People have all kinds of views about awards. Some think they’re just for show and a bit of fancy branding, or a chance to get dressed up for a night out. And to be fair, some awards really are like that. You pay an entry fee, throw in a few buzzwords, and suddenly you’re “award-winning”.
But others carry real meaning. They’re hard to win, judged by experts, and they show that a business is doing something truly excellent. Like the British Business Awards I discussed in last week’s column, The King’s Awards for Enterprise are also in that second group. They matter for businesses working hard, often quietly, to do great things.
This year, 11 Scottish companies received King’s Awards, which is a big deal. These are some of the most respected business awards in the UK, and you can’t just apply and hope for the best. It takes serious effort, innovation, and proof that what you’re doing is working.
Let’s look at a few of the winners. Ross-shire Engineering (RSE) in Muir of Ord is one of them. They started back in the 1980s, and now they employ over 2,000 people. Their work? Making sure drinking water is clean, reusing wastewater, and helping industries treat their water safely. It’s not flashy, but it’s vital.
Then there’s Glencairn Crystal from East Kilbride. You’ve probably seen their whisky glasses that are used all over the world. But Glencairn’s award wasn’t just for making nice glassware. It was for innovation. For a family-run business, this kind of recognition shows they’re leading in their field and not just running on an established name.
Another award winner, Impact Subsea from Aberdeen, is proof of that. They design underwater sensors and sonar systems used in oceans all over the world. They won in the international trade category, and rightly so – their work is high-tech and highly respected, and they’re proud to be based in Scotland while serving customers in all corners of world.
One thing I really like about this year’s winners is how varied they are. Some are high-tech, some are traditional, and they’re spread across the country, not just in Edinburgh or Glasgow. It shows that great ideas, strong teams and serious ambition can come from anywhere. Perhaps that is truer now than ever with how we work. These companies can start from a bedroom in Peterhead or Peebles.
ACS Clothing, for example, won in the category for “promoting opportunity.” They’re using fashion and textiles, an industry I thought was dead in Scotland, to create jobs, support sustainability, and help people build careers. That matters when we talk about levelling up or building fairer communities. It’s not just about profit. It’s about people.
Now, I’ll be honest: not everyone gets excited about awards. And I get that. If you’re working long hours to keep a business going, a trophy might not feel like the biggest priority. But for a lot of companies, recognition like this can be a turning point. It helps with marketing, with confidence, and with opening doors. It tells staff they’re on the right track. And it shows customers, investors and partners that the business is serious.
The King’s Awards also last. Winners can fly the flag, use the official emblem, and attend a royal reception. It’s not just a one-night win, but sticks with the business for five years. That matters in a world where attention is often short-term.
So, while not all awards are equal, I’d argue these ones still stand out. They aren’t about who shouts the loudest, but they’re about long-term effort, big ideas, and results.
We should be proud of the Scottish companies that won this year. They show what’s possible when you mix ambition with skill. You don’t have to be huge. You don’t have to be flashy. You just need to be good at what you do.
Because sometimes, the right award at the right time can make a big difference to the business and the people behind it.
Side
Scotland’s seas have historically provided rich fruit, but there seems to be choppy waters surrounding a lot of industry which currently operates on our shores.
There appears to be contrasting fortunes for businesses looking to make the most of our natural resources as subsea firm Beam, which has bases in Edinburgh and Westhill, has filed for administration.
Conversely, in West Dunbartonshire, plans have been approved for a new marine technology park.
The news from Beam will mean job losses of up to 200 across both of their Scottish sites and their Bristol office.
Thankfully, the blow has been softened by the news Aberdeen undersea tech firm Rovtech has stepped in to extend applications for several North East roles to former Beam staff.
The announcement of the impending Marine Technology Park in Old Kilpatrick is also a boon for those workers made redundant as 800 jobs are to be created.
The development, which could be the new home for a centre of excellence in marine technology, is a near-£30m investment in the area.
It is hoped, when fully operational, it will help reinvigorate shipbuilding and renewable industries on the River Clyde.
Benefitting local people in Clydebank, Dumbarton and Helensburgh, it is also expected to draw in up to £134m of private investment.
While the picture is growing a lot bleaker in the North East, I hope we see the Clyde restored to its former glory as moves such as this can only help our waters come alive again.
Laugh
A story from the Inner Hebrides caught my eye last week, as it’s not something you see often in the business world – a freebie!
That’s right, Richard Irvine is planning to give away his smokehouse on the island of Colonsay for absolutely nothing.
He hopes his plan entices a young couple to take up his offer and build a family on the island – which has a population of just over 120 people.
While I’ll admit the headline made me laugh a little, it’s great to see a successful local business looking to give back to its community like this.
It’s such a great opportunity, in fact, I’d urge any interested parties to make a move before I swoop in and fish out the bargain of the century!
Weep
Elsewhere on our wonderful Scottish islands, I was saddened by the news that the Isle of Harris distillery is set to carry out redundancies.
Our island communities rely on strong businesses to provide employment, enhance tourism and strengthen the identity of their areas.
This move, which has placed the 45-strong workforce under threat, however, is a hammer blow to Harris and its famous Isle of Harris gin and its single malt whisky – The Hearach.
The decision will also see production cut as the distillery moves from two shifts a day, to one, which can only be bad for overall business health.
The distillery hopes to grow again in the future, but it’s local people who will suffer for now.
