THE cream of the crop in the local business scene was recognised as Inverclyde Chamber’s annual awards were held at Greenock Town Hall.
The ICON Awards recognised local business success over the past 12 months, with an enthusiastic crowd of 180 people in attendance to cheer on the 11 winners who were crowned.
Diodes Incorporated were the returning main sponsor of the event as it continued its outstanding support for the Chamber and Inverclyde business community.
New Chamber President, Lizzy Todd opened the event and guests and dignitaries included Inverclyde Provost, Drew McKenzie, council leader Stephen McCabe, Ronnie Cowan MP and MSP Stuart McMillan.
Host Gerry McDade kept the audience entertained throughout the evening as well as interviewing the winners.
A raffle on the evening raised £1,753 towards the chosen charity, Action for Children.
A highlight was the Lifetime Achievement prize awarded to Helen McCormick for her years of service and championing of local businesses.
Lizzy Todd, ICC president said: “We are delighted at the success of this year’s ICON Awards which were a superb celebration of local businesses and their achievements.
"With over 75 entrants this year, our highest ever, the year on year growth of the awards is clear to see.
“We witnessed a fantastic response from all our sponsors, companies entering and our guests on the night and were delighted to welcome several companies that are new to the Chamber.
“I’d like to thank Shari Workman and the entire Chamber board for all their hard work before and on the night to ensure our guests had a great time and delivered such a special ceremony.
“Thank you also to Greenock Town Hall and the various businesses for supporting another superb evening.
"The Chamber continues to grow, and it was great to see so many businesses from outside the area join us for the awards.
“We were delighted to recognise Helen McCormick for everything that she has done throughout her career to support, champion and highlight businesses in Inverclyde and she richly deserves this recognition as per the ovation she received.”
Full list of winners
ICON Award for Diversity (Sponsored by Clyde Eats): Diodes Incorporated.
ICON Award for Tourism (Sponsored by Tweetiepie Media): Beacon Arts Centre.
ICON Award for Internationalism (Sponsored by Inverclyde Chamber): Deborah Murdoch Jewellery.
ICON Award for Business Growth (Sponsored by MM Search): Gourock Golf Club Ladies Section.
ICON Award for Sustainability (Sponsored by Nicholson McShane Architects): Inverclyde Shed.
ICON Award for Community Benefits (Sponsored by A&I Geotechnical): Inverclyde Carers' Centre.
ICON Award for Entrepreneurism (Sponsored by Angel Images): The Porchlight.
ICON Award for Business Resilience (Sponsored by Golden Casket): Nicholson McShane Architects.
ICON Award for Skills Development (Sponsored by James Walker Devol): Inver-Heat Ltd.
ICON Award for Health and Wellbeing (Sponsored by Scotts Greenock): Safe Harbour Inverclyde.
ICON Lifetime Achievement Award: Helen McCormick.
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