Stirling Business Excellence Awards: SME Business of the Year

To recognise the best in the city and its surrounding areas, The Scotsman has launched the Stirling Business Excellence Awards with headline sponsor Invest in Stirling, and in association with STEP in Stirling.

Stuart Cronin is Head of Business Engagement and Development at the University of Stirling

To celebrate a cross section of businesses and their vital role in the economic success of the region, The Scotsman is calling for entries to its inaugural Stirling Business Excellence Awards. Comprised of 14 categories, including SME Business of the Year, Family Business, Entrepreneur, and Lifetime Achievement, entries should be submitted by Saturday, 20 January 2024.

The awards ceremony and black tie gala dinner will take place at the Stirling Court Hotel in February.

As well as Invest in Stirling and STEP, other sponsors and partners include the University of Stirling, Graham & Sibbald, LOC Hire, ECO Hire, Techscaler and Kings Park Hospital.

Stirling Council leader, Councillor Chris Kane, says: “The Awards are a great opportunity to showcase our reputation as a centre of business and innovation excellence. It’s an exciting time, with the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal unlocking investment opportunities in excess of £640 million.

David Miller, managing director of STEP, adds: “In our 40th anniversary year, we’re delighted to be working on a remarkable event that surpasses all previous ones with The Scotsman.”

SME Business of the Year

Sponsored by the University of Stirling

Small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are integral to the economic success of Stirling and surrounding areas, and indeed to Scotland as a whole.

The SME Business of the Year category is open to those with up to 249 staff and an apprenticeship programme.

Entrants should give an overview of the latter; list how many apprentices they have; detail the benefits they have brought; what makes their programme best in class and how they promote it, and present a case study.

Stuart Cronin of the University of Stirling, says:“We’re delighted to sponsor the category. SMEs are an integral part of the business community in Stirling. We’re keen to support, drive innovation and collaborate with them.”

The Stirling Business Excellence Awards takes place on Thursday,22 February, 2024 at the Stirling Court Hotel in Stirling.

For more information, details of all 14 categories and how to nominate a candidate, and for ticket information, visit www.stirlingbizawards.co.uk