Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, the founder of international paper trading company PG Paper, has become the first woman to receive the WeDO Scotland Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award was presented at the 14th WeDO Scotland Conference & Awards, at the Kimpton in Edinburgh, which brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders and senior executives to celebrate outstanding achievement across Scotland’s SME community.
The conference, ably MC-d by Craig Mackay, of Iomart Group, the WeDo chairman, earlier heard several powerful and uplifting testimonies from Scottish-based entrepreneurs including Tony Quinn, of SilverCloud & Acumen Cyber, Marie Owen, OBE, of LS Productions, and Colin Ingram, the West End impresarion and entrepreneur. The Business and Economy Panel, chaired by Kenny Kemp, included freelance journalist Michael Glackin, Stephen Montgomery, director of the Scottish Hospitality Group, and Malcolm Robertson, the founder of Charlotte Street Partners.
The award recognises Gupta’s remarkable entrepreneurial journey, her contribution to Scotland’s economy and international trade, and her commitment to creating opportunities for women in business.
Originally from India, Poonam Gupta arrived in Scotland and struggled to secure employment despite her qualifications. Undeterred, she launched PG Paper from her home in 2003, going on to build a highly successful international business trading across more than 60 countries.
Her journey from facing rejection in the Scottish jobs market to becoming one of the country’s most prominent entrepreneurs is a powerful example of resilience, ambition and determination.
For more than two decades, Poonam has established herself as an influential figure in international business, playing a significant role in strengthening commercial relationships between Scotland and India while championing entrepreneurship, diversity and female leadership.
Her achievements extend far beyond business growth. Through her mentoring, advocacy and philanthropic activities, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting others and creating opportunities for future generations of entrepreneurs.
Gupta said: “I am truly honoured to receive the WeDO Scotland Lifetime Achievement Award. Scotland has been a very special part of my entrepreneurial journey, and I am proud to have played a role in strengthening trade links between Scotland and India, as well as supporting and encouraging women in business.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest honours presented by WeDO Scotland, the entrepreneurial community founded in 2008 to support and connect Scotland’s established business founders and senior leaders.
The eight winners of the 2026 WeDO Scotland Award, supported by The Business, were:
- Lifetime Achievement: Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, PG Paper Ltd.
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Douglas Stephen, Crop Services (Scotland) Ltd.
- International Entrepreneur of the Year: Craig Letton of Hyble.
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Rebekah Carral of Barricade Pest Control.
- High Growth Company of the Year: Game4Padel.
- SME Business of the Year: Alleyoop.
- Inspiring Leader of the Year: Heather Matthews of Little’s Chauffeur Drive.
- Executive Leader of the Year: Louise Maclean of Signature Group.
Belinda Roberts, founder and CEO of WeDO Scotland, said: “We were thrilled to present our Awards to such a fantastic group of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Between them, they are creating jobs, giving people the chance to build careers and winning business around the world. Anyone who runs a business knows how much that takes, particularly in the current economic climate. Without exception, they all gave considerable recognition to their teams, who have been so instrumental in their success.
“This is the first year that we have awarded our Lifetime Achievement and Inspiring Leader Awards to women. Both Poonam and Heather are brilliant champions for female entrepreneurship.”
The WeDO Scotland Awards recognise business success, exceptional leadership, innovation and the individuals and companies making a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy, with winners selected through an independent judging process.