Invest in Perth Magazine : The Investment Issue

As

The research was conducted across all industry sectors amongst companies with an annual turnover above £250,000. When businesses were asked what they would do to fuel growth, 91% said they were planning an investment drive.

Further questioning showed that funding would be used to generally grow their business (43%), invest in energy efficiency measures (42%), further develop the company (41%), and increase wages for employees (29%).

This first issue of 2023 is, therefore, dedicated to investment. From grant funding and raising capex, to human capital and social infrastructure, it is crucial that we come together to support and nurture a culture of investing – whether that be money, time, or skills.

Our main cover story, From Local Artisan To National Brand, shows just how far a small idea can go when this principle is applied. From their base in Perth Food and Drink Park, Praveen and Swarna Kumar have created a fantastic product that is enjoyed across the length and breadth of the UK. Could your business be next? Make sure to read details on our Angel’s Share programme on page 7.

Of course, as a council we continue to invest in local area infrastructure and I was delighted to read about Perth’s recent win for the Mill Street regeneration project in the 2022 Urbanism Awards, which recognise the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments. Find out more over on page 18.

Councillor Grant Laing Leader of Perth & Kinross Council

the inward investment arm of Perth & Kinross Council, Invest in Perth is committed to driving economic growth through continuous business support. How we work, live, and do business is evolving and Perth’s ability to adapt in a changing global marketplace has secured its reputation as an innovative business destination. If you are seeking an ambitious, vibrant city in which to invest your capital, build your start-up or place your headquarters, contact us:

Produced by The Red String Agency on behalf of their client, Perth & Kinross Council.

Writing: Nicola Martin Design: Cain Martin

Clean Growth for a Regenerative Local Economy

By John Ferguson, Binn Ecopark

If ever there was a time when we need clarity of vision and purpose to repair the damage of the past few years, this is it. High energy and food costs, housing shortages, health concerns, climate change and war have all contributed to the challenges across so many areas of life for business, and for people in general.

That’s why, at Binn Ecopark, we started 2023 with a renewed determination to not only weather these storms but to contribute actively towards a better future for all.

As one of the area’s main employers, we know that our business starts at the local level and grows from there. This has been a core philosophy of Allan MacGregor, Binn Group’s CEO, for years. By supporting economic regeneration and local companies we can create a strong, sustainable operation with a clear contribution to clean growth – something we believe is a vital component of the future economy of Perth and Kinross, and wider Tayside.

Our commitment to ensuring continuous innovation is outlined in our ever-evolving Master Plan. Having developed a private renewable energy grid in 2019, we are now

looking towards low-carbon energy (wind, solar, hydrogen, biogas) and new circular economy developments for waste materials and local food production. We also hope to see our proposed Training and Skills Development Centre take shape.

On-site projects currently in progress include our advanced plastics recycling and manufacturing platform, insect protein farming, advanced biochar production, a new material reclamation facility and a new wash plant for high-value, recovered aggregates production.

In addition to this, our integrated residualwaste-to-energy facility will soon offer the heat sources required to grow traditionally imported crops, thus driving low food mile production; our aim is to complement this with advanced horticulture developments.

As we move further into 2023, our focus lies firmly on becoming an integral and meaningful part of the area’s economic regeneration ecosystem. This has started already, with exciting plans to extend our private renewable energy grid into Perth, thereby facilitating the opportunity for lowcarbon, price-controlled energy to PKC, its agencies, and those businesses with higher energy needs.

Alongside this, we are a core member of the Tay Cities Deal Clean Growth Group, and we work hard to connect our own ambitions with those of our peers. The James Hutton Institute, Perth Eco Innovation Park, Perth West, and the Broxden Smart Transport Hub here in Perth and Kinross, as well as the Angus Council Mercury Programme, the University of St Andrews Eden Campus, and the Michelin Scotland Innovation Park are all focused on stimulating area-wide growth through regenerative economic drivers.

A great example of this connected focus is the pending April launch of the Tay Cities Clean Growth Nexus, an online platform to stimulate and support these connections and to promote Tayside as a progressive location for inward investment in clean technology.

With global supply chains under significant stress there will be an inevitable shift towards regional self-sufficiency, which in turn offers opportunities for better, fairer, and stronger, local and regional economies.

I believe that in the Tay Cities region we have the foundations necessary to take advantage of this shift: progressive local authorities, a strong network of further and higher education and research institutes, supportive public agencies, a diverse SME sector and world-leading companies.

Couple these foundations with increasingly self-supporting local communities and it is easy to see that the future is in our own hands.

For further information on Binn Ecopark contact: john.ferguson@binnecopark.com

We are now looking towards low-carbon energy and new circular economy developments for waste materials and local food production.

Business Leaders: Take 5 Praveen and Swarna Kumar, Swarna Spice Ltd

When Praveen and Swarna Kumar decided to look for additional revenue streams in their Indian Restaurant and Cook School business, initial aspirations had been to build a regional network of retail stockists that would facilitate an annual turnover of £1 million.

The idea was simple: they would use their Tabla Restaurant kitchen to create premium, chef-prepared, frozen meals that could be heated up at home by consumers, or supplied to restaurants and pubs as premade, curries.

However, it wasn’t long before the entrepreneurial spirit that brought Praveen from a small village in India to the UK, kicked in. Three years on from those initial conversations in the family sunroom, Praveen and Swarna have created a direct-to-consumer UK-wide curry club subscription model, a food service arm supplying national hotels such as Indigo Hotels and The Turnberry Resort, and a growing B2B retail network for their premium ready meals, branded as Praveen Kumar.

Today, Swarna Spice Ltd is valued at £2.5 million, and has undergone two rounds of funding totalling £330K to allow Praveen and Swarna to realise their ambitions to achieve a £25 million turnover by 2030.

Q1. What inspired you to start Praveen Kumar Authentic Indian Cuisine?

Praveen: When we first discussed the idea of creating a ready meals brand, it was an opportunity to use the downtime in the kitchens of Tabla Restaurant and the Indian Cook School to offer an additional revenue stream. We had a loyal and hungry customer base, who enjoyed our approach to Indian cooking, and having crossed over from the restaurant to the cook school, we were confident they would follow us into this new venture.

Swarna: We started small, supplying to local farm shops who knew us. We were cooking in the restaurant, packing by hand, and Praveen would deliver on a Thursday to around 20 stockists within an hour or two’s drive of Perth. That was in 2019.

The immediate response was fantastic; we had great feedback from suppliers and customers, and we knew we’d hit on a gap in the market. Yes, you could buy an Indian ready meal, but these were freshly cooked, home recipes using local meat, chicken and vegetables, and spices from our own family’s farm in southern India. Praveen Kumar meals offered British provenance and Indian authenticity all in one. We knew we had something special.

