A RANGE of Stirling’s outstanding independent business owners were rewarded with trophies last night at the city’s annual Business Awards.
The winners of 11 awards were revealed during a black-tie ceremony at the Albert Halls for the Stirling Business Awards 2024 organised by Go Forth Stirling BID.
Business owners and their teams were presented with awards in a variety of categories with the winners chosen by the public in a selection process which saw almost 24,000 votes cast.
Winners included Stirling Community Enterprise who scooped the Outstanding Contribution to Stirling Award for their services which support unemployed people across the region and help them find sustainable work.
Meanwhile Start Up Stirling, who have been helping local people in need for the past 30 years, were awarded Charity of the Year 2024.
Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director of Go Forth Stirling – the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), welcomed guests to last night’s ceremony which was sponsored by the Thistles.
She said: “It was an amazing night and we are delighted with the response to the second year of our awards scheme which we launched to recognise and reward Stirling’s independent business owners and charities.
“We hosted around 200 guests who enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Albert Halls and it was lovely to see so many business owners and employees – who work across Stirling’s diverse independent scene – come together to celebrate in style.
“We were pleased to host a successful evening which gave us the chance to highlight Stirling’s enterprising business owners and I’d like to congratulate all the winners and finalists and thank our generous sponsors.
“We will now look to build on this year’s event and come back for an even bigger and better awards night in 2025!”
Members of Stirling’s business community, social enterprises and charitable sector enjoyed entertainment from dynamic drumming troupe Percussion Theatre at the gala evening which was compered by DJs from Central FM.
Trophies were handed out in various award categories including Retailer of the Year which was won for a second time by specialist music store Joanie’s Music.
The Upper Craigs shop was a stand-out winner gaining 65% of the public votes cast for a longlist of ten nominated retail businesses.
Stirling’s Restaurant of the Year was won by Nepalese and Indian restaurant Mint Leaf who gained 52.5% of votes in their category and the city’s Pub of the Year was awarded to Scottish bar Slanj A Va who were the first choice for 51.4% of voters.
The award for Stirling’s Café/Coffee Shop of the Year went to Book Nook while Stirling’s Hair & Beauty Business of the Year was won by Allure Style Studio.
The team from the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum were delighted to be named the city’s Visitor Attraction of the Year while Allan Park Dental Practice won Service-led Business of the Year.
Hair salon Simpson & Co took away the honour of New Business of the Year, sponsored by the Fubar nightclub, while CodeBase Stirling won the Business Support Services of the Year award which was sponsored by STEP Scotland.
STEP Managing Director David Miller said: “At STEP, we strongly believe in supporting and empowering local businesses to thrive. We work closely with the BID team to ensure businesses in the city centre have the support they need.
“We were delighted to sponsor the Business Support Services category and the annual awards are a great opportunity to celebrate excellence and innovation – highlighting the remarkable achievements within our city centre.”
Dave Thompson, Area Manager of the Fubar, said: “As proud sponsors of the Stirling Business Awards, we are honoured to give back to the city that has generously supported us.
“This event symbolises more than just recognition – it’s a celebration of unity, providing a platform for businesses to come together, demonstrate mutual support and showcase the vibrant spirit of our community.”
Gary Turnbull is Centre Director at the Thistles which sponsored the Charity of the Year Award as well as backing the awards as headline sponsor.
He said: “We were delighted to sponsor the Stirling Business Awards again and, in particular, the Charity of the Year category – something close to our hearts here at the centre with our ongoing community charitable outreach programme.
“I would like to congratulate all of the shortlisted businesses and winners – events like these showcase the talent in our region and make us proud to be a voice for Stirling.”
The full list of award winners is as follows:
Outstanding Contribution to Stirling – Stirling Community Enterprise.
Charity of the Year (sponsored by the Thistles) – Start Up Stirling.
Restaurant of the Year – Mint Leaf.
Service-led Business of the Year – Allan Park Dental Practice.
Café/Coffee Shop of the Year – Book Nook.
Retailer of the Year – Joanie’s Music.
Visitor Attraction of the Year – Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.
Pub/Bar of the Year – Slanj A Va.
Business Support Services of the Year (sponsored by STEP Scotland) – CodeBase Stirling.
Hair & Beauty Business of the Year – Allure Style Studio.
New Business of the Year (sponsored by the Fubar) – Simpson & Co Hair Salon.
The Stirling Business Awards 2024 showcase the entrepreneurial business owners and teams behind Stirling’s flourishing independent community.
The event also included a raffle for Stirling and District Women’s Aid which raised £1200.
Go Forth Stirling is the city’s BID representing more than 600 business owners with a key objective of increasing visitors to the city and devising initiatives to help make it a more welcoming destination for businesses and shoppers.
For more information, visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
