Finalists across nine categories have been revealed for this year’s sixth annual awards run by the Business Women Scotland network.
Working in industries ranging from food, beauty and tourism to property and engineering, the winners will be announced at a virtual event on November 6. This will feature main speaker Lara Morgan, who founded her first business, Pacific Direct, at the age of 23 and went on to sell her majority share in the operation 20 years later for £20 million.
“It is heart-warming to see so many talented women, across the board, succeeding in business – especially in these challenging times,” Ms Morgan said. “I congratulate each and every one of the finalists on their hard-earned, well-deserved success.
READ MORE: Female-led businesses in Scotland have been 'hit harder' by Covid-19
“Many thanks too to Business Women Scotland, which plays a valuable role in bringing these women together and offering them a support umbrella under which they can network and learn from each other.”
Lynne Kennedy, founder of Business Women Scotland, said the group was “overwhelmed” by the amount of entries this year. New categories in 2020, to reflect the unparalleled economic climate, include Resilient Woman of the Year, Social Impact of the Year and Business Growth of the Year.
“This has been an extremely tough year for everyone in business, but this proves that women in business in Scotland want to celebrate their achievements,” Ms Kennedy said.
The full list of finalists:
Board Member of the Year
Amanda Cameron – DM Hall
Lesley Judge – Women in Tourism
Sue Bomphray – Scottish Veteran Residences
Business Woman of the Year
Hayley Wilkes – WeeCOOK
Lisa Thomson – Purpose HR
Sarra Bejaoui – SmartPA
Tracy Clark – ITC Hydraulics
Established Business of the Year
Karen Somerville – Angels Share
Lisa Thomson – Purpose HR
Michelle Milnes – Property Studios
Tracy Clark – ITC Hydraulics
Inspirational Woman of the Year
Amanda Cameron – DM Hall
Ceri Ritchie – SAC Consulting
Susie Fraser – Adeo Group
Resilient Woman of the Year
Hayley Wilkes – WeeCOOK
Louise Cameron – ICTS
Megan MacDonald – Sandwick Bay Candles
Michelle Milnes – Property Studios
Rachel Kirkpatrick – Rose Wellbeing Therapies
Susie Anderson – East Coast Cured
Tracey Hogarth – Nudie Snacks
Rising Star of the Year
Emma Mulraine – Behind the Scenes VA
Karris Gill – Social Stories Club
Katie Murrie – Service Design Academy/Dundee & Angus College
Megan MacDonald – Sandwick Bay Candles
Social Impact of the Year
Claire Murray – Emotion Works
Elaine Brown – Edinburgh Remakery
Gillian Urquart – Moira Anderson Foundation
Hayley Mearns – Voluntary Action Angus
Jill McWilliam – Doric TV
Sole Trader of the Year
Francia Boakye – Frank Francia
Hayley Yule – Hy Marketing
Mhairi Mackenzie – Bonnie Bling
Start-Up Business of the Year
Alison Wood – Lilypads
Kirsten Bell – myTOT
Melodie Paterson – Heather Street Food
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