The 2018 Summit Entrepreneurship Awards, hosted at Glasgow’s SWG3 venue yesterday evening, saw figures from across Scotland’s vibrant industries celebrate and recognise outstanding entrepreneurial talent.  

The event showcased some of Scotland’s brightest entrepreneurs and pioneers from a number of sectors, with financial services, academia and social enterprise all represented.   

With more than 250 nominations for the awards, the judging panel – which included Gareth Williams, Julie Williams and Mike Welch – said they found it difficult to determine a sole winner from each category.  

When the finalists were announced last month, Entrepreneurial Scotland Chief Executive, Sandy Kennedy, said: “We received a phenomenal response to our call for nominations, the entrepreneurial talent for each category was truly impressive.”

In particular, the Summit awards showcased Scotland’s best up-and-coming talent, underlining the strength of depth in Scotland’s business community.

Fueling Entrepreneurial Talent 

Overwhelmingly, on the night, speakers emphasised the need to cultivate an environment that is enabling and supportive of entrepreneurs.

As a nation with a deep entrepreneurial background, supporting the next generation of young up-and-comers is essential. During his opening remarks, Entrepreneurial Scotland Chief Executive, Sandy Kennedy, said that ensuring Scotland maintains a strong, vibrant ecosystem with support structures is key to future success.  

Kennedy emphasised the importance of events that recognise entrepreneurs and raise awareness around the country.  

“It is more important than ever that we celebrate entrepreneurial role models of all kinds, wherever they are in their journey,” he said. “Those individuals with a real entrepreneurial mindset are the people who can make the most of emerging opportunities and help us become the most entrepreneurial society in the world.”

Summit Entrepreneurship Awards Winners 

Entrepreneur of the Year – Derek Pierce, J&D Pierce Ltd 

Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year – Steven Gray, ROVOP 

Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Celia Hodson, Founder of Hey Girls 

Intrapreneur of the Year – Robin Watson, Wood Plc Chief Executive  

Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Isla Leslie, Estrela 

Academic Entrepreneur of the Year – Dr Caroline Barelle, Founder of Elasmogen 

Rising Star of the Year – Michael Corrigan, Trtl