A BUSINESS founded in a garage in Helensburgh has been shortlisted for a national award recognising family businesses in Scotland.

Mclaggan Smith Mugs, who produce mugs and other ceramics for the national and international market, have been shortlisted for Small/Medium Family Business of the Year at The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards.

The firm was founded in 1974 by Wally and Camille Smith as Mclaggan Smith Prints, from their garage in Helensburgh.

Since then the business has continued to grow and they now employ 25 staff from the local town at their factory in Jamestown, Alexandria, shipping as far as Australia and Japan.

The business scooped the Chivas Regal Family Business of the Year award in June and are now looking to repeat their success.

Director Polly Thomson said: “We’ve had an absolutely brilliant year so far. In July, we won the Chivas Regal Family Business of the Year Award, so to end the year with a second award would be a huge testament to the hard work and commitment our staff put in year round.

"This year has also seen us launch a personalisation service and a new website, as well as refreshing our brand and logo. It’s been a busy but exciting few months.

“Being a family business has been a huge strength for us, as we are all working towards the same goals. Having children of our own helps us empathise with the needs of our employees.

"We enjoy having happy workers and are certain that we reap benefits with productivity. Many of our employees have been with us for years, with our production and despatch managers both being with us for 33 years!”

The awards, in association with Business Gateway, will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Wednesday, December 3.