EMMA GLASS: A catch up with Highland Business Women Award winners
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Well here we are in October. It’s pumpkin season or spooky season, whichever you choose to call it. The days have become crisper and the nights cooler but here at Highland Business Women things are definitely not cooling down!
This month we caught up with some Award winners from August’s Highland Business Women Awards to find out just what winning meant to them and their businesses.
Emma Mulraine, Behind the Scenes VA Ltd - winner of most enterprising business:
“In a world full of self-doubt, winning any award provides validation, but winning this award from HBW specifically has given me an extra confidence boost as I recognise and value the worth of the organisation and its members.
So, for HBW to mirror that recognition back on team BTSVA we are beyond delighted!”
Joy Oliver - Joy Recruitment Services - winner of new business of the year:
“Winning new business of the year is amazing! It is such a great achievement and recognition for Joy Recruitment Services hard work over the past year and a half.
“Winning this award will open new doors, it will help us gain new clients and candidates to work with, which will further the growth of our very busy agency.
“I have found that since we have won the award, selling Joy Recruitment Services has been much simpler. I can sense that clients instantly have respect for how hard we have worked and can recognise that we are a trusted, local labour supplier looking to offer an honest and reliable service in which they can trust. I would like to thank the HBW Board Members for the opportunity!”
Katrina Sutherland - The Country Spa - winner of team of the year and business resilience:
“Winning the business resilience and team of the year at the Highland Business Women Awards feels like winning the lottery!
“For me personally, it’s recognition of my determination, passion and the giving of ultimate service over the past thirty years, confirming that I’m not just a beauty therapist, but indeed a respected, forward thinking business woman.
“For my therapists Keira and Laura, who work persistently to deliver memorable experiences to our clients, the awards offer external confirmation that they are exceptional at what they do.
“We are also grateful to work with the best people and brands, recognising and appreciating their input to the success of the business
“We all feel truly honoured to be included in this year’s winners and wish to thank all the judges, sponsors and organisers of this great event.”
Caoimhe Simpson - Timeless Spa and Beauty - winner of young business woman of the year:
“Winning young Highland businesswoman of the year was such an unexpected but incredible surprise!
“It was without a doubt one of the highlights of my career to date, I feel incredibly honoured to be selected amongst such an amazing group of women and it has given me the platform to engage with fellow business colleagues and exchange valuable information.”
Isobel Grigor and Calman Trust - winners of woman of inspiration and best third sector organisation:
A spokesperson for the Calman Trust: “This year marks a significant milestone for Calman Trust as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary and it was therefore very poignant for the organisation to see our chief executive, Isobel receive the woman of inspiration award.
“Isobel has been at Calman since the beginning and is passionate in her unwavering dedication to empowering and transforming the lives of young people in the Highlands.
“We were also extremely grateful to win the best third sector category.
“This award and our partnership with HBW enables us to reach a broader audience connecting with individuals who may not have previously been aware of the service we provide.”
Isobel Grigor said: “The role that Highland Business Women plays in encouraging and supporting women across Highland to turn their vision into reality is so very important, and I feel honoured to receive this award, especially coming as it does from women who have faced similar challenges over the years.
“It was wonderful to hear how each of those recognised on the night is bringing positive change to their own community. They inspire great hope for the future.”
Unfortunately we didn’t manage to speak to all of our winners but it was lovely to catch up with some of them. It’s an inspiring reminder of why we do what we do and how important it is for our members to have a platform here in the Highlands.
We are very lucky to have two very diverse businesswomen’s groups across Moray & the Highlands (HBW & MBW).
Our next event will see the two groups come together to broaden our reach across regions and network with our neighbours. We will be hosting a Clear Communication for Businesses workshop with our speaker for the evening Nicky Marr at the Golf View Hotel, Nairn on Wednesday, October 25.
In this brief, interactive romp through communication and presentation skills training, you’ll understand better how to communicate at all levels, and how to tailor your key messages across platforms to maximise your market share.
Tickets are limited and available by visiting Moray Business Women’s page on Eventbrite.
