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Scotland celebrates entrepreneurial success

Posted: 2nd December 2016
  • Entrepreneur of the Year awarded to James Milne CBE, Chairman & Managing Director, Balmoral Group
  • Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year awarded to Chris Gauld, Chief Executive, Spark Energy

Entrepreneurial Scotland, hosted its 20th annual dinner and awards on 30 November 2016. The St Andrew’s Day event was a celebration of entrepreneurial success, recognising the role of entrepreneurial leaders at all stages, and their vital contribution to developing a modern and successful Scotland.

FREE PICTURES :   Entrepreneurial Scotland Annual Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 awards at the Double Tree by Hilton in Glasgow. L to R : Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 -  Chris Gauld. CEO Spark Energy.   Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 -  James Milne CBE. Chairman and MD of Balmoral Group.  Picture Robert Perry 30th Nov 2016 Please credit photo to Robert Perry Image is free to use in connection with the promotion of the above company or organisation. 'Permissions for ALL other uses need to be sought and payment make be required. Note to Editors:  This image is free to be used editorially in the promotion of the above company or organisation.  Without prejudice ALL other licences without prior consent will be deemed a breach of copyright under the 1988. Copyright Design and Patents Act  and will be subject to payment or legal action, where appropriate. www.robertperry.co.uk NB -This image is not to be distributed without the prior consent of the copyright holder. in using this image you agree to abide by terms and conditions as stated in this caption. All monies payable to Robert Perry (PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THIS CAPTION) This image is intended for Editorial use (e.g. news). Any commercial or promotional use requires additional clearance.  Copyright 2016 All rights protected. first use only contact details Robert Perry      07702 631 477 robertperryphotos@gmail.com         Robert Perry reserves the right to pursue unauthorised use of this image . If you violate my intellectual property you may be liable for  damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image.
Entrepreneurial Scotland Annual Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 awards at the Double Tree by Hilton in Glasgow. L to R : Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 – Chris Gauld. CEO Spark Energy. Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 – James Milne CBE. Chairman and MD of Balmoral Group. Picture Robert Perry 30th Nov 2016
Photographer: Robert Perry
Copyright 2016 All rights protected.

The evening was hosted by Stuart Cassells, a Saltire Fellow and founder of the international bagpipe phenomenon, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and took place at the newly refurbished Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. More than 500 of Scotland’s most successful and respected entrepreneurial leaders attended the event, including members of Entrepreneurial Scotland, alumni of the Saltire programmes and Scotland’s business community.

In association with Deloitte and media partner, The Herald, Entrepreneurial Scotland’s awards feature two elite categories: ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ and ‘Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year’ – each honouring those individuals who have excelled in leading their organisations over the past 12 months.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award was presented to James Milne CBE, Chairman and Managing Director of Balmoral Group.

Chris Gauld, Chief Executive of Spark Energy, was announced as the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.

Sandy Kennedy, Chief Executive of Entrepreneurial Scotland, said:

“Awards and achievements matter because they recognise skills, determination, talent, tenacity and hard work. They highlight excellence and, most importantly, they provide an opportunity to focus on the characteristics that we want to see more of for ourselves, our businesses and our communities.

“I am thrilled to congratulate both Jim and Chris. This year we received a tremendous response to the awards resulting in the highest-ever number of nominations. Each of the finalists was chosen after a rigorous judging process and they have emerged as Scotland’s most successful entrepreneurial leaders.”

The event was a celebration of entrepreneurship, recognising individuals at various stages of their own entrepreneurial journeys, as well as recognising their achievements. The event raised funds for the Saltire Foundation that aims to find, fuel and spark the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders – represented by several Saltire Alumni who were in the audience.

In 2015, the Entrepreneur of the Year award was presented to Mike Loggie of Saltire Energy. Julie Wilson and Amy Livingstone, co-founders of Cheeky Chompers, were awarded Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. (The full list of previous winners is detailed in the notes to editors.)

Richard Slater, Partner and Head of Private Markets for Deloitte in Scotland, and a member of the judging panel for the 2016 awards, added:

“Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners. This year we saw a real mixture of companies from a range of sectors on the shortlist for both awards, this is great news for Scotland, as the economy continues to diversify and breed new success stories.

“Uncertainty may be the word that currently pervades the Scottish economy – yet there are businesses, and people, who are finding ways to do incredible things, whatever the circumstances. The ambition and drive of Scotland’s entrepreneurial community continues to thrive.”

Two years on from its launch, Entrepreneurial Scotland is one network that offers three tiers of membership – Leading, Growing and Emerging – giving members the right

peer to peer experience at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys. The Leading tier represents what was formerly known to many as the Exchange and remains a unique peer-to-peer network for founders, owners, MDs and CEOs. The Growing tier meets the needs of those who are running, growing and scaling up the businesses and the organisations they belong to. Finally, the Emerging tier represents what was formerly the Future Leaders network, and is for aspiring leaders and start-up business owners at the outset of their journeys.

 

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