Friday 19th September 2025
CATEGORY INFORMATION AND SPONSORS
CATEGORIES
Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce
This category is open to individuals who have:
Demonstrated exceptional & sustained contributions to our local community in their respective fields. Exemplified leadership and advocacy in their respective fields to the benefit of a business and/or local community. Been or continue to be involved in contributing to the local community. Demonstrated success in business, including in growth, innovation, and long-term impact; and/or Dedicated extensive amounts of their time and work to improving Inverclyde, its communities, and the people living in them.
Health & Wellbeing Organisation of the Year Sponsored by Specsavers Greenock
This category is open to all Inverclyde organisations that:
Demonstrate a commitment to improving their employees and/or the wider community’s health and wellbeing. Organisations that support local individuals with their physical health and wellbeing. Organisations that support local individuals with their mental health and wellbeing; and Organisations that otherwise promote a healthy and active lifestyle and the benefits to an individual’s mental and/or physical health and wellbeing.
Most Promising Start-Up Business of the Year Sponsored by Business Gateway
This category is open to Inverclyde businesses that:
Have been established and operating in Inverclyde for three years or less. Are privately owned and operated. Provide goods/services. Demonstrate innovation and uniqueness in meeting market demand. Demonstrate growth potential in their sector/industry.
Tourism & Hospitality Award Sponsor TBC
This category is open to Inverclyde businesses that:
Can demonstrate why & how their business, product, and/or service contribute positively to Inverclyde’s visitor experience. Can evidence how their offering attracts and retains tourists’ custom in Inverclyde for the duration of their stay or returning visitors. Enhance the profile of Inverclyde through their offerings, promotions, and events; and/or Collaborate with other local businesses to promote Inverclyde.
From Local to Global Award Sponsored by James Walker Devol
This category is open to Inverclyde businesses that:
Have demonstrated success in entering and growing in international markets. Apply unique strategies or methods to break into new international markets. Have a clear and effective business strategy for international expansion. Show resilience in overcoming common challenges faced in international business, like navigating regulations, handling logistics, or addressing cultural barriers; and/or Serve as role models for other businesses in the Inverclyde area interested in international trade.
Business Growth Award Sponsored by Mackay Corporate Insurance Brokers
This category is open to Inverclyde businesses that demonstrate one or more of the following:
Can demonstrate a sustained increase in turnover and profit over recent years. Can show how the business has created more job opportunities for Inverclyde residents. Evidence of a robust and effective growth strategy. Demonstrate that their practices are sustainable and support the business in achieving its future long-term strategic goals.
Journey to Net Zero Award Sponsor TBC
This category is open to Inverclyde businesses that:
Can demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Displays leadership in projects that may include, but are not limited to:-
Carbon footprint reduction;
Ethical recycling and upcycling practices;
Promoting a circular economy;
Onboarding alternative sources of electricity and energy production.
Make a conscious effort to reduce waste, conserve water & promote recycling.
Learning & Development Award Sponsored by St Columba's School Kilmacolm
This category is open to Inverclyde businesses that:
Demonstrate a link between team development, upskilling, and CPD initiatives with overall business goals and a clear culture of learning. Provide diverse and accessible learning opportunities, including upskilling, reskilling, and robust CPD support. Evidence improved employee skills, performance, and satisfaction, along with positive effects on team productivity and customer benefit. Demonstrates creative and effective methods in team development, utilising technology, and novel learning techniques.
Third Sector Organisation of the Year Sponsored by Squared Insurance Brokers
This category is open to Inverclyde-based third sector organisations (e.g., registered charities, trusts, SCIOs, social enterprises, CICs, voluntary organisations, etc.), that:-
Can demonstrate how they have achieved their charitable objectives over the past year; Can evidence that their work has had a positive impact on a particular community, group or demographic in Inverclyde, and, if so, what kind; Where appropriate, cite examples of co-production and/or user-led activities; and/or Can provide examples of direct investment, either restricted or unrestricted, that has provided opportunities for those living in Inverclyde.
N.B. - Only registered charities can apply for this award category.
Retail, Beauty & E-Commerce Award Sponsored by Lynedoch Street Off Sales
This category is open to Inverclyde businesses that:-
Operate in the retail sector or beauty industry, either online or offline or both;
Can demonstrate a year-on-year increase in turnover;
Can demonstrate their resilience within this sector;
Can demonstrate what business sustainability plans they have implemented that benefit both the business and the customer;
Can demonstrate improvements in their operations, marketing, sales or any other area of the businesses that has contributed to overall business growth; and/or
Can explain what they have put in place and/or adapted to enhance the customer experience which has, in turn, helped the business grow.
HEADLINE SPONSORS
Safer Group
At Safer Group, we are on the cutting edge of security innovation. We come to work to protect our clients against crime, financial loss and adverse events which may impact their business success. Our industry leading expertise, combined with cutting edge technology and a desire to drive innovation, enables us to deliver exceptional results for our clients. Witness the next generation of site security.
CATEGORY SPONSORS
- Lifetime Achievement Award - Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce
- Health & Wellbeing Award - Specsavers
- Most Promising Start-Up Award - Business Gateway
- Tourism & Hospitality Award - TBC
- From Local to Global Award - James Walker Devol
- Business Growth Award - MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers
- Journey to Net Zero Award - TBC
- Learning & Development Award - St. Columba's Kilmacolm
- Retail, Beauty & E-Commerce Award - Lynedoch St. Off-Sales
- Third Sector Organisation of the Year Award - Squared Insurance Brokers
The countdown for the 2025 ICON Awards hosted by Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce is on!
The ICON Awards are an annual celebration of the outstanding achievements and talent within Inverclyde's business community.
Known as "Inverclyde's premier business event," the awards spotlight exceptional local businesses
Make sure to get your ICON Awards 2025 tickets NOW!