THE finalists are unveiled today for The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards for 2019.

A host of family-owned firms, which trade across a broad range of business sectors, have made the shortlist, with the winners to be unveiled at a ceremony in Glasgow next month.

Now in their eighth year, the awards celebrate the huge contribution family firms make to the Scottish economy.

This year’s competition, held in association with Business Gateway, features 12 contested categories. And the awards night, which will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, December 4, will culminate in the presentation of a special prize for Outstanding Contribution to family business.

The Herald:

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer of Business Gateway national unit, and a member of the judging panel, said: “I would like to congratulate all of this year’s finalists. The calibre of entries received was incredibly high, setting us up for an exciting evening of close competition at the awards ceremony.”

Ian McConnell, business editor of The Herald and chairman of the judging panel, said: “The standard of entries once again underlined the breadth, depth and vitality of Scotland’s key family business sector, which plays such a crucial role in the economy.

“Family businesses, by their nature, tend to take a long-term approach, far removed from the short-term focus of some stock market-listed companies.

“Many use this considered approach towards strategy to great effect through the generations, harnessing the skills and experience of loyal employees to build wealth.”

Neil Grimmond of Craig Corporate said: “We’re delighted to see such high quality finalists for the awards again this year.

“Their stories are truly inspiring, and represent all that makes family businesses so special”.

Deyrick Smith of Clydesdale Bank, sponsor of the Scottish Family Business of the Year (Small/Medium), award, said: “We congratulate those businesses who

have been shortlisted today and wish them the best of luck for December’s event.”

John Anderson of Strathclyde Business School said of the shortlist: “The great spread of family businesses from all sectors and parts of Scotland clearly demonstrates what our own experience as family business researchers and practitioners tells us –

that family businesses make a significant contribution to the Scottish economy.”

Gillian Cameron of Supplier Development Programme said the firm “wholeheartedly extends its warmest congratulations to the businesses that are recognised as Finalists in both Rural Business Categories in The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards, which we are proud to sponsor.”

Bernard Dunn at TL Dallas & Co said: “As a proud family business ourselves, it is fantastic to be able to co-sponsor The Herald’s Family Business Awards for the seventh year in a row, in the Customer Service Excellence category. “

Fraser Campbell at Campbell Dallas, said: “Entries this year really showcase the achievements of leading family businesses in Scotland and reinforce their vital contribution to the Scottish and wider economy.”

Grant Stevenson at Burness Paull said: “The entries were all extremely impressive, and it is fantastic to see such a range of family businesses achieving

so much and flying

the flag for Scotland both at home and further afield.

“Good luck to everyone on the night.”

Maggie Croft of Stand said it was “great to see the calibre of the entries into the Green Family Business category, which show how seriously family businesses are taking environmental issues.”

For more information and tickets for the awards visit http://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/familybusiness/ or contact Nina Holmes on 0141 302 6036.