Renfrewshire Legacy Business Recognition - AM reviewed
Renfrewshire Council · 25 August 2026
Back to Economy and Regeneration Policy Board — 25 August 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 25 August 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Renfrewshire Legacy Business Recognition 1. Summary 1.1 This report sets out a proposal to establish a Renfrewshire Legacy Business Award, a civic recognition scheme celebrating businesses that have traded continuously for 100 years or more and continue to make significant contributions to Renfrewshire. 1.2 It is proposed to hold a civic reception, hosted by the Provost of Renfrewshire, to recognise and celebrate these businesses and to formally present them with a Renfrewshire Legacy Business Award certificate and commemorative recognition plaque. 1.3 The event would celebrate the contribution these businesses have made to Renfrewshire over many decades and provide an opportunity to showcase their role in the area's economic and social development. ___________________________________________________________________ 2 Recommendations 2.1 Board members are asked to: (i) Agree to the establishment of the Renfrewshire Legacy Business Award celebrating businesses that have traded continuously for 100 years or more and continue to contribute to Renfrewshire’s economy, communities and identity.
Page 2
PUBLIC (ii) Agree to the proposed implementation approach, including development of a legacy business register, a civic reception for recognised businesses in the current financial year and planned launch at the 2026 Renfrewshire Economy Conference. (iii) Recognise and support the strategic contribution the Renfrewshire Legacy Business Award scheme can make in strengthening place identity, celebrating business heritage and supporting wider economic development and business engagement activity across Renfrewshire. (iv) Delegate authority to the Head of Economy and Development to finalise the eligibility criteria, operating arrangements and promotional activity required to implement the initiative in conjunction with the Provost of Renfrewshire. 3. Background 3.1 Renfrewshire has a rich business heritage shaped by generations of entrepreneurs, family firms, manufacturers, retailers and professional services. While many organisations celebrate business growth and innovation, there is currently no formal mechanism for recognising businesses that have demonstrated exceptional longevity and sustained contribution over a century or more. 3.2 This paper proposes that Renfrewshire Council develops its own programme to recognise those businesses that have a longstanding connection and trading history with the area. ______________________________________________________________ 4. Proposal 4.1 The Renfrewshire Legacy Business Award is a civic recognition programme that will celebrate and formally recognise businesses that have traded continuously for a minimum of 100 years and continue to make a valued contribution to Renfrewshire past this significant milestone. 4.2 The programme will establish the Renfrewshire Legacy Business Register, recognising eligible businesses through a nomination process. Businesses successfully recognised will be invited to a civic reception hosted by the Provost of Renfrewshire and will receive an award in recognition of their achievements. The initiative will be promoted through council communications and marketing activity with the support of the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce. 4.3 For businesses becoming part of the group there are clear benefits which include: • Civic recognition • Enhanced profile and recognition • Heritage branding opportunities
Page 3
PUBLIC • Inclusion in a prestigious network • Recognition of contribution and legacy locally 4.4 Renfrewshire Council benefits from business involvement in the recognition of the new group by proactively promoting: • Stronger place identity • Positive business engagement • Heritage and tourism promotion • Celebration of economic resilience 4.5 The title of the programme will play a key role in communicating its purpose and prestige. The name should reflect the contribution of long- established businesses to Renfrewshire’s economy, communities, and identity. Whilst this proposal has named the programme Renfrewshire Legacy Business Award, this is a working title and subject to change. 4.6 The award would be honorary in nature and would not confer any preferential status, funding entitlement or procurement advantage. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Branding & Launch 5.1 A small working group will be established to develop the group identity and recognition certificate, development of communication assets and preparation of promotional materials. During this period, an initial review of possible candidate businesses, working with local partners and stakeholders to identify organisations with a verified history of 100 years or more and a strong Renfrewshire connection. 5.2 September 2026 will see an open invitation process undertaken to promote self- nomination to the newly established recognition programme. Businesses will be asked to complete a short nomination form and provide a brief history and contribution to Renfrewshire. Appendix 1 outlines a proposed nomination form. 5.3 Nominations will be assessed during October and November 2026 by a small panel against agreed criteria. 5.4 The programme will launch formally at the Renfrewshire Economy Conference 2026, and the civic reception is planned for mid-January 2027. ___________________________________________________________________ 6. Key Considerations and Next Steps 6.1 Subject to approval, officers will work to develop the identity and branding for the Renfrewshire Legacy Business Award, including programme identity, promotional materials and launch communications. 6.2 Following the inaugural reception it is anticipated that each year only a small number of additional businesses, potentially one or two each year, will reach the 100-year milestone and become eligible for recognition.
Page 4
PUBLIC Rather than inviting recipients to attend a central event, future awards would be presented by the Provost at the recipient's workplace or business premises (wherever practical). This approach would: • Allow recognition to take place within the business's own setting; • Enable employees, customers and family members to participate; • Create positive local publicity opportunities; and • Strengthen the connection between the award and the business being recognised. 6.3 The Provost and her team have been consulted on this proposal and are very supportive. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – No additional finance sought. The cost of civic reception, awards, certificate, plaques and communications will be met from existing Economic Development budgets. 2. HR & Organisational Development – There are no implications 3. Community/Council Planning – There are no implications 4. Legal- There are no implications 5. Property/Assets- There are no implications 6. Information Technology – It would be beneficial to have a section on the Renfrewshire Council Website for this recognition programme and announcement of members 7. Equality & Human Rights- There are no implications. 8. Health & Safety- There are no implications. 9. Procurement - There are no implications. 10. Risk- Any risk associated with verification of business, can be mitigated through a clear self-nomination and reviewing framework. 11. Privacy Impact- There are no implications. 12. COSLA Policy Position - There are no implications. 13. Children’s Rights – None. 14. Climate Risk – None. ____________________________________________________
Page 5
PUBLIC For additional information contact: Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager ruth.cooper@renfrewshire.gov.uk Author: Zoë Robertson zoe.robertson@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Page 6
PUBLIC Appendix 1 – Draft Nomination Form Thank you for completing this nomination form. The Renfrewshire Legacy Business Recognition Programme celebrates businesses that have traded continuously for 100 years or more and made a significant contribution to Renfrewshire’s economic, social and cultural life. The information you provide will help verify eligibility, profile your business, and support future recognition and promotional activities. Please complete the form as fully as possible. Business Name: Trading Address: Website: Primary Contact: Position: Email: Telephone: Business Sector Year Established: Please provide a brief history of your business (maximum 300 words). Include any relevant information on Employment, community activity etc No. of Employees Business Characteristic ☐ Apprentice employer ☐ Graduate Employer ☐ Exporter ☐ Family-Owned Business ☐ Retail Business ☐ Manufacturer ☐ Wholesale Business ☐ Professional Service Declaration: I confirm that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Sign: Date: