Purple Sage Soap Company Ltd, based at Falside, Hawick, is celebrating a major achievement after being named Micro Business of the Year at the prestigious Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards 2025.
The plant-based skincare company, founded by Ann Carter in 2021, was a finalist in four categories at this year’s awards and triumphed against a record 400+ entries from across the region.
The Chamber’s annual awards celebrate the very best of business across the Borders, recognising innovation, resilience, and growth. Purple Sage Soap Company impressed the judges with its sustainable ethos, commitment to local sourcing, and rapid growth over the past three years.
Ann Carter, Founder of Purple Sage Soap Company, said:
“To be recognised as Micro Business of the Year is such an honour. We were absolutely thrilled to be finalists in four categories, but to win against such strong competition means the world to us. This award is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and passion behind Purple Sage Soap Company and to the customers, collaborators, and community who have supported us on our journey.”
The award follows a string of recent accolades for the company, including wins at the European Free From Skincare Awards, Theo Paphitis’s Small Business Sunday, and Scotland’s Trade Fair. Purple Sage Soap Company continues to grow locally, nationally, and internationally, with exports now reaching customers in Europe, America, Australia, and New Zealand. This year has seen a huge growth in their bespoke soap service from around the UK.
The company is also pioneering with its unique Skincare Garden concept, blending sustainable, regenerative gardening principles with artisan skincare production and offering workshops at its studio in the Borders, inspiring others to live more sustainably while learning traditional craft skills.
Founded in 2021 by Ann Carter, Purple Sage Soap Company creates award-winning, plant-based soaps and skincare products made with botanicals grown at Sage Cottage in Hawick and sourced from local flower farms. The company champions regenerative gardening, eco-friendly packaging, and circular economy principles. Its tagline is: Luxury Botanicals… Powered by Plants.
