KILMAC co-founder Athole McDonald has been honoured by the Perthshire business community.
At the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards sponsored by The Binn Group, he was presented with the inaugural “Inspirational Business Leader” accolade, supported by Tayside law firm Thorntons.
The honour had been kept under wraps and 360 members of the Big County business sector gathered at Crieff Hydro acclaimed Athole’s success.
The Chamber award – presented by Debbie Fellows of Thorntons - acknowledges a business leader who has:
*led and grown a company significantly, enhanced that business profile on a local/national or even global basis
*enhanced the reputation of Perthshire
*developed a culture that fosters leadership development, encouraging employees and colleagues through coaching, training or mentorship
*demonstrated commitment to the local community
Civil engineering company Kilmac was founded in 2004 by Athole and fellow director Richard Kilcullen.
In putting forward Athole for the award, the Chamber’s independent panel of judges indicated why they had come to their verdict.
They noted: “The company has grown and diversified into new markets, including construction and renewables, to now employ more than 100 people and generate turnover in excess of £20 million a year.
“A key factor in the company’s success has been Athole’s strong vision, drive and inspirational leadership. He has a passion for people, a commitment to high standards and a strong belief that business should be an integral part of the community.
“Athole is a committed supporter of young people and a real role model. At the same time as helping build one of the leading civil engineering companies in East and Central Scotland, he has devoted many hours to passing on his skills, experience and enthusiasm to the next generation through mentoring and work experience.
“Athole’s philosophy is that people should receive a fair reward for the work they do and Kilmac was one of the first organisations in Scotland to commit to the Living Wage. It is no coincidence that Kilmac has a dedicated, highly skilled and highly motivated workforce who hold Athole in high regard.
“He is equally respected by clients, who have confidence in a business whose safety systems and project management delivers contracts on time and on budget.
“Athole has also been a strong champion of Perth and Kinross business and the importance of the local supply chain.”
The judges noted that Kilmac had played a part in delivering several significant projects in Perth and Dundee, as both cities set about transforming themselves, with the Kilmac Foundation making a real difference in the community.
They added: “Athole is a truly inspirational business leader, proving that responsible business can mean profitable business.”
Kilmac employee Neil Riley also featured at the 2017 Star Awards. He was short-listed in the “Employee of the Year” category sponsored by law firm Blackadders.
It was recognition for his quick-thinking in saving the life of fellow employee Geordie McNaughton when he collapsed at a Perth building site. Neil, who has been honoured by the Royal Humane Society, called upon his training to administer CPR until paramedics arrived at the scene.
