Winners Unveiled at 2025 Stirling Business Awards

Stirling’s independent business owners were recognised for their achievements and rewarded with trophies at the city’s annual Business Awards ceremony last night.

Article Source: Go Forth Stirling
Last Updated: 7 March 2025 16:09

The winners of 12 honours at the Stirling Business Awards 2025 were unveiled during an evening of celebration organised by Go Forth Stirling BID and held in the city’s Albert Halls.

Outstanding individuals plus exceptional business owners and their teams were presented with awards in a variety of categories with the winners chosen following a selection process which saw more than 26,000 public votes cast.

Among the winners was renowned archaeologist Dr Murray Cook who scooped the Outstanding Contribution to Stirling Award for his work, including archaeological digs, guided walks and lectures, in raising awareness of Stirling’s rich history and landscape.

Another notable professional recognised at the Awards was Professor Leigh Sparks who was honoured with the event’s first Lifetime Achievement Award for his expertise and services to the business community.

As Professor of Retail Studies at the University of Stirling and Chair of Scotland's Towns Partnership, he is well-known for shaping national retail strategies, championing the needs of independent businesses and highlighting the challenges they face.

Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director of Go Forth Stirling BID (Business Improvement District), hosted last night’s black-tie event.
She said: “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.

“Our third annual business awards proved to be an amazing night and we are thrilled with the ongoing support for our awards scheme which highlights and rewards the city’s thriving independent sector.”

This year, the Charity of the Year Award was won by environmental charity Transition Stirling which runs a range of community and sustainability projects including a Tool Library and Stirling Reuse Hub.

The award was sponsored by the Thistles and presented by Centre Director Gary Turnbull.
He said: "We are delighted to sponsor the Charity of the Year category – something that is close to our hearts at the Centre with our ongoing community charitable outreach programme.

“Huge congratulations to the very deserving award winner Transition Stirling and to all the finalists who have demonstrated the impact they have on Stirling and the wider community."

Meanwhile, technology hub CodeBase Stirling won the Business Support Services of the Year Award for the second year running.

The award was sponsored by STEP Scotland and presented by Mike Barclay, Director of Business Support.
He said: “At STEP, we are passionate about championing local businesses. Through our close collaboration with the BID team, we ensure businesses in the city centre receive the support they need to thrive. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Business Support Services category at this year’s Stirling Business Awards.

“Huge congratulations to the winner Codebase and to all the shortlisted businesses—your dedication, resilience and innovation are what make our business community so strong.”

Ms McRorie-Smith welcomed around 150 guests from Stirling’s business and civic communities, social enterprise and charitable sector to last night’s event.

The gala evening was compered by DJs from Central FM and featured an entertaining set from marketing creative John Thornton who writes “daft things on the internet” for companies including startup cereal company Surreal Cereal.

Guests also enjoyed a rousing and energetic performance from six-piece bagpipe pop band the Rollin Drones with their unique mix of contemporary hits and traditional Scottish tunes.

Ms McRorie-Smith said: “We enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Albert Halls and it was fantastic to see so many business owners and employees - who work across Stirling’s diverse independent scene - come together to celebrate in style.

“We were delighted to once again host a successful evening which showcased Stirling’s enterprising business owners and I’d like to congratulate all the winners and finalists and thank our generous sponsors.”

Trophies were handed out in various award categories including Retailer of the Year which was won by Friars Street store Europa Music owned by Ewen Duncan.

It was third time lucky for the shop which is the largest vinyl record store in Scotland and has been a haven for music lovers for more than 30 years. Europa Music reached the finals of the Retailer category last year and in 2023 and their well-deserved win last night delighted loyal customers.

The award for Stirling’s Café/Coffee Shop of the Year went to Forthside café Toast – a popular brunch and lunch destination run by Claudia Stewart.

Meanwhile, the city’s Pub of the Year honour was awarded for a second time to Scottish bar Slanj-A-Va who were the first choice of 57% of voters.

Stirling’s Restaurant of the Year was won by family-run venue Fletcher’s while Erol’s Tailor Shop, based in Allan Park, won Service-led Business of the Year.

The award for Stirling’s Hair & Beauty Business of the Year was won by King Street salon Simpson & Co who were recipients of the New Business of the Year Award last year.

