Finalists Revealed for The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards 2025

This year’s 12 award categories highlight the strength, diversity, and innovation of Scotland’s family enterprises from small, local firms to businesses with global reach.

Among the finalists are Newton Property Management, shortlisted for the Business Innovation Award for modernising the property factoring sector, and community-focused firms such as Allied Vehicles Ltd and Riverside Chiropractic Group. Caulders Garden Centres and The Evana Group Ltd are recognised for Customer Service Excellence, while rapid expansion has earned Browns Food Group Ltd and The Turbo Guy places in the Fastest Growing Family Business Award category, sponsored by Business Gateway.

The Green Family Business of the Year finalists including Equi’s Ice Cream and Strachan and Kemp Commercial Services Ltd are being recognised for environmental innovation, while Connor Cunningham of Border Biscuits and Emma Fairbairns of Hebrides Cruises are among those shortlisted in the Next Generation category sponsored by AAB. Neil Robb, Head of Business Advisory at AAB, praised the Next Generation entrants: “This year’s nominations showcase the energy, creativity and leadership of emerging family business figures who are honouring legacy while driving their companies into an exciting future.”

Hebrides Cruises also features in the Rural Family Business of the Year shortlist alongside Gillies and Mackay Ltd, MacLennan Distribution, and Seabirds-and-Seals The Original Noss Boat.

Other finalists include Brian Smith Funeral Services Ltd, Billingtons of Lenzie Ltd, Minerva Innovation Group, and Simple Selfstore Ltd in the Scottish Family Business of the Year (Mirco) category, sponsored by Business Gateway; The Power Within Training and The Victor Pizza Co Ltd in the Scottish Family Business of the Year (Small/Medium) category, sponsored by Virgin Money; and Allied Vehicles Ltd, Bells Food Group Ltd, and D McGhee & Sons Ltd in the Scottish Family Business of the Year (Large) category, sponsored by The Malcolm Group. Andrew Malcolm, CEO of The Malcolm Group, congratulated the Large Family Business finalists: “Your hard work, passion and dedication to excellence shine through this well-deserved recognition.”

The Outstanding Contribution Award will be revealed on the night. Last year’s honour went to Afzal and Akmal Khushi, the brothers behind outdoor clothing brand Trespass.

“Judging the entries is always a reminder of the depth and quality of the family businesses operating in Scotland,” said David Henderson, Head of Strategic Finance, West of Scotland – Virgin Money. “The Small/Medium Business Award has been particularly competitive this year, and all those shortlisted should be proud of their achievements.”

Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at Business Gateway, added: “The calibre of entries has been outstanding across all categories, highlighting the innovation and resilience of Scotland’s family businesses. Each finalist has shown real commitment not just to growth, but to people and purpose.”

Tickets for the awards ceremony can be booked online at
 newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/familybusiness

Business Innovation Award

·       Hebrides Cruises

·       Newton Property Management

·       Seabirds-and-Seals the Original Noss Boat

Commitment to the Community

·       Allied Vehicles Limited

·       MacLennan Distribution

·       Riverside Chiropractic Group

·       Scott Munn & Co Funeral Directors

·       Strachan and Kemp Commercial Services Ltd

·       The Evana Group Limited

Customer Service Excellence

·       Caulders Garden Centres

·       Minerva Innovation Group Limited

·       Seabirds-and-Seals the Original Noss Boat

·       The Evana Group Limited

Fastest Growing Family Business Award sponsored by Business Gateway

·       Browns Food Group Ltd

·       Minerva Innovation Group Limited

·       Newton Property Management

·       Strachan and Kemp Commercial Services Ltd

·       The Turbo Guy

Green Family Business of the Year

·       Equi’s Ice Cream

·       Hebrides Cruises

·       Seabirds-and-Seals The Original Noss Boat

·       Strachan and Kemp Commercial Services LTD

Next Generation Award sponsored by AAB

·       Alex Equi – Equi’s Ice Cream

·       Connor Cunningham – Border Biscuits

·       Emma Fairbairns – Hebrides Cruises

·       Kirsty Imrie – Caulders Garden Centres

Rural Family Business of the Year

·       Gillies and Mackay Ltd

·       Hebrides Cruises

·       MacLennan Distribution

·       Seabirds-and-Seals The Original Noss Boat

Recognition Award

·       Kieran Bain – Gillies and Mackay

·       Lyndsey James-Williams – PG Paper

Scottish Family Business of the Year (Micro)  sponsored by Business Gateway

·       Brian Smith Funeral Services Ltd

·       Minerva Innovation Group Limited

·       Seabirds-and-Seals The Original Noss Boat

·       Billingtons of Lenzie LTD

·       Simple Selfstore Ltd

Scottish Family Business of the Year (Small / Medium) sponsored by Virgin Money

·       Equi’s Ice Cream

·       Gillies and Mackay Ltd

·       Newton Property Management

·       The Power Within Training

·       The Victor Pizza Co LTD

Scottish Family Business of the Year (Large) sponsored by Malcolm Group

·       Allied Vehicles Limited

·       Bells Food Group Limited

·       Border Biscuits

·       Browns Food Group Ltd

·       Caulders Garden Centres

·       D McGhee and Sons LTD

Outstanding Contribution

To be announced on the night