The winners of the Highland Business Awards 2025 were announced at a packed ceremony on Friday 26 September, celebrating the innovation, resilience and success of businesses across the region.
The event, organised by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, brought together more than 250 guests from across the Highland business community to recognise outstanding achievements in leadership, talent, and community impact.
The principal sponsor of this year’s awards was The Highland Council, whose Chief Executive, Derek Brown, delivered the sponsor’s address. In his speech, Derek highlighted the Council’s commitment to ensuring unique investment opportunities help our people and places to thrive, saying “Larger developers in the energy sector need to step up to the plate now and move beyond words into action, leaving a long-term meaningful and lasting community legacy for the Highlands.”
Guests also heard from keynote speaker Christianna Logan, Director of Customers and Stakeholders at SSEN Transmission, who shared her insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the Highlands as the region plays a central role in the UK’s green energy transition. Christianna spoke about the balance between energy security, protecting the natural environment, and ensuring communities remain at the heart of decision-making.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Highland Business Awards are all about celebrating the remarkable achievements of businesses and individuals right across our region. The judging process this year was particularly challenging given the outstanding quality of entries, and every finalist should feel justifiably proud of their success. Our winners represent the very best of the Highlands that are all making a real difference in our thriving economy and communities.
“I would also like to extend my thanks to our keynote speaker, Christianna Logan. Her expertise in stakeholder engagement and leadership in driving forward sustainability made her an outstanding voice for the event, and her insight was hugely valuable for our guests. And to Derek Brown for delivering such a thought-provoking address on behalf of The Highland Council. Their contributions helped make this year’s event a truly memorable celebration of Highland business.”
“The Highland Business Awards are only possible with the support of our sponsors, and we are grateful for their commitment in helping us shine a spotlight on the incredible businesses and people driving our region forward.”
2025 Highland Business Awards Winners:
Highland Business Award for Innovation
sponsored by University of the Highlands and Islands
Ecosystems Technologies
Highland Business Award for Resilience
sponsored by Caithness Chamber of Commerce
Strathdearn Community Developments
Highland Business Award for Positive Environmental Impact
sponsored by Pentland Ferries
Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
Highland Business Award for Global Growth
sponsored by Thorntons Law
Wester Ross Fisheries
Highland Business Award for Most Promising New Business
sponsored by Business Gateway
Practest
Highland Business Award for Best Marketing Campaign
sponsored by STV
Culloden Cars
Highland Business Award for Outstanding Community Engagement
sponsored by Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
New Start Highland
Highland Business Award for Corporate Community Impact
sponsored by Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
Parklands Care Homes
Highland Business Award for Employer of the Year
sponsored by Azets
Ri Cruden
Highland Business Award for Young Employee of the Year
sponsored by The Springfield Group
Caitlin Maclean – teclan
Highland Business Award for Business Leader of the Year
sponsored by Saffery
Malcolm Morrison – GMG Energy
Highland Business of the Year
sponsored by Balfour Beatty
New Start Highland
Trophy Sponsor – W M Donald
As Highland Business Week 2025 comes to a close, the Awards once again highlight the strength, ambition and collaboration that define our business community. We look forward to seeing this year’s finalists and winners continue to drive growth, innovation and opportunity across the region.
Congratulations once again to all!