Scottish Business Network

Welcome to the Scottish Business Network podcast. For the 100 episode of the SBN podcast I had the pleasure of speaking with a truly remarkable individual, Russell Dalgleish, the founder and chairperson of the Scottish Business Network. Russell is a dynamic leader with a career that spans decades and industries, from technology to global networking. His journey, which he refers to as one of luck and perseverance, has been marked by pivotal moments, from his early days in computing to his role as a connector of the global Scottish diaspora. Russell's vision for the Scottish Business Network has been instrumental in building a vibrant community that supports Scottish businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. His experiences, from standing on a plinth in Trafalgar Square to navigating the challenges of the 2008 recession, have shaped his belief in the power of community, resilience, and the importance of asking for help. In this interview, I explore Russell's insights on leadership, his philosophy of helping others, and the unique challenges and opportunities within Scottish culture. Whether you're an expat looking to reconnect with your roots or a member of the Scottish Business Network, this conversation promises to inspire and inform. I give you Russell Dalgleish….

Welcome to today's episode, where we have the absolute honour of hosting a remarkable individual who epitomises resilience, determination, and the sheer power of the human spirit. Our guest today is none other than Martin Perry, a phenomenal Paralympian who is about to embark on yet another incredible journey—competing in the Paris Paralympics in table tennis. Martin's story is nothing short of inspiring. Born with congenital limb deficiency, Martin could have easily let this define his limitations, but instead, he has used it as a platform to build an extraordinary career. Growing up amidst financial challenges, he developed a resilience that has propelled him to the very pinnacle of his sport. As Martin himself says, 'My disability was just life, but it was the financial struggles my family faced that truly built the character and resilience within me.' Throughout his career, Martin has been a beacon of motivation, not just in sports but also as a public speaker, inspiring countless individuals around the world. Whether he's sharing his journey with schoolchildren, playing table tennis with no hands—a feat he jokingly describes as 'absolutely stupid'—or representing causes close to his heart, such as Preventing Ocean Plastic, Martin's impact is profound. In this podcast, we'll delve into Martin's incredible journey—from the trials and tribulations of narrowly missing qualification to the emotional moment of discovering he had made it to the Paralympics, and the unwavering support of his wife, Siobhan, who he lovingly refers to as his number one supporter, despite her indifference to table tennis. Join us as we explore the life and mindset of a true champion, someone who lives by the words of Winston Churchill: 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal, but it is the courage to continue that counts.' Without further ado, let's hear Martin’s story …

Welcome to the last of three special episodes of the Scottish Business Network podcast in partnership with the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade and, in particular, its International Markets Team for Latin America and the Caribbean. And here's a questions for you... Did you know that one of the most popular dishes in Brazil is sushi? That's a consequence of another fact that may or may not surprise you in that Brazil is home to 1.5m people of Japanese descent – one of the biggest Japanese communities outside Japan itself. Stay with me because that is a valuable fact for the Scottish seafood industry, and in particular salmon producers, because there is a huge opportunity to sell high-quality Scottish salmon to the sushi chefs of Brazil. That’s exactly why as part of the Government’s Seafood Exports Package, the Department of Business and Trade, in collaboration with Defra and Seafood Scotland, recently brought some of Brazil’s most influential sushi chefs over to Scotland to demonstrate what is on offer. This initiative was led by Iseabail Mactaggart, Deputy Director for Scotland at the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade, and she explains all in this episode. If you would like to find out more about trade opportunities in Brazil or elsewhere in Latin America and the Caribbean, you can simply email the International Markets Team at exportsupport.latac@fcdo.gov.uk or, as Iseabail mentions in this episode, DBTScotland@businessandtrade.gov.uk. And do listen to the two other episodes in this series, you’ll find them by seareching for: Spencer Mahony: Our Man in Mexico Robin Sampson: Trade Spaces in Colombia”

Welcome to the second of three special episodes of the Scottish Business Network podcast in partnership with the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade and, in particular, its International Markets Team for Latin America and the Caribbean. In this episode, it' a great pleasure to hear from Spencer Mahony, His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, based in Mexico City. Brimming with enthusiasm for the region, Spencer explains why there are great opportunities for many Scottish businesses in these markets, and how he and his team can help. He also casts a fresh light on countries that perhaps don’t always get the most balanced coverage in the media. For anyone interested in trade opportunities with this part of the world, it’s a great listen. If you have any queries about markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, or would like to explore trade opportunities there, do get in touch by sending an email to exportsupport.latac@fcdo.gov.uk. And do listen to the two other episodes in this series: Iseabail Mctaggart: Scottish Salmon & the Sushi Chefs of Brazil Robin Sampson: Trade Spaces in Colombia

