On Monday 27^th February, Edinburgh’s business community came together to celebrate their achievements as part of our 6^th Annual Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. The event held at The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, was attended by 450 of Edinburgh’s business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, who celebrated a hugely successful year of business growth and development across the capital.

The winners included Edinburgh Airport, LS Productions, Edinburgh Trams and Bluebird Care with a total of 15 awards presented, including new categories, ‘Diversity’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution to Development and Skills’.

At the Awards Ceremony, Scott Black, President of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce announced the resurrection of the Honorary Membership, first awarded in 1952 to HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Four new Honorary Members, Sir Tom Farmer, Sir Angus Grossart, Shonaig Macpherson and Barry Sealey were welcomed to the Chamber on the evening; in recognition of the exceptional support the have given the Chamber and the City.

Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Awards Dinner is the highlight of the year at the Chamber. It’s a time when we all come together to celebrate and recognise the significant talent and achievements of our members.”

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, closed the evening with thanks given to all sponsors, keynote speakers Josh Littlejohn MBE and Calum Paterson and congratulations given to all 15 winners. Drawing on the City Vision, Andrew highlighted the vital role that Chamber members as well as the wider Edinburgh business community play in shaping a successful, thriving and culturally rich capital city in the future.

Winners’ comments

“It is a real honour to have won the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Director of the Year award, which is in fact recognition of the whole team’s success.

“Edinburgh Airport’s focus on improving international connectivity from Scotland along with our commitment to harnessing the talent of our brightest and best team members and enabling them to become future leaders makes winning Best Performing Business award even more satisfying.”

John Watson, Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer

“It is an honour to have won Young Leader of the Year at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards 2017.  To have held off some great competition from other great contenders is particularly pleasing and reflects the progress that Watermans have made in the past 12 months.

Receiving recognition at an event that covers the whole business sector in a city renowned for both the quality and quantity of young entrepreneurs makes me so happy personally, and for all of my staff.  It was great to be part of last night’s event and the Edinburgh Chamber should be commended for putting on such an enjoyable evening celebrating the success of its members.”

Scott Whyte, Managing Director at Watermans

“To be shortlisted for 5 prestigious awards was an honour and to win High Growth and Excellence in Health & Safety is great recognition for the team who work hard every day to make trams in Edinburgh successful. As the business grows we will be making further enhancements to the service and look forward to next year’s awards.”

Edinburgh Trams General Manager, Lea Harrison

Award Winners:

• Best Performing Business 1-10 staff – LUX – The Food and Drink Agency
• Best Performing Business 11-50 staff – LS Productions
• Best Performing Business 51+ staff – Edinburgh Airport
• Sustainable Development – Essential Edinburgh with Changeworks Recycling
• Creative Marketing – Lothian Buses
• Innovation In Business – Bluebird Care
• High Growth – Edinburgh Trams
• International Trade – Sykes
• Director of the Year – John Watson, Edinburgh Airport
• Developing the Young Workforce – Doig & Smith
• Diversity – University of Edinburgh Business School
• Young Leader of the Year – Scott Whyte, Managing Director at Watermans
• Excellence in Health and Safety – Edinburgh Trams
• Outstanding Contribution to Development and Skills – Toshiba Medical Visualisation Systems