The founder and managing director of Inverurie-based timber frame specialist Scotframe was presented with a lifetime achievement award last night.
Bob Edwards received the accolade in front of more than 360 guests at the 2022 Elevator Awards.
Other winners unveiled during a lavish ceremony at Ardoe House Hotel & Spa, near Aberdeen, included Jacqueline Law, managing partner of law firm Aberdein Considine, who was named entrepreneur of the year.
The awards are organised annually by Aberdeen-based business support organisation Elevator to toast entrepreneurial excellence and community-driven initiatives across the north-east.
A total of 11 companies and entrepreneurs were hailed at last night’s event, which was hosted by TV personality Mark Durden-Smith.
Mr Edwards launched Scotframe, which specialises in timber-frame kit homes, in 1989.
The firm’s first job was for a project on Links Road, Aberdeen, and it went on to make a further 100 house kits that year.
It has continued to expand ever since and is now believed to be the largest timber frame manufacturer in Scotland, operating throughout the UK and with a growing number of international clients.
‘Honoured and humbled’
Mr Edwards, who was made an OBE in 2018 for his services to business and charity, said he was “absolutely honoured and humbled” to win Elevator’s lifetime achievement award.
He added: “I’ve known the team at Elevator for a while now and, of course, the impressive work they do to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem – something very close to my own heart.”
Ms Law became managing partner of Aberdeen-based Aberdein Considine in 2014, 21 years after joining the firm as a trainee lawyer.
Since taking over the day-to-day running of the business she has led it to consecutive years of record turnover and overseen strategically key acquisitions.
“It’s a great honour to receive the Elevator Award for entrepreneur of the year,” she said last night, adding: “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.
‘Unwavering support’
“I’d like to share this recognition with my team and thank them for their unwavering support.”
Other winners include pottery painting studio Little Potters, based in Boddam, near Peterhead, which won the “spirit of enterprise” award.
Aberdeen food venture Aberdam Dutch Fries was named new start of the year, with Boozy Events and Appetite for Business winning the business success gongs for firms under and over five years old respectively.
David Griffiths of Aberdeen-based property and business development firm ParXX Group came away with the emerging entrepreneur accolade.
Elevator chief executive Gary McEwan 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.”
All the 2022 Elevator Awards categories and winners:
- Spirit of Enterprise – Gemma Clark, Little Potters
- New start of the year – Aberdam Dutch Fries
- Business success, under five years – Boozy Events
- Business success, over five years – Appetite for Business
- Emerging entrepreneur – David Griffiths, ParXX Group.
- Entrepreneurial supporter – Nick Bansal, Royal Bank of Scotland
- Innovation – Mygo4ward
- Net-zero technology – Kent
- Community impact – Sport Aberdeen
- STV Award – TL Tech
- Entrepreneur of the year – Jacqueline Law, Aberdein Considine
- Lifetime achievement – Bob Edwards, Scotframe
Conversation