Finalists revealed for the Society Awards 2019
Entries for the inaugural awards flooded in from a wide range of fantastic businesses and organisations from across the north-east.
And now, the finalists can be announced after a panel of six judges with a wealth of experience between them whittled down the entries in a total of 15 of categories.
The judges included editor of Society Samantha Leckie, CEO of Aberdeen Inspired Adrian Watson, Bon Accord marketing manager Cheryl Smith, Society’s associate editor Julia Bryce, Elevator and Business Gateway operations manager Roz Taylor, and Elizabeth Mathie, project manager for Opportunity North East Limited. They studied each individual entry before discussing them all at Society’s Marischal Square office.
Sponsored by Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre’s Business Improvement District, the awards showcase and celebrate the region’s food and drink, fashion and beauty, interiors, tourism and entertainment industries.
Chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired Adrian Watson was impressed by the high quality on display.
He said: “It was great to get even more of an insight into the many achievements of local businesses and organisations in our great city centre, wider Aberdeen and, of course, the shire.
“Their passion and enthusiasm really shone through the Society Awards entries and highlighted the tremendous local talent we are proud to showcase. “It was a difficult task to whittle down from such a range of worthy entries, and we would like to extend our congratulations to all entrants.”
Bon Accord sponsors the Fashion Award of the Year category. Marketing manager Cheryl Smith said: “The amount of entries this year has been overwhelming, and it has made the judging process a very difficult one.”
Project manager for Opportunity North East Limited Elizabeth Mathie said: “Shortlisting was not an easy process as there were strong contenders within all of the categories.”
Roz Taylor, operations manager at Elevator and Business Gateway, added: “The finalists have shown real strength as each has standout attributes which show either a willingness to go that extra mile to deliver a service to fit customer demands or show real commitment to their business, customer and prosperity for our region.”
Editor of Society Samantha Leckie said: “Each of the categories boasted a number of successful and talented businesses, which made the shortlisting process challenging. I would like to thank each and every business that took the time to enter the awards.”
The Outstanding Contribution to Retail/Leisure award will be announced at the ceremony.
The awards will take place on Thursday November 7 at the Sandman Signature Hotel, Aberdeen.
Bar of the Year
- College Bar
- Grape & Grain
- The Spiritualist
- The Chester Hotel
Beauty Award of the Year
- Beauty at the Barn
- Kaerlig Beauty
- Shelley Milne Brows & Beauty
- The Gym
Best Contribution to Entertainment of the Year
- Aberdeen Performing Arts
- Unit 51
- The Tunnels
Casual Dining/Coffee House of the Year
- AVO
- Foodstory
- Nooks & Crannies
- The Bread Maker
- ReCHarge Cafe
Drinks business of the Year
- Esker Spirits
- Porter’s Gin
- Six Degrees North
- The Teasmith Spirit Company
Fashion Award of the Year
- Indi + Will
- Gibbs Menswear
- Tiger Lily Boutique
- John Lewis & Partners
Food Business of the Year
- Smoke and Soul
- Lost in Food
- Rora Dairy
- The Bay Fish & Chips
Hair Salon of the Year
- Nethermill Salon
- The Gym
- Vanity Studio
- West With Style
Hotel of the Year
- Banchory Lodge
- Meldrum House
- Tor Na Coille
Interior Award of the Year
- Sandman Signature Hotel Aberdeen
- Scotia Homes
- Sonya Angus
- AVO
- The Cleavin Barber Club
Leisure/Fitness Facility of the Year
- AKR Fitness
- Sport Aberdeen
- Village Gym
North-east Event of the Year
- Signature Food Festival
- Taste of Grampian
- VSA Fundraising Ball
- Nuart by Aberdeen Inspired
Restaurant of the Year
- Eat on the Green
- The Silver Darling
- Tor Na Coille
- Vovem Meat & Liquor
Best Social Media presence of the Year
- Aberdeen Inspired
- AVO
- Bon Accord
- VisitAberdeenshire
- Westholme Interiors
Pick up a copy of the Society Awards 2019 Finalist Supplement on Friday September 27
To purchase your tickets for the awards, click here.
