24th April 2020
TWO Caithness-based businessmen are among the finalists in the Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland Director of the Year Awards.
Martin Murray, of Dunnet Bay Distillers, is shortlisted for regional director of the year in the Highlands and Islands (sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise).
Mr Murray is also nominated in the family business category (sponsored by Turcan Connell) and the innovation category (sponsored by the Scottish Government).
Dr Keith Nicholson, of Thurso-based Cyber Security Scotland, is nominated in the start-up category.
Each category features four finalists.
Fifty-four business leaders across Scotland have been shortlisted across 12 director categories and seven regional categories, out of almost 200 entries.
The other finalists in the Highlands and Islands regional director of the year section are Stephen Kemp, of Orkney Distilling, Lisa Kerr, of Gordonstoun, and Niall MacDonald, who was previously with Aquascot.
The awards celebrate individuals’ business accomplishments over the past year, with winners set to be announced on September 8 in Glasgow.
Malcolm Cannon, national director of IoD Scotland, said: “No business has been able to escape the strain of the last 12 months. From the ongoing Brexit delays to the current challenge of our lifetime with Covid-19, for the vast majority of business leaders it will feel as if they have been thrown curveball after curveball.
“However, in the most trying of times, we have seen business leaders demonstrate the highest levels of passion and commitment as they strive for success and make sure they emerge from all of this.
“These awards are testament to this, and our regional categories recognise the brilliant work of those who may not ordinarily have their voice heard.
“As with other key director categories, more leaders than ever before have been put forward for a regional award this year. The IoD works hard to represent our members all over the country and being able to celebrate their achievements is a highlight of our year.”
Source – John O’Groat Journal
