Glasgow Business Stories

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with David Wilson, CEO of Certum Limited, to talk about building and growing a technology business over more than two decades in a rapidly changing industry.David reflects on the early years of starting out, the relentless hard work required to get a business off the ground, and the lessons learned from mistakes along the way. From learning finance and sales to competing in a crowded IT market, he shares the realities of what it takes to survive and grow.We also explore how the technology landscape has evolved, from ageing servers and boxed software to cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 and Azure. David explains how Certum adapted its business model to focus on recurring revenue and built the systems, processes and teams needed to scale.If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, technology, cyber security, or building a resilient service business, this episode is packed with practical insights from over 20 years in the industry.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Chris Paton, Managing Director of Dimensions Fulfilment, to explore the world of e-commerce fulfilment, partnerships, and innovation.Chris takes us behind the scenes of his business, explaining how they manage stock for Scottish brands like Tennents, Ian MacLeod Distillers, and Edinburgh Gin, and deliver everything from subscription boxes to theatre mail-outs. He shares insights on building true partnerships with clients, learning from the next generation, and creating the systems that keep a fast-moving business running smoothly.Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply curious about how fulfilment works at scale, this episode is packed with lessons on growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Join us on this episode of Glasgow Business Stories with Ross Wilson, Founder and CEO of Vidatec, as we dive into how purpose, values, and technology can transform a business.Ross shares insights from leading a tech company as a non-techie, working with Team GB to optimise performance, and creating products that genuinely serve people - including the hugely successful Couch to 5K app. He also talks about embedding meaningful values within your team and why alignment, trust, and clarity of purpose are key to long-term success.Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or just curious about how technology and human insight intersect, there’s plenty to learn from Ross’s approach.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Christian Bruce, partner at Redpath Bruce, to explore the moments, relationships and mindset that have shaped his career in business.Christian reflects on an early period of uncertainty and how an unexpected opportunity took him far beyond the path he thought he was on, teaching him the value of adaptability and backing yourself when things feel unclear. He also shares honest insights into leadership, including how energy and empathy from the top influence culture across an entire organisation.The conversation dives into the importance of teamwork and collaboration, why no one succeeds alone, and how trust within a team can become a real competitive advantage. Christian also speaks openly about working alongside his sister in the business, and how shared values, integrity and mutual support have been central to their success.If you’re interested in leadership, culture, and building a business that reflects who you are as a person, this is an episode you’ll want to listen to.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Ryan Clark, founder and CEO of Safer Group, to explore how a temporary job and a curiosity for technology turned into a fast-growing security business.Ryan shares his journey from studying engineering to building an iPhone app, before realising there was a bigger opportunity to rethink how security services are delivered. He talks openly about the early days of the business, from turning up on construction sites asking for a chance, to sleepless nights spent personally monitoring alarms.We also discuss the mindset required to turn down acquisition offers, why vision and culture matter more than chasing numbers, and how Ryan had to change personally as the company grew. From learning to trust a team, to becoming a stabilising force for both staff and customers, this conversation offers a rare look at the realities of scaling a business.If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, technology-led services, or the personal growth that comes with leadership, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Lisa Johnston, Managing Director of VWM Wealth, to talk about financial planning, leadership, and what it really takes to build trust with clients.Lisa shares her journey into financial services, from studying the subject at university to working her way through administration, paraplanning and advice before stepping into leadership. She reflects on following a traditional path, learning the technical detail of the role, and why that foundation has shaped how she leads today.We also explore how many business owners pour everything into their companies while neglecting their own personal financial planning, why understanding your spending is more important than most people realise, and how good advice can set you up for the long term without constant intervention.Lisa talks openly about building a team with both technical skill and human connection, challenging the idea that financial advice should feel distant or inaccessible, and explaining who financial planning is really for in a world full of online opinions and influencers.If you are a business owner, thinking about your finances, or interested in how professional services firms grow through people and relationships, this is an episode well worth your time.