Eleven Scottish businesses across the country, from South Lanarkshire to the Highlands, have been celebrated in the third year of The King’s Awards for Enterprise.

Spanning three categories – innovation, international trade, and promoting opportunity – this year’s award winners represent a diverse range of sectors, from the spirits industry to biotech and tourism.

Among the three Scottish firms recognised for their innovative practices are South Lanarkshire’s Glencairn Crystal Studio, known for its handcrafted premium whisky glassware; Aberdeenshire-based Gray & Adams, specialists in temperature-controlled refrigerated trailers; and Ross-shire Engineering,(RSE) a Highland firm pioneering in water treatment solutions.

“The King’s Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious business award a UK company can receive. It’s a tremendous honour and a recognition of the technical expertise and innovation we’ve developed over more than 40 years,” said RSE chief executive, Steve Slessor.

“We are proud to be a company rooted in the Highlands, supported by several generations of local families. Creating skilled, sustainable employment in rural communities remains central to our purpose.”

Seven more firms were awarded for their achievements in trade, including Edinburgh tour operator Rabbie’s Trail Burners, Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services, in Stirling, Impact Subsea, based in Aberdeen, and Aydya, a reusable product specialist in Angus.

Also recognised were North Lanarkshire outfit, ACS Clothing, along with Rubberatkins, Aberdeen, Occupancy Marketing, in Edinburgh, and Fennex, an Aberdeen-based AI digital tech company which has developed a suite of cloud-based safety and business solutions for the energy sector.

“Fennex’s goal is to become a recognised leader in specialised cutting-edge AI digital technologies, and this award cements our commitment to shape the future of the energy industry by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and safety,” said Nassima Brown, strategy director at Fennex. 

“We also see this as a driver of economic growth, and positioning Aberdeen and Scotland as global leaders in digital technology innovation”.

The Scottish winners were among the 197 King’s Awards for Enterprise recipients announced this year, 88% of which are SMEs, with the UK Government highlighting the vital part these smaller enterprises play in driving economic growth.

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The government said that these smaller businesses are the ‘beating heart’ of its growth mission, and providing them with the support to meet their ambition and ingenuity to reach their full potential is an ‘absolute priority’.

“There are some excellent Scottish businesses recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from Impact Subsea’s cutting-edge technology to Glencairn Crystal’s premium glassware,” said Gareth Thomas, UK minister for services, small businesses and exports.

“I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in Scotland and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”