Chamber awards stand-out Moray businesses

MORAY Chamber of Commerce this week celebrated the success of local firms which have made their mark during 2019.

The organisation handed out its annual awards at The Mill House Hotel, Tynet, during a lunch on December 4.

Elgin-based candle-makers Gorse + Still took the first accolade of the day as Most Promising Enterprise, sponsored by Business Gateway. In just 12 months of trading the company has released more than 15 scents, it has been backstage and front row at London Fashion Week and has won over prestigious stockists such as Johnstons of Elgin and Covet in Edinburgh.

Leanna McDonald, owner of Gorse + Still, said: "It’s never easy starting a business. We wouldn’t be here without the amazing support from our customers and the other local brands who have supported us from day one.

"We're so proud to have been nominated alongside other fantastic local businesses and absolutely delighted to have won – it sure does make all those late nights worth it."

A record number of applicants prompted the chamber to introduce a highly commended category, which went to Move4ward. The life-science business specialises in neurological conditions, helping clients to recover from stroke, traumatic brain injuries and functional neurological disorders.

Aberlour-based PR and communications agency SPEY took the SME of the Year Award, sponsored by Moray Speyside Tourism. The judges were impressed with the firm's rapid and consistent increase in turnover. It has some big-name brands on its books including the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Gordonstoun Schools and Loch Fyne Oysters.

Emma Nicolson, SPEY general manager, said: "2019 has been a belter of a year for SPEY. We were awarded the best small agency in the UK by PR's prestigious industry body PRCA, opened up a second new office in Leith, welcomed several new members to our team and our founder, Jennifer Robertson, had a baby girl in June. We are thrilled that the value of our approach and the quality of our work has been recognised on our home turf by Moray Chamber."

GlenAllachie Distillers, of Aberlour, claimed the Moray Export Award, sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. GlenAllachie launched in 2018 as a premium single malt and has seen continual growth since. It distributes across the UK and has 60 direct accounts along with distributing to almost 50 markets worldwide. Export sales grew by 60% this year and the company entered at least 10 new markets including Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Hong Kong and Israel.

Juliette Buchan, from GlenAllachie Distillers, said: "In such a vibrant area as Moray with so many world-renowned businesses, we at GlenAllachie Distillers are honoured to have won the Moray Export Award. This accolade is a credit to the passion and determination of an incredible team who drove the success of GlenAllachie internationally."

Moray Sports Centre was awarded the Moray Chamber of Commerce Special Recognition Award for its transformational impact on sport, health and wellbeing and its economic impact since opening in June.

Guests heard from Tim Allan, businessman and president of Scottish Chambers of Commerce. Mr Allan spoke about the Scottish economy and Moray's stand-out features for businesses.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.