PEOPLE helping to shape the future of Barrhead are to be recognised next year at the first ever All About Barrhead Awards.

Organised by the local business improvement district (BID), All About Barrhead, the awards are set to take place on Friday, May 31, next year in the newly-refurbished Dalmeny Park Hotel.

The awards have been developed to celebrate every aspect of the community, from local businesses, organisations and even individuals who strive to make Barrhead a better place to live, work, shop and visit.

BID chair Paul Santi said: “The Barrhead community have always been passionate about their home town, and we want to ensure that is recognised.

“Barrhead has lots to be proud of. We hope this night can become another staple in the events calendar.”

It looks set to be a glitzy affair with a three-course meal, compere and live entertainment. However, there is no doubt the highlight will be the seven awards, and any member of the public can put forward nominations.

The award categories are the Barrhead Star 2019, which will be awarded to the individual, business or organisation which has made the most significant difference to the town.

The Barrhead Family Business of the Year will recognise one family business which stands out as a pillar of the community, while the Impact in the Community award will be given to the business or organisation which has made the biggest impact on the community.

Employee of the Year will go to the single employee within the Barrhead business community who continually goes beyond the call of duty, and the Customer Excellence award will be given to the local business or organisation that continually exceeds the expectations of its customers.

The Barrhead Innovator of the Year will celebrate the local organisation which has been most innovative, and last, but not least, the Young Person of the Year 2019 will be awarded to the local person, aged 16 or under, who demonstrates an energy, courage or drive to improve the community they live in.

An independent panel of judges will choose the finalists and winners, with the exception of the Customer Excellence Award, which shall be decided by public vote.

Andy Dunlop, BID manager, said: “I am continually blown away by the determination a lot of people put into making Barrhead a better place. I hope we can recognise their hard work.”

Limited tickets will be on sale early in the new year, but nominations for all categories can be made at www.allaboutbarrhead.co.uk/awards.