Cloud-based communication and entertainment platform Screach was in celebratory mood as it picked up ‘Best Business Initiative’ at a leading Industry award ceremony.
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The prestigious award, which celebrates innovation and recognises the very best in the country’s hospitality industry was presented to Screach as part of the 30th BII Scotland Annual Awards. BII Scotland, the leading professional body for Scotland’s licensees, announced the winners of its annual awards at a glittering ceremony which took place last month (22 May 2016).

The winners in ten award categories were announced at a glittering ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow, made particularly special by also being a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the organisation in Scotland. The awards night was hosted by STV presenter and former Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch, and featured an address from business peer Baroness Nosheena Mobarik CBE. Over 400 of Scotland’s best licensees, and leading figures from the sector, attended the event.

Screach CEO, Robert Rawlinson, said; “Nominations for this award came from the trade or public and we were delighted it was one of our customers who actually nominated us.

“We work with over 1,500 UK wide customers and have a strong base in Scotland, so to be acknowledged as providing a valuable communication and entertainment solution that actively moves  the pub on from being wet led male led venues to one which is more community focussed is a great accolade for us.”

Jo Graham, Vice Chairman of BII Scotland, said: “What a fantastic night, which was truly enjoyed by all! It was certainly our most successful event to date. The standard of the finalists this year was exceptional and we hope that all those who got this far are very proud of their achievement. Congratulations to all the winners, who really deserved to be recognised for their hard work and dedication to the industry. We’re looking forward to next year’s event already!”

Screach was one of ten award winners:

Best Business Initiative, sponsored by TLT LLP

• Screach, a communication and entertainment platform that uses a venue’s existing TVs, customers mobile phones and music to help increase a venue’s profitability.

Bar Operator of the Year, sponsored by Caledonian Brewery

• Signature Pubs, which operates 12 independent and totally unique outlets across Scotland.

Late Night Operator of the Year, sponsored by Securigroup

• Howlin’ Wolf, a Glasgow-based bar which features live blues bands

Individual Licensee of the Year, sponsored by Molson Coors

• Scott Padden, Co-Director of Jasco Pub Company, who runs The Croft Bar & Restaurant, Croftfoot in Glasgow.

Scottish Training Award, sponsored by CPL Training

• Tennents Training Academy, a dedicated hospitality industry based training academy in Wellpark, Glasgow.

Food Operator of the Year, sponsored by JB Foods

• Eusebi Deli, a family run Italian deli in the heart of Glasgow.

Scottish Brewery of the Year, sponsored by The Pot Still

• Tempest, who brew bold, fresh and quality beer at a 30HL brewer in Tweedbank.

Social Responsibility Award, sponsored by Best Bar None Scotland

• Section 33, a specialist pop-up restaurant operator from Glasgow.

Whisky Bar of the Year, sponsored by Whisky Ambassador

• The Grill, a traditional Aberdeen pub established in 1870 with an internationally renowned whisky selection.

Bar Personality of the Year, sponsored by Belhaven

• John Russel from Blue Dog, a New York Style piano bar in Glasgow renowned for its live entertainment programme and excellent drink selection.

Two special scholarships were also launched at the ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary celebrations. These scholarships are open to attendees or employees of attendees at the 2016 awards event:
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• The BII Scotland Lausanne Scholarship: a three day hotel management development course at Lausanne in Switzerland, one of the world’s oldest hotel management courses
• The BII Scotland Gleneagles Scholarship: a three day placement on service, standards and quality. Depending on the scholar, this could be delivered in the Andrew Fairlie Michelin restaurant or a more informal environment.

The BII Scotland awards event was entirely not for profit, run by volunteers, and the charity partner for 2016 was Springboard UK.