FIRMS from around the region have been recognised with top accolades at this year’s Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards.

On Friday, 200 guests headed to Springwood Park in Kelso for the annual ceremony hosted by the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce (SBCC).

And once again the event, was presided over by TV presenter Fiona Armstrong, while this year’s guest of honour was chairman of the Scotland board of the Royal Bank of Scotland, Malcolm Buchannan.

Jack Clark, chairman of the SBCC, said: “With entries up a staggering 300 per cent on last year, it is clear that the business and commercial sector here in the Borders is in fine fettle and that confidence is growing. That’s great news. 

“These awards are a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate the success of the many innovative and high quality businesses we have here in the Borders. “The judges – to whom go our thanks – have done an excellent job in examining every submission and coming up with worthy winners in each tightly contested category.

“These awards are all about recognising excellence and quality, surely two of the most vital ingredients in any company’s long term success and growth. The diversity of the submissions we received, and the range of ambitious businesses they represent across many sectors, are testament to the fact that the Borders is a great location from which to do business and run a successful company.

“The Chamber’s thanks go to all our sponsors and other companies for their support. To all our winners and runners-up, I say congratulations and continued success.”

Local businesses from towns across the area were given the awards and Councillor Mark Rowley, SBC’s member for business and economic development, believes hosting the ceremony is a great way to show what the region has to offer.

He added: “Events such as this demonstrate just what an incredible range of businesses we have here in the Borders, of all sizes and in all sectors, and the fantastic products, services and work opportunities they provide.

“I hope these awards encourage all our local firms to shout about their successes throughout the year, building up new custom and encouraging partnerships with others. 

“SBC is passionate about supporting local businesses to grow and reach their full potential. 

“Our Business Gateway service is a one-stop shop providing new and established firms and entrepreneurs with free advice and support on a wide range of topics from social media advertising to exporting.”

Winners:

SME Business of the Year – Winner: Mitchell Glass (Galashiels), Runner-up: Hastings Legal (Kelso).
Agricultural Business of the Year – Winner: Over Langshaw Ice Cream (Galashiels), Runner-up: Crop Services (Kelso).
Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year – Winner: Duns Castle Estate (Duns), Runner-up: The Orde Food Company (Kelso).
Social Enterprise Business of the Year – Winner: ReTweed (Hawick), Runner-up: The Borders Green Team (Eyemouth).
Creative Industry Business of the Year: Sponsored – Winner: All Awards (Jedburgh), Runner-up: Hannah Longmuir Arts (Morebattle).
Diversity Award – Winner: Grow 2 Work (Galashiels), Runner-up: NHS Borders Project Search (Melrose).
High Growth/Innovation/Turnover Business of the Year – Winner: SoConnect Ltd (Tweed Horizons), Runner-up: Hutton Stone Co Ltd (Berwick).
Supporting Young Workforce Business of the Year – Winner: Farne Salmon (Duns), Runner-up: BSW Timber (Earlston).
Manufacturer & Exporter of the Year – Winner: Johnstones of Elgin (Hawick), Runner-up: Farne Salmon (Duns).
Retailer of the Year – Winner: Fin and Game (Kelso), Runner-up: A. Hume Country Clothing (Kelso).
Micro Business of the Year – Winner: Danny’s A7 Carwash (Galashiels), Runner-up: Hawick Auto Care (Hawick).
Business Leader of the Year – Winner: Ron Hastings - Hastings Legal.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Winner: Ron Wilson - Border Union Agricultural Society.