Welcome to three special episodes of the Scottish Business Network in partnership with the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade and, in particular, its International Markets Team for Latin America and the Caribbean. In this first episode, we hear the fascinating story of Robin Sampson, founder of Trade in Space, an Edinburgh-based business that is flourishing in Colombia. Trade in Space uses satellite data and blockchain traceability to enable agricultural supply chains to meet their ethical and sustainability targets. In particular, Robin and his team are playing a hugely positive role in developing transparency within the Colombian coffee market. Robin demonstrates opportunities available in Latin American countries that may not be on the radar of many Scottish businesses. He also explains how the International Markets team and the British Embassy in Bogota have played a key role in his success. If you have any queries about markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, or would like to explore trade opportunities there, do get in touch by sending an email to exportsupport.latac@fcdo.gov.uk. And do listen to the other two episodes in this series: Iseabail Mctaggart: Scottish Salmon & the Sushi Chefs of Brazil Spencer Mahony: Our Man in Mexico

SBN co-founder Russell Dalgleish meets identical twins Lisa and Alana Macfarlane and discovers how they swapped their globe-trotting careers as DJs to build an ambitious business promoting gut health.

If you go down to the woods today, you might find Rupert Waites drilling for birch sap. The co-founder of Scottish drinks company Buck & Birch is our fascinating host for a special woodland episode in which we discuss the business he co-founded with Tom Chisholm. We also explore their deep connection with the Scottish landscape, their foraging-inspired spirits & liqueurs, and why Rupert is currently eating a lot of venison.

David started life in Glasgow dreaming of working in an ice cream van but then, after considering a career in the merchant navy, he realised he could get a place at university. That decision opened the door to an extraordinarily successful career thousands of miles away in the US space industry. David tells his story with wonderful colour, humour and affection for his homeland. Recommended! Recorded on 23 March 2023.

In 1966, two brothers called George and Mike Wills bought a small taxi firm in Glasgow, comprising just three cars – a Humber Hawke, a Humber Snipe and an Austin Princess. More than half a century later, George’s daughter Heather Matthews is CEO of Little’s – the luxury worldwide chauffeur services. In this interview with Christine Esson, Heather tells the fascinating story of the business – and bouncing back from the pandemic crisis.

If you’ve had any interaction with the Scottish marketing industry, you will almost certainly have heard of Tayburn, one of the leading agencies in Scotland for more than four decades. Our guest in this episode is Richard Simpson, who joined Tayburn 14 years ago, before participating in a management buyout to become co-owner and joint managing director. Several other large agencies have fallen by the wayside over the years, but Tayburn has successfully adapted over and over again to the rapid transformation of the market-place. Originally known for traditional branding and annual reports, the company then moved into the design and build of websites, before repositioning itself as a creative strategic partner. Richard explains his thoughts on marketing and the challenges of running a business in difficult times. We also hear about his passion for sport (particularly rugby and CrossFit), his love of sneakers and what he likes to rustle up in the kitchen. Interview by Fraser Allen recorded on 20th January 2023. www.allencomms.co.uk

Glasgow-born Sandy Kennedy, studied at Cambridge and began a law career in London, while enjoying the city's club scene. But when the novelty of legal work and house music wore off, he returned to Scotland to help with his family's laundry business, and embark on his own entrepreneurial adventures as Founder of Klick Direct. The UK-wide photo processing chain enjoyed great success, but was a victim of the economic chaos of 2008, and Sandy turned his talents to developing both the Saltire Foundation, and Entrepreneurial Scotland. Now juggling a variety of roles, he describes himself as an 'entrepreneurial optimist and activist', and remains a highly influential figure in the Scottish business world. Interview by Christine Esson.

As Chief Executive of Women's Enterprise Scotland, Carolyn Currie is dedicated to supporting and promoting women-led and women-owned businesses. It's a cause she is passionate about, having a forged her own successful career in finance as Head of Business Lending at Royal Bank of Scotland. And as we hear in her conversation with Christine Esson, Carolyn also chairs The Productivity Institute, has contributed to policy papers at the World Economic Forum at Davos, and has a very good idea of what constitutes the perfect weekend.

When Tynah Matembe and her husband moved from Uganda to Edinburgh, they fell in love with Scotland. However, when the contrast in cultures left them feeling isolated, they embarked on a mission to create a social group bringing together others with an African background. Little did they realise what it would lead to. With their new friends increasingly turning to them as de facto community leaders, they set up a charity called PASSION4FUSION, designed to help migrants integrate into Scottish society. And three years later, in 2018, they launched MoneyMatiX, an organisation that supports ethnic minorities with financial inclusion and effective financial management. In this interview with Christine Esson, Tynah explains her fascinating story – and how her husband's sudden disappearance in an ASDA car park proved pivotal to their entrepreneurial adventures.

