Penicuik businesswoman shortlisted for Digital Business of the Year at national awards
Penicuik businesswoman Julie Begbie is celebrating after being shortlisted for Digital Business of the Year at the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards 2026.
Julie, a Happiness Psychologist and business mentor, is the founder of The Happy Business Company and The Happy AI Company and helps small business owners build confidence using artificial intelligence.
She has been named as one of just 53 finalists across 10 categories after the judging panel assessed entries from women-led businesses across Scotland.
Julie said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be shortlisted. I’ve spent much of my career helping people feel happier and more confident at work, and over the past few years that has grown into helping small business owners feel confident about something many initially find quite intimidating: AI.
“My mission is to make AI feel practical, human and accessible, particularly for non-techy entrepreneurs who might otherwise feel they are being left behind.
“You don’t need to become a technology expert to benefit from AI. I want people to see how it can save them time, support their business and give them more space for the work they love.”
Julie has spent more than 25 years working in learning, development and business psychology. Through her training, coaching and The Happy AI Club, she now helps entrepreneurs and small business owners use AI in simple, practical ways in their everyday work.
Her work includes AI coaching for non-techy UK entrepreneurs, online AI mindset training for small business owners and AI confidence programmes for educators, coaches, creatives and freelancers.
Julie said: “Being recognised alongside so many brilliant women building businesses across Scotland makes this particularly special. I’m very proud that a business grown here in Penicuik is part of that story.”
Carolyn Currie, Chief Executive at Women’s Enterprise Scotland, said the awards recognise the considerable contribution women-led businesses make to Scotland’s economy and help showcase visible role models for women and girls.
Winners will be announced at the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards ceremony at the voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday 29 October 2026.