Aberdeen chartered accountant Kimberley Oliver, who set up Xenith Financial Consulting during the oil and gas turndown, was presented with the Woman in Finance Award at this year’s Business Women Scotland Awards in Glasgow.
Her company allows businesses to access high-quality finance support on a fully flexible basis based around the principles of “simplicity, practicality and efficiency” and has a client list including start-ups and companies with billion-pound turnovers.
“It was great to be nominated and recognised to go into the shortlist but winning was so unexpected. It’s really amazing to have all my efforts recognised,” she said.
Celia Hodson, founder of Hey Girls social enterprise, was named the overall winner as well as Inspirational Woman of the Year at the awards.
The entrepreneur, who set up the innovative project that tackles period poverty by giving a girl one pack of products for every pack a consumer buys, was hailed by the judges for her innovation and inclusiveness.
Celia said: “Awards like this make it all worthwhile, especially on the tough days. You look at it and realise you’re doing something good.
“I’m totally thrilled to receive the award and delighted to be in a room filled with so many brilliantly capable women.”
Along with the award, Celia also wins a two-week airtime radio advertising campaign to be taken on award sponsor Global’s Heart FM or Smooth FM to the value of £4000, along with commercial production of a 30-second commercial.
Entrepreneurs from the fields of technology, finance and marketing were winners at the fifth annual awards, which put the achievements of women-led businesses firmly in the spotlight.
By celebrating the talent of women across the country, business role models are created to inspire the next generation.
Guest speakers at the awards ceremony included Judy Murray OBE and charity founder Corinne Hutton.
“I’ve always believed in the strength you get when you bring like-minded people together. With a group of women you tend to not get egos but instead a willingness to network and share. At events like this people can come together and share their experiences,” said tennis coach Judy.
This year’s judges were impressed at the high standard of entries, according to Lynne Kennedy, founder of Business Women Scotland.
“The stories we have heard from entrepreneurial women who have made their mark have been truly inspirational,” said Lynne. “To learn how those lightbulb moments prospered and grew into successful businesses in a wide range of industries has been unbelievably impressive. We are delighted to recognise the achievements of women in business across Scotland.”
Judges of this year’s awards, sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland and Global, include Yvonne Greeves, head of women in business for NatWest, the Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank; Amanda Jones, employment partner at global law firm Dentons; business growth strategist June Walker, a specialist advisor to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Future Female Business Leaders programme; leadership coach Laura Gordon, chair of Vistage; Michelle Ferguson, director of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company; and Susie Fraser, managing director at Adeo Group.
Overall Winner
Celia Hodson, Hey Girls, Musselburgh
Business Woman of the Year
Heather Matthews, Little's, Glasgow
Established Business of the Year
Heather Matthews, Little's, Glasgow
Inspirational Woman of the Year
Celia Hodson, Hey Girls, Musselburgh
Rising Star of the Year
Imogen Russon-Taylor, Kingdom Scotland, Edinburgh
Social Enterprise of the Year
Zakia Moulaoui, Invisible Cities, Edinburgh
Sole Trader of the Year
Mhairi Mackenzie, Bonnie Bling, Glasgow
Start-Up Business of the Year
Imogen Russon-Taylor, Kingdom Scotland, Edinburgh
Woman in Finance
Kimberley Oliver, Xenith Financial, Aberdeen
Woman in Marketing & Social Media
Tammy Koslowski, Naf Salon, Glasgow
Woman in Technology
Margaret Totten, Akari Solutions, Glasgow
Inspirational Woman of the Year
Highly commended
Susan Harkins, Business Gateway Edinburgh
Suzie McCafferty, Platinum Wave Franchising
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