A Glasgow freight forwarding firm has won a major startup award after being recognised for its rapid growth and global ambitions.
Clarusto Logistics has been named Global Startup of the Year at the Scotland StartUp Awards 2026, following praise from judges for its commercial progress, international outlook and client-focused approach.
The company received the award at a ceremony in Edinburgh on Tuesday 23 June, where entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses from across Scotland were recognised for innovation, ambition and business growth.
Judges said Clarusto Logistics had made strong progress in building a logistics business with the potential to scale.
In their citation, they said: “Clarusto Logistics stood out for its progress in building a client-focused logistics business with international ambition.”
They added that, in a short period, the company had grown to 11 employees, built reliable operational capability and positioned itself as “a practical partner for businesses needing efficient transport and logistics support”.
The judges also highlighted the firm’s “strong early team growth, commercial discipline and the potential to scale through reliability, service quality and international reach”.
Clarusto Logistics has roots in Saudi Arabia, where the business was founded by Raju John in 1992.
Its UK operation was launched in Glasgow in 2023 by Ramiah Raju John, building on more than 30 years of experience in air, sea and multimodal freight forwarding.
The company now supports customers across five continents through a network of offices and logistics partners, employing 24 people globally.
It has also expanded its international presence with a new operating hub in Wuhan, China.
The move reflects the growing importance of air freight and international coordination in helping customers manage supply chains.
As a regional winner, Clarusto Logistics will now represent Scotland at the UK StartUp Awards National Final.
The final will take place at Ideas Fest in Tring, Hertfordshire, in September, where regional winners from across the UK will compete for the national title.
Ramiah John, founder of Clarusto Logistics UK, said winning the award was a proud moment for the Glasgow team.
He said: “Winning this award is a proud moment for our Glasgow team and for everyone who has supported Clarusto Logistics on this journey.
“Our customers come back to us because they know we will deliver with care, reliability and consistency.
“This recognition means a great deal to us, and as we continue to establish ourselves in the sector, we are committed to getting even better.”
The judges recognised the company’s international growth strategy, customer-first approach and commitment to building a scalable logistics business serving global markets.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, founder of the UK StartUp Awards, said this year’s winners showed the strength of Britain’s startup economy.
He said: “All of the winners show exactly why the UK startup economy remains so exciting.
“They are not just coming up with clever ideas; they are building businesses with real purpose, commercial credibility and the potential to scale.”
He added that judges had been impressed by the evidence behind the winners’ ambitions, including customers, partnerships, investment, innovation, impact and growth.
Professor Jones-Evans said founders across the regions were creating jobs, opening new markets and challenging established industries.
He said: “That combination of entrepreneurial energy and practical impact is what makes this year’s winners so impressive, and their success is not only worth celebrating, it is worth backing.”
The UK StartUp Awards were founded by Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE as part of the Ideas Community.
They recognise new businesses that have identified opportunities, taken risks and developed innovative products and services.