Celebrating Local Business Talent: Henderson Loggie on The Courier Business Awards Finalists 2025

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At Henderson Loggie, we’re proud to once again be headline sponsors of The Courier Business Awards, a celebration of the ambition, innovation, resilience, and determination driving businesses across Tayside, Fife, and beyond. We are thrilled to announce the Courier Business Awards 2025 finalists, honouring exceptional companies in the region.

This year, nearly 160 entries were submitted, reflecting the incredible diversity and strength of our local business community. From established companies to exciting new ventures, the judging panel had the rewarding challenge of reviewing each submission and narrowing them down to a shortlist of exceptional finalists.

The awards ceremony will take place for the 12th time on October 24 at the Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee, a highlight of the business calendar and an evening that promises to inspire.

A Strong and Inspiring Shortlist

This year’s shortlist features businesses of all sizes, across a wide range of sectors. What impressed us most was not just the commercial success on display, but the deep connection these companies have with their communities. Many are driving real impact locally, combining innovation with a genuine commitment to people and place.

David Clegg, editor of The Courier and chair of the judging panel, said:
“It’s inspiring to see the talent and ambition across every category. These businesses aren’t just succeeding commercially – they are rooted in their communities, making a real difference.”

Insights from the Judges

Our Managing Partner, David Smith, joined the judging panel alongside:

  • Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman of 4J Studios
  • Marie Macklin, The HALO Group
  • Angela Linton, former CEO of Hillcrest
  • Rob McLaren, Business Editor at The Courier

David reflected:
“We were delighted to see so many new businesses taking part this year. The entries showed a mix of adaptability, bold decision-making, and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s been a pleasure debating the entries and recognising the strength of our local business community.”

Looking Ahead to the Awards Night

In the coming weeks, senior staff from Henderson Loggie and The Courier will visit each shortlisted business to report back to the judges. Category winners will be announced on the night, and one business will be crowned Business of the Year – last year’s award went to Montrose Port Authority.

This year, BBC Sport and Radio 2 presenter Jason Mohammad will host the event, promising an evening full of celebration, insight, and a few surprises along the way.

Supporting Local Business

At Henderson Loggie, we are committed to supporting and championing the businesses that drive growth, innovation, and community impact across our region. The Courier Business Awards give us the perfect opportunity to do just that – recognising the companies and individuals shaping the future of Tayside, Fife, and beyond.

Courier Business Awards 2025 finalists

*Finalists listed in alphabetical order.

Apprentice sponsored by Apex Hotels

  • Callum Gordon – Fife Council
  • Casey Gardner – Persimmon Homes North Scotland
  • Connor Deuchars – Forth Ports
  • Zoe Clark – Due North Creatives

Brand Marketing and Social Media sponsored by Montrose Port Authority

  • AJ Renewables
  • M.ad Agency
  • Mills Observatory
  • SaltDog Marine

Business Leader sponsored by Blackadders LLP

  • Dave Tipping – Kids Operating Room
  • Jimmy Urquhart – Discovery Flexibles
  • Joyce Gibson – Direct Soccer

Community sponsored by Dundee and Angus College

  • Alexander Community Development
  • Braw Tea CIC
  • Kanzen for Life
  • Montrose Community Trust

Employer of the Year sponsored by Dundee Science Centre

  • ESP Group
  • NCR Atleos
  • Waracle

Family sponsored by Thorntons

Angus
  • ESP Group
  • Forbes of Kingennie
  • Whytes of Monifieth
Dundee
  • Clarks Bakery
  • Direct Soccer
  • Spaces Taylored
Fife
  • Pettycur Bay Holiday Park
  • The Natural Energy Company
  • Wee Kingdom Softplay & Café
Perthshire
  • Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels
  • Gillies & Mackay
  • The Alyth Hotel

Growth sponsored by Hillcrest

  • Driver Hire Dundee & Perth
  • RADIX
  • Raeburn Training

Innovation and Technology sponsored by SSEN Transmission

  • Direct Soccer
  • RADIX
  • Scott & Fyfe

Legal and Property sponsored by Alpha Projects

  • Duncan and McConnell Solicitors
  • Harmony Homes Estate Agency
  • Home Sweet Home Estate Agents Fife

Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland

  • Pettycur Bay Holiday Park
  • Scone Palace
  • The Alyth Hotel

Medium to Large Business sponsored by Barratt Homes

  • Direct Soccer
  • ESP Group
  • Forth Ports
  • NCR Atleos

Service sponsored by Walker Luxury Jeweller

  • Change Centre Dundee (Street Soccer Group)
  • Here’s The Plan
  • Hutcheon Mearns

Small Business sponsored by Gilson Gray

  • Discovery Stone
  • Economy Car and Van Hire
  • Raeburn Training
  • The Alyth Hotel

Transition to Net Zero sponsored by Forth Ports

  • DP&L Travel Management
  • RADIX
  • The Natural Energy Company
  • Transition Stirling

Young Business sponsored by NCR Atleos

  • Angus Alchemy
  • Discovery Stone
  • The Culdee