Andrew McRae: ‘small firms are making a difference’

A distillery on the UK’s most northerly inhabited island and a rapidly growing Edinburgh headquartered firm supplying archaeology services are amongst the shortlisted businesses for FSB’s Celebrating Small Business Awards.

Shetland Distillery Company has been nominated for Family Business of the Year while Headland Archaeology for the Scale-Up business award. 

These firms are amongst 45 nominated businesses – stretching from Stornoway to Melrose – who will be considered for 11 awards on 21 February at a ceremony at the Playfair Library in Edinburgh. The awards are sponsored by FSB Insurance Services.

Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chairman, said: “It doesn’t matter if you’re producing liquid gold or digging for what could be buried treasure, if you’re a smaller business making a difference FSB is pleased to celebrate your successes and stand up for your interests. 

“Our awards are a celebration of the contribution that smaller and growing firms make to Scottish communities and economies. And if the strength and diversity of this year’s nominees are anything to go by, local businesses are creating jobs, generating growth and driving innovation across the length and breadth of the country.”

Small and medium businesses support 1.2 million jobs in Scotland. Further businesses with fewer than 50 employees sustain seven in ten private sector jobs in parts of rural Scotland and tens of thousands of jobs in Scotland’s cities.

Full short-list:

Business & Product Innovation Award

• Planit Scotland
• MyRoofCare
• Mage Control Systems Ltd
• Kate Davies Designs Ltd

Employer of the Year

• Robbie Fluid Engineering Ltd
• Tree of Knowledge
• SnapDragon
• AJ Engineering

Family Business of the Year

• Shetland Distillery Company Ltd
• Robbie Fluid Engineering Ltd
• Glenegedale House
• Cruise Loch Ness Ltd

Ethical – Green Business of the Year

• The Eco Larder
• Sibbald Limited
• Highland Farm Cottages and Cafe
• Kalopsia Collective

Micro Business of the Year

• Clarus Networks Ltd
• The Wee Hemp Company
• Brett Nicholls Associates
• Connect Three
• Rachel Scott Couture

Scale-Up Business of the Year

• Corporate Christmas Tree Company Ltd
• Shetland Distillery Company Ltd
• Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd
• Aberdeen Sewing Machines
• Global Trek Aviation

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (aged 30 and under)

• Macs Hair Studio
• ThePropertyStagers
• Doqaru Associates

Digital Innovation Award

• Render Studio Ltd
• Shock Innovations Ltd
• Pigeon Penguin

International Business of the Year

• Quarch Technology Ltd
• Gain Brands International UK Limited

Start-Up Business of the Year

• Outside In Garden Rooms Ltd
• The Wee Hemp Company
• Millie’s Pet Services
• Lussa Drinks Company
• The GlenAllachie Distillers Co. Limited
• The Highlander Buses

Community Award – Area only

• Jura Stores Community Interest Company
• Kilted Lobster Restaurant
• Remake Scotland
• The Warehouse Health Club
• McCrae Training Ltd
• The Merlin Academy of Traditional Music Ltd
• Darcy’s Equine Assisted Learning Centre CIC
• Midlothian View