CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE SCOTLAND WINS QUEEN’S AWARD

A Scottish business leader with a long track record of mentoring young people has been granted the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion 2015. The first time a woman has won the award in Scotland.

Margaret Gibson, currently Chief Executive of Women’s Enterprise Scotland, has been recognised for her more than 20 years of promoting enterprise in Scotland.

After five years running her own food production business, Wild Rice, Margaret Gibson joined the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust in 1992. She worked there for 21 years, rising to the position of Deputy CEO.

In 2013 Mrs Gibson joined Women’s Enterprise Scotland where she has worked tirelessly to support women starting their own businesses.

Throughout her career Margaret Gibson has been a mentor to young people all over Scotland.

She is a voluntary mentor with Young Enterprise Scotland and more recently with Entrepreneurial Spark, the innovative business incubator that is now being replicated in other parts of the UK.

Margaret Gibson said:

“I am delighted to receive this award – I feel it is not really for me but for all of the young entrepreneurs I have worked with. One of the things that I feel most strongly about is the need for young entrepreneurs to make links and connections with people. That way rather than trying to make it on your own you’re part of a big family of people.”

Annabelle Ewing MSP, Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, said:

“I am delighted that Margaret has been recognised with this prestigious award. I have always been struck by her selfless drive to support the next generation of entrepreneurial successes. Her dedication is an inspiration to us all and she is the type of role model we need in order to realise our own commitment towards unleashing Scotland’s potential as a world-leading entrepreneurial and innovative nation through Scotland CAN DO.”

Stuart Macdonald Managing Director of Seric Systems and a recipient of Mrs Gibson’s support, said:

“Margaret’s considered, gentle and direct approach to the improvement of all around her are just some of the things that single her out as special. A lifetime of Enterprise promotion where she has consistently put the success of society and others before her own, has I believe, brought Margaret great personal satisfaction.”

Annie Boyd, a marketing consultant who has benefited from Margaret Gibson’s advice and mentoring, said:

“I am thrilled that Margaret’s hard work with young people and women in business is being recognised with this prestigious award. She is a wonderful person who champions others to achieve their goals. She has that rare ability to really listen and provide valuable and honest advice, gently nudging people forward. Along with thousands of other Scottish business women I’m very grateful for her commitment and support over the years.”

Photo: L to R, Daniel Gillespie (Skerryvore), Oli Norman (itison, seated), David Scott (BeYonder, standing), Kyle White (thegither), Rhona Fleming (Purr & Barker), Elspeth Gardner (Elspeth Gardner Ceramics), Margaret Gibson (WES), Katrina Mather (The Body Toolkit), Alasdair Currie (XY&Z), Pheona Matovu (radiant & brighter), Frank To (Frank To Fine Art), Chrissy Mackay (BeYonder) and Annie Boyd (Annie Boyd Consultancy).