George Nisbet, a recently retired partner who now acts as a consultant at chartered surveyors DM Hall’s Edinburgh office, has been given an award at Action for Children’s annual Stephenson awards held, this year, at the House of Lords.

Along with fellow businessmen Colin Taylor, Colin Mackenzie and Pete Lowrie, George was presented with a Stephenson Award in recognition for helping to raise over £1.5 million for Action for Children Scotland, a charity which supports the most vulnerable children and young people in Scotland.

Sir Tony Hawkhead, chief executive of Action for Children, handed over the award to thank the big-hearted fundraisers for setting up Never Mind the Business, a stellar quiz night which brings together everyone who has a passion for music. A quiz which, as George is quick to point out, has been won three times by DM Hall.

George said: “Everyone at Never Mind the Business is “chuffed” to receive this prestigious award. Over 13 years, nearly 9000 guests have enjoyed the fun, and entertainment provided by what has become an iconic annual event –  but the focus of all our efforts has always been in raising money for a very worthwhile cause.”

Never Mind the Business was established in 2002 when a group of businessmen attending an Action for Children Scotland’s golf day wanted to help do something different to raise money – something a bit more rock ‘n’ roll.

George and his friends who run the event have been dedicating their time ever since and strive each year to raise more money than the previous year and to hold the eagerly-anticipated event in even in more cities.

Over the years, Never Mind the Business has attracted names from the music world including: Heaven 17, Real Thing, Clare Grogan from Altered Images, Fish, Horse, the Bluebells, Bjorn Again, the Hot House Flowers, the Bay City Rollers and G.U.N.

The Stephenson Awards recognise the outstanding contribution made by Action for Children staff, foster carers, volunteers and supporters to the children, young people and families that the charity it supports.

Helen Quigley, fundraising manager at Action for Children Scotland, said: “Never Mind the Business is a big night on Action for Children Scotland’s fundraising calendar. It is inspiring how the Committee go about their activities and deserved to be recognised at this year’s Stephenson Awards.”