THE Institute of Directors has launched its search for Scotland's top business leaders to be recognised at its annual Director of the Year awards.

The awards, which are now in their fifth year, recognise and celebrate excellence at director level in private, public and voluntary organisations across Scotland.

Following the success of last year's awards, the IoD hopes to attract an even greater number of nominations to compete in a range of national and regional categories for the 2008 awards.

One of last year's winners was Willie Docherty, managing director, City Building (Glasgow) LLP.

His firm appeared to be bucking the trend earlier this year when it took on 140 trainee plumbers, joiners, bricklayers and electricians.

Mr Docherty said: "It was a great honour to receive the award of Director of the Year from my peers.

"The receipt of such a prestigious award was a reflection of the continuous effort applied by all of the employees of City Building.

"It was an award to be shared within our entire organisation."

The award categories are split into two groups - the Directors Awards, which recognises Scotland's top business leaders; and the Regional Awards, which recognise the most talented figures operating in different parts of the country.

For the first time, this year's event includes the new Global Director Award, to recognise Scotland's influence in the world markets.

It is open to men or women based in Scotland or abroad.

The awards are open to all Scottish directors, whether IoD members or not.

The national awards are decided by an independent judging panel after initial expert assessment by Napier University Business School and the regional awards are judged by the Institute's branch committees.

Last year's winners included Sir Moir Lockhead OBE, chief executive of FirstGroup plc, Martin Gilbert, chief executive, Aberdeen Asset Management PLC and John McClelland CBE, chairman, Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council.

Also honoured were Susan Elston, managing director Offshore and Remote Sites, Aramark Ltd, Jamie Smith, managing director, Ice Factor Ltd and Graham Bell, chief executive, Kibble Education and Care Centre Entry forms are available from IoD Scotland with a deadline of Friday December 12, 2008 for submissions.

The winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony which will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glagsow on Thursday March 5 2009.

Applications can be made online or downloaded at www.iodscotland.com