The team from Stirling Distillery, run by the McCann family, were delighted to be named the city’s Visitor Attraction of the Year while Port Street café White Dove Coffee Roasters took away the honour for New Business of the Year 2025.

The full list of award winners is as follows:

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.

For full details of all the winners visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk/business-awards/

The Stirling Business Awards 2025 showcased the entrepreneurial business owners and teams behind Stirling's flourishing independent community.

The event also included a charity raffle, with prizes generously provided by city businesses, and an auction for a stunning necklace donated by Stirling jewellers Ian Gallacher which together raised £2,500 for last year’s Charity of the Year award winner Start-up Stirling.

Go Forth Stirling is the city’s 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.

For more information, visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk

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

Latest Stirling News

Winners Unveiled at 2025 Stirling Business Awards

Stirling’s independent business owners were recognised for their achievements and rewarded with trophies at the city’s annual Business Awards ceremony last night.

Action Classics Hit Vue Venues in Scotland this March

An array of action films is screening at Vue venues in Scotland throughout the month of March, kicking off with the king of the genre, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

FROM GLASTO TO GLASGOW: Artists performing at TRNSMT 2025 and Glastonbury

Check out the Glastonbury artists that music fans can catch in Glasgow, straight off the heels of their Worthy Farm performance at TRNSMT Festival!

Full Casting Announced for Restless Natives: The Musical

Kirsty MacLaren, Kyle Gardiner and Finlay McKillop lead a multi-talented ensemble as the Clown and the Wolfman take to the road once again!

Stirling 900 Commemorative Photography Book

Call for Submissions as The Stirling Photography Festival announce the creation of a special commemorative photography book: Stirling 900... A Celebration of the People and the Place.

Forth Valley Celebrates Community Climate Action

Dozens of local people, organisations and climate champions gathered in Dunblane last week for a day of celebration and connection.

Dobbies launches spring with special shopping weekend

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting the nation to get excited for the busiest season in the gardener's calendar with its Spring Launch Weekend, taking place 6-10 March!

Stirling 900 celebrations to climax with spectacular pipe band parade

A spectacular massed pipe band parade on Saturday 29th March will be the exciting centrepiece of Stirling’s 900th anniversary finale celebrations.

The UK Pantomime Association announces major sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment

The UK Pantomime Association is delighted to announce a significant new sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment (ATGE).

Arriving near you! Adventure Cinema returns for special Summer screenings under the stars

The UK's largest outdoor cinema, Adventure Cinema announces its most spectacular season to date with incredible films at new magical locations!

Free gardening workshops at Dobbies this March

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting two free workshops this March for gardeners of all ages; Prepare to Propagate and Beyond the Secret Garden.

Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!

Roblox hits the big screen at Vue Cinemas

British kids will go head-to-head on Roblox to be crowned the Gaming Challenge UK champion.

Aldi Scotland Announces CHAS as the Official Charity Partner for its 2025 Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland has proudly announced Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the official charity partner of its long running and hugely popular Supermarket Sweep initiative for 2025.

Homebuilder announced as headline sponsor of Stirling 900 finale celebrations

Persimmon Homes (East Scotland) has been unveiled as the headline sponsor for the Stirling 900 finale celebrations.

Hop along to Dobbies this Easter

Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming families and four-legged friends to hop along and get set for spring at its brand-new Easter-themed events, taking place across the UK.

Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland

The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.

Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!

Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.

From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.

Stirling to Host Sizzling Showcase of Food, Drink and Tourism

Stirling is turning up the heat this March with a dynamic line up of events designed to inspire, connect and showcase the region’s food, drink and tourism industry.

Multi level car park reopens at Thistles following refurbishment

Thistles, Stirling, today announces the reopening of its car park following an extensive £3.5 million investment as part of ongoing improvement plans.

Valentines Share The Love Campaign Launched in Stirling

Stirling residents are being invited to share their support for the city’s business community this month.

Creative organisations invited to take part in special Stirling 900 cultural celebration

Creative organisations are being invited to take part in a special cultural night on Friday 28 March as part of Stirling’s 900th anniversary finale celebrations.

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!

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.

Popular Listings

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

Winners Unveiled at 2025 Stirling Business Awards

Stirling’s independent business owners were recognised for their achievements and rewarded with trophies at the city’s annual Business Awards ceremony last night.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings