, chief executive, of Moray Sports Centre and a former international heptathlete.
The event raised funds for North East Sensory Services, a local charity that has been providing services since 1879 and currently supports more than over 4,500 blind, partially sighted, deaf and hard of hearing people throughout the area.