Scottish Borders Celebrates Business Brilliance at 2025 Excellence Awards

The SBCC hosted the Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards 2025 at Peebles Hydro, celebrating the region’s top businesses. Initially, the event highlighted the impressive diversity and strength of the local business community. It recognised everyone from ambitious one-person start-ups to major employers, for instance, Farne Salmon and GoFibre. These two companies recently secured contracts worth over £130 million.

Celebrating Local Business “Heavyweights”

Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of the Scottish Borders Council, praised the businesses for their resilience, innovation, and community impact. He, therefore, described the Borders as a “heavyweight” region, full of companies that are growing, innovating, and exporting globally. Subsequently, he noted that the extraordinary growth and ingenuity from businesses like GoFibre, Eildon Housing, and Farne Salmon. The Borders are certainly a dynamic and successful place to live and work.

A Showcase of Excellence and Community Choice

The evening celebrated outstanding achievements across the region. There were over 20 awards presented in categories including innovation, sustainability, and customer service. Furthermore, the awards attracted over 400 nominations, representing 231 different businesses. This demonstrates the breadth and depth of talent in the Borders. In fact, Roz Haughey, Engagement Manager at SBCC, said they were “truly moved” by the heartfelt nominations.

Borders’ Favourite Business

Additionally, the public chose the Borders’ Favourite Business, with more than 300 nominations submitted across four districts.

The district winners were:

Berwickshire: Laughing Ducks Soft Play

Ettrick & Lauderdale: CC Grooms

Roxburghshire: Ochiltree’s Café

Peeblesshire: The Perfect Fit

Following this, the judging panel crowned The Perfect Fit as the overall winner. Owner, Kerrie Guiney, shone because of her dedication to creating an inclusive space for families and children with additional needs. Her efforts to support the local high street through the Peebles Retailers Association were also recognised.

National Recognition and a Growing Profile

Dr. Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, delivered a keynote speech. Ultimately, she praised the strength and innovation of Borders businesses. Declaring how wonderful it was to see the “richness and reach” of businesses, from global exports to powerful local impact. She noted, events like this show the power of community. They also show the Chamber’s vital role in amplifying local voices nationally. As a result, the evening brought together business leaders from across Scotland, reflecting the region’s rising profile.