That the Parliament is enthused at the news that Stirling’s 2025 Business Awards have now been launched; understands that Go Forth Stirling has announced that the awards will return for a third straight year, with the ceremony set to take place at the city’s Albert Halls on 27 February 2025; further understands that local residents and visitors will have the chance to suggest local businesses for various accolades via a dedicated webpage at independentstirling.co.uk/awards, with categories, including Café/Coffee Shop of the Year, Visitor Attraction of the Year, Hair and Beauty Business of the Year and Retailer of the Year; notes that the Charity of the Year and New Business of the Year categories will also be recognised, alongside Service-led Business of the Year, covering healthcare firms, solicitors, tailors and estate agents, and Restaurant of the Year and Pub/Bar of the Year; acknowledges that a new category for this year’s awards will be a New Business of the Year for companies beginning in 2024 and the Outstanding Contribution to Stirling will also be open for nominations; notes that the launch comes as Scotland Loves Local Week highlights how shoppers can boost their local economies and make a difference to their communities by choosing to shop local; believes that voting will close just before Christmas 2024, with the shortlist announced in January 2025, and wishes everyone involved all the very best of luck in this year’s contest.