Business Community Gears Up for Annual BID Awards

Stirling’s business community is getting ready to celebrate at the city’s annual awards for independent traders.

Article Source: Go Forth Stirling
Last Updated: 11 March 2024 13:44

Finalists will gather at the Albert Halls next week to recognise businesses shortlisted for the 2024 Stirling Business Awards run by Go Forth Stirling BID.

More than 22,000 public votes were cast during the selection process and the winners of each of the 11 categories will be revealed at a black-tie ceremony on Wednesday March 20.

Port Street gift shop Clan Artisan has been nominated for the Retailer of the Year honour and owners Jen McEwan and Jen Tervit are looking forward to attending with their team.

The business, which originally began as an online outlet, sells personalised cards and bespoke gift hampers filled with Scottish products including chocolate, cheese and jam plus handmade gifts such as candles, wax melts and soap.

Jen McEwan said: “It’s amazing to be shortlisted and highlights just how far we’ve come since opening our physical shop nearly two years ago and adapting and expanding our range to reflect customers’ needs.
“The Times newspaper selected our hampers as one of the five best Christmas gifts made in Scotland which was fantastic and now, we’ve been voted one of the top three retailers in Stirling!

“It means a lot to us to be nominated by our customers and we’re looking forward to celebrating with the rest of Stirling’s wonderful business community next week.”

Also up for Retailer of the Year are Scotland’s largest vinyl record store Europa Music and last year’s winner Joanie’s Music whose owner Jim Rintoul attended the awards ceremony on crutches after breaking his ankle.

Mr Rintoul said: “I think the Stirling Business Awards are a great thing - not just fo/r independent traders but for the city itself. At a time when more and more of the big chains are reducing their physical presence in smaller cities, local businesses are what keep people coming into town.

“It really is humbling for a small, specialist place like ours to be voted into the finals and I’m looking forward to the evening - last year was good fun and had a spirited, communal vibe.

“Our win was very unexpected and a source of tremendous pride - by which I mean I was proud to have gotten on and off the stage whilst on crutches without falling on the steps. It'll be nice to attend the ceremony without a broken ankle for the first time!”

This year’s finalists for Café/Coffee Shop of the Year include Janna’s Bakery whose owner Janna Koc praised the annual awards scheme.

She said: “It’s amazing to be involved in the awards for the second year in a row. I’ve made my way up here through constant hard work and dedication for what only seemed to be a hobby when I started as a small home business during lockdown.

“Now four years later, the business has grown substantially and I’ve got shops across Stirling city centre and lots of regular, loyal customers. This kind of dedication applies to many local businesses as most of them fight their way through to become recognised and loved.

“So, I think it’s lovely to dedicate a wee night, a ceremony and the whole voting process to ensure everyone is recognised for their hard work. And it doesn’t really matter who wins because everybody has put so much effort into what they do and that’s what is most important.”

The awards ceremony will be hosted by Central FM and a limited number of tickets are still available via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stirling-business-awards-ceremony-2024-tickets-829819581707

Danielle McRorie-Smith is Project Director of Go Forth Stirling which launched the awards to reward the city’s independent business owners.
She said: “Our awards are almost here and we’ve got a great night planned for everyone. We’re excited to see the winners revealed and are ready for an exceptional evening celebrating Stirling’s remarkable business owners and unique independent scene.”

A total of 22,464 votes were cast for a longlist of nominated businesses with Transition Stirling, Stirling Photography Festival, Stirling Community Enterprise, Creative Stirling, Stirling Open Streets Festival and The Fairy Tale Trail making the final for the Outstanding Contribution to the City award.
Nepalese and Indian restaurant Mint Leaf is a finalist for Restaurant of the Year along with Fletcher’s and Brea while Meraki, Slanj A Va and Molly Malones have reached the final for Pub/Bar of the Year.

Finalists for Café/Coffee Shop of the Year are The Book Nook, Janna’s Bakery and Victoria’s Coffee Shop and competing for Hair & Beauty Business of the Year are Frances Hunter Hairdressing, Allure Style Studio and FrownDocs Skincare Clinic.
In the Retailer of the Year category, the finalists are Europa Music, Joanie’s Music and Clan Artisan with Stirling Distillery, Game of Throwing and the Smith Art Gallery and Museum shortlisted for Visitor Attraction of the Year.

The finalists for Charity of the Year are Safebase, Start Up Stirling and charity shop Something Old Something New.

Meanwhile, Stirling Podiatry, Allan Park Dental Practice and D.S. MacDonald Watchmaker & Jeweller are in line for the Service-led Business of the Year honour.

Contenders for the Business Support Services of the Year award are Codebase Stirling, surveyors Graham + Sibbald and accountants Dickson Middleton.

The final category is New Business of the Year with restaurant An Darna, hair salon Simpson & Co and estate agents Golden Tree Estates vying for the honour.

Award sponsors include the Thistles as headline sponsors and sponsors for the Charity of the Year Award, the Fubar nightclub and STEP Scotland who are sponsoring the Business Support Services of the Year Award.

Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Stirling Business Awards again and, in particular, the Charity of the Year category – something that is 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, events like these showcase the talent in our region and make us proud to be a voice for Stirling.”

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 are 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.”

The Stirling Business Awards 2024 showcase the entrepreneurial business owners and teams behind Stirling's flourishing independent community.

Go Forth Stirling is the city’s BID (Business Improvement District) 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

Image: Jim Rintoul of Joanie's Music, winner of 2023 Stirling Retailer of the Year

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

Stirling Castle set to host a belated Burns Night celebration

On Saturday 8 February, Stirling Castle will be hosting a belated Burns an' a' that, a celebration of the famous Scottish bard, Robert Burns.

New exhibition to celebrate the literary history of Stirling

Stirling’s remarkable literary history is being celebrated at a new exhibition to mark the city’s 900th anniversary.

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

itison Us charity call out

itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.

Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!

Warning of rogue traders following Storm Eowyn

Stirling Council is urging residents and businesses to be wary of rogue traders looking to take advantage of the damage to property caused by Storm Eowyn.

Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.

Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.

Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.

Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025

Top amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.

Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award

Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.

Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar

Pavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!

BBC Debate Night returns for 2025

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

Huge 90s pop dance stars heading to Royal Highland Centre for Forth 50 Live!

Forth 1 have today announced details of Forth 50 - Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station's 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.

Penguin Trail in Stirling hailed a success

Stirling’s first Penguin Trail has been hailed a success after increasing footfall around the city and offering festive fun for shoppers.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland

Vue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Dobbies free February workshops

Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.

Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.

Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.

World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.

Finalists Selected for 2025 Stirling Business Awards

A shortlist of finalists for the 2025 Stirling Business Awards has been announced after more than 26,000 votes were cast during the selection process.

Stay Active this January at Gravity Active

Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!

Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies

Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.

First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.

Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day

After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.

Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition

A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.

Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots

Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.

Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores

Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

Business Community Gears Up for Annual BID Awards

Stirling’s business community is getting ready to celebrate at the city’s annual awards for independent traders.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings