Awards for high flying Highland businesses
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STRONG private companies will help the Highlands and Islands see out the economic downturn, a senior business leader believes.
Michael Urquhart, regional chairman with the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, was speaking at the organisation’s Highlands and Islands awards which saw seven firms pick up awards for business excellence.
“We are fortunate to have such successful and innovative companies throughout the region and we are delighted to have the opportunity to see some of the real business achievements being recognised by these awards,” he said.
Inverness’ Orion Group, founded by chairman Alan Savage, received the prestigious Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Business Achievement in recognition of its growth over the past 25 years from a small recruitment agency supplying the Nigg and Ardersier Fabrication yards to a major international personnel supply business with an estimated turnover for the current year of £360 million.
LifeScan Scotland, which employs 1,100 people in Inverness developing and manufacturing diabetes testing strips, was recognised with the Excellence in People Development award.
In 2006 the Beechwood-based company launched a strategy to develop its staff’s leadership skills, sending almost all senior managers on a six month intensive ?programme, while others were provided with a two-day basic internal coaching course.
Part of the Johnson & Johnson group, it recently expanded its research operations in Inverness.
Inverness social enterprise New Start Highland was recognised for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability.
Since being established in 2000, it has redirected 4,500 tonnes of furniture, household goods and appliances from landfill for reuse.
Now employing 70 people across the region, it provides starter packs for people on limited incomes setting up a new home, operates a cycle scheme and provides a house furnishing service, removals, painting and decorating, landscaping and garden maintenance services.
“We are delighted that New Start Highland’s environmental contribution has been recognised by this award,” said chief executive James Dunbar.
“With over 1,300 bikes brought back into use, 5,000 starter packs distributed, and 750,000 items redirected from waste, New Start have made a real contribution to our environment.
“As a social enterprise New Start’s underlying aim since inception has been to assist individuals to unlock their untapped potential and we are delighted to do this whilst making such a positive impact on our environment.”
The awards were presented by Andrew Dixon, chief executive of Creative Scotland, at a dinner in the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness. The event was compered by journalist Sally Magnusson and comedian High Dennis was the after dinner speaker.
The award winners
* Benromach Award for Excellence in International Business: Marine Harvest (Scotland)
* The Crown Estate One to Watch Award for Excellence in a Marine Business: Böd Ayre Seaweed Products
* Global Energy Award for Excellence in People Development: LifeScan Scotland
* Highlands and Islands Enterprise Award for Excellence in Research and Innovation: Ross-Shire Engineering
* ScotRail Award for Excellence in Business Service and Engagement: Albyn Housing Society
* The Scottish Environment Protection Agency Award for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability: New Start Highland
* SCDI Award for Highlands & Islands Young Engineers and Science Club of the Year: Grantown Grammar School
* SCDI Highlands & Islands Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Business Achievement: Orion Group
