AJ Engineering managing director Alan James wins Institute of Directors Regional Director of the Year Award for Highlands and Islands

THE leader of a Forres-based engineering and construction firm has been named regional director of the year 2021 for Highlands and Islands.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland announced the winners of its Director of the Year Awards last week, with Alan James, managing director of AJ Engineering and Construction Ltd, being included.

The live online ceremony, on December 9, was hosted by TV presenter Shereen Nanjiani.

Alan was in the regional category with Fiona MacInnes, of Orkney Fisherman’s Society, and Kevin Shaw, of Heatherlea (Scotland) Ltd. Judges said that for more than two decades, he has led strong growth in an ambitious firm and has demonstrated strong leadership to continue business development during challenging times.

Alan said: “I am honoured. I was up against some strong contenders. It was a fantastic ceremony and I was delighted that the host, Shereen, took the time to ask about AJ Engineering and its focus on apprentices and apprenticeships. I am truly delighted to win this accolade, but while it’s my name on the company and I founded it, this award is about the whole of AJ Engineering and its sister company, NEWCo. These firms would not be what they are without the strong teams so I thank each and every single member of staff. This has, despite the pandemic, been a great year for AJ Engineering and this win is a superb way to be ending it.”

The awards announced the national winners of the 12 director categories, seven regional categories and four discretionary awards to celebrate individuals’ business accomplishments in 2021.

In October, AJE’s new multi-million-pound premises at Waterford, Forres, were officially opened by The Princess Royal. The company also has a team en route to Antarctica for a new project working at the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station.