The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards inaugural Inspiring Partnership award for businesses and the third sector was a huge success

Partnerships between third sector groups and businesses have been praised at an awards ceremony.

The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards were held last week, with the city’s business leaders out in force.

The Yard’s Celine Sinclair was named director of the year at the gala night, being commended for her work in creating a sustainable organisation which provides vital support for the families of disabled children.

The Grassmarket Community Project was revealed as the best performing medium-sized business, with the social enterprise having extended its support for those who have been marginalised by lack of opportunity, skills and aspiration.

And Projekt 42, a social enterprise gym in Leith, was selected as best start-up organisation. The gym aims to help those who attend achieve mental and physical wellbeing, and is already planning on moving to larger premises.

The Citadel Youth Centre was praised for its work with swish restaurant The Kitchin, picking up the Inspiring Partnership award. The group worked with the Michelin starred eatery to provide training opportunities for youngsters, which culminated in two Supper at Citadel events being held.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce chief executive Liz McAreavey praised the relationship between third sector groups and businesses, which has flourished in the city.

She said: “What is particularly heartening this year is the number of submissions for our new award Inspiring Partnership, which recognises businesses engaged in sustainable and valuable partnerships with the third ­sector.

“This was by far the most entered category, highlighting the appetite from the business community to address the inequalities in our city.”