A family business entrepreneur who sold his company in a multi-million pound deal is the keynote speaker at The Herald’s Scottish Family Business Awards.
John Watson exited from his Glasgow based label printing business, John Watson & Company, two years ago with a sale to US giant Multi-Color Corporation.
Mr Watson is estimated to have made in the region of £15 million from the sale but has remained an active contributor to the Scottish business scene.
The audience of more than 300 at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow will be hoping to hear anecdotes from Mr Watson’s long career in business.
Dozens of companies from around Scotland have been nominated at the awards held in association with Business Gateway and supported by Strathclyde Business School, Supplier Development Programme, Craig Corporate, Campbell Dallas, Clydesdale Bank, Burness Paull, TL Dallas and the Grand Central Hotel.
Ian McConnell, The Herald’s business editor and chairman of the judging panel, said: “The award entries highlighted the fact that Scotland’s family business sector continues to cope admirably with tough economic conditions, with many firms enjoying great success.
“The achievements of the nominees, as well as companies which did not make the shortlist, are impressive indeed, and categories were hotly contested.”
Other judges also praised the entrants and nominees.
Hugh Lightbody, chief officer from the Business Gateway National Unit, said: “The awards night is always a tremendous evening that brings together all of the finalists to celebrate and recognise their achievements.”
Councillor Chris Thompson, supplier development programme chairman, said: “Supplier Development Programme is looking forward to meeting some of Scotland’s most promising small family businesses and celebrating their successes at this event.”
John Anderson, director of the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, 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 important part of the economy and a willingness from the family business community to stand up and be counted.”
Tom Craig, chairman at Craig Corporate, said: “Once again we have been delighted with the range and quality of applications for the awards this year. Each of the finalists thoroughly deserve to have been shortlisted and they all have inspiring stories to tell.”
Alastair Christmas, regional director at Clydesdale Bank, said: “We are delighted to be a part of many family businesses stories. We’ve watched many go from strength to strength, often through generations of partnership with us.”
Grant Stevenson, partner at Burness Paull said “Being part of the judging panel gave me a great opportunity to find out more about some of Scotland’s most successful family businesses, and I was hugely impressed with all entrants.”
Fraser Campbell, partner at Campbell Dallas, said: “I am looking forward to meeting the finalists in the Innovation category as the quality of the entrants was very high and demonstrates the commitment and energy of Scottish Family Businesses in pushing technology and commercial boundaries.”
Tom Aldridge, director at TL Dallas, said, "It's great to see the family business world under the spotlight in Scotland."
For tickets or further information on the awards contact http://herald-events.com/familybusiness/ or contact Claire Reid on 0141 302 7319.
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