Local Businesses Shine at 2007 Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise

A diverse group of northeast businesses had their hard work recognised as they were named winners at last night's (Thursday 7th June 2007) Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise. The winners included a multi-million pound family bakery business and the inventor of an ingenious safety aid for children. They were joined on the winners podium by a high quality specialist cheese producer, a state of the art customer support service for the public transport sector and one of the world's leading drilling waste management companies.

The winners of the five awards were honoured in front of an audience of over 360 business men and women from across the north east at a gala award ceremony held at Ardoe House Hotel. Simon Woodroffe OBE, founder of YO! including YO! Sushi and YOTEL and former 'dragon' from the first series of the BBC2 programme 'Dragon's Den, delivered the keynote address.

The category winners in the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise 2007 were:

• New Start Award - Red Island Limited, Peterhead

• Young Business Award - The Craigmyle Cheese Company, Torphins

• Business Growth Award - Journeycall, Laurencekirk

• Alick Buchanan Smith Spirit of Enterprise Award - JG Ross (Bakers) Ltd, Inverurie

• Sir Ian Wood Award for Innovation - TWMA, Aberdeen

The Grampian Awards commend business achievement in companies of all sizes. They are organised by Enterprise North East Trust (ENET), which delivers Business Gateway services in the northeast on behalf of Scottish Enterprise Grampian, co-sponsors of the event along with The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Chris Travis, chief executive of ENET says, "The winners of the 2007 Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise demonstrate the diverse range of industry sectors we have operating in and contributing to the northeast economy.

"ENET is a long-established supporter of new and growing businesses throughout the region. The awards are open to all northeast businesses, regardless of their size, turnover or location. Judging the awards is no mean feat as the calibre of entries continues to increase year on year.

"Commitment, enthusiasm and sheer hard work are some of the traits necessary to start, develop and grow a successful business. These have been clearly demonstrated by the winners of the coveted Enterprise awards."

The second keynote speaker at the awards ceremony, Stuart Heslop, director of commercial banking in Aberdeen for RBS says, "Accolades such as the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise can have an exceptionally positive effect on the finalists and ultimate winners. Winning can prove to be a catalyst for business development. In addition clients tend to hold companies who have been presented with prestigious awards in even higher esteem.

"Everyone who entered the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise deserves recognition. The standard of entries was extremely high. In particular I would like to pay tribute to the finalists and winners who have been recognised here tonight."

Red Island Limited of Peterhead, creator of the Walkodile®, an innovative system for walking groups of children, won the New Start Award. The Walkodile was invented by teacher Elaine Stephen. She wanted to ensure the children's safety when out of school on walking trips. Elaine scoured the market for a product that could achieve this goal. On finding that the product did not exist, Elaine set about creating her own and the Walkodile was born. This innovative product has already received acclaim from children, parents and childcare staff alike. The Walkodile has also generated interest from the rest of the UK and further afield.

The Young Business Award was presented to The Craigmyle Cheese Company from Torphins. Husband and wife team Liz and Neil Marchant produce a range of cheeses using traditional, hand-made methods and the highest quality, unpasteurised milk. The company was established only 16 months ago and already supplies prestigious outlets including Gleneagles and Harvey Nichols.

Winner of the Business Growth Award was Laurencekirk firm Journeycall. A provider of customer support services for the public transport sector, Journeycall's clients include Stagecoach Group and Transport for London. The company has experienced rapid growth since launching with just two people in 2003. Staff numbers are expected to increase to over 100 in the next twelve months.

The Alick Buchanan Smith Spirit of Enterprise Award was picked up by long established bakery and fresh food business, JG Ross (Bakers) Ltd. Established over 40 years ago in 1962, JG Ross began life with a bakery, a shop and several retail vans. From these origins JG Ross has undergone expansive growth and now services retail, foodservice and wholesale markets. The organisation has 21 shops throughout the northeast. There are plans in place to open three additional shops later this year.

The Sir Ian Wood Award for Innovation was presented to TWMA. A world leader in the handling and treatment of waste generated by drilling operations, TWMA provides a reliable and cost-effective way of disposing of drilling waste materials in a safe and environmentally sound way. The company employs 160 staff in locations including Aberdeen, Egypt and Nigeria. TWMA achieved a turnover of £12 million in 2006.

Colin Donald, Director of Finance and Competitive Business of Scottish Enterprise Grampian says, "The northeast economy is very buoyant at present resulting in more and more dynamic and innovative companies coming to the fore. This confirms that entrepreneurial spirit is very definitely alive and kicking in the northeast."

All finalists received a certificate and category winners picked up a coveted enterprise award and cheque for up to £5000.

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Notes to editors:

The New Start Award recognises businesses that have been trading for less than one year and have demonstrated the potential to develop into a dynamic business of the future.

The Young Business Award recognises the achievements of companies which have been trading for less than three years.

The Business Growth Award is for businesses that have been trading for more than three years and have shown significant growth in one or more of the following areas: training, marketing, people development, e-commerce and international trade.

The Alick Buchanan Smith Spirit of Enterprise is dedicated to the former MP for Kincardine & Deeside, Alick Buchanan Smith, and recognises businesses that have been trading for more than five years and have demonstrated significant enterprise, growth and development of new ideas in addition to contributing to the local economy.

The Sir Ian Wood Award for Innovation recognises businesses that can demonstrate an innovative approach to product or service development. All three finalists in this category had to demonstrate originality and innovation in product or service delivery, and have had or have the potential to have a positive impact on the Grampian economy.