A wide range of independent businesses have been selected as finalists for Stirling’s inaugural Business Awards – with three weeks to go until the winners are revealed.
More than 16,000 votes were cast for companies nominated in each of ten categories for the awards which are run by Go Forth Stirling BID.
The businesses which secured the most votes now go forward as finalists with six shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to the City Award and three making the final in each of the other categories.
The winners of the Stirling Business Awards 2023 will be announced during a black-tie ceremony at the city’s Golden Lion Hotel on Thursday February 23.
The event will be headlined by Celtic rock band Red Hot Chilli Pipers and hosted by Central FM and the remaining tickets are available to finalists by contacting the Go Forth team.
Danielle McRorie-Smith is Project Director of Go Forth Stirling, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), which launched the awards to recognise and reward the city’s independent business owners.
She said: “We’ve had an amazing response to our business awards with more than 16,000 votes cast across the various award categories.
“We’re excited to see the winners revealed at the awards ceremony later this month and hope everyone who comes along has a fantastic time celebrating Stirling’s entrepreneurial business owners and the city’s unique independent scene.”
A total of 16,757 votes were cast for a shortlist of nominated businesses with Safebase Scotland, Stirling Street Pastors, Stirling Photography Festival, Ross Hastie Signwriters & Signmakers, Transition Stirling and Creative Stirling/Made in Stirling making the final for the Outstanding Contribution to the City award.
The Allan Park, Fletcher’s and Brea are finalists for Restaurant of the Year with Molly Malones, Kilted Kangaroo and Meraki in the final for Pub/Bar of the Year.
Finalists for Café/Coffee Shop of the Year are The Book Nook, Janna’s Bakery and Vera Artisan Bakery and competing for Hair & Beauty Business of the Year are Frances Hunter Hairdressing, Unica Beauty Studio and FrownDocs Skincare Clinic.
In the Unique Retailer of the Year category, the finalists are Tinkerbells Emporium, Made in Stirling and Europa Music while It’s Blooming Wonderful, Ginger Roots and Joanie’s Music are in the running for Retailer of the Year.
Stirling Castle, Stirling Distillery and the Smith Art Gallery and Museum have made the final for Visitor Attraction of the Year and those shortlisted for Charity of the Year are Strathcarron Hospice, Stirling Women’s Aid and Stirling Carers Centre.
Meanwhile, Nevermore Tattoo & Piercing, Stirling Optical and Body & Soul Health Care/Stirling Podiatry are the finalists for Professional Services Business of the Year.
Award sponsors include the Thistles, Retailers Against Crime, Castle Leisure Group, Stirling Gin, Cowane’s Trust, the University of Stirling Management School, STEP Scotland and chartered surveyors Graham & Sibbald.
There will also be a charity raffle on behalf of Strathcarron Hospice during the awards evening.
The business awards will become an annual event organised by Go Forth Stirling to highlight and showcase the city’s diverse range of independent traders.
They follow the launch of bespoke website Independent Stirling which promotes independent businesses and encourages people to shop local.
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
