The winners of the Inspiring City Awards were announced this afternoon, celebrating a significant milestone in Glasgow’s long and proud history.
These awards, held in collaboration between The Herald and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, were previously a way of recognising organisations and individuals who made a positive impact on the life of the city, and they were relaunched this year to mark the 850th anniversary of the granting of Glasgow’s charter.
Those merchants, traders and industrialists who did so much to shape Glasgow over the centuries would be astonished by the city that exists today, but they would recognise the spirit of innovation and ambition shared by the winners who were honoured in a sparkling ceremony at the Radisson Blu hotel.
Amongst them was Glasgow Council on Alcohol which, since it was formed in 1965, has transformed the lives of the many thousands of people who have sought its help. For its pioneering work the organisation was named winner of the 850 Legacy Award, a move that recognises the outstanding contribution that the organisation has made to the city.
The Arts & Culture Award was won by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for its creation of Scotland's Studio space, a flexible acoustic facility with world-class recording facilities that allows for the laying-down of sound tracks for, amongst other things, films and video games.
Music has the power to harness memories and Playlist for Life, winners of the Community Impact Award sponsored by BAE Systems, are using music to open up the minds of people affected by dementia. Founded by journalist and broadcaster Sally Magnusson following the death of her mother Mamie in 2013, the charity helps people with dementia, along with their families and the professionals who care for them, to create individualised playlists that help to reduce anxiety and make everyday tasks easier.
The Community Inclusion Award was won by Govan Community Project which does valuable work in supporting refugees and asylum seekers across the city through advice, advocacy, food projects, homework clubs, friendship groups and English language classes, while, in the same category, there was a commendation for The Yard, which provides play, creativity and connection for disabled children, young people and their families.
Commerce is the lifeblood of any city and the Economic Impact Award was created in order to recognise the powerful contribution that successful and responsible business activity has on the financial health of the community in which it is based. That award went to Allied Vehicles, the Glasgow-based vehicle specialists with an annual turnover of £350 million and 800 employees. Alongside their thriving brands, the company has recently launched the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust that supports organisations that share the company's commitment to creating a positive social impact.
Meanwhile the Environmental Award was won by EGG Lighting, which has been leading the way in helping commercial businesses reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions through new lighting solutions, and the winner of the Heritage Champion Award was The Empire Cafe, originally founded by Jude Barber of Collective Architecture and author Louise Welsh as a way to explore the city’s relationship with the North Atlantic Slave Trade and which, through its recent podcast ‘Who Owns the Clyde’ continues to have conversations about the ecological, economic and social future of the city.
During the afternoon, Emma Ross of Ross Commercial Finance the brokerage firm that she formed 15 years ago, was named winner of the Outstanding Contribution by a Business Leader Award, while The Scottish Football Partnership Trust, which supports grass roots football, won the Sport Award and the Youth Empowerment Project Award, sponsored by GTG Training, went to Scottish Sports Futures, which uses sport to help young people overcome poverty, trauma and adversity.
Afterwards Susan McKay, Commercial Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “The businesses spotlighted in the Inspiring City Awards really highlight the thriving business community in Glasgow. As the city celebrates its 850th anniversary, Glaswegians continue to make a difference and following a short pause the return of the Inspiring City Awards helps us celebrate those who are committed to our wonderful city. Congratulations to all of the winners, we enjoyed hearing your success stories and we are looking forward to seeing what comes next for you all.”
Billy Hammon, Managing Director, GTG Training: said: “This year’s ceremony was a huge success, and it was so inspiring to see the many individuals, businesses and communities who contribute to our city, both on an economical and cultural level. Congratulations to all of the deserving winners – it’s been fantastic to see everyone get the recognition they deserve. We hope that by celebrating the success of all our nominees, the event will inspire others to make a difference in their own community. In the meantime, we will continue to strive to support our young people through our apprenticeship programmes, offering new opportunities and pathways to fulfilling careers.”
And Catherine Salmond, Editor, The Herald, said: "We were thrilled to be able to celebrate the great city - and people - of Glasgow through these awards, especially as it marks its 850th anniversary. This milestone created the perfect opportunity to spotlight the legacy and innovative spirit that defines Glasgow, bringing together so many people with a shared passion and ambition.
"It is always vital, especially in challenging economic times, to aim high and drive forward together. These awards were about celebrating that spirit. Congratulations to all our winners."
By Agnes Stevenson, The Herald
First published in the Herald on 8 September 2025
Image: Gordon Terris / Herald & Times
