20 October 2016

Two Scottish businesses have been shortlisted to represent the UK in Estonia later this month after reaching the final of the 2016 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE).

CMS Window systems in Cumbernauld has been shortlisted in the Management (medium and large) Award category and Perthshire based Jessie Mac’s has been shortlisted in the Management (micro and small) Award category.

Both businesses have been shortlisted following their success at the Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland Awards (VIBES) and will now represent Scotland on the European stage at the EBAE finals in Tallinn (Estonia) on the 27 October.

The UK has one of the highest numbers of finalists reaching the EBAE Awards with three of the 10 UK entries invited to this year’s ceremony. The third business is Cafeology, an ethical beverage provider.

2016 UK finalists:

  • CMS Window Systems, shortlisted in the Management (medium and large) award category
  • Jessie Mac’s, shortlisted in the Management (micro and small) award category
  • Cafeology, shortlisted in the Business and Biodiversity award category

The biennial EBAE recognises outstanding, new or innovative contributions to sustainable development and the UK finalists will compete for a prize against winners from 28 other European countries.

Martin McCrimmon, Business Systems Director at CMS Window Systems, commented; “It’s fantastic to be shortlisted as a finalist in these prestigious environmental awards as it recognises the commitment of everyone in the team towards the environmental, social and economic sustainability ethos that has underpinned our whole business since its inception in 2006.

CMS is a positive example of how sustainability is essential to business success, not a hindrance, and our customers value the contribution we make towards the construction of more sustainable homes and buildings.

Brenda Roddy, owner of Jessie Mac’s, said; "We're completely blown away at getting through to the finals of EBAE. When you walk around our business you probably wouldn't think that we're particularly green, but that's because it's built in.

Our thinking is that it doesn't matter what size of business you've got; the same principles can still apply. We should tackle our energy, waste and chemicals just like the big companies do. It clearly saves us money so it's just good business sense. Because we're a micro business, we're pretty daunted at the prospect of the finals but it'll be great fun."

Gillian Bruce, chair of the VIBES Awards, added; “It is excellent to see that two of the three UK businesses shortlisted in the EBAE Awards are previous VIBES winners. UK entrants to the EBAE Awards are selected from the winners and runners up of RSA Accredited award schemes, and VIBES is the only Scottish based RSA Accredited award scheme.

These companies have shown their commitment to supporting Scotland’s sustainable development and we are pleased that they are now gaining recognition on the international stage.

VIBES, which is free to enter, is the only Scottish based RSA Accredited award scheme. By selecting UK finalists in the EBAE Awards from the winners and runners up of RSA Accredited award schemes, it means that those chosen for Europe are ‘the best of the best’; the most far-sighted, responsible and innovative companies from across the country.

For further details about the awards visit: http://www.rsaaccreditation.org/index.php/european-awards

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