The elite entrepreneurial talent of the North-East was recognised last night (23 June) at the 21st Elevator Awards.
Winners of the 2022 Elevator Awards were announced at the ceremony, which celebrates business success, entrepreneurial excellence and community-driven initiatives, supporting Scotland’s vision of becoming a leading innovative society.
More than 360 guests came together at Aberdeen’s Ardoe House Hotel & Spa in Aberdeen as 11 companies and entrepreneurs were revealed as the winners of categories including New Start of the Year, Community Impact and Net Zero Technology.
Jacqueline Law, Managing Partner at Aberdein Considine, was named as Entrepreneur of the Year. Jacqueline became Managing Partner of Aberdein Considine in 2014, 21 years after first joining the firm as a trainee lawyer. Since taking over the day-to-day running of the firm, she has led it to consecutive years of record turnover and has overseen two acquisitions which allowed the firm to expand in Glasgow and trade in England and Wales for the first time.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Bob Edwards OBE, Scotframe Founder and Managing Director, who established Scotframe in 1989 with its very first timber frame kit used at Links Road, Aberdeen. The company went on to make a further 100 house kits that year and has continued to expand ever since. It is now the largest timber frame manufacturer in Scotland operating across the UK with a growing portfolio of international clients.
Other winners include Little Potters who won Spirit of Enterprise; ABERDAM Dutch Fries won the accolade of New Start of the Year, Boozy Events and Appetite for Business won Business Success under five years and Business Success over five years consecutively; and David Griffiths of ParXX Group was named as Emerging Entrepreneur.
Professor Gary McEwan, Elevator CEO, said: “I never cease to be impressed by the talent and entrepreneurial spirit in our region. It’s extremely encouraging to see that, despite the challenges of recent years, the appetite in Scotland for starting a business has not been hindered and that entrepreneurial drive continues to prosper.
“I would like to say a huge congratulations to our 2022 winners, each one has shown resilience, determination and drive which merits significant recognition. The diversity and high-quality of entrants this year showcase the dynamic start-up culture that is at the very core of the vibrant national economy which Scotland aims to be.”
Entrepreneur of the Year, Jacqueline Law, added: “It’s a great honour to receive the Elevator Award for Entrepreneur of the Year. I’m extremely proud to be the Managing Partner of Aberdein Considine and of its growth and evolution. However at the core of our success, is our talented and dedicated team of partners and staff. Without them, the firm wouldn’t be where it is today and the commitment of our people is central to our ongoing success. I’d like to share this recognition with my team and thank them for their unwavering support.”
Speaking of his lifetime achievement award, Bob Edwards OBE, said: “I’m absolutely honoured and humbled to have been recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s celebration. I’ve known the team at Elevator for a while now and of course the impressive work which they do to support the entrepreneurial eco-system – something very close to my own heart.”
The 2022 Elevator winners in each category are:
- Spirit of Enterprise Gemma Clark, Little Potters
- New start of the Year ABERDAM Dutch Fries
- Business Success Under 5 Years Boozy Events
- Business Success Over 5 Years Appetite for Business
- Emerging Entrepreneur David Griffiths, PARXX Group
- Entrepreneurial Supporter Nick Bansal, Royal Bank of Scotland
- Innovation Award Mygo4ward Net Zero Technology Award Kent
- Community Impact Award Sport Aberdeen
- STV Award TL Tech Ltd
- Entrepreneur of the Year Jacqueline Law, Aberdein Considine
- Lifetime Achievement Award Bob Edwards