Women recognised at business awards
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WOMEN from across Moray were celebrating success at the annual Moray Business Women Awards.
A glittering ceremony played out at Lossiemouth's Stotfield Hotel on Saturday and attracted lead players from the local business world.
This year, Moray Business Women (MBW) launched two new categories – Best New Product or Service and Young Rising Star.
The Young Rising Star award was won by 19-year-old Aimee Stephen who works with DYW (Developing the Young Workforce) Moray, while Best New Product or Service was won by Joan Johnston of Bespoke Fabrics for her cashmere duvets made under the brand name Ava Innes.
Most Enterprising Business was announced as Lossiemouth-based McClintock Dispensing Opticians run by Amanda Nasser.
The award for Moray Business Woman of Achievement 2019 went to Susan Beveridge and taking the Business Woman of the Year award was Sheila Hull, who established her business The Nail Room from her dining room in 2011.
By 2013, the business had expanded to such an extent that Sheila opened a custom-built salon in Lossiemouth.
She said: "It is such a huge honour to be awarded Moray Business Woman of the Year for 2019. I can’t believe how far I’ve come since I started my business as a nail artist.
"It was always my intention to provide a friendly, professional service for the people of Moray, making sure I adapted treatments to each client’s specific requirements.
"I could never have imagined that The Nail Room, despite such humble beginnings, would turn into the successful business it is today."
Sheila joined MBW 18 months ago and was delighted to meet other passionate, focused business women.
She said: "Through example, they taught me that I could achieve any goal. They have been happy to share how they have overcome their own doubts and insecurities. They have become clients, friends and mentors and continue to support me."
MBW president Sam Dowdall said: "The Awards Ball is the highlight of the very busy Moray Business Women calendar and it was an absolutely tremendous event.
"It's always very special having all of the fabulous business women in one room and seeing what a wealth of experience we have within the club. From new starts, to well established businesses, Moray Business Women’s Club really does have it all.
"Moray is jam-packed with inspirational and entrepreneurial women and I wish to congratulate every single finalist and the winners on the night for what they have achieved."
The event, which was held in support of the club's 2019 charity Abbie's Sparkle Foundation, was hosted by columnist and radio personality Nicky Marr.
Next month, the club will hold it’s annual general meeting at Mackenzie & Cruickshank in Forres where a new committee and the 2020 charity will be selected.
