Award Criteria

Most Promising New Business sponsored by Business Gateway: The first 12-months of any new business is about setting down roots, building relationships, developing your reputation and gaining a foothold in a market.

Business Success Under 3 Years sponsored by Aberdein Considine: This award recognises a business which has been trading for less than three years as of 20th March 2019 and can demonstrate outstanding performance in growth and development.

Business Success Over 3 Years sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland: This award recognises a business which has been trading for more than three years as of 20th March 2019 and can demonstrate outstanding performance in growth and development.

The Innovation Award sponsored by Murgitroyd:  Elevator believes that innovation is at the heart of any successful business.

The ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ Award sponsored by The Prince's Trust:  Starting any business is not an easy task, but for some getting to the start line and keeping a business going is an enormous undertaking.

Enterprising Communities:  This award recognises a community-based organisation or business that demonstrates a strong commitment to its local community by the way it engages and interacts with its operating environment.

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by the University of Aberdeen:  The award recognises an outstanding individual under the age of 35 as of 20th March 2019.

Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland: This award recognises a world-class business leader who has made an outstanding contribution to their company, industry sector and the wider economy.

Inspirational Mentor of the Year sponsored by TechX at the Oil & Gas Technology Centre: This award recognises the vital role mentors play in passing on their skills, knowledge and expertise to the next generation of business owners in Scotland’s North East.