Finalists unveiled for business awards

Dozens of brilliant businesses, entrepreneurs and community champions entered or were nominated for the awards - organised by East Dunbartonshire Council.

A judging panel involving representatives of the council, local businesses and Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce examined the entries this week and drew up a shortlist for each category.

Start-up of the Year:

n Alessio’s Cafe & Bistro

n ID Dancewear

n Proactive Works

n Spirit of Alba

Growth Business of the Year:

n Allander Homecare Ltd

n Rainton Construction Ltd

n SC Designs

n Training Initiatives Ltd T/A TIGERS

Best use of E-Commerce:

n 121 HR Solutions

n Class4Kids Ltd

n Silver Stag of Scotland

n Spirit of Alba

Independent Retailer:

n Billington’s

n Elba Artisan Gallery

n SC Designs

Service Business of the Year:

n Allander Homecare Ltd

n Home Instead Senior Care Glasgow

n Ouzman IP Ltd

n Training Initiatives Ltd T/A TIGERS

Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Business of the Year:

n Billington’s

n Boclair House Hotel

n The Honeybee Bakery

Social Enterprise of the Year:

n Campsie Memorial Hall Trust

n Freedom Bakery

n Silver Stag of Scotland

Community Champion:

n Deacon Brothers (Printers) Ltd

n Erhans Barbers Ltd

nKirkintilloch Baptist Church

The winner in each category will be announced at the final on Friday May 20 at The Eagle Lodge in Bishopbriggs - which also includes a fundraiser for good causes. Last year’s awards raise more than £15,000 for 20 good causes.

There will also be an overall Business of the Year, chosen from the category winners.

Councillor Alan Moir, convener of development and regeneration, said: “The judges faced a real challenge narrowing down the entrants to a shortlist of nominees for each category and every one of the businesses, enterprises and organisations which entered deserves great credit.

Sponsors include the Kirkintilloch Herald, Martin Veterinary Centre, Alarmfast, CMS Windows and East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Association.