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PICTURES: Coronavirus can't stop the party as Highland Business Women awards ceremony goes online


By Calum MacLeod

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Pandemic restrictions might have forced the Highland Business Women (HBW) Awards ceremony online this year, but that meant even more people could share the celebration.

More than 6000 watched the livestream awards announcement, with many viewers dressing for the occasion to enjoy a pre-awards reception and post-ceremony drink via Zoom.

“Everyone enjoyed it and were grateful we organised the event,” HBW president Mairi Macdonald said.

Sadly, even this year’s winners were affected by the Covid crisis, with woman of inspiration winner Kirsten Gilmour taking the decision to close Aviemore’s Mountain Café as a result of the pandemic.

Also winning a trophy for Speyside was Clare Humphreys from Kingussie, who said she was absolutely delighted to have been named businesswoman of the year for her coaching business Will to Win.

She also praised the HBW team for rising to the challenge of this year.

“HBW have been phenomenal,” she said.

“They have carried on with virtual events and workshops online and I have been very proud of the way they have managed to keep things going. I am really grateful and humbled to be recognised by HBW, by the Highlands and by the community. They have clearly seen the value in what we do and how it helps people.”

Other winners included HBW's current and previous charities of the year.

The current charity of the year, Fèis Rois, which is about to release an album celebrating its 21st anniversary, was named most enterprising business.

“We were really delighted to have won, particularly as we are a charity and up against comercial businesses,” chief executive Fiona Dalgetty said.

Fellow charity the Oxygen Works won team of the year. Manager Leigh-Ann Little said: “I have a phenomenal team. I am absolutely thrilled to know other people feel the same.”

Best third sector winner was Inverness Women's Aid.

“We were absolutely delighted to win the Highland Business Women best third sector organisation award," Executive manager Elaine Fetherston said.

"It’s fantastic for Inverness Women’s Aid to get this recognition for our work. As for all services, the last few months have been extremely challenging and our team have shown outstanding dedication and commitment in their work supporting women and families.”

The excellence in community engagement award went to Robertson North, part of the Elgin-based Robertson Construction Group.

Jade O’Hara, regional engagement co-ordinator for Robertson Northern, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to win this years award for excellence in community engagement. Robertson are passionate about having a positive effect and creating real value in our communities and I’m really proud our teams efforts have been recognised at this years Highland Business Women Awards.”

New business of the year winner Karen Simpson of My Primary Tutor has seen her business booming thanks to the demand from parents for help with for home schooling. From a sole trader business three years ago, she is set to expand her team to 12 and is looking forward to extending her business into England.

“We have been able to adapt quite easily to a fully online service and a lot of parents have found a real benefit in online tuition,” she said.

“Things are looking very positive.”

The 2020 Highland Business Awards winners were:

New business of the year (sponsored by Business Gateway) – Karen Simpson, My Primary Tutor

Most enterprising business (sponsored by Tulloch Homes) – Fèis Rois

Excellence in Community Engagement (sponsored by BAM Nuttal) – Robertson Northern

Business woman of the year (sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise) – Clare Humphreys, Will to Win

Team of the year (sponsored by Highland News & Media) – The Oxygen Works

Best third sector organisation (sponsored by Equiom) – Inverness Women’s Aid

Young business woman of the year (sponsored by DYW Inverness & Central Highland) – highly commended, Hannah Taylor, Gut Feelings

Woman of inspiration (sponsored by Executive Magazine) – Kirsten Gilmour, The Mountain Café/Bothy Bakery.

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