Aberdeen International Airport has landed the top prize at the Northern Star Business Awards after being named 2026 Business of the Year.
Over 800 people packed P&J Live last night for the glittering ceremony, the biggest business party of the year, hosted by broadcaster Edith Bowman.
The awards – run by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, in association with Brodies LLP – recognise successful and growing businesses that make a positive impact on the North-east economy.
Other big winners on the night included The SRE Group, which has spent £5m creating Aurora Aberdeen on Union Street, Aberdeen Football Club, North East Scotland College and Whittaker Engineering.
But it was Aberdeen International Airport that claimed the Business of the Year title after a standout 12 months that saw profits double, passenger numbers soar and major investment transform the travel hub.
The airport welcomes 2.3 million passengers a year and supports 3,400 jobs, contributing over £110million annually to the local economy.
Significant investment has also enhanced the passenger experience, including the rollout of next-generation security scanners and £3.7million in infrastructure upgrades, while new international routes continue to strengthen global connectivity.
It was also a special night for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 and business leader Sarah Malone who shared the Regional Contribution Award for their extraordinary impact on the region.
Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city centre, The Tall Ships delivered an economic boost while shining a global spotlight on Aberdeen. Hotels, restaurants and local businesses saw a surge in trade, as the city centre was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity.
Sarah Malone was recognised for her role in elevating the North-east as a world-class golf destination.
As a leading figure at Trump International Golf Links Scotland, Ms Malone has helped the resort attract international visitors, investment and major tournaments to the North-east.
In one remarkable summer last year, the venue hosted two international tournaments – The PGA Senior Championship and the Nexo Championship – alongside the opening of a new course and a visit from the US President.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Northern Star Business Awards are a fantastic showcase of the strength, ambition and resilience of businesses across the North-east.
“It’s inspiring to see such a diverse group of organisations recognised for their achievements over the past year.
“Every finalist and winner has played a part in driving the region forward, and they should all be incredibly proud of the impact they are making locally and beyond.”
Elaine Farquharson-Black, Partner at law firm Brodies, added: “At Brodies, we have the great privilege of working with people and organisations across a number of different sectors in the North-east.
“The Northern Star Business Awards showcase the very best of the creative thinking, pioneering work, enthusiasm and sheer determination which is abundant here, and which contributes to the region’s ongoing success.
“The ceremony itself was a chance to remind ourselves that despite ongoing global, national and local challenges, we are a region which continues to adapt and innovate and remains resilient in the face of adversity.”
The 2026 awards were supported by bp, Royal Bank of Scotland, Cala, Bilfinger, Aberdeen International Airport, Marks & Clerk, Score, Balmoral, True North Advisors, Adura, University of Aberdeen, Swagelok, Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire and Robert Gordon University.
During the evening, money was raised for two local charities Clan Cancer Support and Aberdeen Cyrenians.
The 2026 Northern Star Business Awards winners are:
Archibald Simpson Award (sponsored by bp)
The SRE Group
Business of the Year (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland)
Aberdeen International Airport
Customer First (sponsored by CALA)
AV One Solutions
Driving Sustainability (sponsored by Bilfinger)
North East Scotland College
Family Business (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland)
Whittaker Engineering
Going Global (sponsored by Aberdeen International Airport)
John Ross Jr (Aberdeen)
Inspiration from Innovation (sponsored by Marks & Clerk)
IKM Testing UK
Inspiring Futures (sponsored by Score)
Aberdeen Performing Arts
Making the Difference (sponsored by Balmoral)
Port of Aberdeen
Marketing Magic (sponsored by True North Advisors)
Aberdeen Football Club
Rising Star (sponsored by University of Aberdeen)
Sophie Sibley, Synergie Environ, part of PD&MS Group
Staff Matter (sponsored by Swagelok)
North East Scotland College
Start-up Business of the Year (sponsored by Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire)
Dax Group
Student Placement (sponsored by Robert Gordon University)
International Medical Management
Regional Contribution (sponsored by Adura)
The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 / Sarah Malone, Trump International Golf Links Scotland