Gordon Wilson, founder of Carbon Financial Partners, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 WeDO Scotland Awards, a WeDO event recognising more than two decades of leadership in the UK’s financial services sector.
Lesley Gordon, of BTO Solicitors, presented the award at the glittering WeDO event in Gillie Dhu in Edinburgh. The evening also raised several thousand pounds for the My Name’s Doddie Foundation, which is battling against Motor Neurone Disease.
Gordon’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2000 when he founded Thomson Shepherd, a financial planning firm that quickly made its mark in the industry. Eight years later, he orchestrated the sale of a majority stake to Skipton Building Society — staying on as managing director and laying the future foundations.
In 2011, Gordon launched Carbon Financial Partners, based in Perth, which has since grown under his leadership into one of the most respected financial planning firms in the UK. With a team of 45 and more than 900 clients, Carbon operates offices across Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and London, known not just for its technical excellence, but for its deeply embedded culture of trust, integrity and purpose.
In December 2023, Carbon was acquired by Progeny, a multi-disciplinary professional services firm with offices across the UK, as well as in the Middle East, Far East, and Europe. The senior management team from Carbon remains in place, committed to the next stage of the journey.
Belinda Roberts MBE, founder of WeDO Scotland, speaking at the awards, said: “Gordon is a truly outstanding individual — someone whose career has not only set a standard of excellence in financial services, but has also left a lasting impact on colleagues, clients and the wider business community. His name is synonymous with integrity, vision and quality.”
Marie Owen, founder and CEO of LS Productions, was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the awards, recognising her visionary leadership and impact in the UK’s creative production industry. Marie established LS Productions in 2006 as a stills production service company from her kitchen table in Edinburgh. David Brookes of Bold Ideas Media presented the award.
At the time, she was a new mum — with a five-year-old and two three-year-olds — and what began as a “hobby business” has since grown into a BAFTA and BRIT Award-winning and Grammy-nominated company, with offices in Edinburgh, Manchester, and London.
“Marie Owen’s story is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Her ability to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while setting new standards in the creative production sector is truly inspiring,” said Belinda.
The Inspiring Leader Award, presented by Aileen Boyle of Fortro, went to Professor Peter Proud, the founder and CEO of Forrit. Peter responded with an inspirational and amusing exposition on leadership which started when, as a working-class lad from Dunfermline, he joined the army as an officer, attending the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, before becoming one of the youngest leaders in Microsoft. He said his proudest moment was helping young Scots gain university degrees while working with Forrit, many gaining first class honours. Read more about Professor Peter Proud in The Big Interview by The Business here.
Ryan Smith of Suited & Booted, who had flown in from Dubai where he has recently opened a store, took the award as Young Entrepreneur of the Year, presented by Alasdair Gauld of Flyte.
Leigh Mellis, of Jetlogic, was named International Entrepreneur of the Year, presented by Roddy Grant of Breadalbane Finance.
Resplendent in his kilt, Forbes Connor, of Change Waste Recycling, received the Eco Entrepreneur of the Year accolade, from Euan Martyn of Just Clear Scotland.
Marco Paul won High Growth Company of the Year, presented by The Business, with Caitlin Barrett, the managing director, saying: “I’m delighted to pick up this award. It is really a testimony to our team who have been working to make this an international success story, based in Broxburn!”
Eden Scott, the leading recruitment company based in Edinburgh, was named SME Business of the Year, with the award presented to Ewan Anderson, marketing director, by Seb Mackay of Soba: Private Label.
Since launching in 2008, WeDO Scotland has recognised more than 75 outstanding entrepreneurs and businesses, each demonstrating the innovation, leadership, and impact that define Scotland’s vibrant business landscape
