A leading light in the region’s cultural and creative arts sector was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at last night’s Northern Star Business Awards (NSBAs).
Jane Spiers, chief executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA), received tributes from peers, colleagues and actor Elaine C Smith during the black-tie ceremony at P&J Live in Aberdeen.
Smith said: “It is wonderful that the business community in Aberdeen is recognising the impact that cultural institutions and people involved in the arts and culture actually make to the business and wellbeing of a city. She is so deserving of it.”
APA chairman Craig Pike said the £9 million revamp at Aberdeen’s Music Hall was a particular “labour of love” for Ms Spiers.
He added: “Jane has contributed to the development of the arts in the city and across the country. It is only fitting that this is being recognised by her peers. She is truly worthy of this award and deserves every accolade.”
Organised by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce and now in their 16th year, the NSBAs recognise companies for their accomplishments across a range of fields from energy and innovation to people development, customer service and environmental action.
A total of 39 finalists joined about 600 guests for last night’s celebration, which saw gongs awarded in 13 categories.
It was a stellar night for APA, with the organisation also scooping the business of the year.
One of the largest arts organisations in Scotland, APA runs His Majesty’s Theatre, the Lemon Tree and the recently transformed Music Hall, as well as providing a box office service for more than 25 venues in Aberdeen and producing the Granite Noir, True North and Light the Blue festivals.
It has also raised millions of pounds to support projects which improve the life chances of children and young people from all walks of life. Other NSBA winners included BW Offshore and Balmoral Offshore Engineering, which won the student placement and inspiration from innovation awards respectively.
A partnership between Score Group and Mintlaw Academy came away with the inspiring futures gong, Sport Aberdeen won the “staff matter” accolade and Visit Aberdeen was recognised for “marketing magic”.
Also honoured were Caber Coffee (customer first), Mackie’s of Scotland (eco hero), Aberdeen Sports Village (making the difference), KR Group Scotland (family business), Motive Offshore Group (going global) and Aberdeen FC senior IT analyst Lee Forsyth (rising star).
AGCC chief executive Russell Borthwick said the finalists had “once again raised the bar”.
