The founder of a Highland accountancy business has said she is "over the moon" after it was named the UK's best small firm and praised for helping reverse depopulation.
Kennedy Accountancy, based in Auchtertyre in Lochalsh, was named small firm of the year at the UK Accounting Excellence Awards.
The business "stood out" for its commitment to the local community from hosting open days to nurturing young talent and helping other local businesses thrive.
Founder and director Karen Kennedy said she was particularly proud of this aspect "at a time when most young people are moving to the cities or career opportunities."
Kennedy Accountancy was also named small firm of the year for Scotland, North of England and Northern Ireland.
The business was launched in 2020 and provides advice and accounting services to a wide range of clients in the Highlands and Islands.
"I am over the moon," said Mr Kennedy.
"It is important to get the Highlands on the map whenever we can, and it makes me proud that we were on the stage in London at UK awards.
"It's crucial that we provide training in the work place that allows them to stay in the area and gain professional qualifications.
" In October 2021 I took on Andrew as an 18 year old apprentice studying AAT which is an accountancy qualification.
"Andrew didn’t want to move away to get a career so was looking for something work based – and he actually travels from Mallaig every day on the ferry then a 40 minute drive."
She has since taken on another two young people from the area and plans to take on another apprentice next year.
She said: "I want to get the message across to young people in the area that you don’t have to leave to get a professional qualification and a rewarding career."
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"The judges were particularly impressed by the firm’s love of its local community. From local business community open days to nurturing young talent, Kennedy Accountancy’s sense of community shines.
"All of our finalists showed a clear commitment to client care, improving efficiencies and the quality of their service and demonstrating real growth over the past 12 months, but Kennedy Accountancy stood out.”
Ms Kennedy has also been listed in this year’s Business Women Scotland’s 100 female entrepreneurs to watch.
The awards were presented at a ceremony held on Tuesday, October 8 at the iconic Roundhouse in London.
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