Business Women Connections, Aberdeen (BWC), a franchise of Business Women Scotland celebrated their annual Athena Awards on Friday 15 November 2024.
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, PR, Marketing and Communication, and more, showcasing
the diverse strengths that drive Aberdeen’s women in business community forward.
After months of nominations, interviews and deliberations by the judging panels, the winners
for each category of the 2024 BWC Aberdeen Athena Awards were announced at a sold out
and hugely celebratory event at The Chester Hotel.
From a drinks reception hosted by Blackadders LLP, to a 3-course lunch and surprise
entertainment by award-winning tribute band Rule the World, over 250 North-East business
women enjoyed a truly entertaining and inspiring awards event.
Congratulations to the winners in each category:
Women in Law & Property (Sponsored by Balfour Manson)
Winner: Gillian Campbell – Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP, Solicitors
Women in PR, Marketing, and Communications (Sponsored by Fiona Lindsay, Bridge
Communication)
Winner: Cerri McDonald – Prospect 13
Highly Commended: Deborah McCombie – DXDMedia Ltd
The Rising Star Award (Sponsored by Johnstons of Elgin)
Winner: Cassie McGunnigle – Archie Foundation /SSE
Highly Commended: Katie Brooks – Hilton & Aloft Aberdeen TECA
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 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
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 Finance (Sponsored by Buchan Wealth Management)
Winner: Laura Pike – The Pike Partnership Ltd
Karen Smith, BWC Aberdeen Business Owner and Athena Awards host, said: “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!”
Thank you to the category and event sponsors, our judges, compere Sarah Rochester,
photography by Iska Birnie, videography by Ian Thorn, table favours Sally Bryant, all raffle
prizes and donations – of which proceeds go to our 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.
