Rearo, the kitchen and bathroom surface specialist, has received the joint highest number of nominations at the 2026 Herald Scottish Family Business Awards in recognition of its commercial performance and contribution to the UK economy.
The second-generation family firm – headquartered in Glasgow and with five distribution branches across the UK – has been shortlisted in five categories, including for business innovation, commitment to the community, customer service excellence, and environmental commitment.
It has also been nominated as a finalist in the Scottish Family Business of the Year category for companies with 100 employees or fewer.
Welcoming publication of the shortlist, Rearo managing director Graham Mercer said: “This is a wonderful vote of confidence in the work done by everyone at Rearo, and it signifies the valuable contribution our entire team makes every day.
“To be acknowledged across such a broad range of categories – from innovation and customer service to our commitment to the community and the environment – is due recognition of their commitment and endeavour.
“On behalf of everyone at Rearo, I would like to thank the judges and the awards team for this honour.”
In a year of momentous change for the company Rearo has embraced innovation across its entire operation, by exiting the low-margin, import dominated wall panel market and pivoting decisively toward higher-value commercial products and standardised proprietary systems.
Its diversification plan was supported by capital investment of more than £680,000 and a sustainability-driven, supply chain transformation.
Mercer said: “It has been clear for some time that the market is shifting and the biggest risk for us would have been to stand still. We have had to make some bold decisions, walking away from revenue streams that had been a significant part of our turnover, but a willingness to move outside of our comfort zone is already paying off with a series of big contract wins.”
Rearo has a strong record of award recognition, including as a finalist for Best Work Surface Brand at the BKU Awards (2025 and 2026) and being shortlisted in the Community Benefits category at the Scotland Excel Awards (2023).
Finalists for this year’s Herald Family Business Awards were announced ahead of the awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, November 19 at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, hosted by Edith Bowman.
The winners in all categories, including a special Outstanding Contribution award, will be revealed on the night.
