One of the North-east’s most prominent entrepreneurs has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the region’s biggest business awards ceremony.
Dr Jeanette Forbes OBE was presented with the prestigious Regional Contribution title at the Northern Star Business Awards last night.
Nearly 900 guests packed out P&J Live for the glittering ceremony, hosted by BBC radio and television star Edith Bowman.
The awards – run by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, in association with Brodies LLP – recognise successful and growing businesses that make a positive impact on the local economy.
From humble beginnings, working as a receptionist in the oil and gas sector, Jeanette qualified as a systems engineer and went on to launch PCL Group from her dining room table with just £100 of redundancy money.
Fast forward to today, PCL services a global clientele across 27 countries. But her story doesn’t stop with tech.
In 2017, Jeanette opened the award-winning Grape & Grain wine bar in Aberdeen, driven by a desire to give back to a city that has given her so much. And just this year, she launched Mediterranean - a stunning restaurant inspired by 25 countries, right in the heart of the city.
Jeanette’s achievements have earned her an OBE, two honorary degrees, and a place in the hearts of so many she’s mentored and inspired.
Russell Borthwick, chief executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “Jeanette Forbes is a force of nature. Her journey from redundancy to boardroom is one of sheer determination, grit and generosity of spirit.
“She embodies everything this award stands for - someone who has not only achieved remarkable business success but has done so while lifting others up along the way.”
Other big winners on the night included STATS Group, Russell Anderson Foundation, W M Donald and Hydro Group, which claimed the Business of the Year title
Founded over 40 years ago, Hydro Group is a global leader in subsea connectivity solutions. With a team of 113 experienced staff and a state-of-the-art facility, it supports a wide range of high-profile global clients.
Despite global supply chain challenges, the company has continued to excel, leveraging strong forecasting and strategic planning to maintain customer satisfaction and minimise price disruptions.
Host of the Northern Star Business Awards, Edith Bowman
There were also special awards for Jamieson & Carry, in recognition of its multi-million-pound expansion in the heart of Union Street. The family-owned and run jewellers picked up the Archibald Simpson Award for its continued ambition to deliver the best retail experience in Aberdeen
Other winners included PCL Live, Montrose Port Authority, JCE Energy, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, BIG Partnership, Kai Henderon of Marex, Artfarm, RenQuip and Energy Transition Zone.Russell Borthwick added: “These awards reflect what a brilliant place the North-east is to live, work, study, visit, invest and do business. All of our finalists deserve the recognition they have received tonight, and on behalf of the Chamber I want to say a huge congratulations to our winners.
“The Northern Star awards provide a unique stage to showcase and celebrate the brilliant work being done by businesses from all sectors, of all sizes, and from across the length and breadth of our fantastic area.”
Elaine Farquharson-Black, partner, Brodies LLP, added: "The Northern Star Awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate the wonderful achievements of individuals and organisations across the North-east, with more than 70 entrants being shortlisted across all categories.
“Brodies is extremely proud to be supporting the awards again this year. We continue to be impressed by the depth of talent we have in our business community and inspired by the region's ability to innovate in a challenging operating environment."
The 2025 awards were supported by Craig International, Royal Bank of Scotland, True North Advisors, bp, Aberdeen International Airport, Port of Aberdeen, Sodexo, Balmoral, Cala, Shell, University of Aberdeen, Swagelok, Business Gateway, Robert Gordon University, CNR International and Luxe Scot.
During the evening, money was raised for two local charities AberNecessities and VSA.
The 2025 Northern Star Business Awards winners are:
Archibald Simpson Award (sponsored by Craig International)
Jamieson & Carry
Business of the Year (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland)
Hydro Group Limited
Customer First (sponsored by True North Advisors)
PCL Live
Driving Sustainability (sponsored by bp)
Montrose Port Authority
Family Business (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland)
W M Donald Ltd
Going Global (sponsored by Aberdeen International Airport)
STATS Group
Inspiration from Innovation (sponsored by Port of Aberdeen)
JCE Energy
Inspiring Futures (sponsored by Sodexo)
Russell Anderson Foundation (RAF)
Making the Difference (sponsored by Balmoral)
Kayleigh's Wee Stars
Marketing Magic (sponsored by Cala)
BIG Partnership
Rising Star (sponsored by University of Aberdeen)
Kai Henderson – Marex
Staff Matter (sponsored Swagelok)
Artfarm – The Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar
Start-up Business of the Year (sponsored by Business Gateway)
RenQuip Ltd
Student Placement (sponsored by Robert Gordon University)
Energy Transition Zone Ltd
Regional Contribution (sponsored by Shell)
Dr Jeanette Forbes OBE