Inaugural Family Business Awards open for nominations

Deputy Business Editor

Thursday 11 October 2012

NOMINATIONS for The Herald's inaugural Scottish Family Business Awards are now open.

BOLD STEPS: Martin Stepek says the contribution of family businesses has long been overlooked yet it is vital to Scotland's communities, cities and the nation as a whole.

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greig cameron deputy business editor

The event, run in association with Business Gateway, is open to enterprises of all sizes and across every sector in Scotland.

It aims to celebrate the success of the diverse, dynamic and innovative family business sector, and the contribution these firms make to the communities in which they operate and to the wider economy. Many family businesses have grown to become global leaders in their sectors with operations and personnel in many countries, while still retaining their roots and headquarters in Scotland.

These companies offer a crucial boost to Scotland's international reputation while also providing significant knock-on benefits to those who sell goods and services to them and their employees. Then there are the thousands of lower-profile smaller family businesses that together make such an important contribution to the overall Scottish economy and labour market. Some of these firms are, given the areas in which they operate, focused on the domestic market but others have embraced international challenges and succeed at them even though they are often up against global conglomerates. The awards – also supported by The Scottish Family Business Association, Royal Bank of Scotland and the Grand Central Hotel – have 10 categories for businesses to enter. Those include family business of the year, business innovation, fastest growth, international growth, outstanding contribution and customer service excellence. Martin Stepek, chief executive of the Scottish Family Business Association, said: "I am delighted to see The Herald take the initiative on this exciting new series of awards. "Family businesses are vital to Scotland's communities, cities and the nation as a whole and dominate whole sectors of the economy. "Their contribution and entrepreneurship have long been overlooked. "I applaud The Herald for redressing this in a bold and imaginative way." Hugh Lightbody, chief officer at Business Gateway, said: "Almost three-quarters of businesses in Scotland are family enterprises and are an important source of employment as well as being massive contributors to the wealth of the country. "Our network of business advisers across Scotland has experience of working with every type of business structure and is aware of the challenges they each present for those running those companies, including family businesses. "We are delighted to be part of an awards programme that recognises the very best in this important part of the economy." Ian McConnell, business editor of The Herald, said: "Family businesses play an absolutely crucial role in Scotland's economy – a role we underestimate at our peril especially in these tough economic times. "Many of Scotland's biggest and best-known businesses have started out as family firms. "Some of these big players have continued to grow under family ownership and management, and have become household names, while others have listed on the stock market and made it all the way to the FTSE-100 index of leading publicly-quoted companies." All entries will be considered by an expert panel of judges to be appointed by The Herald. How to enterwww.herald-events.com/familybusiness The categories are: Scottish Family Business of the Year (Small/Medium): For companies with fewer than 100 employees and that have enjoyed outstanding success. Scottish Family Business of the Year (Large): For companies with more than 100 employees and that have enjoyed outstanding success. Business Innovation: To reward companies that have embraced innovation through products, processes, working practices or service delivery. Commitment to the Community: To recognise family businesses that make a major difference to their community. Fastest Growing Family Business: For companies that have achieved sustained expansion over recent years. International Growth Award: For companies that have enjoyed major success in overseas market-places in recent times. Leading Adviser to Family Business: To recognise professional advisers with a strong track record of supporting Scottish family businesses. Customer Service Excellence: To showcase companies that have excelled in the provision of customer service. Rural Family Business: To highlight strongly performing rural companies. Outstanding Contribution: For an individual or team which has made a large contribution to a Scottish family business. The event takes place on Tuesday, December 4, at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow and begins with a drinks reception at 7pm. For further information about tickets and the awards themselves, please contact Alison Martin on 0141 302 7410 or email her

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Inaugural Family Business Awards open for nominations

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