A director at north-east oil service company Aker Qserv was named entrepreneur of the year at the annual Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise last night.
Ciaran Dreelan was recognised for his leadership and business acumen at the sellout event in the Ardoe House Hotel attended by 400-plus people.
Mr Dreelan and brothers Tommy, Sean and Mike founded Portlethen-based Qserv in 2001 and seven years later it became a subsidiary of Aker Well Service.
Last night’s awards were organised by Enterprise North East Trust (Enet) and the main sponsor was the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils were also sponsors.
Enet chief executive Gary McEwan said: “The competition in this year’s awards was fierce with a number of exceptionally strong and successful businesses and entrepreneurs making it to the finals.
“It is also very encouraging to see a number of young entrepreneurs taking home awards.
“New business start-up has remained buoyant in Aberdeen city and shire in the past two years, despite the challenging backdrop of the economic downturn.
“In 2009-10, we supported the start up of 1,000 businesses in the area.
“This represents an increase of 100 businesses when compared to 2008-09 figures and demonstrates that more people are considering setting up in business in the region.
“The winners list this year is extremely diverse, which further highlights that the north-east is a key destination for the development of new and growing businesses.”
Mark Gall, regional director of business and commercial banking at RBS, said: “This year’s winners all share certain key attributes; they are driven, innovative and focused in their pursuit of business success.
“Picking the nine winners from 27 finalists was not an easy task and, having been involved in the judging process for five years, it really doesn’t get any easier.
“The awards always give an encouraging overview of the breadth and depth of business talent operating in the north-east.”
Other winners:
Promising New Business: Shop Pulse of Aberdeen, a one-stop website with latest fashions.
Business Success (under three years): Catering company Entier, of Aberdeen.
Business Success (over three years): Ace Winches, based near Banff.
Wood Group Award for Innovation: Titan Torque Services, of Aberdeen.
Alick Buchanan-Smith Spirit of Enterprise Award: Inverurie Chartered Physiotherapy Clinic, of Kintore.
Emerging Entrepreneur: Andrew Gray, of Biyoni Creative Hairdressing, of Aberdeen.
Entrepreneurial Supporter: Roz Caudwell, business adviser at Enet.
Employer of the Year: food-delivery firm Take 5 Catering, of Aberdeen.
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