Q2: What was the catalyst for expanding your initial plans for Praveen Kumar Authentic Indian Cuisine to become a national brand?

Praveen: We had realised we were already on our way to outgrowing the operation as it stood, and that we had the potential to do something far more ambitious. I contacted Mark Scott, CEO of Bella & Duke – a frozen pet food business based in Blairgowrie – and asked if he would allow me in to shadow him for a few days. Bella & Duke had successfully grown a subscription model business and I was keen to learn and to understand how they’d achieved their growth and scaled up their operation.

It was a gamechanger for us. Mark helped us to take stock, and to look at where we were and where we really wanted to go. By then, our vision had changed, but we needed to hone it, and to think about the steps needed that would allow us to realise it.

Swarna: Sometimes you are so busy working, you get lost in the business. We went back to the drawing board and asked ourselves some hard questions. What did we want our company to be? Did we want a lifestyle business – which we already had two of – or did we want something that would scale? Thankfully, we both had the same ambition and were committed to the

We ask local industry leaders the questions that matter most.

time and resource that would be required to make it happen.

Those discussions led to the three-pronged model we now have. Direct to consumer through the curry club, business to business retail supply, and food service to the catering industry.

Q3: Once the decision to scale had been made, what were the first steps in moving towards becoming a national brand?

Praveen: The first thing that had to change was our mindset. We re-evaluated where we were going and set ourselves a target of 100,000 curry club members, with a ten-year projection to reach £25 million turnover. We then invited Mark back so we could share our vision with him, and from there, he invested £50K, and we invited him to join our board.

Swarna: We had realised that we would have to look at equity share if we were going to scale up and achieve those ten-year projections. Mark mentored us through our first round of funding, introducing us to his network and advising us on our milestones.

In 2019, we raised £85K for the initial capex investments, taking us to 84% shareholders in Swarna Spice Ltd. Not only did it allow the real changes to start, it gave us assurances that we were on the right trajectory.

Q4: How did you go about changing operations to facilitate the increase in production?

Praveen: We were keen to remain in Perth for a number of reasons: our children are at school here, we already had thriving businesses in place and it offered a great quality of life for our family and our employees.

Most importantly, as we looked to build a national network, we needed a location that was well connected and that offered seamless routes to the rest of the UK.

We knew about the Perth Food and Drink Park, and decided to take two units, which would allow us to expand. At the time, we were packing and distributing around 500 meals a week, but we needed to grow quickly – we currently do 5,000 a week and have capacity to do 100,000 a week via 14 chef shifts.

Swarna: It was one of the easiest decisions to make. The units are purpose-built for

food and drink businesses and were EHO approved from the start. With the capex we had raised, we were up and running within months. In fact, when we underwent our SALSA accreditation, the auditors made particular comment on our set up – and we became the first company in 30 years to pass first time.

Q5: What’s next for Swarna Spice Ltd?

Swarna: If round one was about capex, this one is all about the people. We have a fantastic team around us, but we need more of them. A larger field sales team, increased brand presence and more great chefs are all part of this year’s plan.

Praveen: This year has been about consolidating what we’ve achieved and preparing for the next stage. We secured £75K of funding at the Scottish EDGE Awards earlier this year and have just closed the second round of funding which has generated £190K of investment from 214 individuals. (More on this on page 6.)

It is an exciting time for us. Local is great, but we’re now ready to become one of the great British brands.

Find Out More: PraveenKumar.com

The Journey from Local Artisan to National Brand

The Praveen Kumar Authentic Indian Meals range launched in 2019 and was quickly established at a local level selling through 200+ farmshops, delis and garden centres, convenience stores and via its Food Service arm to hospitality venues, pubs, and smaller restaurants.

With over 10 years in business up to that point, Praveen and Swarna had established themselves as well respected members of the local food and drink community, and Praveen’s profile had solid regional recognition through his regular spot on ITV’s Live at Five and via cooking demos at events such as Perth Farmers’ Market, The Scottish Game Fair, Perthshire on a Plate and Dundee Food and Flower Festival.

This network of local connections, friends, family and customers became exhausted relatively quickly and with the additional frustrations of lockdown, 2020 was a challenging year. However, it also provided space to plan a clear pathway from local artisans to national brand and, in December 2020, Swarna Spice Ltd launched its online direct-to-consumer platform, and the Curry Club subscription model.

“By the end of 2020 we had raised £85K in our first round of funding, had Mark Scott’s investment of £50K, and had made the move into the Food & Drink Park. Selling direct-toconsumers was the crucial next step on the journey to expansion.

“Not only did the sales platform allow us to retain 100% of retail profits, but it also opened the market to the whole of the UK, exposing us to millions of potential customers. At the same time, we launched the Praveen Kumar Curry Club, which followed a subscriptionstyle model, whereby people signed up to a monthly box of seasonal flavours and different authentic recipes.”

Twelve months later, going into January 2022, production was at 3000 meals a week, with Curry Club responsible for 70% of turnover. The meals were selling in over 80 retail outlets including a small range in selected Spar Stores.

“We knew going into 2022 that we had a big year ahead of us. The Board had set

investment, funding and people as the key priorities and once again Swarna and I found our day-to-day roles shifting to ensure the focus was constantly on the steps we needed to be making.

single pitch has been a useful exercise, whether seeding ideas for future investment rounds or simply gleaning a new perspective from experienced people who are working at the top of UK industry.

“You must remain open-minded and be ready to take on board the feedback on offer – both good and bad.

“For example, we’re currently making significant changes to our packaging as a result of feedback from both investors and small supermarket chains; the new look is more polished, more authentic and readyfor-market in terms of what the larger supermarket players are looking for.”

“Between the back end of 2021, and over 2022, we made 20-plus pitches to investors across the UK. Of course, not all of them came on board, but I would say that every

As part of this exercise, Swarna Spice applied for, and won, £75K of funding from the Scottish EDGE Awards, impressing the judges with its ambitious strategy for growth. This has allowed Praveen to join the prestigious Scale Up Scotland group, Sir Tom Hunter’s mentoring programme for Scotland’s most promising entrepreneurs.

86% of our customer base is now in England with 51% of those people living in London and Surrey.

Importantly, Swana Spice has made the step up from regional brand, with Curry Club members reaching from Isle of Skye to Isle of Wight.

“86% of our customer base is now in England with 51% of those people living in London and Surrey. In Scotland, Edinburgh has overtaken Perthshire as our largest base. These are busy professionals, with little time to cook but a demand for quality, ready-prepared meals. Our aim was to beat local takeaways and restaurants, to offer a product that could be ready when the customer wants it, and feedback shows we’ve achieved exactly this.”

