Monday, 15 August 2011 00:00

Gordon & MacPhail, the Elgin-based malt whisky specialist, has reached the shortlist for a prestigious UK-wide business award.

Shortlisted for the National Business Awards 2011 in the 'Excellence in Marketing' category, Gordon & MacPhail is one of only four Scottish companies among 150 finalists across 18 separate categories.

Finalists include some of the UK's best known public and private sector businesses such as Debenhams, JD Wetherspoon, moneysupermarket.com, Harvey Nash and Stannah through to smaller, rising stars.

The National Business Awards are now in their tenth year. Martin Stiven, Vice President of Business at Orange which supports the National Business Awards said:

"Reaching the finals of the National Business Awards is no mean feat. All finalists have demonstrated exceptional drive, resilience and innovation during challenging economic conditions. Many congratulations to all finalists and best of luck with the next stage of the competition, I very much look forward to the live judging in September and October."

Speaking on behalf of Gordon & MacPhail, David Urquhart, Joint Managing Director said:

"We're very proud to have reached the shortlist for such a prestigious, UK-wide award. Credit needs to go to the whole team who worked on this project as together they developed a compelling and cost effective strategy that not only supported the launch and sales of a pioneering product, Mortlach 70 Years Old –the world's oldest whisky, but has contributed to the company's growth- especially in the export market."

Gordon & MacPhail are now preparing to make their presentation in person alongside other finalists to an independent, expert judging panel in October in London.

Winners will be honoured at the National Business Awards 2011 gala dinner in November, where George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will deliver this year's welcome address.

Gordon & MacPhail's Award submission focused on its work in developing and launching a new brand range 'Generations,' spearheaded by the launch of Mortlach 70 Years Old and demonstrating the company's credentials as the global de facto whisky specialists.

In particular, the product launch and campaign symbolised not only Gordon & MacPhail's vision and approach to single malt, but underlined the innovation in the market sector. The launch shone a global spotlight on the Scottish malt industry and sparked a renewed interest in Scotch whisky.