PRENTICE Coaches has narrowly missed out on being named Scotland’s Business of the Year.

The Haddington-based firm was pipped at the post by Star-Dundee at the inaugural Scottish Business Honours in Edinburgh.

Ross Prentice, the Hospital Road company’s managing director, was delighted with the national recognition as they finished as a shortlisted finalist alongside Eco-Genics Ltd, from Dumfries, in the Business of the Year (less than 25 employees) category.

He said: “I was not expecting to get anywhere at all so to get shortlisted was quite good.” Chambers of Commerce across the country put forward winners of their own regional awards for the national finals.

That was then whittled down to 15 contenders ahead of the event and then down to two shortlisted finalists and the winner.

Mr Prentice added: “It was a good night. That was my first time inside Prestonfield [House] – usually I’m sitting on the bus waiting for folk to come out and get on!” The awards are designed to showcase the best Scotland has to offer and saw eight awards – ranging from Chamber of the Year to Entrepreneur of the Year – handed out.

Liz Cameron, director/chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Tonight, we have shown that business is great for Scotland.

“Extraordinary businesses – small, medium and large – have been awarded the Scottish Business Honour for their innovation, entrepreneurship and commitment to Scotland.

“These awards, inspired by business, place the hard work and contribution that businesses make to people, to local communities and to Scotland at the heart of the event.

“All the businesses – from global brands and exporters to one person owners to family businesses – are a true inspiration, enabling us to champion the wealth of our talent and skills that we have right here in Scotland. I am especially proud of the spotlight placed on those businesses that would not normally get the profile or recognition outside of their own communities, making the ceremony a true celebration of the best of Scottish business.”