Finalists for award ceremony recognising Moray business women announced
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FINALISTS for an award ceremony which recognises the achievements of women in business from across Moray have been revealed.
Businesses are set to be put in the spotlight at the Moray Business Women Awards set to be held at the Stotfield Hotel in Lossiemouth on November 25.
Categories include Business Women of the Year, Most Enterprising Business, Established Business and Emerging Business and Member of Inspiration, the winner of which is voted for by fellow Moray Business Women members.
Alison Read, president of Moray Business Women's Club, said they have been overwhelmed by the number of entries.
“This has been the most hotly contested awards we have held in recent years," she said.
"It seems that Moray’s business women have put the last couple of difficult years behind them and have come out in force to show what a vibrant business community we have here.
"It’s also great to see so many different sectors being represented. It always sounds like a cliché but with so many entries, those that have reached the final should really feel very proud as it wasn’t easy for the judges to whittle them down.
"We wish all the finalists every success on the night.”
The finalists were decided by an independent panel of judges.
In the Business Woman of the Year category the finalists are Sarah Holmes of Pencil Me In, Kate Sansum of Kate Sansum Wellness, Iona Leigh Housby of Findhorn Flower Essences and Joan Johnston of Ava Innes.
Most Enterprising Business finalists are R-evolution For Good, Findhorn Flower Essences, Clare-Louise Battersby Artist and Byres Farm.
Established Business of the Year category finalists are Findhorn Flower Essences, McClintock Home Eye Care, Wild Blossom Floristry and Pencil Me In.
And those who are finalists in the Emerging Business of the Year are Yogabellies Moray with Katie, Drumnagorrach Designs, Helen Williamson Financial Planning and V Fitness and Nutrition.
Member of Inspiration nominees are Alison Read, Ailsa Stinson, Helen Smith, Lucy Morrison and Suzanne Lynch-Mckay.
The announcement follows the success of two Moray Business Women members earlier this month who were recognised at the Association of Scottish Businesswomen Awards.
Alison Ruickbie of The Re:Store in Lossiemouth was crowned winner in the Business for Good category whilst Jane Shepherd of The Town Planner won Business Woman of the Year.
“There was a small contingency of Moray Business Women who went to the ASB conference and awards in Edinburgh and we had a fabulous day," Ms Read added.
"Moray had representation in nearly every category and we are so proud of all our members who submitted entries.
"We must say huge congratulations to all our finalists and to the winners. It was great to have so many unstoppable women together at the event.
"It was also lovely that whilst we didn’t win, Moray Business Women got a special mention and highly commended in the group of the year category.”
