THE Herald is delighted to unveil the finalists for the Scottish Family Business Awards 2016, in association with Business Gateway.

Firms from a wide range of sectors have made the shortlist for the 10 contested awards, and will find out if they have won at Glasgow’s Grand Central hotel on December 7. An award for outstanding contribution to family business will also be presented on the night.

The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards celebrate firms which flourish under family ownership, recognising excellence in areas such innovation, customer service and international growth. Herald business editor Ian McConnell chairs the judging panel.

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer at the Business Gateway National Unit, said: “Once again we have had an excellent response to the Herald Family Business Awards with many businesses from across Scotland entering the competition.”

Fraser Campbell, partner at Campbell Dallas, said: “The judges were delighted with the quality and variety of submissions, demonstrating a clear vision and forward thinking by many entrants.”

Brian Colquhoun, regional director at Clydesdale Bank, said: “This year the calibre of entries was extremely high, which is testament to the success of family businesses in Scotland.”

Bernard Dunn, managing director of TL Dallas, said: “This year we have seen even more diversity in those companies entering the awards, all with a great story to tell.”

Gordon McCall, associate director at Craig Corporate, added: “The standard of entries improves each year and reflects the strength and depth of the family business community in Scotland.

Gillian Cameron, programme manager at Supplier Development Programme said: “We’re delighted to see so many businesses applying for this year’s awards, and congratulate those who have made it through so far.”

Grant Stevenson, partner at Burness Paull said: “The calibre of entrants this year is fantastic, and a real testament to the vision, ambition and energy of Scotland’s family business sector.”

Sean Keenan, head of alternative fuels and resource trading at William Tracey Group said “The Scottish Family Business Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the success of family businesses.”

Strathclyde Business School director John Anderson, said: “We are committed to raising the profile of this vital sector and this year’s finalists provide that hard evidence.”

Here is the shortlist:

Fastest Growing Family Business Award - supported by Business Gateway

Campbell & Kennedy

Robinsons Scotland Ltd

Gas Call Services Ltd

Business Innovation Award – supported by Campbell Dallas

Douglas Laing & Co

LINIAN

Rearo

International Growth Award - supported by Burness Paull

Hunter Laing & Company Limited

RP Adam Ltd (Arpal Group)

Tilly Confectionery Ltd

Customer Service Excellence – supported by TL Dallas

Connelly Security Systems Ltd (CSS)

Scotlight Group

GAP Hire Solutions

Campbell & Kennedy

Commitment to the Community – supported by Grand Central Hotel

Hutton Stone Co. Ltd.

eteaket Tea

J & J Watson Property

Green Family Business of the Yearsupported by The William Tracey Group

Élan Hair Design

Campbell & Kennedy

JML Contracts Ltd

Rural Family Business (Small/Medium) – supported by Supplier Development Programme

Hutton Stone Co. Ltd.

Scotlight Group

Eric Gillie Ltd

SkyeSkyns Ltd

Rural Family Business (Large) – presented by The Herald

Robinsons Scotland Ltd

The House of Bruar

Gleaner Oils Limited

Scottish Family Business of the Year (Small/Medium) – supported by Clydesdale Bank

Jannettas Gelateria Ltd

Anderson Maguire Funeral Directors

Shearer Candles

Stafffinders

Skyform Group

Scottish Family Business of the Year (Large) - supported by Craig Corporate

McGhee Group Limited

Mactaggart & Mickel Group

Di Maggio's Restaurant Group

Bells Food Group Ltd

Outstanding Contribution – supported by Strathclyde Business School

To be announced on the night

To attend please visit www.herald-events.com/familybusiness or call Lynsay Wong on 0141 302 6082.