A HOST of small and large businesses from across the Borders came together on Friday night in Peebles to celebrate success.

The Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards (SBBEA) brought together a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, businesses, business leaders and supporters at the Hydro Hotel.

And it proved a ‘Perfect Fit’ for one particular award winner after the launch of a new award aimed at uncovering the public’s favourite firms.

The Awards covered a wide range of companies with the four district winners of the Borders Favourite Business coming together to hear who had won the Borders’ title.

The winner was announced as ‘The Perfect Fit’, a children’s clothes, shoe and gift shop in Peebles.

Trevor Jackson, chair of the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce, said: “The ‘Borders Favourite Business’ award has been really well received with hundreds of votes coming in for businesses right across the region, and we congratulate all nominees and take our hat off to The Perfect Fit.

“It underlines how passionately people feel about their local shops and businesses who put in that bit extra to provide a quality service.

“We talk a lot about the challenges of making a business successful in the Borders, but a common denominator at the awards was that each of the businesses demonstrated remarkable achievements, embodying the spirit of excellence that the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce and the awards seek to promote.

"It ranges from innovation in product development to outstanding customer service and community engagement, but right through it the winners and nominated businesses represent the very best of what the Scottish Borders has to offer.”

He added that the awards night was not just about celebrating the winners but also about bringing the business community together for important networking and entertainment, that helped reassure business people across the rural communities that despite the UK economic challenges they are successful and vital to the Borders economy.

"It has been truly inspiring to have seen the remarkable achievements of our local businesses,” Said Mr Jackson, “and at the Chamber we feel it’s important they get the chance to stop for a moment and recognise that themselves.

“These awards are a tribute to their hard work and dedication, and a recognition of their contributions to our community, and we are grateful to our sponsors, partners, and everyone who supported this event. We look forward to working with them and continuing to champion business excellence in our region."

AWARDS

Winners:

  • Aitken Turnbull Architects - Business of the Year 11 to 50 Employees
  • Eildon Housing Association - Net Zero Business of the Year
  • Evolution Bottling & Packaging Solutions - DYW Champion Business Award
  • Jasmine Jackson of Jacksons of Jedburgh - Young Business Person of the Year
  • Laughing Ducks Soft Play - Fair Work Business of the Year
  • Love Scottish - Excellence in Manufacturing
  • Purple Sage Soap Company - Business of the Year 1 to 10 Employees
  • Sweet Red Balls - Excellence in Food & Drink
  • The Perfect Fit - Borders Favourite Business
  • Turnbull & Scott - Excellence in Innovation and Technology
  • Unique Cottages - Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
  • Utility Warehouse - Business of the Year 51+ Employees

Highly Commended:

  • Emtelle UK Ltd - Excellence in Innovation and Technology
  • Emtelle UK Ltd - Excellence in Manufacturing
  • GoFibre - Business of the Year 51+ Employees
  • Hilltop Doggy Day Care - Business of the Year 1 to 10 Employees
  • HomePhysio By Nicola Ltd - Fair Work Business of the Year
  • Marchmont Farms - Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
  • Pawfection - Young Business Person of the Year
  • Plexus Corp. & Utility Warehouse - DYW Champion Business Award
  • Purple Sage Soap Company & Farne Salmon & Trout - Net Zero Business of the Year
  • The Gordon Arms - Excellence in Food & Drink
  • Turnbull & Scott - Business of the Year 11 to 50 Employees