Winners Unveiled at 2025 Stirling Business Awards
Stirling’s independent business owners were recognised for their achievements and rewarded with trophies at the city’s annual Business Awards ceremony last night.
Article Source: Go Forth Stirling
Last Updated: 7 March 2025 16:09
The winners of 12 honours at the Stirling Business Awards 2025 were unveiled during an evening of celebration organised by Go Forth Stirling BID and held in the city’s Albert Halls.
Outstanding individuals plus exceptional business owners and their teams were presented with awards in a variety of categories with the winners chosen following a selection process which saw more than 26,000 public votes cast.
Among the winners was renowned archaeologist Dr Murray Cook who scooped the Outstanding Contribution to Stirling Award for his work, including archaeological digs, guided walks and lectures, in raising awareness of Stirling’s rich history and landscape.
Another notable professional recognised at the Awards was Professor Leigh Sparks who was honoured with the event’s first Lifetime Achievement Award for his expertise and services to the business community.
As Professor of Retail Studies at the University of Stirling and Chair of Scotland's Towns Partnership, he is well-known for shaping national retail strategies, championing the needs of independent businesses and highlighting the challenges they face.
Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director of Go Forth Stirling BID (Business Improvement District), hosted last night’s black-tie event.
She said: “It was wonderful to see Dr Cook and Professor Sparks recognised for the important work and research they have carried out in their respective fields over several decades and for the invaluable support they have shown Stirling’s business community.
“Our third annual business awards proved to be an amazing night and we are thrilled with the ongoing support for our awards scheme which highlights and rewards the city’s thriving independent sector.”
This year, the Charity of the Year Award was won by environmental charity Transition Stirling which runs a range of community and sustainability projects including a Tool Library and Stirling Reuse Hub.
The award was sponsored by the Thistles and presented by Centre Director Gary Turnbull.
He said: "We are delighted to sponsor the Charity of the Year category – something that is close to our hearts at the Centre with our ongoing community charitable outreach programme.
“Huge congratulations to the very deserving award winner Transition Stirling and to all the finalists who have demonstrated the impact they have on Stirling and the wider community."
Meanwhile, technology hub CodeBase Stirling won the Business Support Services of the Year Award for the second year running.
The award was sponsored by STEP Scotland and presented by Mike Barclay, Director of Business Support.
He said: “At STEP, we are passionate about championing local businesses. Through our close collaboration with the BID team, we ensure businesses in the city centre receive the support they need to thrive. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Business Support Services category at this year’s Stirling Business Awards.
“Huge congratulations to the winner Codebase and to all the shortlisted businesses—your dedication, resilience and innovation are what make our business community so strong.”
Ms McRorie-Smith welcomed around 150 guests from Stirling’s business and civic communities, social enterprise and charitable sector to last night’s event.
The gala evening was compered by DJs from Central FM and featured an entertaining set from marketing creative John Thornton who writes “daft things on the internet” for companies including startup cereal company Surreal Cereal.
Guests also enjoyed a rousing and energetic performance from six-piece bagpipe pop band the Rollin Drones with their unique mix of contemporary hits and traditional Scottish tunes.
Ms McRorie-Smith said: “We enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Albert Halls and it was fantastic to see so many business owners and employees - who work across Stirling’s diverse independent scene - come together to celebrate in style.
“We were delighted to once again host a successful evening which showcased Stirling’s enterprising business owners and I’d like to congratulate all the winners and finalists and thank our generous sponsors.”
Trophies were handed out in various award categories including Retailer of the Year which was won by Friars Street store Europa Music owned by Ewen Duncan.
It was third time lucky for the shop which is the largest vinyl record store in Scotland and has been a haven for music lovers for more than 30 years. Europa Music reached the finals of the Retailer category last year and in 2023 and their well-deserved win last night delighted loyal customers.
The award for Stirling’s Café/Coffee Shop of the Year went to Forthside café Toast – a popular brunch and lunch destination run by Claudia Stewart.
Meanwhile, the city’s Pub of the Year honour was awarded for a second time to Scottish bar Slanj-A-Va who were the first choice of 57% of voters.
Stirling’s Restaurant of the Year was won by family-run venue Fletcher’s while Erol’s Tailor Shop, based in Allan Park, won Service-led Business of the Year.
The award for Stirling’s Hair & Beauty Business of the Year was won by King Street salon Simpson & Co who were recipients of the New Business of the Year Award last year.
The team from Stirling Distillery, run by the McCann family, were delighted to be named the city’s Visitor Attraction of the Year while Port Street café White Dove Coffee Roasters took away the honour for New Business of the Year 2025.
The full list of award winners is as follows:
Lifetime Achievement Award – Professor Leigh Sparks.
Outstanding Contribution to Stirling – Dr Murray Cook.
Charity of the Year (sponsored by the Thistles) – Transition Stirling.
Restaurant of the Year – Fletcher’s.
Service-led Business of the Year – Erol’s Tailor Shop.
Café/Coffee Shop of the Year – Toast.
Retailer of the Year – Europa Music.
Visitor Attraction of the Year – Stirling Distillery.
Pub/Bar of the Year – Slanj-A-Va.
Business Support Services of the Year (sponsored by STEP Scotland) – CodeBase Stirling.
Hair & Beauty Business of the Year – Simpson & Co Hair Salon.
New Business of the Year – White Dove Coffee Roasters.
For full details of all the winners visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk/business-awards/
The Stirling Business Awards 2025 showcased the entrepreneurial business owners and teams behind Stirling's flourishing independent community.
The event also included a charity raffle, with prizes generously provided by city businesses, and an auction for a stunning necklace donated by Stirling jewellers Ian Gallacher which together raised £2,500 for last year’s Charity of the Year award winner Start-up Stirling.
Go Forth Stirling is the city’s BID representing more than 600 business owners with a key objective of increasing visitors to the city and devising initiatives to help make it a more welcoming destination for businesses and shoppers.
For more information, visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Culture Night Stirling 2026 announced
Stirling Council and local partners are delighted to announce a new annual celebration of culture, which will see the area come alive at night with an exciting range of events and activities.
READ MORE
IRN BRU proposes Kelpies mythical makeover to honour our national animal
IRN-BRU thinks it’s time for Scotland’s unicorns to finally toot their own horn - by giving one of the country’s most iconic sculptures a magical makeover.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Major milestone reached in new flood defence scheme for Bridge of Allan
A new £16 million flood prevention scheme for Bridge of Allan has taken a significant step forward following approval to procure a contract to design and build the defences.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Stirling Highland Games Chieftain for 2025 is named
Stirling Highland Games have announcement that former Scotland Women’s rugby internationalist Lyndsay O'Donnell has been appointed as their honorary chieftain for 2025.
READ MORE
Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!
READ MORE
Landmark active travel project in Stirling officially opens
A ground-breaking active travel network that will transform how people get around Stirling and the wider region has officially opened.
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
The Scottish Wild Food Festival returns from 17th to 18th May
From Forest Floor to Firepit: Scotland’s Wild Food Festival Returns with a Focus on Responsible Foraging, Boozy Botany and Coastal Flavours.
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MORE
Stirling caps off 900th anniversary celebrations with dramatic Castle parade
Thousands of people braved the elements to line the streets of Stirling to get a glimpse of one of the largest pipe band parades ever seen in the city to close the 900th anniversary celebrations.
READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book
Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MORE
Young Stirling musicians excited to be at the forefront of Stirling 900 gala parade
Young people in the Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band are excited and honoured to be among the bands at the front of the spectacular Stirling 900 finale parade on Saturday 29th March.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links