Entrepreneurial Scotland has launched the fifth cohort of The Exchange, bringing together a new group of founders, CEOs, and managing directors for a transformative peer support experience. This milestone event also marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership with Carlowrie Castle, which will serve as the venue for future Exchange Board events and overnight retreats.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Carlowrie Castle, the latest cohort embarked on an inspiring overnight retreat designed to establish the foundations of their peer board. Over the next year, these business leaders will build trust, challenge perspectives, and provide business-critical support to one another - fostering connections that extend far beyond the boardroom.
The launch event featured insights from industry leaders, including Neil Logan, who shared his journey of co-founding and scaling Incremental Group to £40M+ in annual revenue within five years, culminating in a successful £175M exit in 2022.
The Exchange’s peer board model is designed to create an environment where business leaders can engage in open, honest discussions about challenges and opportunities, drawing on the collective wisdom of their peers. Participants of the programme have already begun to reflect on the impact of the experience:
Jude McCorry, Chief Executive Officer of Cyber Fraud Centre – Scotland, said:
“I have been looking for a programme that I could get involved in over the last few months, as I feel I need to take a breather and take stock! I am so glad I found this programme and the people involved in it – it’s like finding my tribe. A feeling of calmness comes over you as you settle into your first day, as you know you are now not in that lonely position of CEO anymore. You are now surrounded by people in similar positions as you, who listen, support, and most of all, want each other to thrive, not just survive!"
Michael Annandale, Managing Director of Moo-Let said:
“A truly enriching experience
in a breathtaking setting, where business owners came together not just to
share expertise but to embrace vulnerability, foster trust, and support each
other’s growth. A powerful start to the journey ahead.”
Helen Denny, CEO of The Melting Pot said:
"I recently joined the Exchange to connect with peers beyond my usual networks. Having a trusted group to share challenges, explore opportunities, and problem-solve together is invaluable. Even after just the residential, I’ve already applied key learnings to my business. I have no doubt that my peer board will continue to inspire and challenge me as we grow."
Andy Healy joined The TEFL Org with over 20 years’ experience in the publishing sector, building market leading, global consumer brands for Immediate Media and BBC magazines. There he headed up History, Science and Sport divisions as well as Digital editions and Podcasts. Using his expertise to grow the business, Andy is focused on delivering accessible, premium quality learning across international markets, particularly in the US.
Learn more about The TEFL Org.
I’ve been a filmmaker in various capacities for 32 years. My company, FixFX, is an extension of those skills, but it wasn’t the most obvious one to me.
I started out as a floor runner - teas, coffees, sweeping, traffic control and a number of other roles that I had no business doing and were sometimes just downright dangerous. But it was a great fun thing to do while I studied painting at Chelsea College of Art and got me deep into the film and tv industry in time for graduation.
I quickly progressed at that point from runner to director. I started with small films about business. Then slowly worked up to directing a feature film.
Along the way I was recognised with awards around the world, but as an old friend used to say “awards don’t pay the bills”.
While making my feature film I helmed a small visual effects dept. Another friend noted how good I was at it and suggested I start a VFX company in Scotland. The idea coincided with a funding initiative to provide training for young people interested in the film industry, which appealed to me as I’m also a trustee of a charity that helps create opportunities in the screen trades.
I applied and used the money to start a company. 8 years on we’ve weathered some storms, but we now work on shows for Netflix, Disney, Sony Pictures, Amazon MGM and many others. I’m always hopeful the future looks rosy while preparing for the worst.
I still indulge my passion for filmmaking, photography, art and increasingly fly-fishing.
Will I direct again? Maybe. I have some projects in development, but running a company keeps me very busy.
Learn more about Fix FX.
Ewan is the Director of Galley Proof Ltd, a group of print companies including brands such as Alliance Print Ltd, Xcalibra Ltd, Maxwell House Printers and JFK Associates (UK) Ltd.
Ewan's first attempt at entrepreneuring was a business importing Moroccan crafts and textiles. It transpired that he was not very good at sales and marketing. And so (naturally) he decided to embark on a career in sales and marketing.
What followed was a CIM Professional Diploma and an opportunity to run what turned out to be a cutting edge digital marketing project for an international school. Over the course of three years the school reached capacity, it was forced to open a waiting list for the first time in its 30-year history and...Ewan's services were thus no longer required.
Following a stint at a marketing agency Ewan took up a role as Head of Marketing at Harviestoun Brewery where he got listings with M&S and Amazon UK, won several awards and once sold £100,000 of beer with a single email. Often operating far beyond his brief, he poked his nose into sales, finance & operations, gradually realising that he just really, really liked the business of business. Which led very neatly to The Saltire Fellowship and then a role heading up the commercial side of FinTech startup, Float.
In 2022 he set up an SPV to acquire print companies, which has been growing faster than he ever imagined.
I have been in the service sector for over 20 years. Working in commercial, operational and leadership roles developed a career in helping clients internally and externally solve problems.
Working across multiple industry sectors in Capex Projects, Service Contract, Contract Management, Key Account Managing then into Leadership roles running full Profit and Loss accounts for global businesses.
Before starting Ailsa Reliability Solutions, I was a Regional Director leading 7 business units at a global engineering business, with an annual turnover of £30M with 250 indirect staff. The business units included re-manufacturing business, naval services business, coil manufacturing business, global engineering support, condition monitoring R&D business and a number of service and repair business units.
I have work for both small and large organisations through my time and have supported some major players in Oil and Gas, Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing, Marine and Renewables Sectors, the likes of BP, Shell, GSK, DSM, Viridor, Veolia, General Electric, Siemens Gamesa, Forth Ports, CNR International to name a few.
I’m Jim, the founder and CEO of Cleartech, a leading specialist in HVAC Commissioning, Water treatment, Water and Air hygiene & Legionella compliance.Established 20 years ago, Cleartech has grown steadily and now employs over 50 staff across 3 locations in the UK.
My day to day working life has evolved over the last few years and is now very varied and new to me. I’m doing more strategy and development work than I’ve ever done, working on the black stuff, whilst “trying and being told” to leave the day to day running of Cleartech to our trusted management team and our great people. I let go a wee bit more every day…. that worries me sometimes!
What the next chapter holds for Cleartech and myself will be interesting, I feel I make decisions when I hit a crossroad and move on happily, then I meet another crossroad.
My name is Keith Gallacher and I am the Managing Director or Complete Weed Control (Scotland South East Limited). Complete Weed Control is a franchise organisation and Icurrently own two of the 4 franchise areas in Scotland (75% along the journey to securing our 3rd area).
In 2005 I began my CWC journey at the age of 18. I started off with just a van and a knapsack and a handful of small contracts. I had managed to fund the new venture from savings, Princes Trust, Business Gateway and a little help from my family.
Over the past 18 years I have built the business up to an 18 strong workforce with an annual turnover of £2.75million and we haven’t even scratched the surface yet!
Our core elements of business are weed control, grass cutting, arboriculture and winter maintenance all contributing equally to our annual revenue. We are B2B only and our clients range from Local Authorities, highways operating companies through to private commercial companies.
Join The Exchange, a peer advisory group designed for CEOs, founders, and senior leaders. Gain actionable insights, tackle business challenges, and build meaningful connections with a curated group of like-minded leaders.
Learn more about The Exchange, the peer support programme for ambitious leaders in Scotland.