The event – which was returning for the first time in five years – celebrates females in business across Scotland as well as celebrating and recognising supporters and champions of Scottish women in business.

Finalists, change-makers, business leaders and other guests from across the country travelled to Glasgow for the 6 September ceremony which was hosted by TV and radio presenter Jennifer Reoch.

The winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award (sponsored by OutBritain) was Belinda Roberts MBE, founder and CEO of Edinburgh-based WeDO Scotland who throughout her career has created successful businesses through combining her two passions – people and business.

Since 2008, Belinda has created the vibrant and inclusive WeDO Scotland community that has been a catalyst for ambitious and inspiring Scottish entrepreneurs, fostering an environment of mutual support and growth. The dynamic community supports and champions entrepreneurs in a number of ways, including through peer-to-peer learning and invaluable networking opportunities.

Other winners included (full details below):

• Woman of Influence Award (Sponsored by RBC Brewin Dolphin) – Heather Lydia Mudhari
• Catalyst of Change Award (Sponsored by Glasgow City Innovation District) – Dechomai Ltd
• Woman to Watch Award (Sponsored by Clarity Accounting) – Anji Sandhu
• Champion of Women Award (Sponsored by DYW Glasgow) – Toni Scullion
• Fundraiser of the Year Award – Supported by SWIB’s Charity of the Year Baby Loss Retreat – Peter McLennan

SWIB president Sarah Heaney said: “We had a wonderful afternoon and I’d like to congratulate all of our winners, and of course all of our finalists too who are truly making a difference in their chosen field.

“It’s fantastic to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community of Scotland’s women in business - and those who recognise and support them - and, from here, we want to keep building a movement that helps even more female-led businesses thrive.”

The awards ceremony is sponsored by leading wealth management company RBC Brewin Dolphin and the event will also raise funds for this year’s Scottish Women in Business charity partner, Baby Loss Retreat.

The awards judging panel includes managing director of the Netball Superleague Claire Nelson, Purpose Coach Alice Thomson, chief explorer at Connect Three Colin Lamb, and Gordon White, people leader at Capability Scotland.