The finalists have been named for the latest edition of annual honours celebrating north-east business excellence, entrepreneurial behaviour and outstanding community contributions.
Organisers of the Elevator Awards 2016 said yesterday the level of interest in the event had produced a 25% rise in entries, compared with last year, despite the oil and gas industry downturn.
Applications for some of the 10 competition categories tripled, with Aberdeen-based business support group Elevator describing the overall response as “overwhelming”.
Elevator chief executive Gary McEwan added: “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 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.”
The awards, which were previously known as the Grampian Awards for Business Excellence, are in their 17th year.
This year’s finalists 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, including an entrepreneur of the year, will be announced at a black tie ceremony at Ardoe House Hotel at Blairs, near Aberdeen, on Thursday, June 30.
Finalists:
Business success over three years – Aberdeen Sports Village, Mackie’s of Scotland and Premier Coaches Kintore.
Business success under three years – Abersea Engineering, Aircon Scotland and Breakout Games.
Emerging entrepreneur of the year – Barry Park at OEM Diesel Products, Tom McAra of Rebel PT and Yva Yorston at Boost Business Support.
Employer of the year – Imorph, Phil Anderson Financial Services and Richard Irvin Energy Solutions.
Enterprising communities – Crathie Opportunity Holidays, Denis Law Legacy Trust/Streetsport and North East Sensory Services
Most promising new business – Aberdeen Concrete, FreshMex and Linton & Mac.
Spirit of enterprise – BackStrong Adventures, Gail Reid Mortgage Services and Sheryl Newman of Appetite for Business.
Innovation – Churchill Drilling Tools, Enren and Exnics.
Entrepreneurial supporter of the year – Jai Aenugu at Entrepreneurs Scotland, Angela McLean-Boyle and Lisa Brannan of Myriad and Shonagh Fraser at Hall Morrice.