Over 2023, the business is targeted to reach £1.5 million turnover and will add two new Field Sales Executives to its team. It has recently signed with Green’s Retail, an independent chain that has plans to open an additional 30 stores this year, as well as Fife Creamery, Scotland’s largest frozen and chilled distributor selling to 270 stores every week. In addition to this, Swarna Spice Ltd are currently in conversations with a UK garden centre chain, Spar Scotland, and CJ Lang & Son Ltd.

Investment Timeline

What is The Angel’s Share Programme? Working With Invest in Perth

“Having the support of Invest in Perth has helped us immensely. From our initial move to the Food & Drink Park to our most recent pitch via The Angel’s Share programme they have supported our vision and championed our efforts.”

The Beyond Scotland Grant

A Beyond Scotland Grant in 2022 allowed Swarna Spice Ltd to exhibit at London Olympia, providing a national platform and access to retail outlets across the UK. As well as growing its contact list – allowing the business to employ its first UK-wide field sales team – the show also led to a white label contract with a leading UK food producer.

Perth Food & Drink Park

Offering a fast-track to foodsafe premises, the double-unit tenancy at Perth Food and Drink Park has allowed Praveen and Swarna to futureproof their expansion plans. In addition, its central location offers unrivalled access to Scotland’s road network, and its proximity to the city provides ease of commute for employees. For more information contact Kirsty Easton: KEaston@pkc.gov.uk

The Angel’s Share

In October 2022, Praveen and Swarna made their first pitch at the PKC-led Angel’s Share event, allowing them access to 11 potential investors.

The Angel’s Share is a business facilitation team driven by the Business & Place Development Team at PKC with a primary goal of ensuring the great businesses of tomorrow have the grounding they need to flourish today.

We know that the vision, ideas and energy of Perth’s entrepreneurs and exciting startups play a crucial role in our future economic success. By introducing these visionaries to experienced, knowledgeable investors, we are securing the area’s economic growth and future success, all while nurturing an area-wide culture of ambition and entrepreneurship.

In order to effect the greatest results, we systematically consider factors such as industry experience, business personality, needs outwith funding, and time available to invest. In doing this, we are safeguarding, as far as is possible, both the capital investment and the long-term business potential.

The right pairing of entrepreneur and Angel will bring multiple benefits beyond the simple transaction of money in return for shares. When starting out in business, or when launching a new venture or idea, having an experienced industry professional mentoring, guiding and, in some cases, working alongside you, will add value at all levels.

For more information on The Angel’s Share, please contact Julie Barnsley at:

JBarnsley@pkc.gov.uk

Above: Praveen Kumar’s new packaging will be launched later this year

The Perth Eco Innovation Park at Perth West: Investing in the Future.

Opportunities are now open to invest in the Perth Eco Innovation Park at Perth West, an exemplar development that promises to rethink the way we live, work and move around cities.

As Scotland looks towards 2045, and its commitment to net-zero emissions, it is the responsibility of local authorities to provide more sustainable opportunities for development and growth. In Perth and Kinross, the vision for a better work-life-environmental balance is considered not only possible, but rather the benchmark for the future.

Perth West is the project name for the strategic, sustainable expansion of Perth over a significant 240ha site comprising lowcarbon housing, industry, mobility, and digital technology.

The ambition for Perth West is sizeable, with PKC leaders focused on creating a world-class destination for companies and investors committed to inclusive, equitable growth. Couple this with a longterm commitment to support and nurture ongoing investment in the environment, its businesses and its people, and Perth’s vision to become one of Europe’s most sustainable small cities starts to become a reality.

Councillor Grant Laing, Climate Change & Smart Investment Manager at PKC, commented, “By creating this national hub of excellence, there is a real opportunity to develop a collective vision for future growth amongst all who work and invest here.

“Offering a new and dynamic way of working for businesses of all sizes, the Eco Innovation Park will provide everything from flexible working environments for small start-ups, to innovative manufacturing space for large companies, and dynamic lab-based areas for research & development.

Within the development, Perth Eco Innovation Park will cover 25ha of land and is aimed at stimulating growth in advanced next generation logistics, last mile distribution, and research and development. Based on green design and low-energy construction, the site will benefit from an integrated environment that includes space for renewable energy, urban mobility solutions, active travel and blue-green infrastructure.

“We know that by facilitating side-by-side working amongst likeminded companies we can engender opportunities for cross-selling, joint working, and ideas generation. In addition, companies will be well-positioned to minimise their collective environmental impact and to work together on energy consumption, waste solutions and the active travel promotion. It is an exciting time to be working on city growth, and Perth West, as a concept, is leading the way.”

there is a real opportunity to develop a collective vision for future growth

Why Perth, Why Now?

Perth’s population growth projections show a 27% increase over 20 years with residents enjoying an exceptional quality of life, including easy access to the great outdoors and a vibrant cultural scene. In addition to this, the £26 million city hall transformation project, which will see the Stone of Destiny returned to Perth, is expected to boost tourism for years to come.

Perth offers unrivalled links across the UK and internationally by road, air, rail and sea and it is widely acknowledged that the area is a strategic hub in the Scottish transport network.

Principal road routes connecting the central belt to north and north-east Scotland converge here, making it the obvious choice for a national green transport hub and centre of excellence for innovation, distribution, and future technologies.

By connecting this vision for industry to an exceptional 20-minute neighbourhood, Perth aims to address the changing needs of society and provide a real opportunity to effect positive change to the way in which we do business and enjoy life.

The Investment Proposition

Perth West will provide a wealth of opportunities over the next five to ten years for investors, those seeking business growth, and start-ups within the eco-innovation and advanced construction sector. Initial opportunities lie within the development of the Eco Innovation Park, covering a fully serviced area of 25ha, split across various-sized plots.

Financial investors in the early stages have a unique opportunity to influence planning and development in the initial phases, with a fully supported strategy in place to secure long-term return through a proactive approach.

Phase 1 – Financial investment in the PKC development of 11ha. Projected completion date of March 2026. Entry for tenants from December 2026.

Phases 2 & 3 – 15ha of fully serviced land with a projected completion date of March 2030 and an option to propel this for the right investors.

Specific Opportunities – Commercial Portfolio Building, Green National Transport Hub Partners.

To discuss opportunities at Perth Eco Innovation Park contact:

Serge Merone, Climate Change & Smart Investment Manager smerone@pkc.gov.uk | Twitter: @SMeronePKC

Ideas for the Park Include:

• Advanced low-carbon design buildings including Smart warehouses, labs and office blocks

• Office-based quarter supporting technology-focused firms, construction HQs, and high-end engineering and technology including AI and robotics.

