Now in its 15th year, the NOVI Leadership Summit and Awards celebrates female leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurism across the UK. This recognition places Hilary among the country’s most audacious and transformational female leaders, the game changers who are reshaping businesses, communities, and entire industries.
The NOVI Disruptor/Innovator of the Year award recognises individuals who demonstrate creative, innovative, or unique approaches to solving problems and driving product innovation. Hilary’s nomination reflects not just what she’s achieved with Forumm, but how she’s achieved it: with resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to building something meaningful.
At Forumm, we’re on a mission to help organisations run events and build communities. Under Hilary’s leadership, we’re proving that model right here in Glasgow. Making ticketing simpler, more affordable, and more connected for the city’s vibrant creative and tech communities.
But this isn’t just about one city. What we’re building in Glasgow is a blueprint for how communities can gather around events anywhere in the world.
One of Hilary’s defining moments as a leader came when she guided Forumm through a major strategic pivot; moving from higher education into Glasgow’s creative and tech ecosystems. It wasn’t an easy transition, but through it all, Hilary brought on new event organisers, and proved our model could thrive in a challenging market.
It’s her leadership that shows up every single day, navigating uncertainty while keeping the team focused on what matters most: creating real value for the communities we serve.
What truly sets Hilary apart is how she balances commercial drive with genuine community care. She’s building an ecosystem that brings people together and champions women founders along the way.
This dual focus on business growth and community impact defines everything we do at Forumm. It’s innovation with purpose. It’s disruption that uplifts rather than displaces.
On being named a finalist, Hilary said: “I’m honoured to be recognised alongside such inspiring leaders. What we’re building at Forumm puts communities first, and this platform lets us amplify that message beyond Glasgow.”
We couldn’t be prouder of Hilary and everything she represents: the leader who pivots when needed, the innovator who solves real problems, and the champion who lifts others as she climbs.
Here’s to Hilary, to the incredible community she’s building, and to showing the world what’s possible when innovation meets genuine care for people.
Congratulations, Hilary, we’re cheering you on! 🎉
Want to learn more about the NOVI Awards? Visit thenoviawards.com
