Managing Director of Pentland Ferries and newly appointed Inverness Chamber Board Director Helen Inkster will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Highland Business Awards, sharing insights from her career journey and the remarkable 25-year story of the family-run ferry business.
Helen will join more than 250 business leaders, finalists, sponsors and guests at the Highland Business Awards on Friday 25 September at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, where the achievements and success of businesses and individuals from across the region will be celebrated.
As Managing Director of Pentland Ferries, Helen has led the business through a period of significant growth and change, building on the company’s 25-year history of connecting Caithness and Orkney. Founded in 2001, Pentland Ferries has grown from a single-vessel start-up into a key regional transport operator, investing in its fleet, infrastructure and service while operating on one of the UK’s most challenging maritime routes with no public subsidy.
The company is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone for the family-influenced business. In May, its anniversary celebrations raised more than £15,000 for two Scottish maritime charities. In 2024, Pentland Ferries was the winner of two prestigious Highland Business Awards for Positive Environmental Impact, a category it now proudly sponsors, and the overall Highland Business of the Year accolade.
Helen, who recently joined the Board of Directors of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, brings extensive experience across transport, infrastructure and rural business development. She is a strong advocate for SMEs and local businesses and is committed to supporting sustainable economic growth across the Highlands and Islands.
Her address will draw on both her personal career journey and the evolution of Pentland Ferries, offering reflections on leadership, resilience, navigating challenges and building a business with a strong sense of purpose and place.
Joining Helen as guest speaker will be Richard Oppenheim, Director of the Diplomatic Advisory Hub.
A joint initiative between the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the Diplomatic Advisory Hub provides businesses across the UK with trusted, actionable geopolitical insight and support as they engage internationally.
Richard will introduce the work of the Hub and explain how businesses can access its expertise and support. He brings extensive diplomatic experience from some of the world’s most complex and strategically important markets, including the Middle East and Japan, as well as experience at the United Nations, on EU issues and as Commonwealth Envoy. He has served as the UK’s Ambassador to Yemen and Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, alongside diplomatic appointments in Iraq, Oman, New York and Japan.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are thrilled to welcome both Helen and Richard to this year’s Highland Business Awards. They bring two very different but hugely valuable perspectives on leadership, business growth and navigating an increasingly complex world.
“Helen’s career and the Pentland Ferries story are particularly inspiring. To hear first-hand about the journey of a family business which has grown over 25 years while continuing to play such an important role in connecting communities across the north of Scotland will give our audience plenty to reflect on.
“Richard’s international perspective will complement this perfectly, particularly at a time when geopolitical developments are having an increasingly direct impact on businesses of all sizes. His insight into the support available through the Diplomatic Advisory Hub will also highlight practical opportunities for businesses looking to develop their international ambitions.
“I’m certain that the insights and learnings Helen and Richard share will give everyone in the room plenty of food for thought – whether that is reflecting on their own career journey, the future direction of their business or the opportunities they want to pursue next.
“That is exactly what we want from our Awards – not only an opportunity to celebrate Highland success, but a chance to inspire ambition and encourage businesses to think about what comes next.”
The Highland Business Awards are the culmination of Highland Business Week 2026, which runs from Monday 21 to Friday 25 September. The Awards will recognise achievement across a range of categories, including Innovation, Positive Environmental Impact, International Success, Employer of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Business Leader of the Year, before one overall winner is named Highland Business of the Year.
The 2026 Awards are supported by Principal Sponsor The Highland Council, with category sponsors including University of the Highlands and Islands, Pentland Ferries, Heathrow, Business Gateway Highland, STV, Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, Sumitomo Electric U.K. Power Cables Ltd, Azets, North Highland Chamber of Commerce, The Springfield Group, Saffery and Balfour Beatty, and Dynam as this year’s Trophy Sponsor.
The Highland Business Awards take place at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, on Friday 25 September.