A wide range of independent businesses have been selected as finalists for Stirling’s inaugural Business Awards – with three weeks to go until the winners are revealed.
The businesses which secured the most votes now go forward as finalists with six shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to the City Award, and three making the final in each of the other categories.
A total of 16,757 votes were cast for a shortlist of companies nominated in each of the 10 categories for the awards, which are run by Go Forth Stirling BID.
Go Forth Stirling is the city’s Business Improvement District (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.
The event will be headlined by Celtic rock band Red Hot Chilli Pipers and hosted by Central FM and the remaining tickets are available to finalists by contacting the Go Forth team.
Danielle McRorie-Smith is the Project Director of Go Forth Stirling which launched the awards to recognise and reward the city’s independent business owners.
She said: “We’ve had an amazing response to our business awards with more than 16,000 votes cast across the various award categories.
“We’re excited to see the winners revealed at the awards ceremony later this month and hope everyone who comes along has a fantastic time celebrating Stirling’s entrepreneurial business owners and the city’s unique independent scene.”
The winners of the Stirling Business Awards 2023 will be announced during a black-tie ceremony at the city’s Golden Lion Hotel on Thursday, February 23.
Finalists for the Outstanding Contribution to the City award are:
- Safebase Scotland
- Stirling Street Pastors
- Stirling Photography Festival
- Ross Hastie Signwriters & Signmakers
- Transition Stirling
- Creative Stirling/Made in Stirling
Finalists for Restaurant of the Year are:
- The Allan Park
- Fletcher’s
- Brea
Finalists for Pub/Bar of the Year are:
- Molly Malones
- Kilted Kangaroo
- Meraki
Finalists for Café/Coffee Shop of the Year are:
- The Book Nook
- Janna’s Bakery
- Vera Artisan Bakery
Competing for Hair & Beauty Business of the Year are:
- Frances Hunter Hairdressing
- Unica Beauty Studio
- FrownDocs Skincare Clinic
In the Unique Retailer of the Year category, the finalists are:
- Tinkerbells Emporium
- Made in Stirling
- Europa Music
Finalists for Retailer of the Year are:
- It’s Blooming Wonderful
- Ginger Roots
- Joanie’s Music
Finalists for Visitor Attraction of the Year are:
- Stirling Castle
- Stirling Distillery
- The Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Finalists for Charity of the Year are:
- Strathcarron Hospice
- Stirling Women’s Aid
- Stirling Carers Centre
Finalists for Professional Services Business of the Year are:
- Nevermore Tattoo & Piercing
- Stirling Optical
- Body & Soul Health Care/Stirling Podiatry
Award sponsors include the Thistles, Retailers Against Crime, Castle Leisure Group, Stirling Gin, Cowane’s Trust, the University of Stirling Management School, STEP Scotland and chartered surveyors Graham & Sibbald.
There will also be a charity raffle on behalf of Strathcarron Hospice during the awards evening.
The business awards will become an annual event organised by Go Forth Stirling to highlight and showcase the city’s diverse range of independent traders.
They follow the launch of bespoke website Independent Stirling, which promotes independent businesses and encourages people to shop local.
For more information, visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
Featured Image Credit: Go Forth Stirling
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