WEDO Scotland has recognised eight exceptional Scottish entrepreneurs and businesses with the highest accolades at their annual Awards Dinner held in Edinburgh on 18 May, hosted by Fred MacAulay. The Awards recognise those blazing a trail and celebrate business growth and entrepreneurship in the Scottish business community.
Gio Benedetti, aged 80, whose business successes span over six decades, was presented with the WeDO Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to entrepreneurship in Scotland. His achievements include designing and manufacturing the cling film and foil reusable dispensers used across the restaurant and catering trades, as well as in millions of homes today.
Commenting on his Award win, Benedetti said:
“I am delighted and honoured to receive this prestigious award. For me, it is a true lifetime of business. I started my first business at the age of 17 and have built six start-up companies over the last 63 years. . I am still running two start-up companies – one delivering health and safety training and the other supplying the NHS with a new world patented cannulation system. The trials and tribulations of starting and running a business are well recognised but the basic principle and strength is not giving up even when sometimes you should.”
Belinda Roberts, founder and CEO of WeDO Scotland, commented:
“Whilst most people would have hung up their entrepreneurial hats by the age of 80, there is still nothing holding Gio back. His success has not only had a substantial economic impact, but has also inspired countless business owners over the years. He is without doubt, one of Scotland’s most outstanding entrepreneurs and we were delighted to recognise and applaud his considerable achievements over the years.”
2023 Award winners:
- Entrepreneur of the Year – Kyle Whittington of Bad Dinosaur, product design and development consultancy in Edinburgh.
- International Entrepreneur of the Year – Ian McLeod Kerr of Glasgow based Raven Controls, a live incident software management tool to counter threats at events and venues.
- Eco Entrepreneur of the Year – David MacDonald of Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging based in Glasgow.
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Josh Carson of Edinburgh based mobile app developer GearedApp.
- High Growth Company – Livingston based window and door manufacturer NorDan UK.
- Employee Owned Business – STAR-Dundee, an aerospace engineering company focused on spacecraft on-board data-handling and processing technology.
- New Start Business – Official Firepits, Glasgow manufacturers of branded fire pits located in Glasgow, founded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WeDO Scotland founder Belinda Roberts said:
“The calibre of nominations and applications for our Awards this year has once again been exceptional. Whilst economic challenges prevail, it’s encouraging to see the diverse range of businesses and entrepreneurs who are bucking the trend. This is testament to the wealth of talent and entrepreneurial spirit which continues to flourish in Scotland.”
