Edinburgh Business Stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Scott J Miller, Managing Director of Compass Roofing, a family business with deep roots in the city and a reputation built over decades.Scott shares his journey from leaving school at Christmas and knocking on doors for an apprenticeship, to leading one of Edinburgh’s most trusted roofing companies. From the black donkey jackets and ankle-cutting boots of the 1980s, to shaping Compass into a modern business that still holds onto its traditional values, his story is as honest as it is inspiring.He talks about the early days of growing a name, why Compass was designed to stand out in the Yellow Pages, the lessons learned from apprentices past and present, and why his business plan has always been simple: do good work, spend less than you earn, and make sure everyone gets home safe.If you’re building a trade business, thinking about apprenticeships, or simply enjoy stories of local businesses that have stood the test of time, this is one to watch.

From a family business collating school uniform orders by hand to supplying embroidery for global brands like Ralph Lauren and Barbour, Ross and William Smillie’s story is one of graft, adaptability and vision. Today, as joint managing directors of BE Uniforms, they run one of the UK’s largest school uniform and workwear suppliers, but the journey has been anything but straightforward.In this conversation, we hear how the brothers balanced tradition with change, from the days of fax machines and handwritten order forms to a rapid pivot online during Covid, and even opening their own coffee shop as part of their retail spaces. Along the way, they reflect on what it means to run a business rooted in family, community, and identity.This is a story about resilience, reinvention, and recognising that sometimes a uniform is about far more than just clothes.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Carina Contini - chef, restaurateur, and director of Victor & Carina Contini, one of Scotland’s best-loved hospitality families.Carina shares a journey steeped in heritage and flavour — from crates of sun-ripened lemons and figs arriving from the markets of Milan, to her grandparents’ adventures on The Queen Mary’s maiden voyage, bringing back the first choc ice machine to Glasgow. She paints vivid memories of childhood summers outside the family café, early lessons in work ethic, and the traditions that have shaped her approach to business.If you’re passionate about building a values-led brand, balancing heritage with modern business demands, or simply love hearing stories of family, food and resilience, this is one to watch.This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Henderson Loggie Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, who help owner-managed businesses grow—from those first steps as an entrepreneur through to a happy retirement.Based right here in Scotland, Henderson Loggie knows what it takes to succeed locally, and through their membership of PrimeGlobal, they help clients thrive internationally too. Their purpose? Helping their people, clients and communities unlock their full potential.To learn more, get in touch with the Edinburgh team at Henderson Loggie today!

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Peter Proud, Founder and CEO of Forrit, a company quietly powering some of the world’s most secure and scalable digital platforms.Peter takes us through a career that’s anything but ordinary: from his time at Microsoft to launching Forrit, building not just a product, but a company rooted in strong values, technical excellence, and a genuine culture of care. He talks about the importance of leadership through inspiration, why culture always comes before product, and how he’s helping create opportunities for the next generation through apprenticeships.If you’re scaling a tech company, leading a team, or thinking about how to build something that lasts, this is a must-watch.This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Henderson Loggie Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, who help owner-managed businesses grow—from those first steps as an entrepreneur through to a happy retirement.Based right here in Scotland, Henderson Loggie knows what it takes to succeed locally, and through their membership of PrimeGlobal, they help clients thrive internationally too. Their purpose? Helping their people, clients and communities unlock their full potential.To learn more, get in touch with the Edinburgh team at Henderson Loggie today!

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Ross and Craig Davidson; brothers, business partners, and the team behind Dofos, one of the city’s most iconic independent pet retailers. Ross and Craig talk about the early days, including how they turned a cupboard into a grooming salon with nothing but YouTube and grit, and how lockdown helped cement their place in the local community. Throughout it all, they’ve focused on doing things the right way—even when it’s harder. If you’re building a brand rooted in values, thinking about succession in a family business, or just love hearing how people grow something special in their own way, this is one to watch.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, Colin shares the journey behind the business: from scribbling ideas after a night out, to developing a brand that now partners with Hearts FC, and navigating the intense highs and lows of entrepreneurship along the way.This conversation covers everything from the real meaning behind the Stella Omada name, to launching a digital greeting card company during lockdown (and watching it completely flop), to the deep personal sacrifices that come with chasing ambitious goals. Colin speaks candidly about burnout, risk, reinvention and resilience—with plenty of humour woven through it all.If you’ve ever wondered what building a business really takes, this episode offers an unfiltered glimpse into the mindset, mess, and magic of growing something from scratch in Scotland’s capital.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Tommy Dale, co-founder of Forth Resource Management, for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and thought-provoking.From composting garden cuttings into premium topsoil, to pulling tonnes of marine waste off Scottish beaches, Tommy’s work straddles entrepreneurship, sustainability, and a deep love for the land. He shares how a single heartbreaking moment with a guillemot led to a nationwide clean-up effort, why he believes business should always balance profit, people and the planet, and what he'd like done with his body when he dies.Whether you're growing a business or planting deeper roots in your community, Tommy’s approach to circular economy thinking and honest, purpose-driven leadership offers plenty to reflect on.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Josif Grace, Founder and CEO of Legado, a company reshaping how regulated industries communicate with their customers.With a background in investment management and time spent immersed in the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem, Josif brings a unique perspective on scaling tech businesses in traditionally slow-moving sectors. At Legado, he’s building digital tools that offer secure, compliant, and genuinely human-centred ways for businesses to share information and build trust.Don’t miss this episode if you’re interested in the future of fintech, the power of resilience, and how strong ideas, backed by the right team and mindset, can scale far beyond expectations.