• Living Lab for research and development businesses and building on existing partnerships with universities and Scotland’s innovation centres.

• National Green Transport Hub to promote decarbonisation of HGVs and coaches including multi-fuel refuelling, rest stops and a last-mile transfer-of-goods point.

To download the complete Perth West development presentation, scan the QR code to the left.

• Warehouses and manufacturing aimed at high-end engineering solutions in the national focus towards Net Zero.

Broxden Roundabout

The Eco Innovation Park

National Green Transport Hub

A9

Tibbermore Juntion Replacement

Perth Ranks

First in Scotland for Female-Led Businesses

Despite the challenging current climate for new companies, the number of women starting businesses in the UK is at an all-time high (Source: Rose Review Progress Report, 2022.)

As part of its diversity in business statistics report, the business finance team at money.co.uk analysed which of the UK’s local authorities offered the best opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Several factors were considered, including the number of self-employed women in the area, the median pay gap and the unemployment score.

With a final score of 8.17 out of 10, Perth and Kinross was ranked first in Scotland and fifth in the UK.

The area scored highest in unemployment (8.63/10) and pay gap (8.58/10), as well as rating third overall in self-employment (7.29/10). Unemployment and pay gap categories with high scores mean less unemployment/pay gap.

In summarising the findings, James Andrews, senior personal finance expert, commented, “It has been a difficult few years for entrepreneurship in the UK, with the pandemic and cost of living crisis. That can be made worse for women, with challenges beyond the economy holding you back. This is most apparent in the North of England, where women face higher barriers than elsewhere in the UK.”

Willowgate: A Centre for Excellence in the UK

Since its inception in 2017, Willowgate Activity Centre has strived to become recognised as a Centre for Excellence within the outdoors industry. By investing in its people and high standards of customer care, it is now the largest instructor training provider in Tayside and one of the largest in the wider UK.

Willowgate has recently been awarded with the “Every Person Matters” mantle, having been recognised by British Canoeing for their contribution to the industry.

Adam Burns, Centre Manager, commented, “Alongside our promise to deliver a wide range of quality, outdoor activities for local people and visitors, we have worked hard towards building a reputation as the first-choice destination in Scotland for new instructors and coaches.

“I’m pleased to say that the hard work is paying off! We are now accredited by the Scottish Canoe Association and British Canoeing, allowing us to deliver specialist instructor, leader, and coaching awards. As a result of this, we are one of only a handful of centres offering these courses and regularly attract coaches from across the UK.”

This higher profile offer has been a key component in Willowgate’s growth, and also generates economic impact at a local level as groups book, eat and visit Perth while attending their multi-day courses. Crucially, the demand for the enhanced offering generally comes over the winter period as those working in the industry seek to develop their knowledge and qualifications off season.

For more information, visit www. willowgateactivitycentre.co.uk.

Sustainable Food & Drink

Perthshire has always sat at the forefront of the food and drink industry in Scotland, thanks to its rich agricultural roots, and a long-standing commitment to partnership working between public and private sectors.

Scotland’s first farmers’ market launched in Perth in 1999 and, in the 20+ years since then, entrepreneurship amongst primary producers has risen significantly.

Alongside this, the agritech and food innovation sector has seen steady growth and a £62m industry-specific investment via the Tay Cities Deal will build on the progress made in this area, which will undoubtedly see Perth-based businesses contribute towards addressing the global challenges surrounding food production.

There are currently more than 1000 food and drink businesses operating in the area, ranging from artisan producers to world-class restaurants; B Corp companies to small, lifestyle brands. Jointly, they generate £750m per annum.

We spoke to three sustainable food & drink businesses in Perthshire. Read on to find out more.

Glen Lyon Coffee: Supporting a Global Community

Acertified B Corp with a mission to put people and environment before profit, Glen Lyon Coffee is committed to making its impact on the planet a positive one.

Set up in 2011, in Perthshire’s beautiful and remote Glen Lyon, founder Fiona Grant installed a basic roaster in the bothy next to her house to produce small batch roasts for sale at local farmers’ markets. Two years later the business moved to a larger roastery in nearby Aberfeldy.

Since its inception, Glen Lyon Coffee has strived to prove that the coffee community can work towards positive change. It pioneered compostable coffee packaging in Scotland, partially powers the Aberfeldy roastery with solar, and plants trees in the Highlands to pay back its carbon debt.

At the core of the business is a passion for delicious coffee and a commitment to ethical and sustainable coffee sourcing. Glen Lyon Coffee buys seasonally from Latin America and Africa and has direct trade links with farms in Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. In 2022, it became the first speciality coffee company in Scotland to roast a coffee shipped from Colombia aboard a sailboat, offering a taste of a future less reliant on carbon-intensive cargo shipping.

Errichel: From Farm to Fork

When Paul Newman set up his farmto-fork business in Aberfeldy, which includes a restaurant, deli, holiday accommodation, and working farm, he was determined to do things differently.

Paul’s career had spanned from his native South Africa across internationally renowned hotels and restaurants, all of which had nurtured his belief that food was best when locally sourced, carefully reared and treated with respect.

This strong set of guiding principles has shaped the business from its inception. A deliberate choice to farm only native, rarebreed animals, suited to the landscape and environment at Errichel, has resulted in a livestock mix of Shetland cows, Large Black pigs and Shetland sheep to provide a sustainable supply of homegrown produce. The ethos extends into how each animal

is used and Paul is firm in his stance that no part of an animal is wasted. From BBQ to restaurant, biltong recipe to frozen deli meals, Errichel uses every last piece of its award-winning produce. Such is the demand, Errichel has recently begun supplying other independent delicatessens in Scotland.

In 2022, in conjunction with Slow Food Scotland, Paul planted 174 orchard trees, 30 of them Scottish heritage apple trees. Not only do the trees contribute towards off-setting the farm’s carbon footprint, but they also increase its biodiversity, habitat and production of food.

Paul’s ongoing commitment to sustainable food production resulted in him being named Sustainable Chef of the Year at the Rare Breed Survival Trust Awards in 2022.

Saorsa 1875: Gourmet Vegan

Accommodation

Founded by the McLaren-Stewart family, Saorsa opened the first fully vegan hotel in the UK – Saorsa 1875 – in 2019.

Run by Sandra McLaren-Stewart, who set out to prove veganism doesn’t need to be restrictive, the hotel is 100% vegan, including staff uniforms, bedding, toiletries, housekeeping products, and power, and boasts a Carbon Free Dining Certified restaurant.

