TWO Stirling organisations have scooped accolades at the only awards programme in Scotland that recognises the achievements of local government suppliers.

Care Visions was crowned ‘large company’ winner in the Innovation category at the Scotland Excel Supplier Excellence Awards, while Community Resources Network Scotland took the SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) winner title of the Environmental Practices award.

Cathy Jamieson from Care Visions, said: “We are delighted to have won the Innovation Award. Care Visions Why Not? was set up to support lifelong connections for young people leaving care, and has involved staff and young people working together to make that a reality.

"Why Not? took a completely new approach and has pushed the boundaries of previous thinking and practice to get the best outcomes for young people, so it’s fantastic to see it recognised.”

Alison Brown from CRNS said: “We are delighted to win this award and all of the individuals and organisations that have been involved in making the CRNS Reuse Consortium happen should be very proud.

"We think this project is transformational and to win the ’Environmental Practices Award’ demonstrates that all of the hard work is appreciated and recognised at the highest level.”

Care Visions is a provider on the Scotland Excel Fostering and Continuing Care Services contract.

The innovation award recognises their Why Not? initiative which changes the way young people are supported when moving on from care.

The initiative allows a young person to visually map out their future and identify the adults in their lives to whom they would like to stay connected.

CRNS consortium members provide high quality, reuse items through Scotland Excel’s domestic furniture and furnishing framework, helping to develop a more circular economy.

In a relatively short space of time, councils working with CRNS have been able to divert over 200 tonnes of waste from landfill and save 550 kgs of CO2 emissions.

Stirling’s councillor, Alison Laurie, who sits on Scotland Excel’s Joint Committee, said: “Our suppliers play a vital role in supporting delivery of essential public services, and it is right and fitting that we recognise those that go the extra mile. 

“Winning a Supplier Excellence Awards is a real accolade for the business community, as it’s the only awards programme in the country to recognise the achievements of local government suppliers. 

"Competition was tough, and our expert judging panel had its work cut out.

“My congratulations go to CRNS and to Care Visions for their hard work and well-deserved success in these prestigious awards.”