CC Chocolatier and North Point Distillery win awards at Caithness Chamber of Commerce dinner
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Two businesses were recognised for their contribution to the north Highlands at the Caithness Chamber of Commerce’s 49th annual dinner and awards ceremony.
CC Chocolatier of Bower and North Point Distillery in Thurso collected young business awards for micro enterprise and SME respectively.
The event took place on Friday at the Norseman Hotel in Wick and was attended by some of the region's most influential business personalities.
A keynote address was given by Dr Liz Cameron, director and chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and highly regarded as one of the most influential, informed and authentic business leaders within Scotland’s business community.
In her speech Liz commended the invaluable work and commitment of the Caithness Chamber and its members, acknowledging the significant contribution made to Scotland’s voice for business at national and international level.
The speech went on to acknowledge the north Highlands as a major powerhouse of Scotland’s transition to renewable energy and celebrated its diverse economy showcasing entrepreneurial excellence in food, drink, manufacturing, engineering, space technologies and tourism.
After what has been an incredibly turbulent year for businesses across the north Highlands, the dinner brought a welcome chance to connect, build relationships and celebrate the strength and resilience of the diverse north Highland business community.
Guests were treated to a surprise performance by the Singers Secreto’s singing waiters, who burst into the event and got everyone up on their feet.
The annual awards were introduced by longstanding patron of the Caithness Chamber, Viscount Thurso, Lord Lieutenant of Caithness.
Mandy Boydell of CC Chocolatier collected the young business award in the Micro category, sponsored by West of Orkney Windfarm. CC Chocolatier was founded in 2019 by Mandy, who is a former head chef at the Castle of Mey. The Bower-based business offers personalised chocolates, handmade gifts, and celebration cakes alongside signature chocolate-making and luxury afternoon tea experiences.
The young business was recognised for the quality and craftsmanship of its handmade products, using the finest of homemade and locally sourced ingredients to ensure the freshest and most authentic flavour and its unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous learning.
North Point Distillery was awarded the young business winner in the SME category, sponsored by Pentland Floating Offshore Windfarm. Established in 2020 by business partners Struan Mackie and Alex MacDonald, trading began on October 1, 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, with one still, three members of staff and three products – a Cask Aged Rum, Spiced Rum and London Dry Gin.
From its base in Forss Business and Energy Park, the growing business has more than quadrupled production since 2020, with three stills registered, and a further still on the way.
With over 32 awards to date, the ambitious young distillery and its products have been internationally recognised for excellence in quality, design and sustainability. To date, North Point Distillery has secured over £500,000 of inward investment into the far north, creating 14 jobs within the first three years of trading and a commitment to adding new roles through apprenticeship and graduate programmes.
