Pentland Ferries receives double gong at 2024 Highland Business Awards
It was smooth sailing for Pentland Ferries as the firm landed two titles at the 2024 Highland Business Awards.
The ferry operator runs routes across the Pentland Firth from St Margaret’s Hope in South Ronaldsay to Gills Bay in Caithness.
On Friday, it took the Highland Business Award for Positive Environmental Impact, sponsored by Ri Cruden. Pentland Ferries also received the overall Highland Business of the Year award, sponsored by Balfour Beatty.
The business was launched in 2001 by the Banks family after working hard to get the infrastructure in place for the service on either side of the firth.
Helen Inkster, managing director of Pentland Ferries, said: “We are delighted and blown away to have been recognised for positive environmental impact and Highland business of the year.
“We never expected it, as there were other such strong contenders.
“It’s always a challenge to have a business in the Highlands and that never changes, but we are proud to rise to that, and see what we have done and grown over the last nearly 25 years.”
Mechanical engineering firm, Gow’s Lybster was also given the Highland Business Award for Resilience, sponsored by Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
Taking to its social media, the firm said: “To say we are thrilled is an understatement.
“This amazing award is dedicated in honour of our founding members Donald and Sandra Gow and our amazing team at Gow’s, as without you all this would not have been possible.”
The awards marked the finale of Highland Business Week, bringing together the very best of the region’s business community, marking a day of recognition of everything that has been achieved in the past year.
As principal sponsor, Highland Council reaffirmed its commitment to regional development and business success.
Derek Brown, chief executive of the council, expressed his pride in sponsoring the event and highlighted his shared goals with Inverness Chamber of Commerce in fostering sustainable growth across Inverness and the wider Highland region.
This year’s keynote speaker, Alasdair Ferguson, a leading figure in the Highland business community and last year’s Highland Business Leader of the Year, gave a thought-provoking address to award guests highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by Highland businesses.
Colin Marr, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, shared his thoughts on the significance of the event.
He said: “The Highland Business Awards showcase the creativity, comradery and commitment of our local businesses. It’s always inspiring to see the incredible work being done by companies across the region.
“These awards are not just about individual recognition but about celebrating the strength of our business community. It’s a privilege to support our members and this collaborative network, and I’d like to congratulate every finalist and winner for their achievements.”
The award winners reflect every aspect that defines business in the Highlands.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce extended heartfelt congratulations to all winners and finalists. Each nominee has played an essential role in driving our region’s success, it said, and fostering a thriving, supportive business environment in the Highlands.
Highland Business Awards 2024 winners:
Highland Business Award for Innovation, sponsored by University of the Highlands and Islands – Kishorn Port.
Highland Business Award for Resilience, sponsored by Caithness Chamber of Commerce – Gow’s Lybster.
Highland Business Award for Positive Environmental Impact, sponsored by Ri Cruden – Pentland Ferries.
Highland Business Award for Global Growth, sponsored by Rathbones Investment Management – Birlinn Tech.
Highland Business Award for Digital Initiative – Highlands Rewilding.
Highland Business Award for Best Marketing Campaign – Muckle Media and the Loch Ness Centre.
Highland Business Award for Community Engagement by a charity, sponsored by Vattenfall – The Ledge.
Highland Business Award for Community Engagement by a business, sponsored by Vattenfall – Parklands Care Homes.
Highland Business Award for Employer of the Year – Highland BlindCraft.
Highland Business Award for Young Employee of the Year, sponsored by The Springfield Group – Adrian Peterwas, Aquascot.
Highland Business Award for Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by Saffery – Calum MacPherson, Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.
Highland Business of the Year, sponsored by Balfour Beatty – Pentland Ferries.
