Tempest Brewing does the double at Borders business awards

Having already won plaudits including being named as the country’s best brewery at the Scottish Brewing Awards earlier this year, the business was recognised closer to home at the Borders awards at Springwood Park in Kelso.

The brewery was named as food producer of the year and exporter of the year at the ceremony, organised and sponsored by the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce.

Founded in 2010 in Kelso, the firm moved to its new base in Tweedbank last year.

Director Annika Meiklejohn said: “We’re proud to have won the awards for exporter and food producer of the year. Thanks to our amazing team for their hard work and dedication.”

She was among a turnout of 160 to attend the awards ceremony, hosted by television presenter Fiona Armstrong and chamber convener Jack Clark.

Tweeddale East councillor Stuart Bell, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for economic development, was also on hand to present the awards.

Mr Clark said: “With entries up 100% on last year, there is no doubt that these awards are a fine way to recognise and celebrate the success of the many innovative and high-quality businesses we have here in the Borders.

“The judges – to whom go our thanks – have done an excellent job in closely examining every submission and coming up with worthy winners in each tightly-contested category.

“The chamber is absolutely delighted to be sponsoring the event for the second time.”

Kelso businesses fared particularly well at the awards, with global online booking company Fish Pal named best for high growth and innovation, A Hume Country Clothing taking home the award for retailer of the year, Queen’s House being named healthcare and well-being business of the year and the entrepreneur of the year title going to Fin and Game’s Tom Leslie.

Stobo Castle Health Spa in Peebles was named tourism business of the year, and Hardiesmill beef butchery in Gordon was named most innovative business with under five employees.

Radio Borders Cash for Kids was named as social enterprise company of the year award, and a special award for a business of note was presented to the Grapevine restaurant in Galashiels.

An outstanding achievement award for contribution to Borders commerce went to Mike Wilson, a former chief executive of the Scottish Borders Exporters’ Association.

Mr Clark added: “These awards are all about recognising excellence and quality, surely two of the most vital ingredients in any company’s long-term success and growth.

“The diversity of the submissions we received, and the range of ambitious businesses they represent across many sectors, are testament to the fact that the Borders is a great location from which to do business and run a successful company.”