Moray high-flyer is Scotland's Woman of Influence 2019
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A LOCAL businesswoman is flying the flag for Moray by scooping the top accolade at the Scottish Women's Awards 2019.
Elgin woman Sarah Medcraf (28), Moray Chamber of Commerce chief executive, was called to the podium to collect the key award of the night – Woman of Influence – at the third celebration of female professionals and entrepreneurs across Scotland.
More than 300 people heard tales of inspirational commitment, talent, strength, grit and determination of women at the forefront of their sectors during the ceremony on Wednesday, August 28, at the Glasgow Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The awards celebrate the achievements and efforts of women which go to make Scotland a better place to live and work. The night highlighted women in many roles across business, sport, technology, management and charity.
An over-the-moon Sarah still has no idea who nominated her for the award. But if the nomination was a surprise for Sarah, the win was even more unexpected.
She said: "I'm delighted, I really am. It was a really strong category of women from across Scotland.
"It was an absolute honour to be shortlisted and in a category of such brilliant women.
"To be awarded the accolade is really special to me and I want to thank my peers for nominating me and the judges for recognising the work I do in Moray Speyside and beyond."
As chamber chief, Sarah deals with member recruitment and retention, event organisation and management, encouraging business links, educational links and writing columns. She sits on various partnership groups, including the Moray Economic Partnership.
Sarah joined Moray Chamber of Commerce in 2015 and works with businesses of all sizes and sectors across the region, as well as politicians, government agencies and stakeholders.
Sarah is mum to a two-year-old boy and moved to Moray in 2009 as her husband, Alan, was in the RAF. He was discharged on medical grounds and the couple decided to stay in the region. Sarah also helps with Alan's business, AMDetails.
Working up to landing the leading Moray role, Sarah was a letting agent for five years. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her dog and completed a digital marketing diploma last year.
Sarah didn't study for a degree – but notched up A levels in business and IT.
Sarah added: "I am currently working on my 30 things to do before 30 list – and funnily enough an award wasn’t on it!"
Irfan Younis, of Creative Oceanic which runs the awards, said: "Congratulations to all finalists and winners at the third Scottish Women’s Awards 2019.
"We were delighted to host exceptional finalists who make such brilliant role models and are leading a new generation of women and girls to greater success and open doors."
