Businesses and charities praised at Prosper’s Highlands & Islands Business Excellence Awards 

Businesses, organisations and individuals from across the Highlands and Islands have been recognised for their contribution to a prosperous Scotland at the 2026 Prosper Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards. 

More than 300 finalists, guests, business leaders and Prosper members gathered at the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel in Inverness to celebrate the positive impact that businesses and organisations across the region have on their communities and the wider economy.  

This year’s awards attracted a record-breaking number of nominations across seven categories, reflecting the breadth of leadership, innovation, ambition and community impact being demonstrated across the Highlands and Islands. 

The winners were: 

• Ardent Training – Benromach Award for Excellence in International Business 

• Gro For You – The Highland Council Award for Purposeful Business 

• Bakkafrost Scotland – The Highlands and Islands Enterprise Award for Excellence in Innovation 

• Rachel Hannah, Aquascot – The Scottish National Investment Bank Women in Leadership Excellence Award 

• The Flow Country Partnership – The SSEN Transmission Award for Excellence in Natural Capital, Climate Change and Sustainable Communities 

• ILM Highland – The Stemovators Good Neighbour Award 

• Scottish Care – The Workforce North Award for Innovative Approaches to Talent Attraction and Development 

• James Dunbar – Prosper Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Regional Economy 

Carroll Buxton, chair of Prosper Highlands and Islands, said: “This year’s awards showcased the very best of the Highlands and Islands.

“We received a record number of nominations, and our judges were inspired by the exceptional quality of entries and the leadership, innovation and positive impact demonstrated by businesses and individuals from every corner of the region. 

“The winners and finalists represent the ambition, resilience and creativity that define the Highlands and Islands economy. They are making a real difference to their communities, creating opportunities for people and helping to drive sustainable economic growth across the region.” 

Sara Thiam, Prosper chief executive, said: “We were delighted to get a record number of entries for this year’s awards. It just goes to show the depth talent in the region and I’d like to thank everyone who helped make the evening such a great success.” 

The awards are organised by Prosper and were supported by Benromach, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Workforce North, Highland Council, the Scottish National Investment Bank, SSEN Transmission and Bam. 

The event also supported Prosper’s 2026 charity partner, SNAP, which is celebrating 30 years of supporting children, young people and adults with additional support needs across the Highlands.