After months of nominations, interviews and deliberations by the judging panel, the winners for each category of the 2024 BWC Aberdeen Athena Awards were announced at a sold out - and hugely celebratory - event on Friday, November 15 at The Chester Hotel!
From a drinks reception hosted by Blackadders LLP, to a two-course lunch and surprise entertainment by award-winning tribute band Rule The World, over 250 people joined the BWC Aberdeen women in business community for a truly entertaining and inspiring awards event.
The Athena Awards celebrate the talent, creativity, resilience, and leadership that Aberdeen’s women in business exemplify and serve to shine a spotlight on women in a variety of fields; from law and property to finance, hospitality, and more, showcasing the diverse strengths that drive Aberdeen’s women in business community forward.
Congratulations to the winners in each category:
The Rising Star Award (Sponsored by Johnstons of Elgin)
Winner: Cassie McGunnigle - Archie Foundation /SSE
Highly Commended: Katie Brooks - Hilton & Aloft Aberdeen TECA
Women in Finance (Sponsored by Buchan Wealth Management)
Winner: Laura Pike - The Pike Partnership Ltd
The Hair, Beauty, and Fashion Award (Sponsored by BLOOM)
Winner: Victoria Mutch - Style for Your Shape
Highly Commended: Sarah Walker - Nethermill Tribe Salon
Women in Law & Property (Sponsored by Balfour Manson)
Winner: Gillian Campbell - Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP, Solicitors
Health, Wellbeing, and Lifestyle Award (Sponsored by Rosee Elliot, House of Colour)
Winner: Emma Windle and Sarah Stewart - Aberdeen Wellbeing Festival
Highly Commended: Laura Patterson - Reform Physio & Pilates
Hospitality, Food, Drink, and Tourism (Sponsored by The Chester Hotel)
Winner: Donna Maver - DM Training Ltd and Replenish Stonehaven
Highly Commended: Leanne Flockhart - Sweet Mumma’s Kitchen
Business Support and Business Consultancy (Sponsored by Sally Bryant, St James Place)
Winner: Nicola Alexander - Bethan Customs Consultancy
Highly Commended: Margaret Brown - Margaret Brown Consulting Ltd
Women in PR, Marketing, and Communications (Sponsored by Fiona Lindsay, Bridge Communication)
Winner: Cerri McDonald - Prospect 13
Highly Commended: Deborah McCombie - DXDMedia Ltd
Women in the 3rd Sector (Sponsored by QA Vehicle Solutions)
Winner: Sophy Green - Instant Neighbour
Inspirational Woman of the Year (Sponsored by BWS)
Winner: Rona Grimmer - SpillConsult Ltd
Highly Commended: Laura Mearns - Northwood North East
Karen Smith, BWC Aberdeen Business Owner and Athena Awards host, shared her excitement about the ceremony and the achievements of the finalists and winners: “We are so proud to support and celebrate the amazing women in Aberdeen. This year’s finalists and winners represent the very best of what women in business can achieve and today’s event was a fantastic opportunity to honour their hard work, passion, and contributions. It’s been an amazing afternoon!”
Special thanks to the category and event sponsors, the Athena Awards judges, compere Sarah Rochester, photography by Iska Birnie, videography by Ian Thorn, table favours from Sally Bryant, all raffle prizes and donations - of which proceeds go to the chosen charities CHAS and The Archie Foundation - and to the BWC Aberdeen Ambassadors, Carol Munro, Sally Bryant, Fiona Lindsay and Suz Bird.
The Athena Awards have once again highlighted the outstanding women whose determination and talent are transforming Aberdeen's business landscape. Congratulations to all winners and finalists for their achievements and dedication.