Scottish entrepreneur champion recognised with lifetime achievement award

Brian Williamson, chairman of Glasgow and Edinburgh recruitment consultants, Brightwork, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Scottish entrepreneurial community by Scottish Government partner WeDO Scotland.

It is the latest accolade for Mr Williamson who, during his 34 years running companies, has had his achievements recognised by organisations including the Institute of Directors.

WeDO Scotland, which is currently launching an initiative with Scottish Development International and Santander Bank to promote Scottish businesses abroad, offers support and collaboration for Scotland’s entrepreneurial community.

Founder Belinda Roberts said: “The WeDO Scotland Lifetime Achievement Award is in recognition of a person who has made an outstanding and ongoing contribution to the Scottish entrepreneurial community and is voted for by our executive team.

“I am absolutely delighted that this year’s winner, by a unanimous vote, was Brian Williamson. Brian has not only built and grown numerous Scottish businesses but has also, during the past 34 years, helped, supported and mentored many more.

“Brian is one of the best examples I know of a true entrepreneur: he is humble, pragmatic, tenacious and above all, highly respected within the Scottish entrepreneurial community. We could not have found a more worthy winner.”

Mr Williamson has an engineering background and studied at Stirling and Glasgow Caledonian Universities.

He became chairman of Brightwork following a management buyout in 2006 Since then, the recruitment business has won multiple awards for its innovation, fast paced growth and commitment to an extensive corporate social responsibility programme.

Mr Williamson said: “It is an incredible honour to be recognised, and for a lifetime achievement award, no less.

“It certainly doesn’t seem like 34 years since I started in business, because there’s always a new challenge on the horizon.”