**The application deadline for the Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards has been extended to Monday, 8 February 2010**.

Scottish Borders Council has launched the inaugural Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards, with The Southern as media sponsor.

The Business Excellence Awards have been created to celebrate Borders companies who are demonstrating excellence in their field.  Businesses are invited to showcase success in areas such as growth, employee development, international trade and innovation. 

A special award is also open to businesses and organisations who maximised the opportunities available through Homecoming Scotland 2009.  This award will recognise the economic impact that can be made when the community, voluntary, public sector and private sector work together.

Bryan McGrath, Head of Economic Development & Regeneration, Scottish Borders Council, has been speaking to local businesses about the awards:

“Judging by the levels of interest in these awards, there is lots of great work going on in the area, despite challenging economic conditions.  We are encouraging all businesses to enter as the Awards provide a real stamp of excellence for their work.”

Following the Scottish Borders Awards in 2008, this year’s Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards will recognise the achievement of businesses across seven categories:

1. New Business of the Year, sponsored by TRICAP, Tweed Renaissance Investors Capital
2. International Trader of the Year, sponsored by Business Gateway, and in association with the Scottish Borders Exporters Association
3. Employer of the Year, sponsored by Skills Development Scotland
4. Independent retailer of the year, in association with the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses
5. Innovation of the year, sponsored by Prostrakan, in association with Scottish Enterprise
6. Growth business of the year, sponsored by Purves Chartered Accountants
7. Homecoming Scotland 2009 initiative, sponsored by Homecoming Scotland, a special award to recognise an outstanding contribution to the local economy during the Year of Homecoming.

Click here to download an application form for the relevant category.  

Cllr Vicky Davidson

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Economic Development, Scottish Borders Council, said “The Business Excellence Awards are a great opportunity for Borders businesses from all sectors, including not-for-profit organisations, to get the recognition they deserve, and to showcase their continued commitment to their staff and to innovation.  The Awards are now open and I would encourage all businesses to enter.

“The last 18 months have been very tough but we know from our ongoing work with businesses that there are success stories out there. This is a great opportunity for companies to gain the recognition they deserve for their achievements.”

Winners will be announced at a business lunch event on Friday 19th March 2010 at the new Scottish Borders Campus, Netherdale, Galashiels.

Scottish Borders Council is taking the lead role in co-ordinating the Awards but is delighted that partners from the private and the public sector have agreed to support the Awards. 

For further information please call Jenny Williamson on 01835 824000 ex 5832 .