Torphins based The Craigmyle Cheese Company is today celebrating after winning the Young Business Award at the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise that were held last night (Thursday 7th June 2007).

The Craigmyle Cheese Company was honoured in front of an audience of over 360 business men and women from across the north east at a gala award ceremony held at Ardoe House Hotel. Simon Woodroffe OBE, founder of YO! including YO! Sushi and YOTEL and former 'dragon' from the first series of the BBC2 programme 'Dragon's Den, delivered the keynote address.

Husband and wife team Liz and Neil Marchant produce a range of cheeses using traditional, hand-made methods and the highest quality, unpasteurised milk. The Craigmyle Cheese Company was established only 16 months ago and already supplies prestigious outlets including Gleneagles and Harvey Nichols.

The Grampian Awards commend business achievement in companies of all sizes. They are organised by Enterprise North East Trust (ENET), which delivers Business Gateway services in the northeast on behalf of Scottish Enterprise Grampian, co-sponsors of the event along with The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Chris Travis, chief executive of ENET says, "The winners of the 2007 Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise demonstrate the diverse range of industry sectors we have operating in and contributing to the northeast economy.

"ENET is a long-established supporter of new and growing businesses throughout the region. The awards are open to all northeast businesses, regardless of their size, turnover or location. Judging the awards is no mean feat as the calibre of entries continues to increase year on year.

"Commitment, enthusiasm and sheer hard work are some of the traits necessary to start, develop and grow a successful business. These have been clearly demonstrated by the winners of the coveted Enterprise awards."

The second keynote speaker at the awards ceremony, Stuart Heslop, director of commercial banking in Aberdeen for RBS says, "Accolades such as the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise can have an exceptionally positive effect on the finalists and ultimate winners. Winning can prove to be a catalyst for business development. In addition clients tend to hold companies who have been presented with prestigious awards in even higher esteem.

"Everyone who entered the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise deserves recognition. The standard of entries was extremely high. In particular I would like to pay tribute to the finalists and winners who have been recognised here tonight."

Colin Donald, Director of Finance and Competitive Business of Scottish Enterprise Grampian says, "The northeast economy is very buoyant at present resulting in more and more dynamic and innovative companies coming to the fore. This confirms that entrepreneurial spirit is very definitely alive and kicking in the northeast."

Liz Marchant commented: "We are absolutely delighted to win this award and haven't come down off of cloud nine yet! This award is not only a reward for all the hard work that Neil and I have done in creating the business but also a tribute to our staff without whom we would not be the successful venture we are today."

All finalists received a certificate and category winners picked up a coveted enterprise award and cheque for up to £5000.