An East Kilbride business is celebrating after scooping a prestigious local government award.

GavHas Services, which provides first class property management for the social housing sector in Scotland, came out on top in the Workforce Development (SME) category at the Scotland Excel Supplier Excellence Awards in Glasgow.

The firm supports tenants through the Scottish Welfare Fund by delivering furniture, laying carpets and fitting blinds to ensure safe spaces of refuge.

Twelve months ago, the company had nine staff on the pay roll and that number has now risen to 19, an increase in excess of 100%, reflecting the positive work environment GavHas Services provides.

As a business with employee wellbeing at its core, it introduced a range of measures to support staff including online courses to help with awareness of mental health and autism. All employees are now fully qualified in first aid, while all installers have passed the relevant exams to become qualified domestic appliance engineers – all at the company’s expense.

Scotland Excel is the centre of procurement expertise for local government in Scotland, with the Supplier Excellence Awards open to more than 1000 suppliers participating in their national frameworks. The awards were judged by an independent panel of subject experts, senior local government representatives and procurement practitioners

GavHas Services founder and Operations Director Gavin Ampleford said: “I’m immensely proud of all the team. We try hard to make a difference to people’s lives and it’s great to receive this recognition. Well done to all the other winners.”

Nearly 400 guests from across the public and private sectors attended the glittering ceremony hosted by broadcaster Dougie Vipond.

The Supplier Excellence Awards is the only award programme dedicated to the role of suppliers in public procurement, and celebrates the economic, social and environmental benefits delivered for communities through Scotland Excel contracts. 

Scotland Excel’s Chief Executive, Julie Welsh said: “We are delighted to recognise the vital role of businesses that go the extra mile when providing goods and services through our contracts.

Its right and fitting that companies such as GavHas Services which demonstrate excellence when supporting delivery of public services are applauded for their achievements. The standard of entries for this year’s awards was higher than ever. On behalf of Scotland Excel, I’d like to congratulate GavHas Services on their well-deserved success.”