South west journalist and PR expert wins solo entrepreneur of the year award

Swindon-based PR expert, media consultant, and journalist Fiona Scott has been named Solo Entrepreneur of the Year at the South West Business & Community Awards.

Fiona has run her independent consultancy since 2008 after being made redundant from her role as a series producer in television. Since then she has gone on to work with many companies and individuals nationwide, has worked in television and in the local media as well as publishing her first book and launching a successful podcast. She has also raised thousands of pounds for local charities and community projects.

The judges for the awards said: “Fiona’s journey from redundancy to becoming a leading authority in the media is truly inspiring. In the past 17 years, she has shown remarkable adaptability and growth working across all areas of the industry.

“Through her commitment and passion, she has supported hundreds of businesses, solidifying her reputation as a trusted expert. Her dedication to genuine support has not only expanded her business but also positively impacted her clients and peers.”

Fiona, grateful for the recognition, said: “It’s only taken 17 years! Thank you to all my clients, past and present, who have trusted me with their stories of their lives and businesses.

“I love what I do every day. I loved it when I started as a journalist almost 40 years ago, and I still love it now.

“For me, good PR hinges on understanding how the media works in the modern world and appreciating the value that journalists bring to society.”

She also highlighted the importance of awards that acknowledge micro businesses made up of solo entrepreneurs and freelancers.

“To have a category which works for solo freelancers or entrepreneurs like me is fantastic,” she said. “For many awards, we get overlooked as our goals tend not to be around scaling up and expanding into multi-million-pound companies.

“Yet, people like us are a thriving part of every business community in every village, town, region, and country.”

In addition to this recent accolade, Fiona was also recognised on a national level last year, having been shortlisted as one of the top five PR advisers in the UK at the UK Top Business Advisers Awards. Later this year she will be publishing her second book sharing stories of her time as a newspaper journalist in Somerset and Swindon.

The awards presentation evening was also a proud moment for Fiona, as several of her clients were shortlisted for awards, with some reaching the finals in their categories. Client and friend Louise Hunt Skelley PLY was presented with the Special Recognition Award.

“Seeing my clients succeed and be recognised for their hard work is just as rewarding as winning myself. I’m incredibly proud of each of them and the impact they make in their sectors and communities,” said Fiona.

Fiona’s regional win means she is now automatically put forward for a national award to be announced in the summer.