The Highland Business Awards 2025 were given an extra highlight this year with a special keynote from Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, who addressed a packed audience at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, on Friday 26 September.
Speaking at one of the region’s most prestigious business events, Mr Alexander celebrated the entrepreneurial drive, innovation, and growth potential of the Highlands, while underlining the vital role of SMEs and emerging sectors in shaping the region’s economic future.
Drawing on developments from earlier in the day, he highlighted the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, reflecting the UK Government’s commitment to supporting sustainable investment and economic growth across the region.
He also spoke about the exciting emerging sectors in the Highlands, including energy and space, noting the region’s strong potential for innovation and inward investment. Douglas Alexander referenced UK Government regional investment initiatives, including the Inverness & Highland City Region Deal and support through the Plan for Change and Industrial Strategy, and highlighted the Scotland Office Brand Scotland programme, which promotes Scotland on the global stage.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, said, “The Highlands have immense potential – from world-class SMEs to cutting-edge emerging sectors – and the UK Government is committed to supporting this growth.
“Initiatives such as the Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and our local growth investments demonstrate how we are working to ensure opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.
“The entrepreneurial drive of this region is inspiring, and it was a privilege to celebrate it at the Highland Business Awards.”
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, added, “We were delighted to welcome Douglas Alexander to this year’s Awards. His address not only celebrated the achievements of our finalists but also highlighted the enormous potential of the Highlands and the opportunities for growth and innovation. Having his insight and support at the event added real energy and inspiration for our business community.”
The Highland Business Awards continue to recognise excellence across the region, celebrating the people, teams and businesses driving innovation, growth and community impact throughout the Highlands.
2025 Highland Business Awards Winners:
Highland Business Award for Innovation
sponsored by University of the Highlands and IslandsEcosystems Technologies
Highland Business Award for Resilience
sponsored by Caithness Chamber of CommerceStrathdearn Community Developments
Highland Business Award for Positive Environmental Impact
sponsored by Pentland Ferries
Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
Highland Business Award for Global Growth
sponsored by Thorntons LawWester Ross Fisheries
Highland Business Award for Most Promising New Business
sponsored by Business GatewayPractest
Highland Business Award for Best Marketing Campaign
sponsored by STVCulloden Cars
Highland Business Award for Outstanding Community Engagement
sponsored by Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green FreeportNew Start Highland
Highland Business Award for Corporate Community Impact
sponsored by Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
Parklands Care Homes
Highland Business Award for Employer of the Year
sponsored by Azets
Ri Cruden
Highland Business Award for Young Employee of the Year
sponsored by The Springfield GroupCaitlin Maclean – teclan
Highland Business Award for Business Leader of the Year
sponsored by SafferyMalcolm Morrison – GMG Energy
Highland Business of the Year
sponsored by Balfour Beatty
New Start Highland
