The Finalists of the Elevator Awards 2016 celebrate today!

It was amazing to see the number of Elevator Awards applications rise this year by 25% despite the downturn in oil and gas and the challenging circumstances facing the region.

Applications in the number of the 10 award categories have doubled, and in some cases tripled, compared with last year, with a 25% increase in applications altogether. 

The awards - which are in their 17th year - aim to commend business excellence, entrepreneurial behaviour and outstanding community contributions made by top businesses in Aberdeen City and Shire. 

Those who have been successful represent a range of up-and-coming businesses, innovative organisations and firms from sectors including energy, technology, sport, leisure, food and drink, beauty and professional services.

The winners of the awards will be announced at our black-tie ceremony, which will be held at the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel on Thursday, June 30, 2016. To book a table at this event please complete our ONLINE BOOKING FORM here. 

Professor Gary McEwan, Chief Executive of Elevator - a social enterprise which works across Grampian and Tayside to help facilitate the start-up and growth of new and existing businesses - said the awards provide local businesses with the perfect opportunity to showcase what they can do for their community. 

20141126 Elevator 44“We have received a significant increase in certain categories, including Employer of the Year, Enterprising Communities and Spirit of Enterprise,” he said.

“The response has been overwhelming, especially given that the region is facing one of its most turbulent periods in recent years with the downturn in oil and gas. Despite this change in fortune, the number of companies and entrepreneurs entering the awards shows that this is the perfect time to seek new opportunities and capitalise on the experience and skills in the area.

“It was a very difficult task to choose just 30 finalists out of what was a very competitive field, and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit an application as we really do appreciate how busy they all are.”  

The Royal Bank of Scotland is the principal partner and sponsor of the awards. Russell Whyte, Director of the Royal Bank of Scotland's corporate and commercial team, said: "The Royal Bank of Scotland is once again very pleased to be supporting the Elevator Awards.

russell whyte Elevator Awards 077"Every year it is a reminder of the crucial work and importance businesses in the North-east play in the success and prosperity of the Scottish economy. This year we've been delighted with the quality and standard of entries which has made judging such a difficult process.

"We wish every Finalist the greatest success this year."

In the last year, Elevator has seen a 20% increase in the number of start-up businesses assisted in Aberdeen City and Shire, having supported more than 1,200 businesses to start up and over 800 to grow via delivery of Business Gateway services in April 2015 to April 2016 year.

The finalists are:

Business Success Over Three Years: 

  • Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV)
  • Mackies of Scotland
  • Premier Coaches Kintore Ltd

Business Success Under Three Years: 

  • Abersea Engineering Limited
  • Aircon Scotland
  • Breakout Games Limited 

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 

  • Barry Park, OEM Group
  • Tom McAra, Rebel PT
  • Yva Yorston, Boost Business Support 

Employer of the Year 

  • imorph Limited
  • Phil Anderson Financial Services Ltd
  • Richard Irvin Energy Solutions 

Enterprising Communities Award  

  • Crathie Opportunity Holidays
  • Denis Law Legacy Trust – Streetsport
  • North East Sensory Services

Most Promising New Business  

  • Aberdeen Concrete Limited
  • FreshMex
  • Linton & Mac 

Spirit of Enterprise 

  • BackStrong Adventures Ltd
  • Gail Reid Mortgage Services Ltd
  • Sheryl Newman, Appetite for Business  

The Grampian Award for Innovation

  • Churchill Drilling Tools
  • ENREN (Energy Neutral Recovery of Elements and Nutrients)
  • Exnics

Entrepreneurial Supporter of the Year

  • Jai Aenugu, Entrepreneurs Scotland
  • Angela McLean-Boyle and Lisa Brannan, Myriad
  • Shonagh Fraser, Hall Morrice 

There are no finalists in the Entrepreneur of the Year category as the winner is selected on the evening of the awards in June. 

We are looking forward to an exciting event on the 30th of June where we will find out the winners - but there is an action packed journey for the finalists to come with a celebration event, a presentation to judges and lots more! Best of luck to the Elevator Awards Finalists 2016! 

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