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Anne Marie and Melissa Cairney, mother and daughter and the Managing Director and Sales and Marketing Manager behind The Victor Pizza Co.Anne Marie shares her journey from community focused work and an unexpected start in sales to building, selling and reinvesting in businesses that prioritise people, relationships and repeat customers. What began with learning on the job evolved into a clear vision around focus, simplicity and long term growth.Melissa brings the next generation perspective, talking about growing with customers, knowing when infrastructure must catch up with demand, and making tough decisions to invest in the future of the business. Together, they offer a candid look at what it means to run a family business at scale while staying grounded in values, trust and teamwork.From simplifying operations and building strong teams, to recognising when growth requires bold investment, this conversation is full of practical lessons for business owners navigating change.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with John Morris, founder of Prime Property Auction and one of Scotland’s most recognisable names in the fast-paced world of property auctions.John shares how he went from having just 15 properties on the books to building one of the most active auction businesses in the country. He talks openly about the early pressure of finding deals, the moment he realised he needed to scale, and the mindset shifts that helped him push the business forward.We dive into the realities of hiring staff, why he waited too long to bring people on, and how he balanced ambition with the day-to-day worries of paying wages and supporting his family. John also breaks down the hardest parts of scaling a business, from building a young hungry team to knowing when to invest in senior talent who can bring their own book of clients.From tracking cash collected every month to fixing problems quickly when the team falls off track, John’s approach to processes, data and accountability offers huge lessons for anyone running or growing a business.If you’re interested in property, entrepreneurship or the honest reality of scaling something from scratch, this is an episode you’ll get a lot from.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Jack McGill, founder and CEO of QTV, one of Scotland’s leading sports broadcast companies.From humble beginnings filming local cricket matches to delivering major events like the Commonwealth Games, Jack’s journey is one of vision, innovation and persistence. He shares how QTV built its reputation through collaboration, creative problem-solving and a deep respect for the sports and communities they cover. We also discuss the future of live broadcasting, including how technology and AI are shaping the industry, and what it really takes to grow a values-driven business in a competitive field.If you’re passionate about sport, media, or building a business rooted in purpose, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Sarah Haran, founder of the luxury handbag brand that bears her name and the woman who turned a creative side project into an award-winning business.Sarah shares how her journey began while working in tech, creating handbags as a hobby before realising there was a real opportunity to blend function, beauty and innovation. What started as a website case study soon evolved into a brand built on craftsmanship, confidence and community.From developing her unique modular design that lets women transform one bag into many looks, to building a loyal following through authentic connection and storytelling, Sarah talks honestly about creativity, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to stand out in a crowded market.If you’re interested in fashion, business, or how passion projects can grow into powerful brands, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Abhishek Bhatia, Managing Director of IDEA and Distill-RE — two forward-thinking businesses at the intersection of engineering, whisky, and innovation. Abhishek shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading a company built on systems, structure and purpose. He talks about the power of recognition in the workplace, how one forgotten invoice led to a complete operational overhaul, and why hard work and efficiency are two sides of the same coin. We also explore how Abhishek and his team carved out their place in an industry where connections are everything — not through golf clubs or glad-handing, but through authenticity, consistency and trust.If you’re a business owner looking to build culture, strengthen systems, and grow your network the right way, this is an episode packed with lessons you’ll want to take notes on.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Julie Moulsdale, director of Perceptive Communicators.Julie shares her journey from working in large global organisations to founding her own business. She talks candidly about the risks of leaving a secure salary, the challenges of balancing early motherhood with entrepreneurship, and the transformative first client that helped set her business on the path to success. She also explains how she built a strong, capable team by trusting them with responsibility, giving them space to grow, and stepping back from the day-to-day to focus on strategic growth. Julie’s insights show the power of developing people, fostering talent, and knowing when to work on the business rather than just in it.If you’re thinking about starting your own venture, building a high-performing team, or stepping into a more strategic leadership role, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and lessons learned from experience.