Women in business group honours achievement of SCC chief executive Liz Cameron
Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron OBE has been recognised for her “trailblazing” contribution to the growth of Scotland’s business sector, with a Women of Inspiration award announced on International Women’s Day.
Awarded by the Association of Scottish Businesswomen (ASB), the umbrella group for Scotland’s proliferating professional women’s clubs, the judging panel cited Ms Cameron’s “commitment and leadership in forging closer partnerships between business and government” which they said “has resulted in real and lasting change… Liz turns vision into reality, positively impacting on peoples’ lives in Scotland.”
The ASB’s annual Women of Inspiration Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of inspirational women in business and the wider community.
Announced at a reception hosted on 8 March by Virgin Money the awards went to 12 Scottish businesswomen nominated by their peers as an inspiration to others, role models or leaders in their professions; “women who have excelled in their careers or who have encouraged others and impacted lives in the wider community”. Val Russell, chief executive of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce was also recognised for her ability “to lead, persuade and innovate” on behalf of business in Ayrshire.
Liz Cameron OBE, Director & Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“I’m honoured to have been nominated and to receive this award from ASB, a network that has played a vital part in promoting female talent, to the vast benefit of Scotland’s economy and society.”
“The Chambers network itself is a showcase of female business talent, with half of the individual chambers being led by women, including my fellow Women of Inspiration winner Val Russell.”
“In addition, very many of the key staff and many of the business mentors we work with within the network are women of exceptional dedication and professionalism whose contribution has changed the face of Scottish business for the benefit of all. Scotland is a close business community and these awards celebrate the fact that we are all in this together.”
ASB president, Wendy Maltman said “we were overwhelmed by the number of nominations received this year, celebrating the contributions and achievements of women from all walks of life, making the decision of the nomination committee very difficult.
“Our “Inspirational Women” are business leaders, chief executives, trailblazers, charity champions, entrepreneurs, mentors, motivational speakers and adventurers, women who are truly inspirational and worthy of these awards.
“Each of these women are impacting the businesses and communities in which they work; they are passionate and pioneering business leaders, selfless and committed charity champions, inspiring and encouraging those around them to overcome barriers and reach their own goals.”
Scottish Chambers of Commerce is a partner in First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s First Mentor initiative which will allow young women aged 18-23 chosen through the Young Scot scheme the opportunity to be mentored by a pool of Scottish businesswomen and leaders, including the First Minister herself.