As the owner of Boogie Beat Edinburgh, Mid and East Lothian, I was absolutely thrilled to be selected as a finalist in the “Business with Purpose” category at the Women Enterprise Scotland Awards 2025.
This was my first time entering these awards, and I was encouraged to apply by the fantastic team at Business Gateway East Lothian, who have supported my business growth and development over the past three years. When reviewing the award categories, Business with Purpose immediately stood out as the perfect fit for Boogie Beat, because everything we do is rooted in community engagement, inclusion, and giving back.
Our values centre around inclusion for all — whether that’s supporting children with additional support needs, creating intergenerational connections through our care home sessions, or ensuring our work reaches the wider community. We’re also proud to be supporting Team Jack, our chosen charity for 2025, as part of our ongoing commitment to giving back.
Championing Purpose-Led Businesses
The “Business with Purpose” category was filled with incredible female-led businesses, all making a difference in their communities. Although I didn’t win this year, I left feeling proud to have been recognised alongside so many inspiring women who are building businesses that matter.
This event reminded me why I love being part of the women in business community in Scotland — it’s full of creativity, collaboration, and heart.
Women in Business: The Power of Change
One statistic from the evening really struck me — fewer than 20% of businesses in the UK are women-led. I found that surprising, especially as the children’s activity sector, where Boogie Beat sits, is predominantly female-driven. Most of my business contacts — from franchisees to collaborators — are women, so it’s easy to forget that the wider business world still has progress to make.
The event was a powerful reminder that female entrepreneurs are true changemakers. We are shaping industries, driving inclusion, and creating positive social impact. One of the most inspiring moments of the night was a video showcase from the Women’s Fund for Scotland, featuring The Feisty Gals, a charity that empowers women to make a difference in their communities — a beautiful example of how collaboration and confidence can create real change.
Disruption as a Force for Good
The keynote speaker, Annie Stewart, founder of ANTA, shared an inspiring story about embracing disruption to spark innovation. She spoke about her decision to challenge tradition by reinventing tartan colours in the 1980s — a move that initially caused backlash, but ultimately helped build ANTA into a successful, upmarket Scottish design brand with in-house manufacturing and multiple store locations.
Her story really resonated with me. It made me reflect on my own journey and the fact that earlier this year, I was a finalist in the Disruptive Franchise Awards for Franchisee of the Year. The word disruptive can sometimes sound negative, but in business, positive disruption is essential. It’s about innovation, courage, and growth — about challenging norms, improving systems, and moving industries forward.
Inspired to Keep Growing and Giving Back
Leaving the Women Enterprise Scotland Awards that night, I felt energised, proud, and inspired. To be surrounded by so many purposeful, driven, and compassionate women in business was uplifting and reaffirmed why I do what I do.
At Boogie Beat Edinburgh, Mid and East Lothian, we’ll continue to focus on inclusion, community connection, and joy — creating spaces where children, families, and care home residents can share in the magic of music and movement together.
Being a purpose-led business isn’t just about what we do — it’s about why we do it. And I’m so proud that our “why” continues to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.