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we chatted to Lorna McFarlane, Managing Director of Blantyre Fabrications, where every truck-mounted concrete mixer starts as a flat sheet of metal and ends as what Lorna calls “a beautiful lady”.Lorna shares how she’s built more than just mixers, she’s built a team she can trust for the long haul, blending decades-long relationships with fresh talent from the next generation. She talks about rolling up her sleeves to transform a shell of a workshop into a thriving site, and how the support of suppliers and the reputation she’s earned over the years helped make it happen faster than anyone expected.If you’re interested in building something that lasts, whether it’s a product, a team, or a reputation, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Heather Matthews, Managing Director of Little’s Chauffeur Drive and Chair of The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.Heather shares the journey of taking the reins of a family business that began over 60 years ago with one car and a bold idea. From being invited to become a partner in a quiet moment after dinner, to leading a carefully planned succession process, Heather reflects on the personal and professional dynamics of family busines and how to get it right.We hear how Little’s embraced technology early, building their own booking software and gradually modernising a traditional service without ever losing the human touch. There are brilliant moments too, like the story behind their now-iconic Burgundy cars, and how the Osmonds were once smuggled out of Glasgow in the back of a van lined with cushions from the family home.Heather’s story is grounded, generous and filled with wisdom. If you're navigating leadership in a family business, thinking about legacy and succession, or curious about how values shape brand identity over time, this episode is full of quiet lessons and inspiring moments.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Andrew Dobbie, founder and CEO of MadeBrave, one of Scotland’s most recognisable creative agencies.Andrew shares how a leap of faith and a £1000 MacBook led to a business that now works with global brands. From freelancing on the side to building a team, a culture and a community around creativity, Andrew’s story is full of energy, ambition and grounded wisdom.We talk about the realities of agency life, the power of brand building, and the lessons that come from leading with optimism, especially when things get tough. Andrew reflects on the mindset shift from creative to CEO, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and why surrounding yourself with smart, kind people really matters.If you’re building a brand, starting something on your own, or looking for inspiration to lead with heart as well as hustle, this is one to watch.

What happens when you walk away from the business you built and start again from scratch? In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we chat with Karen and Frank O’Hara, the husband-and-wife team behind Faskin Group. They share their journey through difficult beginnings, business breakups, and navigating storms, both literal and metaphorical, with resilience and determination.They talk about the challenge of encouraging young people into trades and how they’ve proudly nurtured apprentices into skilled roofers. The conversation explores what it really takes to build a business that earns trust and support, alongside balancing the demands of work and family life.This episode is full of honest reflections and valuable lessons for anyone running a business or facing tough decisions. Join us for a heartfelt story of grit, growth, and the power of strong relationships in the face of adversity.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Anthony Quinn, CEO and founder of Silver Cloud, and Director at Acumen Cyber, to talk about the honest reality of building a business.Anthony opens up about the mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur, the power of surrounding yourself with big thinkers, and why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. He shares what it takes to build a sales engine from scratch, the gut-punch lessons he learned about cash flow, and the guiding principle that keeps him grounded: do what makes you happy. This one’s full of real stories, hard truths, and practical advice for anyone running or starting a business in Scotland and beyond.Whether you're deep in the trenches or dreaming of making the leap, there’s a lot to learn from Anthony's journey. Listen now and subscribe for more inspiring stories from Scotland’s entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Matt Loader, Founding Director at Loader Monteith, a practice redefining what it means to design responsibly in the built environment.Matt shares the story behind Loader Monteith’s work, from sensitive conservation projects to large-scale developments like the Jenners revival. But it’s not just about architecture. It’s about values.Sustainability sits at the heart of everything they do: reusing materials, reducing waste, and creating buildings that are as easy to disassemble as they are to admire. Matt talks about how circular design principles bring long-term value to clients and why beautiful buildings should always be built to last.We also dive into the unexpected ways inspiration strikes, why cross-disciplinary thinking matters, and what business owners in any industry can learn from an architect’s mindset.Watch the full episode now and hear how one of Scotland’s most thoughtful practices is building a better future without compromising on beauty.