Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce — the North-east’s most influential business organisation and a consistent, fearless advocate for the region’s economy — has celebrated the best of local enterprise at the 2026 Northern Star Business Awards, with Aberdeen International Airport claiming the coveted Business of the Year title.
The Chamber has long punched above its weight as a voice for North-east business, lobbying government on critical issues from North Sea oil and gas licensing to infrastructure investment, and making the case that the region’s energy expertise is an asset to the whole of Scotland and the UK. The Northern Star Awards are a flagship expression of that commitment — an annual moment to reflect on just how much talent and ambition exists across Aberdeen and Grampian.
Aberdeen International Airport’s win was all the more striking given the year it has navigated. The airport has faced very public scrutiny over its parking charges, which drew widespread frustration from passengers and sparked heated debate across the region. Yet behind the headlines, the business delivered a year of genuine operational excellence — profits doubled, passenger numbers soared, and £3.7 million in infrastructure investment, including next-generation security scanners, transformed the travel experience. Welcoming 2.3 million passengers a year and supporting 3,400 jobs, the airport contributes over £110 million annually to the North-east economy, and the judges clearly felt that record spoke for itself.
Other high-growth businesses recognised on the night included The SRE Group, whose £5 million investment to create Aurora Aberdeen on Union Street signals real confidence in the city centre; Whittaker Engineering, honoured in the Family Business category; and start-up Dax Group, which took home the Start-up Business of the Year award — a sign that new enterprise continues to take root and flourish in the North-east.
North East Scotland College’s double win — in both Driving Sustainability and Staff Matter — highlighted the vital role education and skills development plays in building the region’s long-term economic resilience, while IKM Testing UK’s Inspiration from Innovation award underlined the strength of technology-driven businesses emerging from the energy sector.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “Every finalist and winner has played a part in driving the region forward, and they should all be incredibly proud of the impact they are making locally and beyond.”
