News

Angus companies and individuals are well represented in the 2023 Courier Business Awards held in conjunction with Henderson Loggie, with several having made the final selection from the original shortlist.

The ceremony, which this year is being hosted by well-know television personality Gaby Roslin takes place at The Apex Hotel, Dundee on Saturday, 28 October.

The Angus business and companies to have made the final and in with a chance of claiming the top prize in their respective categories are:

Apprentice – Ross Crosbie (Carnoustie Golf Links).  Carnoustie born and bred, Ross has always felt the draw of the links.  His passion for all things golf ultimately led to his success in his greenkeeping apprenticeship.  Ross has truly embraced all his experiences and opportunities while working at Carnoustie.  His thirst for knowledge makes him an inspirational role model.

Business Leader – Theresa Lawson (ESP Group).  From starting as a part-time call handler at Journeycall in 2006, Theresa’s commitment and exceptional performance propelled her through various roles including chief executive of the ESP Group.  She recently acquired the shareholding in the Angus business which employs more than 300 staff.  Michael Wells (Carnoustie Golf Links).  Michael began his career in the golf industry in 1999 aged 19.  His dedication and commitment to the industry represents a passion for the game.  As chief executive of Carnoustie, Michael leads with ambitions to elevate the company and its people, embracing every opportunity for growth and development.

Family (Angus) – Timber Tree Surgery.  Founded in 2020, Timber Tree Surgery is led by Graeme and Lynne Ogg along with their sons.  The Monifieth business specialises in the care and maintenance of trees including pruning, removal, disease treatment and tree health management.  Rooted in community and the environment, Timber Tree Surgery reflects the family’s values of minimising waste, championing local sports clubs and supporting the community.  ESP Group.  With more than 30 years of remarkable growth, ESP Group comprises two companies – Journeycall, based in Arbroath, and Systex.  From omni-channel customer experience and back-office support to product fulfilment and technology solutions, its offerings cater to diverse needs with an emphasis on the transport sector.  Serving companies globally, it delivers exceptional results and exceeds expectations.  Powerwasher Services.  From its depot in Laurencekirk, Powerwasher Services sells, services and repairs all types of cleaning equipment including power washers, industrial heaters, floor sweepers, scrubber driers and a range of generators and compressors.  Three generations work in the family business which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.  Powerwasher Services works throughout Scotland with its team of 25 staff.

Independent Retail – Carnoustie Golf Links.  Carnoustie Golf Links attracts visitors from all over the world and many want to take a memory of the stunning golf course back home.  That’s where the Carnoustie Golf Links shop comes in.  It is packed with quality branded products and even a photo booth.  It recently launched an online store.  Gammies Groundcare.  Gammies, founded in 1968, is a groundcare and garden machinery dealership with years of knowledge and experience supplying products and services to customers.  Gammies prides itself in being part of the whole customer journey which is why it has various departments filled with expert staff.

Innovation – Powerwaher Services.  Powerwasher Services has been in business for 40 years.  From a depot north of Brechin they sell, service and repair all types of cleaning equipment and keep adapting to stay ahead of competitors.  Recently, the business has been promoting a brand of zer0-emission machines which use electricity to heat the water.

Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality – Carnoustie Golf Links.  Carnoustie Golf Links is a world-famous golfing destination, welcoming visitors from around the globe and catering for 2,500 local season ticket holders as well as the local community.  With three outstanding courses, the jewel in the crown is the Carnoustie Championship Course.

Rising Star – Kira Wishart (ESP Group).  Kira started working for ESP Group at the age of 16 and has worked her way through the ranks to become operations manager aged just 21.  She leads the contact centre, support services and bureau facilities across ESP Group’s Arbroath and Hull sites, ensuring 24/7 customer support and driving operational excellence.

Transition to Net Zero – Carnoustie Golf Links.  The golfing destination is on a journey to become net zero.  It has undertaken a major irrigation project which saw an old, inefficient system removed from the Championship Course and replaced by a more environmentally-friendly alternative.  It is using hybrid vehicles to cut the course, while a garden supplies fresh vegetables for its restaurant.

Young Business – Chocolatia.  Founder Chloe Oswald worked in fine dining kitchens and five-star hotels before launching her own business in 2020.  Chocolatia champions the use of local and seasonal produce, ethical and sustainable chocolate and the best quality produce.  The result is expertly crafted chocolates with several seasonal collections available to buy online and at markets.  CAM Ventures.  Launched in 2021, the Angus-based micro-investment company aims to break down barriers of traditional investment and operations.  Its current portfolio encompasses businesses it has invested in or developed themselves and operate fully.  They include Angels Dare Cocktails, Angus Alchemy, Angus Grill + Larder, Dip and The Mantuary.  Maison Dieu Coffee Roasters.  The Angus speciality coffee roaster was founded by friends and former football team-mates John Souttar and Euan Spark during the pandemic.  The pair have secured several major contracts and grown the business.  All the coffee is sources ethically and then roasted in Brechin.  The next stage of the business is operating a cafe in Broughty Ferry.