Celebrating the stars of the local business world

The third annual business ‘Oscars’ will showcase the good work taking place in boardrooms, shopfloors, social enterprises and hostelries across the area.

And The Kirkintilloch Herald Series and Milngavie & Bearsden Herald are once again on board as media sponsors.

Nominations will be sought from a range of sectors across a number of categories.

A panel of judges from the council, partners and business will again help to choose the finalists, who will be invited to a special awards dinner on Friday, May 20, in The Eagle Lodge, Bishopbriggs.

Last year’s competition attracted 40 nominees, building on the success of the inaugural event in 2014.

As well as the awards, the final will again include a charity fundraiser in aid of a number of local organisations. The 2014 and 2015 events raised a combined total of more than £14,000 for a range of great causes.

Councillor Alan Moir, convener of development and regeneration, said: “The 2015 awards were a sparkling celebration of the many inspirational entrepreneurs and hard-working men and women helping to power East Dunbartonshire’s economy.

“I am delighted to confirm that work is well underway on the 2016 awards, which will follow a similar format, with some changes to build upon their success.

“The 2016 East Dunbartonshire Business Awards offer a terrific chance to recognise the achievements of local enterprises who contribute so much to this area in terms of investment, employment and services.

“I am proud to say that East Dunbartonshire Council provides a range of support programmes for new and existing businesses in the area through our Economic Development and Business Gateway services.

“I would again encourage all businesses to consider entering when the award nominations are opened.”

The 2015 winners were:

nBusiness of the Year - Fleming Buildings Limited

nWomen in Business - Lynn Martin

nYoung Business Person of the Year - Vittoria Capaldi

nSocial Enterprise of the Year - Bearsden Ski and Board Club

nCommunity Champion - Huntershill Village

nStart-up Business of the Year - Class4Kids

nIndependent Retailer of the Year - Billington’s of Lenzie

nHospitality, Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year - Nonna’s Kitchen

nService Business of the Year - Electronic Security Systems and Fire Protection Ltd

nGrowth Business of the Year - Perceptive Communicators

nBest Use of E-Commerce by a Business - Silk Blooms

nLarge Business of the Year - Fleming Buildings Limited

Councillor Moir said: “The winners showed the innovation, determination and hard work which are vital to East Dunbartonshire’s economy.

“On the night, there was one winner for each award, but it was very much the case that every business and entrepreneur who entered was a winner in their own right.”

Details of the award categories, timescales and application details will be announced soon.