FAMILY businesses across Scotland are to be recognised next month at The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards 2017.

The awards are organised in association with Business Gateway and supported by Strathclyde Business School, Craig Corporate, Campbell Dallas, Clydesdale Bank, Burness Paull, TL Dallas, City Gate Construction and The Kinnell Group.

More than 350 guests will be in attendance at the awards, hosted by Sanjeev Kohli, on December 6 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer of the Business Gateway National Unit said: “The Herald Family Business Awards is a celebration of some of the very best Scottish companies and, for me, a highlight in the business events calendar. The fact that they are all family businesses brings something really special to the evening and we’re looking forward to recognising their achievements.”

Brian Colquhoun, UK head of commercial banking, Clydesdale Bank said: "Clydesdale Bank is delighted to be supporting the Scottish Family Business Awards. We work with family businesses up and down the country and this is an excellent way to showcase the hard work and effort that these firms make.  This event is the highlight of the business calendar and we can't wait to find out who the winners are next week. Good luck to every one of the nominees."

Fraser Campbell, head of family business advisory services at Campbell Dallas said: “This promises to be an excellent year, with many quality family businesses taking this as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the Scottish rural sector. In the Large Rural Family Business category the bar has been set very high and we are very much looking forward to the big night”.

Head of Rural at the firm, Andy Ritchie, added: “I am looking forward to the awards event and getting the opportunity to speak to so many talented people. It promises to be a fascinating evening.”

Peter Dawson, founder of The Kinnell Group said: “The awards night is always a fantastic event, and it is a privilege to be part of the celebrations. It’s a great showcase of the strength of family businesses and demonstrates their important role in the Scottish economy”.

Grant Stevenson, partner, Burness Paull said: “Having seen the standard of finalists across all categories, I think this looks set to be a really inspiring showcase of Scotland’s family business sector. In particular, the international growth category drives home the fact that Scotland is flying the flag for success on the global stage. I look forward to all the businesses involved receiving well-deserved recognition on the night.”

John Anderson, director, Strathclyde Business School said: “Scotland is blessed with a strong family business base and at Strathclyde Business School we see signs of a positive change in attitude toward this part of the economy and a willingness from the family business community to stand up and be counted."

Gary Tracey, finance director of City Gate Construction (CGC) and one of this year’s judges, said: “We are immensely looking forward to this fantastic occasion which will reward the brightest stars among Scotland’s family businesses. They do a fantastic job and in many respects underpin our economy.”

Bernard Dunn, managing director, TL Dallas, said: “The Family Business Awards promises to be a celebration of family business and what they bring to our economy. We will hear inspirational stories about great companies, which family members have committed themselves over generations to achieve success amidst all the challenges and pressures, and all within a family environment.”

Gordon McCall, Associate Director, Craig Corporate said: “With a great line up of companies and a great new location this year's dinner looks set to be a fantastic celebration of the achievements of family businesses in Scotland. I very much look forward to meeting the nominees and celebrating the success of our award winners.”

For more information on how to attend please visit www.newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/familybusiness/ or contact Heather Steven on 0141 302 6018.