All food is plant-powered and organic and, where possible, is picked directly from the substantial kitchen garden or foraged locally. Saorsa also sources ingredients from local farms and Greencity (a food cooperative based in Glasgow) to ensure its high standards – and those of its guests – are being met.

The menu is ever changing and is inspired by the travels of the team. Offering a five-course seasonal tasting menu, their creative approach to plant-based ethical ingredients has attracted attention from media and industry alike, and has gained accreditation by The Good Business Charter, a charitable initiative that recognises responsible business practices.

Saorsa’s commitment to the environment and sustainable food choices doesn’t stop in Pitlochry. Whether dining or staying, Saorsa’s customers are invited to plant a fruit tree in one of the world’s poorest communities. This helps counterbalance the carbon from the meals the hotel serves, educates others and helps to reduce poverty within those communities.

Perth: The Place to Grow Your Food & Drink Business in Scotland

Perth Food and Drink Park is an exciting £7.6m development dedicated to supporting Scotland’s growing food and drink industry.

Choose from purpose-built, highspec, food standard units and flexible serviced plots for development.

Sites 6 - 9 are situated just off the Inveralmond Roundabout on the A9, and offer a rarely available opportunity to buy development land for commercial or food-related uses.

Site 6 - 1.99 acres

Site 7 - 2.05 acres

Site 8 - 2.25 acres

Site 9 - 1.21 acres InvestinPerth.co.uk

The Famous Grouse Ideas Centre: Investing in the Future

When it comes to maximising financial investment, The Famous Grouse Ideas Centre (FGIC) within Perth’s Creative Exchange presents a wealth of opportunities for individuals and enterprise. From partnership working to skills development and future-proofing business, this unique innovation hub aims to create positive economic, social, and cultural impact.

The FGIC was funded in partnership between Perth & Kinross Council, Edrington (The Famous Grouse), the Scottish Government, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Scottish Cities Alliance through the Smart Cities Programme, as part of the £4.3m Creative Exchange development.

And whilst day-to-day, the Centre provides a dynamic and energetic heart for the Creative Exchange development and its tenants, its purpose is far more wide-reaching with access extending beyond Perth and Kinross, and into the entirety of the Tay Cities Region.

Housed in the former gym hall of St John’s Primary School, the FGIC provides 150m² of dedicated space which can be hired for events, meetings, conferences, workshops, and training days, with a focus on the creative, digital and tech sectors.

The space boasts superb connectivity, video conference facilities, and a host of technology including a Roland benchtop UV flatbed printer, VLS series laser cutter, UltiMaker S5 3D printer, 27inch iMacs with 5k Retina display, 12.9inch iPad Pros, ThinkStation Nvidia Quadro P4000 Graphics PCs and more.

developed in partnership between Elevator UK – the largest private sector provider of business support in Scotland today – and Perth & Kinross Council.

Participants in the Accelerator programme are taken through carefully structured sessions which aim to equip them with a greater insight into the key building blocks of developing a successful and sustainable business.

The business cycle continues with investment opportunities via The Angel’s Share programme which is also run out of the FGIC. More on this on page 7.

Of course, to realise the full potential of this investment, and to ensure longterm economic gain, a sustainable skillsdevelopment pathway is required. To achieve this, an innovative suite of dedicated support programmes, which includes the Accelerator programme, has been

Research by Oxford Economics shows that before the arrival of Covid, the creative industries generated an economic footprint of £115.9 million, rising to £178 billion when supply chains are taken into account. Responsible for 3.5 million jobs, including their supply chain, for every £1 the creative industries contributed directly to GVA, a further 50p was generated elsewhere in the economy.

As we move into 2023, beyond the challenges of Covid and Brexit, towards an age of sustainability, technology and smart solutions, it is imperative that Perth stands

It is a rich resource for creatives as they develop, grow, and mature.

tall in its strengths. Scotland has a focus on supporting the creative and digital/tech industries and has ambitions to become a world leader in policy in this area. Here in Perth, The Famous Grouse Ideas Centre is already on its way to becoming a rich resource for these communities of creatives as they develop, grow, and mature.

The financial investment has been made, and our strategy for futureproofing our creative industries, adding value to our city’s offer and unlocking entrepreneurialism, creativity and a clear and dynamic pathway for all who seek to tread it.

Enquire about the Famous Grouse Ideas Centre

Driven by PKC, the FGIC is open to those working in the creative and digital/tech sectors. There are key elements to the offer: flexible meeting and event space for hire for activities associated with the creative, digital and tech sectors; access to business and design hardware and software; plus support through PKC and business agencies including Business Gateway which is based at Creative Exchange.

Individuals and businesses wishing to utilise space or access technology for creative, educational, or commercial development should contact:

fgic@pkc.gov.uk

The space is ideal for anyone working in Scotland’s creative industries:

advertising architecture

visual art

crafts

fashion and textiles

design

performing arts

music

photography

film and video

computer games

radio and TV

writing

publishing heritage software

cultural education

Are you a creative business owner or do you run a cultural social enterprise? Are you looking for new work space to grow?

Wasps has a number of office spaces available at Perth Creative Exchange - an inspiring home for artists, makers and creative industry professionals.

Offering flexible lease terms, 24/7 secure access, staffed reception, the Famous Grouse Ideas Centre business incubation space, meeting room hire and more.

Perth Creative Exchange is the perfect place for your business to flourish.

For more information: waspsstudios.org.uk

0141 553 5890

How Funding Unlocked our Community Spirit

The Lass O’Gowrie café and bakery was opened in May 2022 by independent operators, Alison and Robert Abercrombie – best known as Ali and Bob. Serving up artisan cakes and bakes, homemade food and warm service, the business is everything you might expect from a bespoke, local enterprise.

However, a six-figure investment in a run-down, outof-use building has breathed new life, community spirit and economic gain into the small rural village of Errol in Perthshire and has launched a thriving second career for United Nations ex-employee, Ali.

“Bob and I had been working in Kosovo for over ten years when we decided to make the move back to Scotland. I’d been at the United Nations, and he was employed by the Judges and Prosecutors Rule of Law mission.

“Over the years we’d travelled extensively, and good food was one of our greatest pleasures. What was apparent to us was that it wasn’t always cost that brought the best experiences. Whether it was Michelin star or straight from a street truck, flavour and service were always the two most important things. It may sound obvious, but all too often, the commercial opportunity outweighs the basic rules of hospitality.

“We wanted to ignite our passion for seasonal and local produce, to show off and be proud of what was on our doorstep, and to take into careful consideration the important issues of community, sustainability and food miles.

“We had lived in Edinburgh before we left but we were both keen for a slower-paced, more enjoyable quality of life. Bob is originally from Inchture and, on realising what the Carse had to offer, it all fell into place.

