The British Business Awards is the national cross-industry business awards platform recognising distinguished businesses for their achievements in innovation, leadership, ESG impact and commercial success.

More than 300 companies entered the awards, with shortlisted businesses chosen by an independent judging panel. Each entry was carefully examined and judged on their positive impact to their workforce, sector and overall contribution to the British economy. The shortlist will now go forward to the main judging panel comprising of 18 independent judges, all key figures from British industry including Vinodka Murria OBE, Phil Urban, CEO of Mitchells & Butlers and Emma Crystal, CEO Coutts Bank.

Clark Contracts and Morris & Spottiswood will now go up against Highland Spring, BaxterStorey, GAP Holdings Limited, Everflow, Winn Group and Newable for the Large Business Award.

Clark Contracts was founded in 1978, and has several operating divisions; Construction, Fit Out, Small Works, Retail, Housing, Maintenance and Manufactured Joinery, employing over 250 people with offices in the East and West of Scotland.

The main contractor’s achievements include the company’s impressive growth, commitment to supporting new industry talent via its award-winning academy, creation of a positive company culture and corporate social responsibility including employee volunteering, fundraising and environmental achievements.

Gordon Cunningham, managing director at Clark Contracts, said: “This is our first year entering the British Business Awards, so we are extremely pleased to make this shortlist. It’s great recognition for our growth over recent years and are delighted to be shortlisted alongside other major companies.”

The Morris & Spottiswood Group has also been shortlisted as one of the top eight employer businesses in the UK.

The group will now go up against QTS Group, Savills, Mydentist, Tullis Russell, Troup Bywaters & Anders LLP, Bell Group and Muckle Media for the Employer Business Award.

Jon Dunwell, CEO of Morris & Spottiswood Group, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for not just one, but two prestigious awards, alongside some of the best and biggest companies in the UK. We were particularly pleased to be shortlisted in the Employer category, with people being at the core of our values as a company.”

The awards are raising funds for beneficiary homelessness charity Social Bite, with a target of raising £1 million through the event and a fundraising lunch happening earlier in the day, being organised with Gleneagles Hotel. The awards dinner will take place at the EICC on 24 April and tables are already in high demand with up to 2000 business leaders set to attend.  

Alan Jope CBE, former CEO of Unilever and chair of the judging panel said: “In spite of the economic headwinds facing British businesses, our incredible shortlist shows that leading British companies are thriving and in turn are powering the economy and job creation through their hard work and resilience. It came across loud and clear from the hundreds of entries we received for the awards that businesses are having to innovate and adapt like never before.

“It’s been inspirational to see the incredible work that’s going on behind the scenes in companies of all shapes and sizes across the UK. The 2025 shortlist reflects the hugely diverse range of businesses we have in this country, and I know our judging panel are going to have some tough decisions on their hands when it comes to determining our winners.”

James Holian, head of business banking and international retail, NatWest Group, said: “It’s wonderful to see such a high calibre of entries to the British Business Awards. The UK is full of entrepreneurial, creative and innovative businesses and we’re seeing those at the forefront of the UK’s economy through this process. Seeing the high level of commercial excellence across multiple sectors, makes me extremely confident about the future of British business.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founding partner and event director of the British Business Awards, said: “We are so excited to see the event bring together some of the most successful and economically influential people in the UK - to celebrate their success, whilst at the same time raising funds for some of the most vulnerable people in society. Thank you to all of the companies participating in the awards this year.”

Guests at the British Business Awards are being treated to a fireside chat and a rare, unplugged music performance from the iconic musician and activist Sting. The evening will be hosted by comedian, presenter and TV star, Rob Brydon and feature a keynote address from the event’s patron Sir Bob Geldof, who is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Band Aid in 2025.