It was a memorable night for all the businesses who arrived at the venue in the hope of taking away the top prizes in the fourth East Renfrewshire Business Awards.

Hosted by East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, with the support of principal sponsor West College Scotland, the night was a sparkling showcase for the area’s business community.

The categories were judged by a panel of experts who drew up the shortlist of finalists for each of the award categories.

The quality of the entrants was extremely high and the short-listed nominees reflected the sheer breadth of business success from small start-ups and individual entrepreneurs to long-established businesses.

Chamber president John F Hamilton said: “I would like to congratulate everyone who entered not just the finalists and winners.

“The chamber is proud to be associated with such outstanding companies.

“These awards recognise the range and quality of businesses that we are fortunate to have here in East Renfrewshire.

“The event would also not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and I would like to thank them for their commitment to this event and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2016.” Scottish comedy star Karen Dunbar echoed that view, noting during the evening’s celebration that every company involved in the final shake-up deserved praise for their commendable efforts throughout the year.

The outstanding performance of Barrhead Travel over the course of 2014 saw the firm walk away with two accolades to add to its previous successes.

Barrhead Travel picked up the prize for Family Business of the Year, pipping AC Whyte and Co and Clarkston-based The Wee Fudge Company at the post.

The Gleniffer Estates-sponsored award recognised the firm’s “responsible ownership, determination and entrepreneurship”, which has been a trait of the business since its establishment by founder Bill Munro more than 30 years ago.

The first firm to be named a winner was the contractor AC Whyte and Co which saw off stiff competition from Tailor Made Home Care and Uplawmoor Hotel to lift the Excellence in Customer Service award, sponsored by The Avenue shopping centre.

The next accolade for Most Promising New Business, sponsored by Asda, was presented to Glasgow News — The Southside and East Renfrewshire News, ahead of Morrow Associates and Young Enterprise Scotland Academy.

After that Barrhead Travel scooped its first award of the night, and next it was the turn of civil engineering contractor George Leslie Ltd to step into the limelight, winning the Barrhead Housing Association Green Award ahead of runner-up DMS Energy Solutions Ltd and Thornliebank-based Ideeas.

The award for Social Enterprise was sponsored by housebuilder Taylor Wimpey whose representative was on hand to present the next trophy to ReUseIt Furniture, a firm that takes unwanted items and creates refurbished items for sale. Runners up in this category were Neilston Development Trust and Young Enterprise Scotland Academy.

Morrow Associates, a husband and wife team, were next to take to the stage as they won the ‘A Place To Work’ prize for Outstanding Performing Business for firm’s with less than five employees, ahead of Kidnetick and Taylors of Giffnock.

Meanwhile, the Outstanding Performing Business award for organisations with less than 25 employees, sponsored by Business Gateway, saw Tailor Maid Home Care prevail over DMS Energy and Young Enterprise Scotland Academy.

Once again, though, as the presentation ceremony drew to a close it was Barrhead Travel’s turn to soak up the celebration as they beat AC Whyte and Co to the prize for Outstanding Performing Business award for more than 25 employees.

The final award was sponsored by West of Scotland College whose Principal Audrey Cumberford was on hand to present the award.

She said: “On behalf of West College Scotland, I congratulate all the winners on this outstanding achievement.

“College staff were involved in the judging process, so I know how high the standard was in each and every category.

“I wish our winners all the best for the future. I am sure they will continue to prosper, bringing benefits to the businesses and communities of East Renfrewshire.”