Nominations open for the 2016 UK Private Business Awards

Celebrating the best of private businesses and their contribution to communities, as well as the Scottish and UK economy, nominations are now open for the 2016 awards.

Scottish firms have a strong track history of success in the PBAs – also referred to as the Diamonds. In 2015, Glencraft (Aberdeen) Ltd scooped the Social Enterprise of the Year category with BenRiach Distillery Co Ltd taking home the High Growth Business of the Year category.

And in 2013, Aberdeenshire craft beer business, Brewdog, won the High Growth Business of the Year category while Technology Innovation of the Year was awarded to oilfield services support firm, Spex Services Ltd.

Other household names to reach the UK finals in previous years include Vets Now, Genius Foods, William Grant and Innis & Gunn Brewing Company.

Martin Cowie, head of private business, PwC in Scotland, said: “Since it launched in 2010, Scottish businesses have shone at the UK PBAs and I really hope many more embrace this opportunity to put themselves forward and tell their story.

“Private businesses are a significant component in our economic engine. They deserve a bigger voice and greater recognition for the role they play, not just in their local communities but across the Scottish and UK stage. We’re keen to hear all about their successes and to celebrate the innovative work they are doing day in and day out through this UK-wide platform.”

Private businesses are urged to nominate themselves in one or more of the 10 categories:

• Technology Innovation of the Year

• Social Enterprise of the Year

• High Growth Business of the Year

• Rising Star of the Year

• International Business of the Year

• Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

• Private Business Woman of the Year

• CEO of the Year

• Family Business of the Year

• Private Business of the Year

Brian Henderson, partner and UK Private Business Award’s leader at PwC, said: “The UK Private Business Awards are now in their sixth year and celebrate the best of the private sector. The Awards recognise achievements and the important contribution that entrepreneurs and private businesses make to the UK economy.

“The Awards categories allow a broad range of companies and individuals to participate and reflect the ever increasing diversity in the private business landscape.”

The 2016 awards will be judged by a panel of business leaders and entrepreneurs on 27 June.

The nomination period runs from 22 February 2016 to 15 April 2016.

The deadline for submitting a full entry form is 9 May 2016. The awards shortlist will be announced on 29 June 2016 and the winners of the UK Private Business Awards will be announced at a gala dinner on 15 September 2016 at The Brewery, Chiswell Street, London EC1.

To find out more about the awards or to nominate a business, visit: www.privatebusinessawards.com