ERIC Gallagher, the force behind Cardwell Garden Centre which is now celebrating its 50th anniversary, lifted the Lifetime Achievement award in the Greenock Chamber of Commerce Bee’s Knees Awards 2012.

Mr Gallagher, pictured with chamber president Elaine Stewart, joins eight category winners in the line up for the top title in this the ninth annual awards.

Greenock Chamber president Elaine Stewart said: “In the face of this testing economic climate, we wanted to demonstrate how our Inverclyde business community has remained upbeat with sustainable propositions for the markets they serve, and our candidates certainly didn’t disappoint.

The winners line up with Catriona Shearer, host of the awards, and Elaine Stewart, President of Greenock Chamber of Commerce (both centre stage). Click for bigger photo

“The judging panels faced tough decisions when it came to selecting a winner out of what has proved to be a great pool of talent. Our congratulations go to all our winners.”

The other category winners are:

Bee’s Knees Award for Emerging Business – sponsored by British Polythene Industries -- Winner - Barony Brides.

Karen Rodgers of Barony Brides is pictured, left, with Paul Rampling, Site Director, British Polythene Industries Plc, sponsor of the category

Denice and Trevor Gregor of Trade Right International with Bill Nicol (left), Chief Executive of Riverside Inverclyde, sponsor of the category and Premier Partner

Social Purpose – sponsored by Riverside Inverclyde -- Winner - Trade Right International.

Gavin McDonagh and Duncan Chalmers of Holt Leisure with Eric and Drew Gallacher of Cardwell Garden Centre, sponsor of the category

Proud to be in Inverclyde – sponsored by Cardwell Garden Centre -- Winner - Holt Leisure Parks Ltd and Kip Marina.

Nigel Ovens of Mearns T McCaskie with Claire Jefcoate, Centre Manager of Oak Mall Shopping Centre, sponsor of the category

Retail – sponsored by Oak Mall Shopping Centre -- Winner - Mearns T McCaskie

Excellence in Manufacturing – sponsored by Inverclyde Council -- Winner - Golden Casket Group.

Shirley and Tom Smith of Stepper Technology Ltd with Andrew Hemphill, General Manager of Clydeport Operations at Greenock Ocean Terminal, sponsor of the category

Best Business employing 25 or under – sponsored by Clydeport Operation Ltd. Winner - Stepper Technology Ltd.

Phil Harkins, Site Location Manager, IBM and Taylor McGhee, IBM (she was one of the Recruits), with Council Leader Stephen McCabe of sponsor Inverclyde Council

Best Business employing over 25 -- sponsored by Inverclyde Council. Winner - IBM (UK) Ltd

Customer Service – sponsored by Greenock Chamber of Commerce -- Winner - Enchanted Forest Nurseries.

Bernie and Mariessa Devlin of Enchanted Forest Nurseries with Steven Watson (left), Junior Vice President of Greenock Chamber, sponsor of the category