The Exchange is a peer advisory group designed for ambitious CEOs, founders, MDs, and senior leaders who are committed to accelerating their growth. By connecting you with other business leaders, we offer a supportive environment where you can gain insights, share experiences, and navigate business challenges together.
Through regular meetings, expert-led sessions, and exclusive networking opportunities, The Exchange helps you scale your business, refine your leadership skills, and expand your professional network.
The Exchange was originally formed in 1995 by some of Scotland's most inspiring business leaders. It has a rich legacy of helping leaders scale their businesses.
The Exchange operates on a structured format that encourages consistent engagement, actionable feedback, and meaningful business connections. Here’s how it works:
Peer Advisory Boards: You will join a curated group of 12 high-performing leaders who meet every 8 weeks to discuss and solve real business challenges. Facilitated by an experienced coach, these sessions are focused on providing strategic insights and feedback.
Networking Dinners and Private Events: Gain direct access to Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs at exclusive dinners, where you can have candid, behind-the-scenes conversations about their journey to success.
Expert Insights: Your board can request tailored expert-led sessions on specific business topics, from finance to leadership, and more. We also offer company visits to learn directly from innovative businesses.
The Exchange is designed for founders, CEOs, MDs, and senior leaders who want to connect with others at the same stage of business growth. It’s perfect for leaders who are looking for real, meaningful connections with other business leaders; it’s for those who want to engage in honest conversations, share insights, and collaborate on solving shared challenges.
The Exchage accepts applications from Founders, CEOs, Managing Directors and senior leaders such as Operations Directors, Sales Directors, Marketing Directors and more. It's open to senior business leaders who want to help and be helped.
To learn more about our entry criteria, please download our brochure.
The Exchange offers unique benefits that help you and your business grow:
Peer Support: Build a trusted community of like-minded leaders who understand the challenges of scaling a business and can offer tried and tested solutions.
Strategic Guidance: Access actionable insights and feedback to help you solve business problems, make informed decisions, and grow your leadership skills.
Exclusive Connections: Gain access to a network of senior entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts who can provide tailored advice and behind the scenes knowledge to help you scale.
Ongoing Accountability: Regular meetings and peer workgroups ensure you stay accountable, motivated, and on track with your business goals.
The Exchange helps you grow through collaboration, strategic advice, and access to industry leaders who have already navigated the challenges you're facing. Whether you’re scaling your business, entering new markets, or dealing with leadership hurdles, The Exchange offers the support and insights to guide your decisions and drive growth.
Unlike traditional networking groups and business support programmes, The Exchange offers you access to a curated peer advisory board where like-minded leaders tackle real challenges together through deep, strategic collaboration. Here, you won’t just exchange business cards - you’ll gain actionable insights, personal accountability, and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of leadership and scale your business.
The Exchange isn't a course or a one-size-fits-all programme, it's about learning from those who've walked in your shoes, leaders who understand the highs, lows and tough decisions that come with running a business. The power of peer support is at the core of what we offer, creating a space for honest feedback and shared learning.
The Exchange also offers exclusive access to a wide ecosystem of support. This includes access to seasoned entrepreneurs who offer real-world advice, guidance, and inspiration. Additionally, you can access industry experts and coaches who provide tailored insights into specific challenges facing your business. Topics are tailored to your needs and can include workshops on strategic growth, organisational culture, leadership development and more.
The Exchange is designed to support your growth—both as a leader and a business—by connecting you with the right people and resources at the right time.
As a member of The Exchange, your time commitment is designed to be both manageable and valuable for your business growth.
Each Exchange Board meets bi-monthly (every 8 weeks) for a half-day board session. These sessions are a key opportunity to step away from the day-to-day demands of your business, focus on your leadership development, and explore the challenges you're facing with a trusted group of peers. It’s a chance to gain fresh perspectives, find shared solutions, and drive real progress.
In addition to board sessions, you’ll have the chance to attend private dinners with influential entrepreneurs and business leaders, typically outside of business hours. These intimate events provide valuable insights and networking opportunities with those who have navigated similar challenges.
Throughout the year, there may also be additional workshops or company visits—typically half-day sessions—that provide a deeper dive into key business areas or give you a firsthand look at how other businesses are innovating and scaling.
If you're curious about what it's really like to be a member of The Exchange, our Programme Manager, Lisa Ferguson, is happy to chat with you about the programme and what it involves.
If you'd prefer to hear firsthand from someone who's already experiencing the benefits of The Exchange, we can connect you with one of our current members. They’ll be glad to share their personal insights and how The Exchange has supported their growth and success.
Get in touch below to start a conversation.
To become a member of The Exchange, the first step is to download our brochure. This will provide you with all the details about the programme, its benefits, and how it works.
You can access our application form through the brochure, where we’ll ask a few questions about yourself, your company, and your primary goals for joining.
Once you’ve completed the form, our team will review your application and get in touch with next steps.
If you have any questions or would like more details about The Exchange, we’d be delighted to provide the answers. Whether you're curious about membership, the benefits, or how it can specifically support your growth, don’t hesitate to reach out.