TODAY we introduce the last of our six contenders for the title of Glasgow's Favourite Business.

The coveted award has been won by many high-profile names in the past. It is part of the the Glasgow Business Awards 2014, organised by the city's Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Bank of Scotland.

The other four contenders, which have been showcased this week, are Gillian Kyle, the King's Theatre, the Business Incentives Group and Walkbusters.

RUSSELL LEADBETTER reports

BAR 91

GLASGOW'S Merchant City has seen lots of changes in the last decade or so, with a rush of new shops, restaurants and other venues making it one of the most happening parts of the city.

But while it has had a big injection of fresh blood, some of its attractions have been around for a lot longer.

Twenty years this September, in the case of Bar 91.

The Candleriggs venue, across the road from the City Halls, has remained highly popular all that time, throughout all the changing tastes and fads in bar food and entertainment.

"The bottom line with Bar 91," says Jonathan Grant, co-owner with Michael Dickson, "is our brilliant customer base, the amazing variety of customers we have been lucky enough to attract over the years.

"We have also been fortunate in terms of our staff. We have managed to keep many of them for a long time, and that has helped.

"What we set out to be, and what we remain, is a good local bar that, hopefully provides people with what they want."

Reviews reprinted on Bar 91's website describe it as "cosy with a rustic decor", where the stone floor "sets it apart from the endless miles of wood in other bars."

It "enjoys a robust lunchtime trade, serving chunky sandwiches and salads overloaded with greenery."

Another favourable review mentions its "successful blend of a laid-back, unpretentious vibe and quality bar food."

Bar 91's food menu offers everything from tapas, flatbreads and burgers to pizzas, chorizo and Stornoway black pudding.

It also has a fine selection of white, red and rose wines.

Jonathan, who praises the long-term dedication and input of his fellow owner, Michael, says: "It's great to be part of an area that had seen so many changes over the last few years but at the same time I suppose you could say we are part of the old guard here.

"It's also going to be interesting to see how the Commonwealth Games impacts on this part of the city. We are looking forward to it."

One notable feature at Bar 91 is 'Bootsy', its goatee-wearing, Afro-wearing mascot above the door.

He is known as Bootsy because he is seen as a dead ringer for Bootsy Collins, the 1970s funk maestro.

The story goes that he was brought in one day by two customers who wanted lunch. They didn't have enough money to pay the bill, so they left him behind as a deposit. Twenty years later, he is still there. It's a typical Bar 91 story.

l www.bar91.co.uk

GLASGOW AIRPORT

AS YOU read this, Glasgow Airport is bracing itself for one of its busiest times ever.

Not only is it having to cope with the normal summer traffic - almost 800,000 people passed through its terminals last month alone - but it will also be the first sight of Glasgow for huge numbers of Commonwealth Games athletes and officials.

"This has been quite an iconic year for us," is how managing director Amanda McMillan sums it up.

"We've invested heavily in refreshing and remodelling parts of the terminal.

"We wanted to change the look and feel of the airport in the run-up to the Games, and to be a welcoming gateway first impression for Glasgow.

"We also wanted to leave a lasting legacy. I'm thrilled the investment was completed on time and on budget, and to a very high standard. Passengers and staff alike have said they love the new look."

The new international arrivals hall, which was officially opened by Sir Chris Hoy on Wednesday, has seen its meet-and-greet area double in size. An external courtyard has been created, too.

Elsewhere, the airport has succeeded in growing its route network and passenger numbers.

Another key highlight was the arrival of the Airbus A380 super jumbo, operated by Emirates airlines, last April. The news generated headlines at home and abroad.

"I see this as a great example of the airport playing a bigger role in the life of Glasgow," said Amanda. "We don't see ourselves simply as a wee microcosm that just gets on with things. We do see ourselves as a part of the city.

"Staff, passengers and the Emirates airline had a great day at the airport when the A380 landed, but we were joined by thousands of people around the perimeter fence from the local community.

"Everybody in Glasgow was buzzing about where they had seen the A380.

"For me, that underlines the role we play in Glasgow's daily life. It was fun, positive and iconic. It even trended on Twitter for an entire hour as the top UK story."

The episode was also a key event in the 'one-campus' theme the airport has been developing.

Says Amanda: "Some 5000 people work at the airport but only 450 work directly for me.

"The 'one-campus' idea is that if we all come together, like a small town, and have one culture, and one set of values, then that will help us deliver an even better service.

"We've made a lot of progress this year in developing that small town feel, looking out for one another and delivering to our customers in their search for a seamless end-to-end journey."

The airport hopes to build on the legacy effect of the Games - continuing to enhance the terminal, and boosting its route-network by securing more European routes and strengthening its hubs and its north Atlantic connections.

First, though, there's the small matter of channelling thousands of Games athletes, officials and visitors through the new look international arrivals area.

l www.glasgowairport.com