Resilience and young business women to be recognised at Highland Business Women Awards
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It’s almost that time of year again as the Highland Business Women Awards are making a return.
Sponsored by Safekab, the annual ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate females who are excelling in their sectors and making a difference in their community and local economy.
With nine awards up for grabs, there is certainly something for everyone who wants to take part.
A returning category at this year’s award is the business resilience category which is being sponsored by Red Door Gin (Gordon & MacPhail). This award is open to members and non-members who have shown incredible resilience throughout the cost of living crisis.
Becky Pearce, head of HR at Gordon & MacPhail said: “Our company has been operating for over 125 years, so it’s fair to say a few challenges in that time have been faced and overcome.
“We are delighted to sponsor the Business Resilience Award to shine a light on women who have shown admirable strength and spirit to keep their businesses operating in a tough economic climate.
“They are shining examples of the importance of hard work, determination and fortitude amid the inevitable crosswinds every business faces. So please join us to raise a Red Door Gin toast to all of the finalists to celebrate their remarkable achievements.”
Another returning award at this year’s ceremony is the Young Businesswoman of the Year award, which is being sponsored by HIE Northern Innovation Hub. This award is open non-members and members of HBW who are under 30 years old at the time of the ceremony.
Owner of Timeless Salon, Caoimhe Simpson picked up the Young Businesswoman of the Year Award at last year’s ceremony.
Speaking about what it meant to her, she said: “It meant so much for me to win Young Businesswoman of the Year.
“It felt wonderful to be recognised amongst such an incredible bunch of women and it gave me a platform to build business relationships with other industry professionals. This allowed me to grow my business further and establish myself more within the community.
“I would definitely encourage others to enter even if it’s just for the experience. The awards night was such an uplifting event all about women supporting women and it’s a great opportunity to make some wonderful connections and friends! The whole experience was incredibly positive.”
Claire Munro, senior project manager at HIE, added: “Highlands and Islands Enterprise Northern Innovation Hub programme is delighted to sponsor the Young Businesswoman of the Year award this year.
“This award honours a young woman who has made notable achievements in the region’s business world. The Highland Business Women is a fantastic supportive network and the annual awards provides an excellent platform to showcase the inspirational and highly-driven female entrepreneurs and business leaders based in the Highlands and Islands.
“With support from Inverness and City-Region Deal funding, the Northern Innovation Hub is supporting many of them to innovate and grow through our range of programmes.”
The Highland Business Women Awards will take place on Thursday, August 22 at the Drumossie Hotel.
