The 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 could afford a ticket.
One new business owner, who made it to the shortlist, was unable to attend the event due to the steep price tag attached to the tickets.
They couldn’t afford to pay the £98.98 per ticket due to being a new business. Talking to Brig, the owner felt saddened that they missed out on this opportunity simply because tickets were too expensive.
To protect the identity of this business owner, this article will not share their business name or their real name. For privacy purposes, they will be referred to as Tay.
“I wasn’t able to attend the event as I couldn’t afford the ticket, which is a real shame as the awards are a great way to boost the visibility of small businesses. But as I’ve just started out, I couldn’t justify the £215 price tag to go along with my partner to celebrate the achievement I was so proud of,” they said.
Go Forth, organisers of the event, stated that the ticket price included the price for the winners’ trophies, transformation of the venue (Albert Halls), live entertainment, a three-course-meal, half a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses of Prosecco. The tickets cost £98.98 per person (including Eventbrite fees). Two tickets would come to £197.96.
A spokesperson responded that “the price was deliberately kept below £100 per person including the fee”.
“I really think that [Go Forth] should evaluate this for next year to make the awards more accessible for everyone,” Tay said.
Go Forth Believes Business Award Ticket Prices are Reasonable
Go Forth Stirling BID Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith explained that Go Forth does not make a profit from the events.
“The Stirling Business Awards are not a profit-making event and each year there is a financial loss which is covered by a contribution from the BID to ensure our businesses can enjoy the first-class event they deserve.
“The whole event – including awards categories, ticket pricing and entertainment provision – is reviewed annually and will be evaluated again ahead of next year’s ceremony,” McRorie-Smith said.
McRorie-Smith believes that the ticket prices are a great deal for guests.
“However, with ever rising costs, we consider the ticket price offers great value for money to guests who enjoy a packed evening featuring a three-course dinner, drinks and entertainment.
“It is important for us to provide a quality, high calibre awards ceremony which is fitting for the business community we serve,” she said.
Featured Image Credit: Visit Scotland
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.
