Inverness City Centre Business Awards - everyone who collected a trophy
City centre businesses have been celebrating success following public acknowledgement of their efforts.
Nearly 5000 people voted, casting over 53,000 votes for their favourite organisations in the annual Inverness City Centre Business Awards.
Organised by Inverness BID and sponsored by The Inverness Courier, the event attracted more than 200 people to the city’s Drumossie Hotel.
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Sixteen categories each had a winner and a highly commended finalist.
There was double delight for Perk Coffee & Doughnuts, in Church Street, which was named Café of the Year and won the Connoisseurs Choice Award.
A spokeswoman for the firm said: “It’s just amazing, we are so grateful. The recognition is amazing. Thank you for voting for us.”
There was also an Inverness quiz, entertainment from musical sensation Michael Lewis and a charity raffle. It raised nearly £2000 for Cafe 1668 which provides free meals and support to people in need across the city.
Inverness BID deputy manager Margaret Laws said: “What makes the recognition particularly special is that the category winners, across the 16 sectors, are selected by public vote, underscoring the importance of being part of a supportive and engaged community.”
Colin Craig, co-chairman of Inverness BID and owner of Oil & Vinegar, added: “It’s been a wonderful night, and it was great to see so many local businesses and organisations recognised for their hard work. A big thank you to our sponsor, the Inverness Courier, and to everyone who contributed to making this event a success.”
Craig Duncan, co-chairman of Inverness BID and owner of Craigton Foods and McDonald’s franchisee, said: “Congratulations to all those recognised this evening and thank you to everyone who voted.
“Whether a finalist or not it is the people behind all our businesses, charities and third-sector organisations, who make such a positive difference and make Inverness such a great place to live and work.”
Full list of winners:
• Café of the Year: Winner - Perk Coffee & Doughnuts; Highly Commended - Good Craic Café
• Creative & Culture Business of the Year: Winner - Inver Ink; Highly Commended - One of A Kind
• Boutique or Menswear Retailer of the Year: Winner - Slater Menswear; Highly Commended - Cafferys
• City Centre Bar of the Year: Winner - Black Isle Bar; Highly Commended - Playback
• City Centre Charity of the Year: Winner - Mikeysline; Highly Commended - Highland Hospice Shop
• Connoisseurs Choice Award: Winner - Perk Coffee & Doughnuts; Highly Commended - The Malt Room
• Eastgate Centre Business of the Year: Winner - Waterstones; Highly Commended - Rituals
• Hair & Beauty Salon of the Year: Winner - Sleeping Beauty Salon; Highly Commended - Timeless Salon
• Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year: Winner - The Health Shop; Highly Commended - Specsavers
• Hospitality & Tourism Business of the Year: Winner - Ben Wyvis Kilts; Highly Commended - Murray Travel
• Independent Business of the Year: Winner - Colin Campbell & Co; Highly Commended - Saffron Oriental Food Shop
• National Retailer of the Year: Winner - Marks & Spencer; Highly Commended - Primark
• Professional & Business Services Award: Winner - Macleod & MacCallum; Highly Commended - Munro & Noble
• Restaurant of the Year: Winner - The Mustard Seed; Highly Commended - Coyote Burger
• Takeaway of the Year: Winner - Miele’s Gelateria; Highly Commended - The Redshank
• Victorian Market Business of the Year: Winner - Bad Girl Bakery; Highly Commended - Ollie’s Pops
