On Saturday 27th of October, over 800 guests gathered at the Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee for the Courier Business Awards 2019. The event takes place annually to celebrate the successes of the best and brightest businesses and entrepreneurs in Tayside & Fife.
The awards, now in their seventh year, reflect the diverse nature of the local business landscape with categories including, Manufacturing, Export, Retail, Growth and Service. 24 awards were presented over the course of the evening with the final award for Outstanding Contribution being presented to Morris Leslie, owner and Chairman Of the Morris Leslie group of companies.
Celebrating 45 years in business, Morris Leslie began his journey in 1974 on a farm in Rait, Perthshire, buying and selling used Plant Machinery. In 1980 he expanded his business into the Plant Hire sector and thereafter established a nationwide Plant Hire network. Fast forward to 2019, Morris Leslie operates internationally across a number of sectors including Plant Hire, Plant Sales and auctions. Morris Leslie’s divisions operate from 15 locations throughout the UK and continue to experience growth year on year.
Collecting his award at the ceremony, Morris Leslie gave a humble speech “I have to give thanks to my staff team, both past and present, without them we would not have achieved what we have today”. He ended his speech giving thanks to his wife, Joyce, for being by his side during his incredible journey and thanking his family for their continued support. Morris Leslie is a family operated business, in 2007 his son joined the business to launch Morris Leslie Vehicle Auctions and this division now sells more than 11,000 cars, vans & classic vehicles per year.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Morris Leslie Plant Hire, Graham Ogilive commented “I’m delighted for Morris receiving this award tonight, to be recognised for all he has achieved over the last 45 years, both professionally and personally.”
Morris Leslie is also an active supporter of several charities, including Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, based at the Morris Leslie owned Perth Airport, his support of this essential service assists them to continue their work saving lives across Scotland.
