The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Accolade for Aberdeen accountant
Entrepreneur who set up consultancy firm during oil downturn among winners of awards lauding excellence in business by Scottish women
Atop award was scooped by an Aberdeen chartered accountant at this year’s Business Women Scotland awards.
Kimberley Oliver set up Xenith Financial Consulting during the oil and gas downturn and the firm has since flourished.
It enables businesses to access finance support, and has a client list including start-ups and companies with billionpound turnovers.
Kimberley beat off fierce competition to win the Women in Finance award – and was the sole north-east prizewinner.
“It was great to be nominated and recognised to go into the shortlist, but winning was so unexpected,” said Kimberley.
Entrepreneurs from the fields of technology, finance and marketing were also recognised at the fifth annual awards, which focus on the achievements of womenled businesses.
Guest speakers at the ceremony in Glasgow included Judy Murray, who said: “I’ve always believed in the strength you get when you bring likeminded people together.
“With a group of women you tend to not get egos, but instead a willingness to network and share.
“At events like this, people can come together and share their experiences.”
This year’s judges were impressed by the high standard of entries, according to Lynne Kennedy, founder of Business Women Scotland.
“The stories we have heard from entrepreneurial women who have made their mark have been truly inspirational,” said Lynne.
“To learn how those lightbulb moments prospered and grew into successful businesses in a wide range of industries has been unbelievably impressive.
“We are delighted to recognise the achievements of women in business across Scotland.”
Judges for this year’s awards, sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland and Global, included Yvonne Greeves, head of women in business for NatWest, the Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank; Amanda Jones, employment partner at global law firm Denton, and Susie Fraser, managing director at Adeo Group.