WES Awards Winners 2026

FROM ORKNEY TO STIRLING: SCOTLAND’S FINEST WOMEN-LED BUSINESSES NAMED

Women led businesses from across Scotland were recognised in front of a sell-out audience at the 2026 Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards.

The Awards ceremony took place at Glasgow’s voco Grand Central Hotel, with established and emerging businesses being celebrated in ten categories. Rachael Arnold, founder of the global Creative Entrepreneurs Club and Entrepreneur in Residence at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In notable highlights, Stirling based Lily Blanche picked up two awards, being named Digital Business of the Year and Outstanding Business of the Year.

Sheila Fleet jewellery, based in Orkney, was named Rural Business of the Year, whilst Inverness-based Highland Campervans picked up the Strategic Growth Business of the Year Award. Working With Me, the workplace technology and consultancy company also based in Inverness, won Business to Watch of the Year.

Pitlochry based The Consent Collective, a social enterprise founded by psychologist Dr Nina Burrowes, was named Purpose Led Business of the Year. 

Carolyn Currie MBE, CEO of Women’s Enterprise Scotland,

Huge congratulations to all last night’s finalists and winners. We admire the determination they’ve shown in reaching their goals. Scottish businesses have faced mounting pressures in recent years. Women-owned and women-led businesses have also had to fight for a fair and proportionate share of business growth support, so it’s right that we celebrate the innovation, talent and vision behind their success. Our awards showcase women leaders who reflect the diverse, innovative and progressive business community Scotland has to offer. These ambitious and resourceful women are exactly the role models who will inspire our next generation of business leaders. With our economy under increasing pressure, unlocking women’s economic potential has never been more important. Unlocking the multi-billion-pound economic opportunity from closing the persistent gender gap in Scotland’s business landscape must be a priority.”

The Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards was attended by over 250 guests from across Scotland and supported by Business Gateway, Titan Wealth, Community Enterprise, Scottish National Investment Bank, QUICKBLOCK and YourScene.

Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES) was established in 2012 as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) working to close the gender gap in enterprise participation. The WES vision is for Scotland to be world leading in its approach to supporting women business owners, enabling equal access to resources and opportunities as they develop successful and sustainable businesses.

WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE SCOTLAND AWARDS 2026

Rural Business of the Year - Shelia Fleet Jewellery

Business to Watch of the Year, Sponsored by Titan Wealth - Working with Me Limited

Digital Business of the Year - Lily Blanche

Purpose-Led Business of the Year, Sponsored by Community Enterprise - The Consent Collective

Innovation Business of the Year, Sponsored by QUICKBLOCK - 24 HR Pharmacy

Start-up Business of the Year, Sponsored by Business Gateway - Flourish with Deborah Limited

Service Excellence Business of the Year - The Astute VA

Strategic Growth Business of the Year, Sponsored by Scottish National Investment Bank - Highland Campervans

Inspiring Leader of the Year, Sponsored by YourScene - Delia Smith-Bucur, DEL FIN Group

Outstanding Business of the Year, Sponsored by Titan Wealth - Lily Blanche