Stephen McGee, the chief executive of Scottish Friendly, is steering one of the UK’s oldest mutuals into its most transformative chapter in decades. To say that recent and planned developments are seismic would be to state – or rather understate – the obvious. Under his stewardship
Appointments
See all articlesArmstrong Watson has strengthened its financial planning team with the addition of four new financial planning consultants across its offices. Joining the firm are Charlotte Fletcher and Glyn Jenkinson (specialising in protection advice) in Leeds, Murray Greig in Glasgow, and Fiona Durham in Carlisl
Anderson Strathern Asset Management Limited (ASAM) has appointed Arlene Ewing as managing director as it looks to grow its team and services across Scotland. Ms Ewing brings more than 35 years’ experience in financial services and is a recognised leader in her field as both a former Chartered
BGF-backed hedgehog lab, the Newcastle-headquartered digital product consultancy, has appointed Malcolm Seagrave as chief executive as it accelerates expansion plans that place Scotland at the heart of its ambitions. Mr Seagrave steps up after 18 months as managing director of the firm's UK operatio
Susie Lind, partner in the Edinburgh office of international law firm CMS, has been appointed as chair of Scottish Renewables. Ms Lind – who joined the law firm last November – succeeds Adam Morrison, the UK country manager for Ocean Winds, who served in the role from 2021.
Royal Bank of Scotland-owner NatWest Group has appointed Kevin Havelock as mid-market champion for Scotland. The appointment comes as the group has appointed a total of 12 mid-market champions across UK nations and regions, part of its "growing together" plan to drive UK wide growth by supporting re
Responsible finance provider Social Investment Scotland (SIS) has appointed Chris Jamieson to the newly created role of head of investment partnerships, while welcoming Louisa Shanks as investment manager, as the organisation continues to expand its reach and diversify its investor base. Mr Jamieson
Accountancy
See all articlesMore than 770 newly qualified Chartered Accountants (CAs) have joined the profession at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) Admission Ceremony. The annual event, held this year in Edinburgh on Saturday 7 March, also marked a significant milestone for social mobility, as the ICA
Azets' Scottish operations are set to surpass the £50 million turnover milestone for the first time, forecasting a year-end revenue of £51m. This represents a roughly 30% increase in turnover over a two-year period, driven by a combination of organic growth and the strategic acquisition
Deloitte has revealed plans for the creation of a unified Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) firm following a successful partner vote. Scheduled to launch in June 2026, this regional powerhouse will consolidate 16 participating firms across more than 80 countries. While individual firms will mai
ICAS (the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) has launched a new professional designation in response to rising global demand for skilled accounting, finance and business talent. The Accounting and Business Professional (ABP) is only the third designation introduced in ICAS’ 172-ye
Armstrong Watson has expanded its offering with the launch of two specialist propositions – a financial reporting team and a fractional FD/CFO service. Together, these enhanced services provide clients with deeper technical reporting expertise and flexible, senior finance leadership.
Business
See all articlesTwo specialists in the accessible housing sector in Scotland have set up their own travel agency in Edinburgh. Michael Connolly and Sarah Baum established Accessible Housing Scotland (AHS) in the summer of 2024 and have now branched into travel as they continue to help improve the lives of people wi
Mid-sized businesses in Scotland are setting their sights on growth in 2026, but are facing challenges around access to finance as cost pressures loom, according to the latest research from BDO. The firm’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-market businesses – companies with re
More than two-thirds (70%) of small business leaders in Scotland have not pursued a potential business venture because of a lack of confidence, new research by YouGov on behalf of the British Business Bank has revealed. This crisis of confidence is costing the UK over half a million potential busine
BGF-backed hedgehog lab, the Newcastle-headquartered digital product consultancy, has appointed Malcolm Seagrave as chief executive as it accelerates expansion plans that place Scotland at the heart of its ambitions. Mr Seagrave steps up after 18 months as managing director of the firm's UK operatio
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for Glasgow to establish a fire recovery fund to help small businesses get back on their feet following the devastating Union Street fire. Scores of small businesses have been affected by the huge blaze which has resulted in the closure of a large


