Lessons from Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs
take centre stage at Entrepreneurial Scotland Members’ Day
Our second annual Members’ Day brought the Exchange community together at itison to learn from leading business voices and build connections beyond their usual Boards.
Stepping away from the day-to-day can give you the space to look at your business differently. That was the opportunity at this year’s Exchange Members’ Day, where members from across our Boards came together to hear from Oli Norman, Allan Dowie, Ana Stewart and Lord Haughey, and spend time with the wider community.
Hosted at itison, the day explored some of the questions that matter when growing a business: which numbers deserve your attention, when you need a board and how to make it work. Colin Lamb, Founder at Connect Three and our Leadership Development Partner, helped members explore the ideas through practical workshops.
The story behind itison
Oli Norman, CEO and Founder of itison and itison Venues, shared his start-up journey and the lessons from growing itison into a £30 million business. Hearing that story at the company’s own offices gave members an insight into the business behind our venue for the day.
Using the numbers to help your business grow
Understanding the numbers behind growth was the focus of Allan Dowie’s masterclass, ‘The Numbers Are There to Help You Grow’. Drawing on his experience as an accountant, business owner, investor and adviser, the Wbg CEO explored how the right metrics can help leaders make better decisions.
From understanding the story behind each number to identifying the few measures that drive performance, the session encouraged members to consider what their reporting tells them about their business. Allan also explored how those measures change as a business grows and what lenders and other stakeholders look for. A workshop with Colin gave members time to put the thinking into practice.
A little friendly competition
There was room for a little friendly competition too. Our Members’ Day Sports Day brought everyone together in a different setting, offering a chance to get to know people beyond their regular Board conversations.
What makes a good board?
The focus on who you have around you continued with Scotland’s Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart. Her masterclass, ‘Boards: What Good Looks Like, When You Need One, and How to Make It Work’, explored when a growing business needs a board and what makes it effective.
Drawing on her experience as a founder, investor and non-executive, Ana helped members think about the role a board could play in their business, with Colin supporting them to explore the ideas further.
Lessons from Lord Haughey
Lord Haughey, Chairman of City Facilities Holdings, rounded off the formal programme with his story of growing multiple successful businesses. He shared the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Connecting across The Exchange
Members, speakers and guests continued their conversations at our drinks reception, with more time to meet people from across the community.
Beyond the sessions, Members’ Day was about bringing our community together. Our regular Exchange Boards provide a trusted space to talk through challenges and learn from fellow leaders. This gathering opened those conversations up across the wider membership, helping people meet others with different experiences and strengthen connections beyond their usual groups.
Thank you for making it possible
Thank you to Oli, Allan, Ana, Colin and Lord Haughey for giving their time and sharing their experience so generously. We’re also grateful to Oli and the itison team for hosting us, Paul Duffy and Zudu for sponsoring Members’ Day, and Steven McColl and Soho Wealth for sponsoring the food and drinks.
Most of all, thank you to every member who joined us and made the day their own.
Members’ Day in pictures
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Be part of The Exchange
If you’d like to be part of a future Members’ Day, The Exchange connects founders, chief executives, managing directors and senior leaders through trusted peer advisory boards, alongside events and opportunities to learn from the wider community.
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