Border Biscuits has scooped the top award of Business of the Year at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards 2012.

The Lanark-based biscuit manufacturer was awarded the title at the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel last Thursday (24 May), in addition to the Profiting Through Skills Development category.

Caryl Hamilton, finance director at Border Biscuits, said: “We are thrilled to have received these awards. Baking great biscuits requires a dedicated team. We therefore put a great deal of emphasis on developing our people here at Border Biscuits. 

“The majority of our staff comes from within the immediate vicinity of the factory so building our links with the local community is an important part not just of our people development programme but of our core company values.”

The biscuit manufacturer, which has created 31 varieties, has accumulated a turnover of £9.3m, employs 150 people and has invested £2m in its production line in the past two years, including the overhaul of its packaging and an increased number of listings in shops.

Border Biscuits said its dark chocolate gingers biscuits were its best selling line, reporting a 65% increase in sales of the product in the first five months of 2012.

Other winners at the Awards included Lazy Day Foods located in Chapelhall, which scooped the Bakery and Cereal-based Product award for its Belgian Chocolate Tiffin, Millionaires Shortbread and Chocolate Ginger Slice products.

Nairn’s Oatcakes in Edinburgh picked up the Confectionery and Snacking accolade for its Nairn’s Oaty Bakes in single and multi-packs, whilst bakery ingredients firm Macphie of Glenbervie took home the Profiting Through Research award.