In this episode, we speak with Sheryl Macaulay, Partner at EQ Accountants, about her journey from Accounts and Audit at Douglas Home and Co to specialising in Tax Planning. Sheryl shares how leaving university early and taking a summer placement led to her successful career, and how she overcame challenges as a young woman in a male-dominated industry.She also discusses the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone, building confidence, and hosting women’s networking events to connect and support local businesses. Sheryl’s passion for mentoring school leavers and helping them grow within the firm highlights her commitment to developing future talent.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on career growth, building relationships, and personal development.

Since the age of 16, Richard Simpson had a clear ambition—to own and run a creative agency. After starting out in the fast-paced world of media sales and building experience at a global brand design consultancy, that vision became a reality. Today, he’s Joint Managing Director and Co-owner of Tayburn, now part of Limitless Innovations Group following its recent acquisition by LEWIS.Tayburn helps clients find clarity in their marketing by offering expert-led strategy grounded in insight, brand creative that drives enterprise value, secure technical digital solutions, and packaging artwork services that protect brand integrity.Richard sees sales not as persuasion, but as facilitation. If you're ever interested in a no-pressure, no-obligation conversation about your brand or marketing strategy, he's always open to chat.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Nathalie Agnew, Managing Director of Muckle Media—an agency built on purpose, people, and bold ideas.As Managing Director of Muckle Media, Nathalie has led award-winning campaigns for private and public sector clients across the UK. With over 20 years of experience, she’s built a purpose-led agency with kindness, results, and impact at its core. In this episode, Nathalie reflects on bold decisions, business acquisitions, culture-building, and what it really takes to run a successful agency while raising a family.This is a story about resilience, reputation, and redefining success in business and beyond.

Join us in this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories as we speak with Emma Macdonald, the visionary founder and CEO of TBCo, a B Corp-certified brand that’s making waves in the world of design-led accessories. Since founding the company in 2014, Emma has built TBCo into a leader in sustainable fashion and homeware, using natural and recycled fibres to create stylish, high-quality products that make a positive impact on both your wardrobe and the planet.In this episode, Emma shares the journey of growing TBCo from its early days to its current success, offering invaluable insights into building a brand that balances sustainability, design, and purpose. Learn about the challenges she’s faced as a female founder and how she navigated the complexities of ethical sourcing, product development, and building a business with a clear social and environmental mission.Emma's passion for positive change is evident in TBCo’s Positive Impact Pledge, where 2% of all profits are dedicated to supporting the planet and communities in need.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Sharon Fairley and Nicole Crane of High Flyers, a family-run childcare agency providing expert staff across Edinburgh and West Lothian. Since 2020, High Flyers has been dedicated to supplying high-calibre, experienced childcare professionals to nurseries, playschools, out-of-school clubs, and more.Sharon and Nicole share their insights on early years education, the challenges of recruiting the right people, and why confidence and resilience matter more than rigid milestones when it comes to child development. They also dive into the ongoing struggle to challenge outdated regulations and push for a more skills-based approach to hiring in childcare.Whether you're in childcare or another industry, hiring the right people isn’t always about formal qualifications—it’s about finding those with the passion, skills and adaptability to thrive.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Adam Sinclair, Managing Director of Stirling Sinclair Removals & Storage. His journey to business wasn’t exactly traditional—after years of playing professional rugby in South Africa, France, and the UK, he spotted an opportunity in an industry he had plenty of personal experience with moving.What started with a single truck has now grown into one of Central Scotland’s leading removals and storage companies. Adam shares how he applied the lessons of rugby—discipline, resilience, and teamwork—to build and scale his business. He talks about the challenges of leadership, the bold decisions that turned struggling operations around, and why taking risks is sometimes the only way forward.From high tackles to high-growth business strategies, this is a must-listen for anyone thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Slaine and Stuart Kerr, co-founders of The Row Dental, a luxury cosmetic dental clinic in the heart of Edinburgh. Together, they share their journey of building a standout clinic that combines cutting-edge treatments with a patient-first philosophy, all set in a beautifully designed space inspired by the elegance of Harley Street.From Slaine’s expertise in minimally invasive smile makeovers, honed during her time on London’s prestigious Harley Street, to Stuart’s focus on strategy and operations, the duo reveals how their complementary skills have driven the success of The Row. They discuss everything from the challenges of balancing innovation with tradition to creating an environment that makes patients feel at ease—even those who are nervous about visiting the dentist.This episode offers fascinating insights into creating a brand rooted in excellence, maintaining quality while scaling a business, and the dynamics of running a company as a husband-and-wife team. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional in the healthcare industry, or just love a great business story, this conversation is packed with lessons and inspiration!

