The cream of local businesses have been recognised at the West Lothian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards 2025.

More than 150 guests, including local MP Kirsteen Sullivan and MSP Fiona Hyslop, attended the glittering ceremony at the Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, where Capital Service Solutions Group was voted Best Business of the Year.

The firm delivers services across Scotland and England from its West Lothian HQ, where they employ more than 170 local staff supporting clients in healthcare, life sciences, education, hospitality and manufacturing. 

Congratulating the company on the award Linda Scott, chief executive of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, said: “While maintaining a family-led, people first culture, Capital Service Solutions has delivered double digit growth despite inflation and labour pressures, showing strong use of innovation, leadership and community values. 

Post-pandemic, their clients needed reliable, compliant partners, and workers sought security and respect. They saw an opportunity to lead through quality, stability, and people development, growing responsibly while strengthening their local impact. 

They are great example that a values-led, West Lothian-based business can deliver national excellence while staying true to its people and community.”

Capital Service Solutions’ managing director Moreland McDiarmid said: “Our roots are very firmly in West Lothian and to be recognised in this way is a very proud moment for us. It’s an award for the whole team, though, who have put in a power of work throughout the year ensuring we maintain the highest standards of service.

Congratulations to all the other winners on what was a special evening.” 

Other award winners were: Innovation & Resilience – Xcite West Lothian Leisure; Environmental Champion – Linlithgow Community Development Trust; Shona Sibbald Woman in Business – Alicja Dzieciol; Entrepreneur & Start Up – Align Birth; DYW Regional Employer West Lothian – Next Pharma.

Linda Scott added: “The awards provide an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate thriving business excellence throughout West Lothian and to acknowledge the best of the best. This year, the awards really showcased just how vibrant the West Lothian business community is. 

The Chamber is keen to be a key part of this and is passionate about supporting the communities we serve, while being a key driver in the future economic, social and cultural growth of our region, particularly in preparing young people for the jobs and skills of the future.”

More than £2000 was raised on the night for the Chamber’s charity partner SMILE, which is dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 11-24. Guest speaker was the outgoing principal of West Lothian College, Jackie Galbraith, who shared the experience of her own successful business journey.