Double triumph for Renfrewshire

Nov 17 2012 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

Two Renfrewshire businesses are on top of the world .. after being honoured by a former leading US politician.

Dr Madeleine Albright – the first female US Secretary of State – was on hand to present Glasgow airport and the Paisley-based Scottish Leather Group with industry gongs.

It was a remarkable double triumph for two businesses at the glittering ceremony in Glasgow’s new Emirates Arena.

Dr Albright, who served in the US Government under Bill Clinton between 1993 and 1997 – was guest of honour as she handed out accolades at the Scottish Council for Development and Industry International Awards.

Glasgow Airport boss Amanda McMillan was recognised for her achievements in international markets as Ms Albright presented her with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Glasgow’s Tourism Economy.

Glasgow Airport is one of the largest private sector employers in the region, supporting 4,500 jobs and over 7,300 jobs across Scotland as a whole.

Last year, the airport carried approximately seven million passengers, and has continued to invest in upgrading its facilities.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Glasgow International Airport is of strategic importance to the city and the connectivity provided by the airport is a major factor in the success of the West of Scotland economy.

“The growth of direct flights to Glasgow continues to open up new markets for short breaks to the city while increased access is a key driver in attracting greater numbers of delegates to the conferences that meet here.

“Glasgow City Council and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau enjoy a close working relationship with Amanda and her team, and this award recognises Amanda’s inspirational leadership and the significant contribution that she makes in helping to grow and shape our tourism economy.

“It came as no surprise that Glasgow was this year named Scottish Airport of the Year at the Scottish Transport Awards, which is testament to Amanda’s commitment and stewardship over the past 18 months.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Leather Group, the largest manufacturer of leather in the UK, received the Outstanding International Achievement in Green Energy award.

The company, based in Seedhill, has operated a zero waste strategy since 2003, which includes major investments in water treatment technology and a thermal energy plant – the latter positioning the group as a world leader in sustainability.

The company’s zero waste initiatives have considerably reduced the firm’s impact on the environment and addressed some of the major threats to the manufacturing industry’s future.

Environmental Director Dr. Warren Bowden said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in this way.

“Scottish Leather Group is going from strength to strength and expanding business both in Scotland and internationally.

“This continuing success can be attributed, at least in part, to our commitment to the environment, the Thermal Energy Plant and the resulting unique low carbon leather product we supply to customers all over the world, including Aston Martin, British Airways, Jaguar Land Rover, Morgan Motor Company, Virgin Atlantic, Volvo and many others.

“We aim to continue being recognised as a company at the forefront of environmental leadership.”