New peer support programme launched for Scottish business leaders

26/07/2024
Left to Right: Sean McGrath (Entrepreneurial Scotland), Steven Easton (Easton Group), Grant Keenan (Keenan Recycling), Ben Lamb (West Lothian Leisure), Paul Harkins (Aspen Solutions), Brian Woods (Cain and Grain International), Scott St John (Interlink Lighting & Electrical), Liz Watson (The Mobility Centre), Nathalie Agnew (Muckle Media), Grant Currie (Virtual Services Group), Barry Fearn (Lane Media), Ryan Longmuir (Regis Banqueting Ltd), Lisa Ferguson (Entrepreneurial Scotland).

ENTREPRENEURIAL Scotland has launched its search for ambitious business leaders to join its new peer support programme, The Exchange.

The Exchange offers business leaders the opportunity to join an exclusive peer advisory board with 12 other like-minded founders, directors, or CEOs at a similar stage of business to them, providing a trusted space to collaborate and share experience, insights and knowledge through regular board meetings.

Members can also benefit from access to mentors, subject matter experts and networking opportunities with some of Scotland’s most successful and influential entrepreneurs.

The new programme has been designed to address the most common challenges leaders in Scotland face, including access to meaningful peer support, valuable networking opportunities and practical leadership insights. By fostering a community where leaders can learn from each other’s experiences, gain confidence, and explore new opportunities for growth, The Exchange aims to drive both individual and collective success, contributing to a thriving Scottish business landscape.

CEO of Entrepreneurial Scotland, Sean McGrath, believes addressing these needs will help leaders overcome barriers to scaling their businesses and will ultimately drive Scotland’s economy forward.

“Scotland doesn’t have a business creation problem; it’s about ensuring that the leaders running those businesses have the right support to scale and grow,” said McGrath.

“By bringing diverse leaders from different industries together in one setting and providing them with the connections, insights, and experience, we enable them to explore and overcome their challenges. This not only helps their businesses grow, but also contributes significantly to the growth of Scotland’s economy.”

The programme has already seen great success, launching two boards so far. Grant Currie, Managing Director of Virtual Services Group, believes insights from his board will be the key to doubling his turnover in the next five years.

“I now have a board of peers in finance, IT, PR, and marketing who I can turn to for advice on scaling my business, and they can rely on me too. I’m now looking to scale my business from £15m to £30m by 2028 and I couldn’t do that without being a member of The Exchange.”

The Exchange is now accepting applications. Interested leaders can learn more by visiting Entrepreneurial Scotland.

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