Lorraine, who started the East Kilbride-based business in 2018, is a highly-experienced ecologist whose three-person firm undertakes a wide range of ecological projects including protected species surveys, habitat regulation appraisal and ecological impact assessments, as well as functioning as an environmental clerk of works.

She said: I really enjoyed the Build Lanarkshire programme and while I expected it would afford new networking opportunities, I was delighted by the tangible skills and insights that were made available to me, not only from the very knowledgeable facilitators of each of the learning sessions, but also by my fellow participants and contributing Tier 1 contractors.

“I wholeheartedly support the Build Lanarkshire approach and urge all business owners in the region who operate in the construction sector to make participation in the next programme a must-do.”

Held in association with North and South Lanarkshire Councils, Build Lanarkshire is conducted by hub south West.

Michael McBrearty, chief executive of hub South West, said: “Build Lanarkshire, online this time, has again proven itself as an excellent programme from which aspiring local businesses can derive huge commercial advantages.

“In Cairn Ecology we have a worthy winner of this third programme, and we wish Loraine and all the other participants great future business success.”

Runners-up to Cairn Ecology were Carluke-based Omni Interior Solutions and Efficient Structure Solutions, which is based in Bellshill.