This marks a significant milestone as WeDO Scotland broadens its reach to better support, champion and connect established entrepreneurs and business leaders across Scotland’s vibrant west coast.

Glasgow emerged as Scotland’s most popular city for new business creation according to the latest Business Hotspots 2025 report by small businesses lender Iwoca. With 22 companies created every day during the first six months of 2025 and an estimated 626 new companies per 100,000 residents, the rate of growth in Glasgow has been marked. In September, Glasgow City Region was selected as one of three UK cities and regions to secure at least £30 million each in UK government funding to unlock local innovation. This significant investment is supporting the development of new technologies, boosting productivity and helping local businesses to scale and thrive.

At the helm of the new advisory board is Chris Lowden, whose leadership at Nine Twenty Recruitment has been defined by a deep understanding of the talent needs of SMEs. With a strong track record in helping companies scale and secure first-rate teams, Mr Lowden brings first-hand insight into what growing businesses demand, making him ideally placed to guide WeDO’s west coast strategy.

Joining Mr Lowden are two highly respected business leaders: Yvonne Webb of ActionCOACH & Glasgow Business Stories and Ross Wilson of Vidatec.

Ms Webb brings a wealth of experience in business coaching, mentoring and storytelling through Glasgow Business Stories – a platform that highlights local entrepreneurs’ journeys. Her background at ActionCOACH ensures that WeDO Scotland’s members will benefit from structured support, practical advice and an empowering community perspective.

Mr Wilson contributes a tech-savvy and innovation-driven mindset from his role as CEO at Vidatec, offering an acute awareness of the challenges and opportunities faced by tech-driven SMEs in Glasgow and beyond. His voice will help ensure WeDO Scotland supports a broad cross-section of industries, from traditional SMEs to digital ventures.

Mr Lowden said: “The dynamic landscape of SMEs on the west coast reflects a growing demand for a supportive, connected network – one that can help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, share experiences, build community and scale their ventures sustainably.

“That’s exactly the role WeDO will be playing in and around Glasgow and I’m looking forward to working with Yvonne and Chris to deliver it.”

Belinda Roberts, founder and CEO of WeDO, added: “Glasgow’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is vibrant and expanding, with some of the highest business creation rates in the UK.

“However, this growth exists alongside significant operational and financial pressures on established SMEs. The combination of high entrepreneurial activity, technological adoption and economic headwinds makes Glasgow a dynamic but challenging environment for founders.

“These trends underline the increasing importance of support networks, advisory ecosystems and peer-driven communities. Encouraging collaboration, sustaining business resilience, shared learning and peer support is key to success for all SMEs, most especially given the current economic challenges.

“Bringing a wealth of real, hands-on, diverse commercial experience, Chris, Yvonne and Ross are an immensely dynamic team whose passion for championing and supporting SMEs is exceptional.”