When Edinburgh-raised Neil McInnes and his childhood friend Andy Whitmey were still in their 20s, they spotted an opportunity in the residential lettings market. Having both experienced poor service from letting agencies as tenants, they believed that the fusty image of solicitors in pin-striped suits was due a shake-up, with much greater care and attention paid to the way that both property owners and tenants were looked after. 15 years on, Umega Lettings has around 50 staff and, in December 2021, it was voted UK Letting Agency of the Year. Neil, who was once literally the poster boy for Scotland’s Entrepreneurial Spark initiative, also has some very interesting views on the eco-system for Scottish start-ups and what he believes to be a misplaced emphasis on encouraging young entrepreneurs to sell equity and plan for an early exit, rather than organically growing the sort of long-term, Scottish-owned businesses that are the lifeblood of our economy. Interviewed by Fraser Allen on 21 September 2022.

Jacqui Gale's arrival in the world prompted the temporary closure of Edinburgh Airport and, since embarking on the world of business, her impact has been no less striking. This Scots-Canadian has brought her considerable drive and qualities to global brands from Estee Lauder and Revlon, to Crabtree & Evelyn and Arran. Jacqui's a natural storyteller and in this fascinating episode, the CCO of Portmeirion Group and CEO of Wax Lyrical, shares her experiences of resilience, mentoring, innovation – as well the first record she ever bought. Interview by Christine Esson.

Alexandra Lawson’s potential was spotted back in 2018 when she was presented with a One to Watch Award by Women in Science & Engineering (WISE). A Saltire scholar and ambassador, she’s now realising that potential in her current role with Shell, championing renewable energy solutions. A keen advocate of tackling the climate change crisis, Alex is passionate about promoting gender parity in the STEM industries and advocating for the next generation through her role on the WISE Young Professionals Board. And when the working day is done, Alex swaps her business suit for dungarees and a toolbox. In her Instagram influencer guise as Casa Lawson, her DIY expertise has brought her 223,000 followers, with her house featuring on TV in Scotland’s Home of the Year 2021 Christmas special. Scottish Business Network co-founder Christine Esson steps into the interviewer's seat to hear from a highly talented, ambitious and charismatic young professional.

Martin Cawley is a popular and influential figure in Scotland’s third sector. From the early stages of his career at the NHS and then at the family support charity Quarriers, he’s been excited by innovation, committed to inclusion, and driven by a desire to help people realise their full potential. Martin's now bringing his experience to Beatson Cancer Care, having successfully steered the Glasgow-based charity through the pandemic crisis. He's also a former CEO of Turning Point Scotland and Scotland’s Director for the National Lottery Community Fund. Interviewed by Fraser Allen on 13 June 2022.

From humble but happy beginnings in north London, Ray Perman has been a popular and much admired figure in the Scottish business world since permanently moving to Edinburgh in 1975. The former Scotland correspondent for the Financial Times, went on to found the successful Business Insider publishing group before becoming Chief Executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, Chairman of Social Investment Scotland and Chairman of the James Hutton Institute – as well as many other roles. But you may know him better as the author of a gripping book about the 2008 banking crisis called Hubris: How HBOS Wrecked the Best Bank in Britain – plus two more excellent books about the pioneering environmentalist John Lorne, and the financial history of Edinburgh. Interview by Fraser Allen on 17 May 2022. www.allencomms.co.uk

Professor Calum MacRae, a GP's son from the Isle of Skye, has been based in Boston in the USA for more than 30 years and is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. As well as being a physician and a scientist, he is extraordinarily influential and well-connected in Boston’s buoyant life sciences, medical and technology sectors. And in this interview he casts an expert eye over what makes these sectors tick, how they compare to Scotland and the scope for transatlantic collaboration. This interview by Fraser Allen was originally recorded on 30 March 2022 as part of the Q Events, organised by the Scottish Business Network and supported by the Scottish Government to help build Scotland’s tech ecosystem. www.allencomms.co.uk

Damian Riley-Smith grew up in Norfolk but has strong family connections with Jura – both the island and the whisky. A born entrepreneur, he avoided studies during his time at Cambridge University because he was busy running three enterprises he had started up – a magazine, a nightclub and boxer short business. Yep – it was the 80s! After a brief spell in venture capital, he then moved into magazine publishing, which has been the focus of his career ever since, drawing him back to both Scotland and whisky. He’s the founder of Scotland magazine and Whisky magazine, and has gone on to build a publishing empire based around drinks, hospitality, events and awards – culminating in his renovation of Rothes Glen Castle on Speyyside, turning it into a luxury retreat for whisky lovers. Interviewed by Fraser Allen on 25 February 2022. www.allencomms.co.uk