Heartland FM has proved that being small, local and volunteer-run is no obstacle to success in business. The community-run radio station held its own in the face of stiff competition from three major organizations, at the recent Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards.
Heartland was Highly Commended in the Best 'Business in the Community’ category, seeing off entries by Perth College UHI and financial giant, Aviva. The overall category winner was Horsecross Arts.
Around 300 people attended the awards ceremony at the Creiff Hydro Hotel, on Friday 25 November.
Heartland FM’s Station Manager, Bruce Patterson, was delighted at coming a close second. “Considering the well established reputations and financial clout of the others, this is no mean feat.” he said.
“Heartland FM is a ‘business in the community’ because everything the station does is for the community. This is recognition that Heartland’s had a busy year pushing boundaries.”

Entrepreneurial Drive and Passion 
The station has attracted new advertisers and presenters following its takeover of Perth FM’s radio coverage. It now produces close to 24 hours a day of it’s own programming and has a wider reach through live web-streaming. 
Vicki Unite, Chief Executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce was full of praise for the thirty-six entries to this year’s Star Award scheme, saying: “The awards applaud those with outstanding expertise, flair, vision, sound business sense and – above all – entrepreneurial drive and passion.

Pictured at the award ceremony are, from left: Louise Macgregor presenting the award to Heartland’s Ross Pettie (radio presenter), Francesca Webster and Bruce Patterson.