Entries have opened for this year’s Business Women Scotland Business Awards. The search is on for female entrepreneurs from start up businesses, women in tech or social media.
The key themes this year are collaboration and sustainability, with the categories of awards expanded to reflect that. Other categories including Rising Star of the Year, Established Business of the Year as well as Inspirational Woman of the Year.
Lynne Kennedy MBE, founder of Business Women Scotland said: “We want to showcase some of the most enterprising and successful women from around Scotland: women who’ve had the courage to follow their dreams, whether that be starting their own business, making it to the top in their career, or using their expertise and knowledge to help other women be the best they can be.
“We have always wanted to shine a light on the great work women are doing across Scotland while being role models for the next generation.”
Edinburgh winners last year include Sarra Bejaoui of SmartPA, Michelle Milnes of Property Studios, Claire Murray of Emotion Works and Francia Boakye of Frank Francia.
Sarra was awarded Business Woman of the Year, Michelle won Resilient Woman of the Year, Claire was Social Impact of the Year Award and Francia took Sole Trader of the Year Award.
“It was lovely to be recognised when we had such a wealth of brilliant businesswomen in Scotland doing amazing things,” said Sarra.
“One of the aspects of SmartPA’s growth I’m immensely proud of is that, in addition to building a company that provides impactful support services to thousands of businesses of all sizes in over 15 countries, we’ve also empowered thousands of females globally to start their own businesses, get back to work and find a career where they’re rewarded and valued.”
Michelle Milnes had to rethink her business model to offer clients virtual and 3D property viewings after the pandemic hit, while Claire Murray made use of the furlough scheme and funding to develop new online resources that now support 500 schools. And law student turned fashion designer Francia Boakye said she had to think quickly and pivot in the middle of a global pandemic to keep her business on track.
The overall winner will receive a two week airtime campaign with Go Radio. The award ceremony will be held online on 19 November and entries close on 3 September 2021. To enter, visit www.bwsawards.co.uk
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
