MULTI-MILLIONAIRE Jim McColl was on top of the world after his company Clyde Blowers took the main award at the Glasgow Business Awards.
MULTI-MILLIONAIRE Jim McColl was on top of the world after his company Clyde Blowers took the main award at the Glasgow Business Awards.
The city's business elite saw the company walk away with the Bank of Scotland award for most outstanding business.
And Glasgow retailer Slater Menswear won the title of Glasgow's favourite business - as voted for by readers of the Evening Times.
Champagne corks popped as Mr McColl celebrated a double win with Clyde Blowers also winning Business Deal of the Year.
But the man whose "fantastic" leadership was praised, confessed he almost missed his big moment after only flying in from China on the day of the ceremony.
He said: "It's good having your success recognised by your peers in the Glasgow business community, particularly at a time when there is so much bad news."
The butcher's son from Carmunnock, who left school at 16 and is now one of Scotland's richest men, added: "It shows that if you make up your mind to do something, there's always a way to do it."
Clyde Blowers had a spectacular year, buying city engineering firm Weir Pumps and four separate businesses from a US firm in a complex $1billion (£500million) deal.
Last night's glittering awards ceremony in the Crowne Plaza hotel was hosted by TV presenter Bryan Burnett with guests taken by double decker buses to an after-show party at the Alea casino.
The awards were sponsored by Bank of Scotland Corporate, hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and partners included the Evening Times.
Despite the credit crunch, there was much to celebrate.
As Claire Dunning, president of the chamber, told around 400 guests: "Nobody can deny this is a difficult time but your imagination, resolve and determination will help see us through the present downturn."
Evening Times deputy editor Tony Carlin was delighted our readers voted Slater Menswear as Glasgow's favourite business.
He said: "Slaters is a Glasgow institution and well-deserving of this award."
Owner Paul Slater said he wished his father, Ralph, the founder of the business, was alive to see the company triumph.
He said: "It's a fabulous honour. My father was born in the Gorbals and he would have absolutely loved this.
"As I walked through the shop floor tonight in my Slater's dinner suit, all the staff were going good luck' so I'm really chuffed for them."
Slater now has 24 branches across the UK, stocks 20,000 suits at a time and has made the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest menswear store in the world.
Stuart Yuill, of Bank of Scotland Corporate, said: "The Glasgow Business Awards has highlighted that Glasgow has a tremendous calibre of businesses.
"The awards also allow us to recognise that Glasgow has a wealth of business talent.
"I have no doubt this talent will continue to grow and diversify, ensuring Glasgow is a key player in the wider business world."
Richard Cairns, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "Our nominees and winners should be held up as examples of business excellence and reminders that there still exist great opportunities to those who have courage, ability and the right business offering."
 Paul Slater is flanked by host Bryan Burnett, left, and Evening Times Deputy Editor Tony Carlin who presented the award for Glasgow's Favourite Business |  Fiona McBain was honoured as Business Leader of the Year by Dominic McVey, of Crowne Plaza |  Claire Ferrie, of beCogent Ltd, collected Excellence in Skills and Learning Award from Aileen Ponton |  David Bunton, of Biopta Ltd, accepts the Creative Marketing award from councillor George Ryan |  Jim McColl got two awards for Clyde Blowers and is seen with Claire Dunning, of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Stuart Yuill of the Bank of Scotland |
ALL THE WINNERS
Bank of Scotland Corporate Award for Most Outstanding Business
Clyde Blowers Ltd - a multi-national business with a portfolio of engineering manufacturing companies.
Glasgow Business Award for Business Deal of the Year
Clyde Blowers Ltd - the group announced a complex and groundbreaking $1billion deal to acquire an entire business unit from American Fortune 500 company Textron.
Evening Times Award for Glasgow's Favourite Business
Slaters - A Scottish institution and few Glasgow men are without a Slaters suit in the wardrobe.
Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Business (over 25 employees)
John Lewis Partnership, Glasgow - The store has had continued growth over the last three years - 2007 was a year of record growth.
Glasgow Business Award for Best Performing Business (25 employees or under)
Taylor Clarke Partnership Ltd - It won its largest ever single contract to design, construct and operate a liquefied gas plant in the Yemen.
Glasgow Business Award for International Business
Biopta Ltd - A life sciences company spun out from Glasgow Caledonian University, it provides contract research for pharmaceutical companies. Sales doubled year-on-year with 72% outwith the UK.
Glasgow Business Award for Creative Marketing
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport - Created and ran the UK's first subway festival in April. Passenger numbers rose 10,000 over two days.
Glasgow Business Award for Business Leader of the Year
Fiona McBain, Chief Executive, Scottish Friendly Assurance - Chief executive for nearly two years, an inspirational leader in a crucial period of change.
Glasgow Business Award for Sustainable Development
Radisson SAS Glasgow Hotel - Five-Star hotel implemented initiatives resulting in benefits to the environment, including a recycling scheme with Glasgow City Council.
Glasgow Business Award for Contribution to Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs)
Capita Life & Pensions - The UK's largest business process outsourcer worked with JobCentre Plus and other agencies to identify untapped potential in the lone parent, mature and long term unemployment sectors.
Glasgow Business Award for Excellence in Skills & Learning
BeCogent Ltd - Employs 2750 staff across four call centres in West Scotland and averaged 13 days' training per employee last year.
