Nearly 600 business people enjoyed Celebrating Edinburgh at the Capital’s most prestigious awards dinner of the year.

Edinburgh Chamber Annual Business Awards were back live and onstage at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last night, as more than 140 entries were whittled down to the winners.

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Kate Forbes MSP, was a keynote speaker at the event along with Larah Bross, founder of Bross Bagels, a local business success story. They were joined onstage by Chamber President Jane Clark-Hutchison and Benny Higgins, Chair of Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

With a theme of “Celebrating Edinburgh”, this year’s Awards saw a focus on the importance – economic, cultural and social – of the city’s arts and culture including its world-famous festivals.

Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber, said: “It has been wonderful to come together again for our 11^th annual awards, to celebrate the brilliant work of our city businesses as they provide the growth, opportunities, employment and wealth on which Edinburgh relies.

“With more than 140 entrants across the categories, there was a tremendously high standard, and all of those organisations who made it through to short-listing should be very proud. In particular, we congratulate those who were winners on the night.

“Edinburgh has so much to be proud of – from our world-class universities to our world-leading festivals. As we continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic and the challenges posed by Brexit, we believe it is worth reflecting on the city’s rich history and lengthy record of innovation and creativity, iconic architecture, vibrant culture and role as an international hub for business, tourism, and research.

“It is an important role of the Chamber, and the awards, to bring people back together to re-connect and celebrate all that is great about Edinburgh, its business and its leaders, especially at this time.”

FULL WINNERS LIST

Small Business of the Year, sponsored by LNER – Zen Consultants

Mid-sized Business of the Year, sponsored by Edinburgh Gin – Edinburgh Construction

Large Business of the Year, sponsored by LNER – Edinburgh Trams

Developing the Young Workforce, sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce – Zen Consultants

Responsible Business, sponsored by the City of Edinburgh Council – Tartan Blanket Co

Inspiring Partnership, sponsored by Openreach – Dishoom and Magic Breakfast

Director of the Year, sponsored by Rathbones – Nick Ravenhall, Holyrood Distillery

Service Excellence, sponsored by ORB Recruitment – The Yard

Young Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Forth Ports – Alexander Galpin, Luxford Burgers

Excellence in Digital Marketing, sponsored by Cameron – Edinburgh Napier University

Innovation in Business, sponsored by Balfour Beatty – Tronius

Employer of the Year, sponsored by CMS – Muckle Media

Net Zero Champion, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland – Edinburgh College

Export Business of the Year, sponsored by Hibernian Football Club – Heehaw

Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce – Ailsa Sutherland, FWB Park Brown