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It was an evening of celebration as trophies were presented at the Courier Business Awards on Friday 24 August.

Held in partnership with Henderson Loggie, the award are a chance for businesses doing remarkable things in the local economy to have a moment in the spotlight.

More than 750 attended the black-tie event hosted by BBC presenter Jason Mohammad, at Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee.

One of the major Angus award winners on the night was presented to Arbroath contact centre ESP Group who walked away with the new Employer of the Year award, which recognises workplace culture and staff development.

Ashley Meston, chief executive, said: “We work really hard to build a culture and environment that is as fun as it can be when you are at work.

“We’ve won quite a few awards over the years, but this one feels really special.”

The other Angus winner on the night was Forbes of Kingennie who triumphed in the Angus Family category.

The top prize of the night for Business of the Year was awarded to Direct Soccer, a multi-million-pound Dundee business with 40 staff that produces customised sports kits.

Growing over more than two decades from its initial birth in Forfar before relocating to Dundee, the e-commerce business has invested heavily to become an industry leader fulfilling 125,000 orders a year.

First Minister John Swinney presented a special Outstanding Contribution trophy at the end of the night to Professor Sir Philip Cohen, who has played a major role in developing Dundee into a major life sciences powerhouse.

The full list of winners are:

Apprentice (sponsored by Apex Hotels)

Casey Gardner, Persimmon Homes North Scotland

Brand Marketing and Social Media (sponsored by Montrose Port Authority)

AJ Renewables

Business Leader (sponsored by Blackadders LLP)

Jimmy Urquhart, Discovery Flexibles

Community (sponsored by Dundee and Angus College)

Braw Tea CIC

Employer of the Year (sponsored by Dundee Science Centre)

ESP Group

Angus Family (sponsored by Thorntons)

Forbes of Kingennie

Dundee Family (sponsored by Thorntons)

Clark’s Bakery

Fife Family (sponsored by Thorntons)

Pettycur Bay Holiday Park

Perthshire Family (sponsored by Thorntons)

Gillies & Mackay

Overall Family (sponsored by Thorntons)

Clark’s Bakery

Growth (sponsored by Hillcrest)

RADIX

Innovation and Technology (sponsored by SSEN Transmission)

Scott & Fyfe

Legal and Property (sponsored by Alpha Projects)

Duncan and McConnell Solicitors

Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland)

Scone Palace

Medium to Large Business (sponsored by Barratt Homes)

Direct Soccer

Service (sponsored by Walker Luxury Jewellery)

Hutcheon Mearns

Small Business (sponsored by Gilson Gray)

Raeburn Training

Transition to Net Zero (sponsored by Forth Ports)

RADIX

Young Business (sponsored by NCR Atleos)

Discovery Stone

Business of the Year (sponsored by Henderson Loggie)

Direct Soccer

Outstanding Contribution (sponsored by The Courier)

Professor Sir Philip Cohen

This article appeared in The Courier on 27 October 2025