“We started our journey with AliBob Café, which was an operation within a local fruit winery. However, towards the end of 2020, after seven years in business, we had the opportunity to do something more meaningful for ourselves and for the local community.

“We had created a delivery service during lockdown, delivering food parcels and other essentials to customers who were isolated and vulnerable. There are 10,000 people living in the Carse and many of them were loyal customers. We had learned on the job when we first opened, and it was our turn to give back and say thanks for the support we’d received – it really did feel as though we had a civic duty to do more.

“The building we now occupy, the Victoria Hall, had been lying empty on the High Street of Errol for eight years. Owned by Errol Park Estate, it was built in the 1900s and had been used for many things over the years – from a cinema in the ‘50s, to the local Scout hut in the ‘90s.

“Our experience up to that point meant we had a clear vision, we knew what would work and what wouldn’t work, and we knew we could deliver for the people in the community – at this point there was no food or coffee offering, or even a daytime gathering place, in the surrounding area.

“However, the refurbishment was significant; a yearsempty building was always going to present challenges, and on closer inspection we realised it needed completely rewired, all bathrooms replaced, a kitchen fit out, a services move – and that was before we started on the cosmetics and our vision for a truly sustainable, energy-efficient approach that would minimise our environmental impact.

Above: Ali and Bob both work in The Lass O’ Gowrie, set in the stylishly renovated Victoria Hall.

Right: All of the cakes in the cafe are handmade, including this candy cane peppermint slice.

Investment Timeline

“We made the decision to sell our flat in Edinburgh – a move that many would consider foolish, I know! We then approached Invest in Perth at PKC to discuss grant funding, and thanks to a Property Feasibility grant, we employed Mill Architects from Dunkeld to help us to realise our goals.

“From there, we tapped into a Micro Enterprise grant for an EPOS system, an Open for Business grant for outdoor signage and a refurbishment of the gold leaf details, and a Vacant Property grant for the main fabric of the building. Much of this was match funding which made the difference between opening, or not opening.

“As a final effort, just before our doors opened, we ran a crowdfunder which raised £14K from local people and an additional £5K from PKC. Not only did this get us over the line but it also confirmed to us just how much people shared this vision of ours, and that the customers were still there, missing us.

“We opened The Lass O’Gowrie – named after an ancient variety of local apple – on 16th May 2022 and welcomed a perfect blend of old regulars and new customers. We now have a thriving local business that partners with local suppliers, employs local staff, offers a great quality product, provides a gathering place for people, and brings new life to a once dilapidated building.

“We’ve recently branched into corporate catering and often provide support for events at Errol Park itself. We also run quiz nights and pop-up events such as whisky tastings and food pairing events.

“I would say to anyone who is considering tapping into funding as a route to building their business to do it. It’s easy to be held back by thoughts of large investments in small businesses but when we look at what we’ve achieved, not just for ourselves but for our community, we know it will bring returns year after year, on an economic and human level.”

Over the years we’d travelled extensively, and good food was one of our greatest pleasures.

Investment in Infrastructure Awards Event Tourism

A £2.4m investment in Perth city centre has enhanced the city’s event offering and secured a prestigious national award.

In 2013, Perth and Kinross Council adopted an Events & Festivals strategy that cited ambitious plans to propel the area to the forefront of Scottish tourism. Set against a backdrop of restored city status, the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, and the emergence of the national themed years for Scotland, the aspiration was to grow the economic contribution large-scale events made to the area.

One year later, in 2014, leaders signed off on a new cultural quarter for Mill Street, which would connect the remodelled Perth Theatre, Perth Concert Hall, Horsecross Plaza and the Museum and Art Gallery. The vision was to create a flexible space that was safe for pedestrians, and that would revitalise the city centre by better facilitating business and events.

Mill Street was originally a back lane inside, and adjacent to, medieval Perth’s city walls. Before its redevelopment it had become a back door for the High Street, used primarily for deliveries and refuge.

The £2.4 million investment, which was completed in October 2017, has reinvented this once forgotten and underutilised space, with a new road-plazapavement infrastructure, ever-evolving art installations, and improved vennel connections to the High Street.

In the five years since then, Mill Street and the connected Horsecross Plaza have hosted numerous outdoor festivals and concerts, including the award-winning Southern Fried Festival and, more recently, an illuminated installation by renowned Scottish artist Nathan Colley. (See page 12.)

provided a star-studded line-up for the occasion, as well as providing a platform for local artists, community and youth groups to perform to thousands of visitors to the city.

Alan Graham, Business & Place Development Team Leader at PKC, commented, “In the context of tourism, events are acknowledged drivers of visits to a destination and have the added value of creating vibrancy for residents and portraying a positive image for the purposes of attracting investment and talent.

The hard work has paid off. In November 2022, the Mill Street regeneration project won the Great Street Award in the 2022 Urbanism Awards. Other locations nominated included Barnes High Street in London and Solar Avenue in Leeds. Organised by the Academy of Urbanism, the awards recognise “the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments”.

Fittingly, the award was presented just one week after the return of Perth’s Christmas Lights Switch On extravaganza, the first large-scale, multi-location offering since 2019. Heralded by many as the country’s leading event of this nature, organisers

“The diversity of the area lends itself particularly well to event tourism with wellmaintained estates, and landowners willing and able to seize the opportunities and as a team, we will continue to court business in this area.”

Scone Palace, one of Scotland’s leading 5-star visitor attractions, is an excellent example of how traditional estates can be shaped to support the infrastructure required to become a large-scale event venue. Festivals such as the Otherlands Festival (new in 2022) have national interest, with visitors travelling from across the country, and many opting to stay and spend in the area. Scone Estate’s recent acquisition of Perth Racecourse (see page 22) can only further enhance their offer.

The £2.4 million investment has reinvented this once forgotten and underutilised space.

In addition to this, Perthshire has multiple long-standing, highquality events including the Enchanted Forest, Perth Festival of the Arts, Blair Castle International Horse Trials, and large annual fixtures such as the Etape Caledonia cycle event and Rewind Festival, which have laid down roots in the area.

Encouragingly, all of the area’s major events returned in 2022 following the three-year hiatus and, alongside these established tourism generators, Perth also played host to the Royal National Mòd 2022, which took place in Perth from 14–22 October.

This prestigious event generated a £2.5 million uplift to the area’s economy, with 98% of spending taking place city-wide over the cultural festival’s nine days. The 2022 event saw a 130% increase in in-person attendees since 2021 when some Covid-19 restrictions were in place, welcoming more than 7,500 visitors and providing an economic uplift that helped support around 30 FTE jobs.

