Cruise Loch Ness was named the UK Small Business of 2019 at the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) annual awards last night, while West of Scotland based Liv Conlon was named UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Cruise Loch Ness provides scenic cruises and Nessie spotting trips from its base in Fort Augustus beat over 2,000 entrants and 120 region and nation award winners to land the top accolade.
Established in 1968, Cruise Loch Ness won both Family Business of the Year and the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards grand prize, rising to the top amongst hundreds of UK area winners.
Debi MacKenzie, director of Cruise Loch Ness, said: “After more than 50 years in operation, we’re thrilled to see our family firm recognised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
“Year after year, we’ve reinvested in the business, testing new ideas and making sure that our customers have absolutely the best experience possible. While we can’t guarantee they’ll spot the monster, we can ensure that they have a world class experience in one of Scotland’s most iconic locations. It is fantastic to see the service we offer recognised.”
20 year old Liv Conlon, who runs interiors firm ThePropertyStagers and is from Bothwell in South Lanarkshire – fought off competition from other award-winning young business people from across the UK at FSB’s Celebrating Small Business Awards.
ThePropertyStagers furnishes 300 properties per year across the UK. They provide a range of services including preparing a property for sale or rental, and providing specialist furnishing support for landlords. The business, founded four years ago, now turns over £1 million a year, up from £30,000 a year when it was established.
Liv Conlon, CEO of ThePropertyStagers, said: “This accolade is the culmination of years of hard work. I’m thrilled that the FSB has chosen to highlight me as a rising star in the world of business.
“My business wouldn’t be the success it is today without the support of our team. We take great pride in the high quality service we offer our customers and it is fantastic to see this diligence pay off. I have huge plans for the future but it is great to be recognised for all that I’ve achieved so far.”
