BLACK cabs across the city will be honking their horns in celebration after Glasgow Taxis was named Glasgow's Favourite Business.

The largest cab firm outside London won the Evening Times-backed accolade at the biggest ever Glasgow Business Awards at the Thistle Hotel.

The company, which has 1400 taxis and 2100 drivers, beat nominees including the Citizens' and Tron Theatres, Watt Bros department store, Crocket the Ironmongers and The Shed nightclub.

Director Jack Ferguson, said: "It's fantastic. It's down to the people that appreciate our service, because that's what we strive to achieve – a good service."

The firm, whose staff organise the annual seaside charity outing for sick and disabled kids, grew out of Glasgow Licensed Taxi Operators, which dated back to the 1950s, and became the company is as today after an amalgamation of city cab firms in 1997.

Evening Times Editor Tony Carlin, said: "Once again the finalists for the Evening Times' Glasgow's Favourite Business Award were all of an extremely high calibre. Each of the nominees is highly successful in its own field and each has earned a respected and well-deserved reputation for excellence.

"But there could only be one winner with our readers, and congratulations go to Glasgow Taxis, not just for their commercial successes but for their work in the community and, in particular, for their long-standing commitment to their extraordinary annual taxis outing which has been a highlight for hundreds of youngsters every year for decades."

A biscuit baron, city factory giant and two travel firms were other big winners at the event, which was hosted by comic and DJ Des Clarke, with the 620 guests entertained by former X Factor hopeful, Gamu Nhengu.

Tunnocks boss Boyd Tunnock, who has been dubbed the Willy Wonka of Tannochside, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr Tunnock, 78, said he would celebrate by having a cup of tea – and one of his famous Caramel Wafers.

Boyd's granddad Thomas opened the Uddingston bakery in 1890 and the company is now worth around £30 million, has more over 600 staff and ships its famous products worldwide.

Boyd, who invented the much loved Tunnock's Teacake, still turns up daily at the factory at 8am – complete with a £50 note in his pocket for any member of staff with a good idea.

He said: "I enjoy it and I love the machinery and meeting people.

"It's a great pleasure to accept this award – I do not know why I got it. I'm over the moon. This is the highlight of the year."

Cathcart-based engineering giant Clydeunion Pumps – which was sold in August to US investor SPX Corporation for £750m by owner Jim McColl, scooped three prizes.

Joint CEO Thomas Burley, said: "It's absolutely fantastic."

Last year's Evening Times' Favourite Business Award winner Barrhead Travel won two trophies, while The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Award for Outstanding Contribution to the City went to airline Emirates.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "It was a night to toast each and every winner and finalist and celebrate the many Glasgow business success stories we can all be proud of."

sarah.swain@ eveningtimes.co.uk