The winners of the Stirling Business Awards 2025 have been announced with a University of Stirling professor winning the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Professor Leigh Sparks, professor of retail studies at the university, scooped the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the business community.
Dr Murray Cook took home the Outstanding Contribution to Stirling Award after his efforts to raise awareness of Stirling’s history and landscape this year.
The awards host, Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director of Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District, shared her support for Dr Cook and Professor Sparks.
“It was wonderful to see Dr Cook and Professor Sparks recognised for the important work and research they have carried out in their respective fields over several decades and for the invaluable support they have shown Stirling’s business community,” she said.
Stirling Pride shortlisted in their first year active
Chair of Stirling Pride, Sam Reid, showed gratitude when Stirling Pride was shortlisted for the outstanding contribution to the city award.
“It was such an honour to be shortlisted for the outstanding contribution award in our first year. The reception in the hall on Thursday night was really heartwarming, and even though it wasn’t to be, we were so pleased to see such enthusiasm for Stirling Pride,” Reid said.
While Stirling Pride didn’t win this year, Reid still has a positive outlook for the future of their work.
“We are already working on our 2025 event and who knows, maybe 2026 will be our year! Well done to all the winners!” Reid said.
Europa music saw a win this year for Retailer of the Year – the store is the biggest vinyl shop in Scotland and has served customers for more than 30 years.
A total of 12 businesses went home with trophies to celebrate their achievements after a performance from Rollin Drones, a six-piece bagpipe pop band.
List of Winners
Lifetime Achievement Award: Professor Leigh Sparks
Outstanding Contribution to Stirling: Dr Murray Cook
Charity of the Year (sponsored by the Thistles): Transition Stirling
Restaurant of the Year: Fletcher’s
Service-led Business of the Year: Erol’s Tailor Shop
Café/Coffee Shop of the Year: Toast
Retailer of the Year: Europa Music
Visitor Attraction of the Year: Stirling Distillery
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: Simpson & Co Hair Salon
New Business of the Year: White Dove Coffee Roasters.
More details of the winners can be found here.
Featured Image Credit: Go Forth Stirling BID
Fourth year student journalist studying Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism Studies.
Words at Brig, The Daily Evergreen, Alloa Advertiser, Discovery Music Scotland, and The Mourning Paper.
[…] Stirling Business Awards 2025 finals wrapped up earlier this month as 12 winners walked away with trophies. A night of entertainment was provided to celebrate, however not everyone […]