The annual Caithness Chamber of Commerce dinner and Highland Business Awards stand as a beacon of recognition, offering a vital platform to celebrate the unwavering dedication and notable achievements within the regional business landscape. This year’s ceremony, much anticipated, promises to once again highlight the sheer grit and determination that define successful enterprises in challenging times.
A compelling testament to this spirit is the journey of Sandra Gow, co-owner of Gow’s Lybster, a distinguished family business that proudly clinched the Resilience Award in 2024. Her insightful perspective underscores a fundamental truth: while the public often sees the polished facade of a thriving company, the arduous path of navigating a complex and often unforgiving business world remains largely unseen.
Sandra eloquently describes the indispensable qualities required for sustained success: “Sheer grit and determination,” she states, emphasizing “the ability to get through good times and bad times and trying to maintain a positive mindset.” This profound resilience, coupled with an unyielding positive outlook, has been pivotal in steering Gow’s Lybster through various economic tides.
The foundation of Gow’s Lybster’s enduring success was firmly laid by Donald Gow Snr, who remained actively involved until the remarkable age of 75. His vast experience and deep understanding of the business proved an invaluable asset, providing a robust legacy and a wellspring of wisdom for Sandra and her husband Wullie when they took the helm in 2006.
Under the dynamic leadership of Sandra and Wullie, the family business has not only weathered significant challenges but has also flourished, earning well-deserved recognition. The prestigious award win at the Highland Business Awards, held in Inverness, serves as a powerful endorsement of their exceptional team spirit and the “thrawn,” resilient work ethic that permeates their operations.
The Resilience category, proudly sponsored by the Caithness Chamber of Commerce, is specifically designed to honor businesses like Gow’s Lybster – those that have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and fortitude in overcoming difficulties, successfully meeting their objectives, and ultimately prospering. This acknowledgment highlights the profound effort that underpins genuine business achievement.
The forthcoming Highland Business Awards, scheduled for September 26 at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, represents a cornerstone event in the regional business calendar. Organized by the Inverness Chamber of Commerce, this flagship lunchtime gathering offers an unparalleled opportunity for a diverse array of organizations across the Highlands to connect, celebrate, and forge new alliances.
Beyond the celebratory aspect, the awards serve as a vital networking hub, enabling attendees to rekindle old connections, establish new business relationships, and foster a stronger, more interconnected local economy. The publicity garnered from such accolades significantly elevates a company’s profile, as Gow’s Lybster has experienced, yet they remain deeply rooted in their heritage as a family-run enterprise headquartered in Lybster.
Nominations for this year’s Highland Business Awards are currently open, featuring eleven diverse categories designed to recognize a broad spectrum of achievements. Business leaders and individuals are strongly encouraged to submit nominations by the deadline of 5 pm on Friday, August 8, thereby contributing to the recognition of those integral to sustaining a robust Highland economy. The winners will be celebrated at the awards ceremony on Friday, September 26.
