2025 Highland Business Women Award winners. Picture: Callum Mackay.
The Highland Business Women Awards drew 260 attendees and presented nine awards.
Sponsored by SJ Highland Construction, the event was even more special as it also marked the 30th anniversary of Highland Business Women (HBW).
Founding members of HBW took to the stage to share what led them to start the organisation and reflect on the changes over three decades.
Betty Lambie was the organisation’s first president and her vision, tenacity and generosity have helped shape the spirit of Highland entrepreneurship.
2025 Highland Business Women Awards. Guest Speaker – Betty Lambie, Original Founding President of HBW. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Speaking at the ceremony, Betty said: “My strongest memory of those early days is that we passionately believed in what we were doing – even when others doubted us.
“At the time, some men thought we were being anti-male, but we reassured them: it was never about exclusion. It was about giving women the support they needed.
“The truth is – and it was true then, and still is now – women face more obstacles in pursuing their business dreams than men.
“This association has thrived because so many dedicated people have poured their energy into helping it grow.
“When I first took on a role of responsibility, I was just 35, standing in a room of 20 people with my knees shaking, but the encouragement I received was life-changing.
2025 Highland Business Women Awards. Picture: Callum Mackay.
“If you’re hesitating about joining the committee, I can assure you it’s a decision you’ll never regret. It will help you grow as a person.”
Helen Carmichael, the first-ever female provost of Inverness and a founding member of HBW, also shared an inspiring message with attendees.
She said: “This organisation started with just a handful of women who recognised the genuine need for a platform where women could network, learn, and advance in business.
Helen Carmichael. Picture: Callum Mackay.
“From the very beginning, the ethos has been simple but powerful: share, inspire, support. That remains at the heart of what we do.
“Over the years, the association has become more professional, more expansive, and more visible, but it has always stayed true to its mission.
“For me, one of the greatest gifts has been the friendships; meaningful, lasting friendships that go beyond business.”
“Thirty years on, this is proof of what happens when women create opportunities for one another. The empowerment we’ve seen is incredible.”
During the course of the evening over £4150 was raised for RASASH.
The Shania Twain Experience was on hand to lead the celebrations during and after the ceremony.
The Shania Twain Experience. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Here are a full list of the 2025 winners of the Highland Business Women Awards:
New Business of the Year sponsored Business Gateway Highlands
Hat Hire Highlands
Hannah Webster founder of Hat Hire Highlands won new business of the year and young businesswoman of the year. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Highland Sustainable Enterprise Award sponsored by Serimax
Turas Hotels
Jennifer Macdonald-Nethercott of Turas Hotels which won sustainable enterprise of the year. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Team of the Year sponsored by Partners&
Sarah Jane Befriending and Assistance
Sarah Jane Befriending and Assistance won team of the year. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Young Businesswoman of the Year sponsored by the Springfield Group
Hannah Webster
Thriving Through Challenges Award sponsored by Highlife Highland
My Primary & Secondary Tutor
Karen Simpson of My Primary and Secondary Teacher won the thriving through challenges award. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Charitable Organisation of the Year sponsored by Stagecoach
RASASH
Charitable Organisation of the Year went to RASASH. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Individual Team Contributor Excellence Award sponsored by Dolphin Spirit
Cath Coleman
Cath Colman (right) won the Individual Team Contributor Excellence Award. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Woman of Inspiration sponsored by D&H Law
Victoria Erasmus
Keighly Perry was crowned businesswoman of the yearPicture: Callum Mackay.
Businesswoman of the Year sponsored by Specsavers
Keighly Perry
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