FOR ONE MORAY accountant it was very much third time lucky as she looked back on another success for the firm she started as a one-woman venture nine years ago.

Following a weekend that saw her lift the prestigious ‘Business of the Year’ award at the Association of Scottish Business Woman Awards, Faith Simpson reflected on a whirlwind year.

The accolades may not quite be over, however, as she has also been shortlisted in the female business leader of the year category for the Scottish Business Awards taking place in November. In addition there may also be a UK award on the horizon, with the Moray firm also in the running as ‘Independent firm of the Year (Scotland) at the British Accountancy Awards.

“These last few weeks have been a whirlwind. I am honoured with the Business of the Year win and all the nominations,” Faith told insideMoray.

Launched in 2006 the firm has seen a steady growth that has led to expansion into Aberdeenshire as well as new premises for the firm’s Elgin base. Faith said: “We have had such a busy 12 months – our head office has moved to new premises in Elgin which gives us a higher profile and means we can expand again in future.

“I have also appointed Helen Crowley as director of tax which is bringing in new revenues and tax clients due to specialist nature of tax.”

Friday’s award was all the sweeter for Faith as it was the third time the firm had been entered in the best business category.

Confirming a massive rise in income for the firm, Faith said: “The business itself is doing great – we have grown 50% on 2014 and are currently showing a rise in income of 80% per month.”

For now it is back to business for Faith – but still with an eye on the future awards ceremonies, saying: “I am looking forward to them all.

“The Scottish Business Awards has around 2000 attendees so it’s a massive event and I am up against some big firms, so to even see my name in with them is amazing.”