Gillian Bruce, VIBES Awards Chair said that “every year it becomes more challenging to make the shortlist with firms developing and implementing innovative new ways to reduce their impact on the environment, and often saving money as a result.”
Twenty nine of Scotland’s most environmentally friendly organisations were shortlisted for awards in the following categories: Management (with awards for large, medium and small organisations); Changing Behaviour; Energy; Environment & Clean Technologies; Transport; Waste & Resources and Best Micro-Business.
Gillian Bruce noted that “shortlisted companies have impressed the judges with their sustainable practices and dedication to the environment”
From the food and drink sector, Dr Maitland Mackie, Chairman of Mackie’s of Scotland was presented with the first Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and commitment to environmental issues, whilst Freshlink Foods received the Best Management Award for medium sized businesses (i.e. those with between 50 and 250 employees). Wiseman Dairies received a commendation for their approach tackling a variety of environmental issues.
Commenting on his Award, Dr Mackie said “saving the world for our grandchildren, the next generation, has to be the most over-riding and crucial objective of our generation. I would be delighted if I have helped in any way. For myself and my family’s business to be recognised as missionary in its delivery is indeed a great honour.”
Freshlink Foods General Manager David O'Neill said that he was delighted to receive the award, as it recognised their commitment to achieving Freshlink Foods’ green objectives.
However, like the Olympics, the VIBES Awards are not just about winningbut also about taking part. TIO Ltd, Petrie Fine Foods, Whitmuir Organics and UWI Technology were also recognised for their initiatives and commitments with nomination to the shortlists for various categories.
Pete Richie of Whitmuir Organics (left photo above) and Howard Wilkinson of Petrie Fine Foods (right photo above) noted that the application process forced candidates to reflect on their values, performance and direction and required them to put in place processes to help the focus on achieving their environmental ambitions. Howard Wilkinson praised VIBES approach, which took contenders’ size into consideration and avoided comparing micro-businesses with large multi-nationals.
Sophie Hogg, Technical Manager at TIO Ltd. said "entering The Vibes awards proved extremely worthwhile. Even the application process gave us some new ideas, such as looking for partnerships within our own community. The judging was extremely positive, they were very complimentary about the work we had done and gave us some good pointers for areas we could look at to improve, and also some resources we could use. Two of us went down to the awards final. It was enlightening to see what other companies had been up to. Unless you get involved in initiatives like the VIBES Awards and look outside your on company, you won’t see what others are doing, make new contacts or explore new opportunities"
The complete list of the 2011 VIBES Award winners is available from here.
