Hello everyone, Lisa here, President of Ayrshire Business Women.
As we reach the end of another incredible year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on everything we’ve achieved together — and to say a heartfelt thank you.
This year has been one of endeavour in every sense of the word. For many of us, the business landscape has been challenging, unpredictable, and at times exhausting. But what has shone through, time and time again, is the strength of this community — the way our members show up for each other, share openly, support generously, and remind each other that we’re not doing this alone.
There have been many highlights this year that I’d like to mention:
We relaunched our ABW Annual Awards, with a sold out event, where we celebrated four outstanding winners from our member community:
• Morna Ronnie of The People Portfolio, who won Most Enterprising Business.
• Carol Smith of Scottish Keepsakes, winner of Best Collaboration Project.
• Carly Diamond of Gem of Knowledge, who took home Best Customer Service Initiative and Best Business Project.
And of course, Morna went on to win Most Enterprising Business again at the ASB National Awards, making her a double award winner this year.
ABW itself was also recognised nationally, receiving Highly Commended Affiliate Group of the Year — something we are immensely proud of.
And – hot off the press – I can now announce that Ayrshire Business Women have been recognised as the Most Supportive Business Network in Ayrshire, by the SME News Scottish Enterprise Awards!
Beyond awards, this has been a year of real growth for our network.
We launched The Wednesday Connection - our monthly coffee morning rotating around the 3 shires, which has quickly become a safe and welcoming space for women across Ayrshire to connect, share experiences, and build resilience together.
We’ve strengthened our visibility through showcasing at events like the Ayr Flower Show and the Ayrshire Chamber B2B Exhibition, and through partnerships with publications including Ayrshire Magazine.
We’ve improved our new member onboarding, making sure every woman who joins ABW feels welcomed, supported, and part of something meaningful from day one.
It’s also been a pleasure to support Crosshouse Children’s Fund as our charity partner this year — a cause that means so much to so many of us.
And our collaboration with the Association of Scottish Businesswomen has gone from strength to strength, with a co‑hosted event held in October this year and another already planned for January.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our committee - Isabel, Morna, Lyndsey and Julie - they give their time, energy, and creativity so generously, and I’m really proud to work alongside them.
To our members — both long-standing and brand new — thank you. It has been wonderful connecting with so many of you this year. I have loved learning about your businesses, hearing your stories of challenge, courage and resilience, and have so admired how you have all come together to make ABW the community it is.
As we look ahead to 2026, I’m excited for what’s to come: new connections, new collaborations, and new opportunities to lift each other higher. Let’s always be the kind of people who show up to support each other, and help make our Ayrshire business community the best place to be, where everyone can prosper.
On behalf of the whole ABW committee, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2026.
from Lisa
President, Ayrshire Business Women
