Business Woman of the Year shortlisting for finance director

Business Women Scotland and Women’s Enterprise Scotland have included Aberdeenshire-based finance director Ann Johnson among those shortlisted for this year’s Scottish Business Woman of the year award.

The Business Women Scotland and Women’s Enterprise Scotland awards are hosted jointly by Scotland’s two leading female business organisations. The awards celebrate the achievements and vital economic contribution made by Scottish women in business.

Ms Johnson is FD at Blaze Manufacturing Solutions, based in Laurencekirk.

Originally from Manchester, she started her career in the printing industry before moving to Aberdeen with husband Howard in 1989.

Previous to establishing Blaze, Ms Johnson worked for oil and gas operator ConocoPhilips for 15 years, holding several positions including a buyer role.

Blaze is very much a family business with Ms Johnson working not only with her husband but also her two sons.

Blaze provides technical safety and loss prevention solutions in the oil and gas, renewable energies, mining, commercial and industrial sectors and in 2017 was named as one of the top 1000 UK Companies to Inspire by the London Stock Exchange.

Ms Johnson said: “As a woman in an engineering and manufacturing company, I am thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award.

“I am proud of the team at Blaze and that we have women in key roles, working for us, making their mark in a predominantly male industry.”

A full list of all those shortlisted for for all awards can be seen here.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Grand Central Hotel on Friday 2 November.