Forth Valley Business Week 2026 · The HEAT competition
Stirling-based sustainable housebuilder Hoose Ltd has won The HEAT 2026, with Element Wellness and Anne Andrew Nutrition taking second and third place.
Stirling-based sustainable housebuilder Hoose Ltd has been named the winner of the highly competitive 2026 HEAT competition. Announced on 18th September during Forth Valley Business Week, Hoose emerged from a field of 33 entrants after impressing judges at the competition’s Dragons’ Den-style final with its ambitious vision for growth and focus on sustainable design, local manufacturing and skills development.
The HEAT competition, delivered by Ceteris with Central FM as its media partner, gives aspiring and established entrepreneurs the opportunity to refine their business ideas, develop their pitching skills and access valuable support to accelerate growth.
Following an initial selection process, 20 businesses progressed to the semi-final stage before the field was narrowed to 10 finalists, who pitched their business ideas live to a panel of expert judges in a Dragons’ Den-style finale. Hoose Ltd secured first place, Element Wellness, based in Alloa, claimed second place, and Anne Andrew Nutrition secured third place.
This year’s top three finalists shared a prize package worth more than £15,000, generously donated by Central FM, STEP Scotland, Arm in Arm Accounting, Forth Valley College, Art is an Option, The University of Stirling Management School, Ceteris, Innovate360 Business Growth and Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The judging panel comprising Zak Stark of Forth Valley College, Lynn Harris of Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, Neil Mackinnon of Arm in Arm Accounting, and Dr Naja Mohd Yusof from the University of Stirling Management School praised the quality of this year’s entries, highlighting the strength of entrepreneurial talent emerging across Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
Meet The HEAT 2026 winners
1st place · Hoose Ltd, Stirling
Judges highlighted Hoose’s use of locally sourced Scottish materials and its potential to strengthen supply chains, create jobs and develop the future workforce. They said the business could deliver significant economic and social impact while reshaping how homes are built and lived in across Scotland.
Visit Hoose Ltd ↗
2nd place · Element Wellness, Alloa
Second-place finalist Element Wellness impressed with its investment in creating a new wellness destination in Alloa and a compelling business model capable of attracting a wide range of members. Judges recognised the potential for the concept to be replicated and expanded through future locations.
Visit Element Wellness ↗
3rd place · Anne Andrew Nutrition, Clackmannanshire
Third-place winner Anne Andrew Nutrition was recognised for successfully combining healthcare expertise with an innovative approach to nutrition and wellness services. Judges highlighted the potential for the business to enhance healthcare and wellbeing provision within local communities while creating a strong platform for future growth.
Explore Anne Andrew Nutrition ↗Celebrating Forth Valley entrepreneurship
“The calibre of businesses that entered this year’s competition was exceptional. Narrowing over 30 entrants down to a final three was incredibly challenging for our judges because of the creativity, passion and commercial ambition on display.”
“Hoose, Element Wellness and Anne Andrew Nutrition each demonstrated not only strong business models but a clear vision for growth and positive impact within their communities. We are delighted to support them on the next stage of their journey and would like to thank all of our prize donors and Central FM for helping make the competition such a success.”
Mandy Campbell, Ceteris Business Adviser and organiser of The HEAT competition
“Winning the HEAT is an incredible achievement for our team. We only launched our business in March of this year and the competition challenged us to refine our proposition and communicate our vision clearly. We’re passionate about delivering low-energy, regenerative housing solutions that provide healthy indoor environments, support Scottish manufacturing and deliver lasting benefits for local communities.”
“The support and opportunities that come with the incredible HEAT prize package will help us accelerate our plans and take the next steps in growing the business.”
Susi Sinclair, Director of Communications at Hoose Ltd
Media partner: Central FM supported The HEAT 2026 competition.
