Stanley firm are stars of the year

Nov 21 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

STANLEY-based media production company Speakeasy Productions emerged triumphant last night at the annual Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards Dinner.

The event lured 270 black-tied guests to Crieff Hydro to celebrate the very best of business in Perth and Kinross.

Compere for the evening was broadcaster Shereen Nanjiani.

The Perthshire Business of the Year 2008 accolade – and Bank of Scotland Corporate Trophy – was presented to Speakeasy Productions, which also captured the A&J Stephen (Builders) award for training and development, and the Perth and Kinross Council economic development unit’s accolade for creativity.

Chamber president Mike Beale told guests: “Speakeasy embodies everything that the Star Awards strive to recognise and reward in a go-ahead successful 21st century business.

“The task of finding an overall winner is always a difficult one and any of our category champions could have walked off with the ultimate accolade. Speakeasy, however, demonstrated that vital edge which put them above the rest.

“Their steady growth and business success demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for businesses willing to go that extra mile.

“And their innovative and passionate pursuit of success all combine to make them worthy holders of the Perthshire Business of the Year 2008 title.”

David Fleming, area director for Perthshire, Bank of Scotland Corporate, the main sponsors, added: “The Bank has been a strong supporter of the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards for a number of years.

“Working with the chamber, our mutual goals of encouraging entrepreneurship and building better businesses have played a key role in the ongoing development of the Awards.

“This year has seen some excellent entries, and is proof that the Awards are a key fixture in Perthshire’s business calendar.”

Speakeasy Productions was set-up by local businessman and 1998 Great Scot award winner Jim Adamson 15 years ago and has gone from strength to strength. It now has a 26-strong workforce with a presence in London’s Notting Hill.

Their client base includes a string of blue chip companies at home and abroad.

And the hat-trick of awards at the Chamber’s showpiece dinner follows hard on the heels of a gold medal at the New York Film and Video Festival for a documentary on bankers NM Rothschild narrated by actress Juliet Stevenson.

At a local level, lifelong St Johnstone fan Jim volunteered to produce a successful DVD celebrating the Perth team’s Challenge Cup triumph last season. Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust also turned to Speakeasy to showcase Big Tree Country.

Past overall winner The Famous Grouse Experience secured customer service and retail awards this year and other star winners were Fairfield Housing Co-operative, Blown Away Land Yachts, Highland Safaris and Castlecroft Securities.

This year, for the first-time, two president’s awards were made – to Horsecross and Perth College.

Mr Beale said: “The quantity and quality of entrants this year has been extraordinarily high. These two, in particular, have stood out and yet have not been able to be category winners. Both have made a significant impact on the local business community in their respective fields.”

THE Chamber is holding a Christmas coffee morning for members at the Glenearn Road Algo Business Centre on Tuesday, December 2, from 10am to noon.

There is no charge thanks to sponsorship by Alex Cairncross Silver Gifts. Anne Mackinnon of Caledonia Coffee Roasters is also backing an event which will support the PKAVS Christmas Goodwill Scheme.

Those attending are encouraged to bring along a gift or voucher, preferably for a teenager.

Book a place on 01738 450401 or events@perthshirechamber.co.uk

2008 STAR AWARDS

Perth College New Business Award – Blown Away Land Yachts

Highland Spring Customer Service Award – The Famous Grouse Experience

A and J Stephen (Builders) Ltd Training and Development Award – Speakeasy Productions

Symphony Hotels and Leisure Ltd Retail Award – The Famous Grouse Experience

Perth and Kinross Council (Economic Development) Creative Award – Speakeasy Productions

VisitScotland Tourism and Hospitality Award – Highland Safaris

Maclellan I.T. Marketing Award – Castlecroft Securities

NU/Aviva Business in the Community Award – Fairfield Housing Co-Operative

Look out for full photographic coverage of last night’s Chamber Star Awards in Tuesday’s PA.