Stepwell Consultancy Ltd, AGM Group, Xircon Ltd and PG Paper Company Ltd, have scooped the top titles in the sixth annual Greenock Chamber of Commerce Bee’s Knees Awards. Having been selected out of ten finalists across four categories, each winner picked up a unique hand crafted Bee’s Knees trophy and a cheque for £1,000 at the special awards dinner in Greenock Town Hall.

“The Bee’s Knees Awards initiative is Greenock Chamber’s opportunity to join with sponsors and throw the spotlight on Inverclyde business,” said Elaine Stewart of Elaine Stewart Public Relations Ltd, who is Chamber senior vice president and was chair of the judging panel this year. “We believe our winners are truly outstanding and reflect the high calibre and diversity of businesses here in Inverclyde.

“We heard from businesses ranging from rising stars to established performers, from exciting innovators to those going that extra mile for their community. Overall, what we saw was inspirational, giving us quite a challenge in selecting our finalists who we believe are a real credit to the Inverclyde business community.”

The finalists were:

Bee’s Knees Award for Community Spirit - Sponsored by National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd

IBM United Kingdom Ltd, National Semiconductor Community Care Team and

Stepwell Consultancy Ltd – the winner

Bee’s Knees Award for Emerging Business - Sponsored by Riverside Inverclyde

AGM Group – the winner - and Café Balfe Ltd

Bee’s Knees Award for Excellence - Sponsored by James Watt Dock LLP

Prontaprint and Xircon Ltd – the winner

Bee’s Knees Award for Innovation - Sponsored by Inverclyde Council

McGill’s Bus Service Limited, PG Paper Company Ltd – the winner and Stepper Technology Limited

Joining Elaine on the judging panel line up were Aubrey Fawcett, corporate director, Regeneration & Resources, Inverclyde Council; Gerry McCarthy, interim managing director, National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd; Bill Nicol, chief executive, Riverside Inverclyde; Bill Mitchell, Chamber past president and partner, Patten & Prentice; and Charles Shaw, chairman, 5pm.co.uk and chairman X402 Ltd.

Commenting on the awards, Greenock Chamber president, Donald McRae said: “Greenock Chamber of Commerce appreciates the work completed by the judging panel, especially given the high standard and diverse background of the entrants in the various categories.'

As well as the platinum partners who sponsor the four categories, this year’s sponsors included Elaine Stewart Public Relations Ltd - gold; James Watt College of Further & Higher Education, and Vested Interest Design – silver; and the Greenock Telegraph - media sponsor.

Films on each of the finalists were produced by sponsors James Watt College with Mark Glover, Director/Editor, and Louisa Tracey, Sound Recordist, both former students who are now launching their careers as freelancers.  Photographs (below) are courtesy of the Greenock Telegraph.