Councillor Andrew Parrott, convener of Perth & Kinross Council’s Environment, Infrastructure and Economic Development Committee, said:

“The return of the Mòd to Perth was a huge success both as a competition, and for the economic impact it delivered. Not only did it deliver a significant boost to local businesses it also showcased Perth as a great host city, with fantastic venues and a warm welcome for visitors.”

This reflects early anecdotal evidence from businesses and attractions overall, and leaders are confident that 2022 will show an upturn on the 2021 season which struggled to reach pre-pandemic figures (See stats above.)

Alan Graham continued, “Global tourism has faced unprecedented challenges over the past three years, and the current economic instability suggests there is more yet to come. However, a decade on from the inception of the Events & Festivals strategy, the central themes of acquisition and growth remain even more relevant.

“By securing new, large-scale events, and working internally to develop our own opportunities and ideas, Perth and Kinross can build on its experience, and nurture the partnerships forged, to support the industry, the city and wider region moving forward.”

Hold Your Event in Perth and Kinross

As an area, we are keen to develop our strengths in relation to the great outdoors, culture, heritage and food and drink, and would be interested in discussing opportunities available to event organisers.

Contact events@pkc.gov.uk

Culture And Events. A Winning Combination

In addition to events, the area’s cultural offering has benefitted from the £2.5 million refurbishment of Pitlochry Festival Theatre which reopened in summer 2022 with a new studio theatre and increased capacity, part of its larger capital development programme.

Looking towards 2025 and the opening of Perth Museum, this landmark venue will tell the story of Perth and Kinross’s ancient roots through social and natural history with the iconic Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, at its heart.

This £26 million investment is expected to attract in the region of 162K visits per year, contributing £2.5 million to the local economy.

Source: Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) Trend Report 2021

2021: Perth and Kinross records

3.3 million visitor days and nights, and generated £377 million of spend within the local economy.

Charlie Fraser: What Perth Means to Me

Charlie Fraser is a solicitor and the founding partner of Aberdein Considine in Perth, which opened in 2004.

Originating in Aberdeen, Aberdein Considine has 19 offices across Scotland and the north of England, and more than 450 staff. As specialist lawyers, independent financial advisers, and property experts, Aberdein Considine acts for thousands of private and commercial clients across the country and is Scotland’s largest solicitor estate and leasing agent.

Charlie joined the firm in 2003, championing the opening of the Perth office, which was the company’s first foray outwith the Northeast.

Charlie is a proactive member of the local community and is currently the Vice Chair at St Johnstone Football Club, and the Secretary to St John’s Kirk Trust. He lives in Perth with his wife, a college lecturer at Perth UHI, and their three young children, and has a grown-up son who is currently studying in America.

What was the driving force behind Aberdein Considine’s move to Perth?

Perth was a fast-growing place in the early 2000s, it still is, and as well as having a thriving local business scene, there were exciting plans to expand the population. This, of course, meant lots of housebuilding – an ideal location for a solicitor with strong ties to property.

Strategically, this placed us firmly in the heart of Scotland and from here we grew in reputation and confidence. As the first satellite office, Perth showed that our product could thrive outwith the Northeast and, in the 20 years since then, we’ve opened an additional 9 offices including our first in the North of England.

And on a personal level, I wanted to be home. After 22 years in the north I enjoyed being back in the microclimate of sunny Perth.

benefitting businesses and adding to the existing offer for residents. Venues such as Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall have so much going for them – we should be shouting about these fantastic attractions from the rooftops!

A personal favourite of mine is St John’s Square. It’s reminiscent of continental living with the cafés and bars and dining alfresco. Likewise with the independent shops and quirky boutique-type businesses – Perth is an interesting place for visitors.

And back to location again; although we live in the city and enjoy all of these great facilities, get in the car and drive for 15 minutes and you’re amongst some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery. What’s not to like?

How important are the voluntary roles you hold within the community?

What is it that Perth offers as a lifestyle?

There’s so much; they have a brilliant premiership team for a kickoff!

For me, the opportunities for families are endless. Sporting facilities are excellent: a world-class ice rink, Perth Racecourse, championship golf courses at Gleneagles and Blairgowrie, and plenty of local clubs for kids to get involved in.

Culturally, I’m looking forward to the new Perth Museum opening next year. The Stone of Destiny will drive people to the city,

Playing a small part can make a big difference and I’ve been fortunate to find a role within two of Perth’s most iconic institutions: St John’s Kirk Trust and St Johnstone Football Club.

I grew up in St Madoes, went to school at Perth High, and discovered my love of football, golf, and theatre along the way. Now, my own children go to school here, they all play football for Fair City, there’s dance lessons and days out to the park and so much more. So, I’ve a lot to be grateful for and volunteering allows me to give something back to my city.

Charlie Fraser of Aberdein Considine talks on why Perth is the ideal city for achieving a work-life-family balance.

I’m looking forward to the new Perth Museum opening next year. The Stone of Destiny will drive people to the city.

Without volunteers and business leaders getting involved and donating both time and money, a great many incredible assets could fall by the wayside. That’s true of towns and cities everywhere.

How did you get involved in these iconic institutions?

My dad was the minister in St Madoes when I was a child and Rev. David Ogston, the former minister at St John’s, knew him. David approached me in 2006 and invited to become secretry of the Trust, which was established to look after the fabric of the Church building. St John’s Kirk is an important building in Perth, but it also carries significant historical importance in Scotland. The Trust is responsible for raising the substantial sums required to maintain this beautiful building.

Joining Saints was a childhood dream; they’re my team, and my passion goes back to the old Muirton Park ground. I started by running the business club in the early 2000s and joined the board in 2011, stepping into the Vice Chair role in 2014. I’ve been lucky to be involved in the most successful period in St Johnstone’s history. Thanks must be given to the investment and commitment made by Geoff and Steve Brown.

I’m also an inaugural Trustee of Saints in the Community, our charity arm committed to enhancing health and wellbeing and in encouraging fitter, healthier and more active children and young people. As well as building opportunities for all local kids to play football, we also support other great initiatives such as Andy’s Man Club, and Football Memories with Alzheimer’s Scotland.

As a local charity, we provide an invaluable service to the people of Perth and I was delighted when the team were recognised in the recent Chamber of Commerce Star Awards for the work they do.

Can you sum up what Perth means to you?

There is an unassuming spirit and vibrancy about Perth. The people here don’t always shout about themselves or the city but they’ve every right to do so – we certainly punch above our weight. It is a fantastic place to do business, work, live and play, to raise a family and enjoy a night out. I’ll always be glad I came home.

www.acandco.com

City of Light: Cutlog Vennel

Cutlog Vennel in Perth city centre is now home to a permanent new work from one of Scotland’s leading artists, Nathan Coley, building on the ten-year City of Light action plan which was launched in 2016.

