Awards for Moray women making their mark in business

THE achievements of women in business across the region were celebrated on Friday as the winners of this year's Moray Business Women Awards were announced.

The awards presentation was live-streamed on Friday, November 20. Proceeds from ticket sales, totalling £495, will go to Moray Rape Crisis.

Hosted by journalist Nicola McAlley, some 65 virtual attendees enjoyed a talk from adventurer and Paralympic athlete Dr Karen Darke MBE.

Winners were Ailsa Stinson, of B is for Brand; Sarah Holmes, of Pencil Me In; Alison Ruickbie, of The Re:Store Moray; Rhona Patterson, owner and editor of Lifestyle magazine; and Katalin Urquhart, of Torta by Katalin.

Clare Lock, president of Moray Business Women’s (MBW) Club, said: "Despite us having to run the this year’s awards event online, I was delighted with how the evening went.

"Our host Nicola McAlley was fabulous, and our speaker, Dr Karen Darke MBE, gave an inspirational talk. It was great to have all of last year’s winners presenting to this year’s winners – it enabled them to pass on the accolade and some words of wisdom.

"We ran the awards ourselves and it wouldn’t have been possible without Amy Mortimer, my vice-president, who did all the techy stuff. Thanks to everyone that attended, dressed up, and made it a special evening."

Branding consultant Ailsa earned the Moray Business Woman of the Year title. She has notched up 20 years’ experience developing UK and global brands and has worked with more than 25 local brands, including Windswept Brewing Co. and Moray Chamber of Commerce.

Ailsa said: "Three years ago I decided to set up B is for Brand and, encouraged by another member, one of the first things I did was join MBW.

"I'm so glad I did as the support I've received from others in the group has really kept me motivated when things have been hard. I feel I'm in good company and the chance to network in real life and virtually has led to many laughs in dark times and many new opportunities that I wouldn't have come across otherwise.

"I spend most of my time energizing other business owners and helping them to articulate what's great about their business, so it's a fantastic boost to receive the Moray Business Woman of the Year award, especially in this most challenging of years."

Sarah, owner of the high-end Elgin stationery shop Pencil Me In, took the Member of Inspiration award, the only award to be voted on by MBW members.

Alison won the Most Enterprising Business of the Year award. She set up her Lossiemouth shop in September last year, motivated by a desire to reduce harm to the environment. The ethical shop offers packaging-free produce, loose store cupboard essentials and household liquids for refill.

Passionate baker Katalin took the Best New Product or Service award and has big plans to expand her Kinloss business. She focuses on making and selling premium patisserie products that are not widely available in Moray.

Keith community stalwart Rhona Patterson, owner and editor of Lifestyle magazine, was the recipient of the Covid Recognition Award.

Lifestyle is distributed across Moray and beyond and is also digitally available. During the pandemic Lifestyle has been distributed through link-ups with local businesses.

Rhona said: "The group's president, Clare Lock, and vice-president Amy Mortimer did an absolutely fantastic job of organising the event.

"And Karen Darke gave a completely inspirational talk – I could have listened to her all night.

"It was a brilliant evening."

Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said: "All of the winners and nominees run fantastic local businesses that are at the heart of our communities and play a big part in supporting Moray’s economy.

"A lot of these businesses have had to go to great lengths to overcome the challenges faced by Covid-19 and I know that many of them have really stepped up to help their local community through this really difficult year.

"I was delighted to gatecrash their online after-party to congratulate the winners and nominees in person, and to pay tribute to the good work that MBW are doing to support business owners across Moray."