THE deadline is looming for entries to this year’s Business Women Scotland Awards.

Putting the achievements of women-led businesses firmly in the spotlight, the fifth annual awards celebrate the entrepreneurial talents of women across the country.

From rural businesses and start-ups to sole traders, innovators, mentors and board members, the search is on for great women who are doing outstanding work in their sectors.

Just announced is a new prize for the overall award winner – a two-week airtime radio advertising campaign to be taken on award sponsor Global’s Heart FM or Smooth FM to the value of £4000, along with commercial production of a 30-second commercial.

Judges of this year’s awards, sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland and Global, include Yvonne Greeves, head of women in business for NatWest, the Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank; Amanda Jones, employment partner at global law firm Dentons; business growth strategist June Walker, a specialist advisor to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Future Female Business Leaders programme; leadership coach Laura Gordon, chair of Vistage; Michelle Ferguson, director of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company; and Susie Fraser, managing director at Adeo Group.

“Our aim is to recognise the notable contribution women are making to boost Scotland’s economy,” said Lynne Kennedy MBE, founding director of Business Women Scotland.

Poonam Gupta OBE, the CEO of Greenock-based PG Paper Company, was named Business Woman of the Year at last year’s event.

“It was great to be recognised as Business Woman of the Year by Business Women Scotland,” she said.

The awards ceremony takes place on 8 November at 200 SVS, Glasgow with an inspiring line up of speakers.

Before then the Business Women Scotland Roadshow arrives at the Lighthouse, Glasgow, on 31 October. Buy tickets to workshops or the lunch, alternatively come along for the full day.

Tickets are priced from £10. For more information on the 2019 Business Women Scotland Awards or to book a ticket for the Glasgow Business Women Scotland Roadshow, visit www.bwsltd.co.uk.

Closing date for entries is Monday.