The plan outlines a series of unique lighting projects which, when combined, will promote Perth’s unique cultural heritage, architecture, public realm, and greenspace, reinforcing Perth’s status as a vibrant, cultural city.

The plan was instrumental in securing a £5 million Lighting Plan Budget in conjunction with a further £9 million Placemaking Budget; this new work is delivered with assistance from cultural partners Culture Perth & Kinross and Horsecross Arts, and builds towards the council’s ambition to create a permanent light art trail within the city.

The installation, which illuminates the dark space in Cutlog Vennel, is one of Coley’s signature text sculptures, named ‘The World Without, The World Within’.

The words reference a quote from city and environmental visionary Sir Patrick Geddes, who was brought up in Perth. Geddes aimed “to see life whole” and to understand how people, place and work function together to make the best life possible.

Nathan Coley is a Scottish artist who creates work that questions how we relate to public spaces and architecture. His work is driven by research centring around the social aspects of our towns and cities and the communities and individuals who occupy them. In 2007 he was shortlisted for the Turner Prize. His work is represented in many international public and private collections.

Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse to Merge

Two of Perthshire’s most prestigious tourist attractions, Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse, will merge in early 2023, in a transformational deal that will ensure the preservation of horse racing at Perth.

At an extraordinary general meeting, Perth Hunt Club members voted overwhelmingly (97%) in favour of the Joint Proposal with Scone Estates to restructure the governance of Perth Racecourse. Scone Estates will invest a minimum of £5m into the racecourse over the next eight years, insulating it against various economic headwinds and better future-proofing the popular venue.

Contract Signed for £28.7m Construction at James Hutton Institute

The James Hutton Institute and McLaughlin & Harvey have signed construction contracts worth £28.7m for the next stage of the ongoing redevelopment of the James Hutton Institute’s Invergowrie estate. This new contract comprises the construction of a combined Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) and International Barley Hub (IBH).

Part-funded by the Tay Cities Deal, this next phase is part of a masterplan to create two institute-led innovation centres at Invergowrie, helping to establish Scotland as a leader in global food security and crop resilience.

Morag Connaghan, Head of Business, commented, “With the mandate from the majority having approved the Joint Proposal, we are now drafting the legal documents with the aim of completing the transaction in the first quarter of 2023. Until then, it’s business as usual with all focus on preparations for a successful 2023 racing season starting in April.”

Brian Stevenson, CEO of Scone Palace Estates, commented, “As with Scone Palace, a successful and vibrant Perth Racecourse is vital to the economic success of Perth. Working with the existing team, we will grow and enhance racing in Perth and secure it for the next 100 years.”

perth-races.co.uk scone-palace.co.uk

Colin Campbell, Chief Executive at the James Hutton Institute, commented, “Moving into the next phase of the International Barley Hub’s construction is a significant milestone in this project, which aims to future-proof the barley sector across Scotland and the UK.

This new facility will serve as the key research hub and is set to bring around £60 million benefit and over 1,200 jobs to Scotland over the next 10 years.”

The masterplan has received £17 million investment from the Scottish Government through the Tay Cities Deal, a partnership between the UK and

Scottish Governments along with public and private organisations across Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross that together will invest up to £700 million in projects promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity for the region.

Scottish Government Business Minister Ivan McKee said, “The Scottish Government is investing £17 million towards the redevelopment of the James Hutton Institute’s facilities at Invergowrie. Innovation in food and drink is being supported through the Scottish Government’s plan to transform the economy, the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.”

The 2022 Business Star Awards from Perthshire Chamber of Commerce celebrated innovation and success across the area.

Hosted by broadcaster and journalist, Rona Dougall and speaker and local businessman, Andrew Scott, and featuring heartfelt speeches from Allan MacGregor of main sponsor Binn Group, Deputy First Minister John Swinney, and Chamber President Lori McGaffney, the evening saw 16 category awards handed out plus the Outstanding Achievement Award and the annual Perthshire Business of the Year Award.

Vicki Unite, Perthshire Chamber CEO, commented, “There was a clear and consistent message throughout the

night urging businesses to build one another up, and to support employees, colleagues, and communities during these challenging times. As always, a real passion for people and the area shone through, and why wouldn’t it? Perthshire is such a terrific place to live and work.”

“It was a privilege to be able to highlight so many amazing local businesses and individuals and promote them through our platforms, which will continue well into 2023 and beyond.”

Winners took home a bespoke work of art in the form of a beautiful glass Star Award designed and created for the event by Caithness Glass and Dartington Crystal.

Congratulations to This Year’s Winners

ActionCOACH Employee of the Year Award

Nicola Gadsden – Zenith Fitness Training

Perth College UHI Apprentice of the Year Award

Chantel Northcott – Emmie Hair

Elevator & Business Gateway Most Promising New Business Award Possible Estate Agents

OCO.eu & Starbucks Perth Excellence in Customer Service Award

Zenith Fitness Training

Blackadders Excellence in Digital Media Award

Perth College UHI

Struans Commitment to the Environment Award

Rae Peacock Hair and Beauty

EvaLucia Commitment to the Community Award

The St Johnstone Community Trust

Partners & Excellence in Tourism & Leisure Award

The Old Manse of Blair

Caithness Glass & Dartington Crystal Beyond Scotland Award

Praveen Kumar

Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants Business Growth Award

Blackhills Specialist Dental Clinic

Flonix Independent Retailer of the Year Award

Little Lies

Castle Water Excellence in Food & Drink Produce Award

Allan’s Chilli Products

Perthshire Advertiser Employer of the Year Award

ReNu Bathrooms

Blackhills Dental Clinic Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year Award

Zenith Fitness Training

The Elevator Foundation Outstanding Young Business Person Award

Jack Parr – Macrotrition

Thorntons Business Leader of the Year Award

Simon Howie Outstanding Contribution Award

John MacGregor

Perthshire Business of the Year Award

Little Lies

Green Recovery Capital Development Fund

Open to companies of all sizes and stages looking to grow their business through capital investment, with an emphasis on reducing their carbon footprint.

Grants of up to £25,000 are available.

The fund provides specific support to businesses, enabling them to invest in capital projects to implement new systems, new ways of working, new machinery, and investment in green technology.

www.investinperth.co.uk/funding-support

“The grant award made buying a canning line an immediate option, allowing us to increase our packaging efficiency by more than 400%, whilst also packaging into a more environmentally responsible format that itself generated a 40% increase in the sales rate and enabled us to fulfil large export deals.”

Jack Low, Wasted Degrees Brewing.