North-east businesswoman Jeanette Forbes was crowned entrepreneur of the year at the 2018 Elevator Awards last night.
The flagship event of business support organisation Elevator also saw Andy Willox, former Scottish policy convener of the Federation of Small Businesses, honoured with a lifetime achievement award.
Ms Forbes – chief executive of Aberdeen-based technology company PCL Group – and Mr Willox received their accolades in front of more than 400 guests at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel at Blairs, near Aberdeen.
PCL’s boss was recognised for her ingenuity in diversifying her business empire to survive and thrive during the oil and gas downturn.
Her numerous charitable and community initiatives also earned praise from her peers, as did her determination to remain a “hands-on” CEO.
Mr Willox, who was made an OBE in 2006 in recognition of his services to small and medium-sized enterprises, was honoured for his many years of supporting small businesses across Scotland.
He has also steered his own business, Aberdeen-based Goldstar Cleaning Services, to success after launching it 34 years ago.
Previously known as the Grampian Awards for Business Excellence, the annual celebration of north-east enterprise is now in its 19th year.
A total of 27 finalists were shortlisted for the 2018 event, and the winners represent successful start-ups and businesses from sectors ranging from food and drink, healthcare and lifestyle to technology and energy.
Elevator chief executive Gary McEwan said: “The 2018 awards have again been a resounding success and the quality of this year’s entries has been astounding.
“The north-east has a diverse, resilient and successful entrepreneurial community, and each of the guests at tonight’s event are ambassadors and champions of that collective.
“Despite having around 7% of the country’s population, we work with 14% of all Business Gateway start-ups.
“It’s crucial we nurture our home-grown talent and continue to create an ecosystem that propels our entrepreneurs towards national and global success.
“Tonight has been a celebration of that success and talent, and I congratulate all the winners.”