FSB reveals new Scotland policy lead

Andrew McRae

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has unveiled a new member to lead its policy and campaigns work in Scotland.

Andrew McRae, one of Edinburgh’s most prominent independent retailers, has been appointed as FSB’s Scotland Policy Chair, taking over from Andy Willox, who is stepping down after 16 years.

At the FSB spring reception in Edinburgh this evening (22 May), First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will thank Andy for his contribution to public life in Scotland and welcome Andrew to post.



Andy Willox, the outgoing FSB Scottish policy convenor, said: “Leading the FSB’s campaign work since the early years of devolution has been a tremendous honour. While Scotland has changed substantially since I took office, what hasn’t changed is the need for the FSB to defend small business interests and celebrate their contribution to our economy and society.

“In Andrew McRae, I have a formidable successor who I’m confident will utilise FSB’s network of committed volunteers and dedicated staff to make the case for local businesses and the communities they support.”

Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chair, said: “It is a great privilege for me to take stewardship of the FSB’s campaign work in Scotland. My intention is to build upon Andy’s impressive record. His passion for local firms is legendary.

“Scotland’s small and growing businesses can help drive economic dynamism across the length and breadth of Scotland. I’m looking forward to making the case for Scotland to be the best place in the world to start, run and grow a small business.”

Andrew McRae and his wife Alice employ 20 people in their Museum Context shops in Edinburgh and a further ten people in Hong Kong. They recently gained international media attention with their Victoria Street shopping experience which celebrates the world of Harry Potter.

Andy Willox is looking forward to spending more time with his family. The business he founded – Goldstar Cleaning, based in Aberdeen – continues to employ around 160 people and he will continue to help his son, Scott, and daughter-in-law, Rachel, in the business – assist his wife, Jackie, with the grandchildren. He will also continue to play an active role in discussion about the future of the North East of Scotland.

FSB reveals new Scotland policy lead

Ahead of her remarks this evening, First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon said: “Andy Willox has been a tireless champion of local business and I commend his work with the FSB over the past 16 years to put smaller businesses at the heart of economic and political debate in Scotland and wish him well for the future.

“Scotland’s small companies are critical to the nation’s economic success, as well as fulfilling an important role in the social fabric of local communities and the Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the FSB to ensure our policies support SMEs.

“I wish Andrew McRae every success in his new role as FSB chair and I look forward to meeting him again soon.”

During Andy Willox’s time at the FSB, the organisation successfully campaigned for business rates relief for smaller businesses, improved Scottish broadband and action to help smaller firms win more public contracts.

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