Business – Midlothian and East Lothian awards

Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber have handed out their business awards for 2019 at a dinner attended by around 300 at The Brunton in Musselburgh.

Award winners:
Business Growth: Roslin-based Network ROI provide security, connectivity, cloud and IT services to a broad range of public and private industry organisations. They employ 50 people and have seen sales increase by 65 per cent in two years. They have also recently opened a North-West of England office.

Business innovation: Armadilla from Bonnyrigg export pods worldwide thanks to overcoming the difficulties of transporting an off-site modular construction into a 20ft container.

Environmental Impact: Lothian Electric Machines (Lemac) of Haddington are one of the largest employers in East Lothian and manufacture Acorn Stairlifts. They have created a recycling centre to reuse waste streams.

Commitment to Youth Development: Mactaggart Scott of Loanhead supports the naval defence industry and recognised that traditional apprenticeships are key to developing the workforce of the future.

Community Impact: Miixer CIC continue to develop the legacy of Dunbar as Scotland’s first zero waste town in partnership with East Lothian Council.

Employer of the Year: Jack and Ivy are based in Dunbar and they are a chic hairdressing salon. This year they sent two stylists to New York for razor-cutting training.

Family Business: The Brand Family at East Fortune Farm are fourth generation farmers. They have expanded their livestock and now sell eggs, home-cured bacon, pork sausages, lamb chops, steaks and roasts in their shop.

New Business (pictured): award-winning chef Tom Kitchin and his wife Michaela took over The Old Golf Inn in Gullane and created The Bonnie Badger, a stylish hotel with pub, restaurant, rooms and garden.

SME of the Year: Hickory based in Edinburgh are a Scottish catering and venue management company with five brands and are the preferred partner to respected venues including the Assembly Rooms and the National Trust.

Business Ambassador: Dalkeith-based architect Douglas Strachan believes in small businesses making a contribution to their communities and he formed a Community Development Trust called One Dalkeith.