THE finalists in the 2014 Herald Family Business Awards, in association with Business Gateway, assembled for an exclusive networking event at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow last night.

The shortlisted businesses were presented with their certificates ahead of the big event on December 3, when the winners will be announced at a black-tie event at the same venue.

Companies from all over Scotland, representing a broad range of sectors, have made it to the final stage.

And last night they had the chance to meet fellow candidates and hear from sponsors, which include title partner Business Gateway, Campbell Dallas, Burness Paull, TL Dallas, Foundation Scotland, Grand Central Hotel, Clydesdale Bank and Craig Corporate.

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer of Business Gateway, sponsor of the fastest growing family business category, said it was "extremely rewarding" that the quality of entries has matched the "incredibly high" benchmark set last year.

Clydesdale Bank's Alastair Christmas praised the dedication which has propelled the four short-listed businesses in the small to medium family business category into the final.

Fraser Campbell, partner at Campbell Dallas, highlighted the finalists' commitment to "pushing technology and commercial boundaries" in the business innovation category.

Craig Corporate chairman Tom Craig welcomed the chance to meet the finalists in the Scottish family business of the year (large) category. TL Dallas director Bernard Dunn said the event was a chance to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the finalists. And Grant Stevenson, partner of Burness Paull, said he was privileged to read through the entries this year.