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with David Hunter, the founder and CEO of Shot Scope Technologies. David takes us through his journey of transforming Shot Scope from a start-up to a scale-up, delivering innovative GPS wearables, laser rangefinders, and performance-tracking solutions to golfers in over 160 countries worldwide.With a background in electronics design and embedded software development, David shares how his passion for golf and his expertise in engineering led to the creation of Shot Scope’s game-changing products. From gathering data manually in his early days as a golfer to developing a seamless tech solution that tracks performance in real time, David’s story is a testament to the power of innovation, problem-solving, and perseverance.This episode is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone looking to understand how a combination of passion, tech, and vision can scale a business globally. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on growth, innovation, and the future of sports technology!

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Jonathan Ward, Managing Director of Spring Solutions, a company specialising in supply chain solutions for industries like Aerospace, Defence, and Oil & Gas. Jonathan takes us through his fascinating journey from the high-pressure environment of call centre sales to leading a business that partners with some of the world’s biggest players. He shares how discipline and efficiency have been at the heart of his team’s success, enabling them to adopt innovations like a four-day workweek while maintaining high performance. Jonathan also opens up about the bold steps that helped Spring Solutions secure a transformative multi-million-pound contract, beating out one of the largest companies in the industry. With a customer-first mindset, his team has developed innovative approaches that significantly reduce waste, build trust, and create lasting partnerships. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and leaders looking to scale their businesses, foster strong workplace cultures, and innovate within their industries. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and an inside look at the Spring Solutions story!

Step inside the world of Margiotta, Edinburgh’s beloved family-run retailer, in this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Edinburgh Business Stories. Founded by Pierino and Eleonora Margiotta in the 1960s, Margiotta has grown from a single sweet shop on St. Mary’s Street to a household name across Edinburgh, known for its local charm, exceptional customer service, and quality products.In this episode, Franco and Joe Margiotta reflect on the incredible journey of their family business, sharing how a bold partnership with Waitrose transformed their product range, the entrepreneurial lessons they learned as children that still guide them today, and the Southern Mediterranean philosophy of hospitality that has shaped their approach to customer service. They also discuss the challenges of balancing growth while staying true to their roots as a family-run business.This conversation is packed with insights for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about creating lasting customer relationships.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Andy Whitmey, Director at Umega, Edinburgh's leading letting and estate agency. Andy shares the incredible journey of Umega—from its beginnings as a challenger in a traditional sector to becoming one of the highest-rated property agents in the UK.With a passion for people and property, Andy discusses the core values that have fueled Umega’s growth—openness, positivity, playfulness, and progress. He opens up about the big decisions, the ones that aligned with their values and those they had to walk away from, and how those choices led to unexpected growth.Andy also reflects on the emotional highs of industry recognition and the challenges of disrupting outdated practices in lettings, estate agency, and home repairs. His insights into building a purpose-driven business and smashing stereotypes in the housing sector are packed with lessons for anyone looking to lead with integrity and innovation.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of the most forward-thinking leaders in the property sector!

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Frank Dick OBE, one of the most respected and inspirational figures in the world of coaching and high performance. Frank has coached some of the most iconic athletes, including Olympic gold medallist Daley Thompson, tennis legend Boris Becker, and golfing star Justin Rose. Beyond his work in athletics, Frank’s expertise has extended to global sports leadership. He’s served as High-Performance Director for SASCOC, delivering outstanding results at the Rio Olympics, and was a strategic consultant for Eddie Jones and the England Rugby Leadership Team ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Frank is also a prolific author, motivational speaker, and mentor to leaders in business and sport. His timeless lessons on “mountain and valley people,” storytelling, and building trust are as relevant in the boardroom as they are on the track.This episode dives into Frank’s journey from imposter syndrome to becoming a world-renowned coach, his experiences working with legendary athletes, and the key ingredients for building high-performance cultures in both business and sport. If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or sports enthusiast looking for inspiration and actionable lessons, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss