-
Share
Movers & Shakers | October 2024
Catch up on October 2024’s recruitment, partnerships, expansions, and awards news from across the Scottish technology sector.
Welcome to the October 2024 edition of DIGIT’s Movers and Shakers!
Each month, our Movers and Shakers feature gives you the low-down on recent news in the Scottish tech ecosystem.
October has been another bumper month, with many innovative Scots organisations and key players doing exciting things. Read on to find out what exactly’s been happening!
Recruitment
Robin Huggins Joins DIGIT as Chief Revenue Officer
DIGIT have appointed Robin Huggins to the newly created role of Chief Revenue Officer. A veteran of the Scottish Technology ecosystem, Rob brings 25 years of experience in Sales, Marketing, Operations and Service Delivery excellence to the business.
In addition to his core expertise, Rob is well known throughout the Data and Tech community as an event and podcast host and as a strategic advisor to organisations as wide ranging as the University of Glasgow, Data Lab, Scotland’s AI Strategy and the Data & Marketing Association.
Rob will work closely with the company’s Directors to refine and grow the core DIGIT offering as the organisation embarks upon an exciting period of growth.
Huggins commented: “I am delighted to be joining not only an organisation that I have developed a huge respect for over the course of the last few years, but a group of people I am genuinely honoured to be working with.”
Mark Logan Resigns as Chief Entrepreneurial Advisor
Mark Logan, Scotland’s chief entrepreneurial advisor, has announced his resignation after four and a half years in the role.
In a LinkedIn post, Logan expressed that it was the right time for a change, citing the toll taken by ongoing political criticism as one factor in his decision, stating that “although I am not in a political role, I am increasingly becoming a target for some in the right-wing of Scottish politics and their supporting publications, which, just as intended, has become draining.”
To read more, click here.
To read our full feature interview with Mark Logan, where he discusses his time in government, and his shock resignation, click here.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce Appoint New Directors
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), the business network, has strengthened its board of directors in a move to boost its fight for greater investment and support for Scotland’s businesses.
The new directors are Lindsay McGranaghan, senior vice president at CGI; Chris Lynch, trade and supply chain finance director at Santander Corporate Banking; Stuart Broster, founder and managing director of SDPN; Sarah Medcraf, CEO of Moray Chamber of Commerce; and Joanna Campbell, principal and CEO of Dumfries and Galloway College.
To read more, click here.
Scots Law Firm Burness Paull Appoints New Managing Partner
Burness Paull, the Scotland-based independent law firm, has appointed Mark Ellis as its new managing partner, working alongside Peter Lawson who will continue as chair.
Ellis brings considerable management experience to the role, having led the firm’s corporate finance team over the last six years. He also previously sat as an elected member of the firm’s governance board.
Specialising in private equity transactions and mergers and acquisitions (M&A), Ellis trained with legacy firm Burness before spending five years in London with City firms Hogan Lovells and Travers Smith. He returned to the firm as a partner in 2008.
To read more, click here.
Abrdn Adviser Hires Chief Technology and Product Officer
Abrdn Adviser has announced the appointment of Derek Smith to the newly created role of Chief Product & Technology officer. The CPTO role will bring together Abrdn Adviser’s technology and product teams.
Derek will be responsible for executing the product and technology strategy and ensuring the continuous enhancement and scalability of the Abrdn Adviser business. I am looking forward to getting to know our customers and helping lead the development of digital products, journeys and services which support the advice community.
Clyde Hydrogen Appoints New CEO
Clyde Hydrogen, a Scottish startup spun out from the University of Glasgow’s renowned School of Chemistry, has announced the appointment of James Peck as CEO to lead its next growth phase.
Peck, who formerly served as Chief Customer Officer at ZeroAvia, brings extensive experience in scaling clean-energy initiatives, having secured over $10 billion in orders and $250 million in funding.
WeDO Scotland Announces New Chair and Advisory Board Members
WeDO Scotland has appointed Richard Simpson, Joint Managing Director of Tayburn, as its new Chair, succeeding Gordon White of fatBuzz.
Tayburn recently joined forces with Lewis, forming the Limitless Innovations Group. WeDO founder Belinda Roberts stated that the new Advisory Board, including Ian McLeod Kerr of Raven Controls and Kelly Jones of Begbies Traynor, will drive innovation and support for Scottish entrepreneurs as WeDO enters its sixteenth year.
Steve O’Donnell Appointed Chief Operating Officer of Scottish Business Network
Scottish Business Network (SBN) has announced the appointment of Steve O’Donnell as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
O’Donnell brings a wealth of experience in membership organisations, global finance, technology, energy, defence and logistics and is tasked with industrialising the SBN to accelerate benefits to Scotland, Scottish businesses, and the Scottish diaspora.
“I am excited to join the SBN and contribute to its global mission of connecting and supporting Scottish businesses and folk. I will focus on developing and implementing strategies to industrialise the network, creating a more robust and efficient platform to deliver tangible benefits to our members in Scotland and worldwide,” O’Donnell.
Partnerships
Pathways Forward Announces Third Cohort of Pledge Partners
A third cohort of companies have become Pledge partners with Pathways Forward, committing to actionable steps aligned with the principles set out in the Pathways report for supporting women in business.
The latest cohort comprising EY, FDM Group, Elevator, Equity Gap, and the Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC) now join the likes of CodeBase, The Open University in Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Royal Bank of Scotland and many more as Pledge partners.
To read more, click here.
Abertay University announces new partnership with Adobe
Abertay University has officially become Scotland’s first Adobe Creative Campus, part of a select group of colleges and universities that have empowered students in all disciplines with essential digital skills to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
The new partnership with Adobe means that students can benefit from the range of industry-leading software, enhancing their digital and creative skills and better equipping them for today’s workplace.
Students can access these resources both on campus and at home, enabling them to create visually compelling content from any location.
The benefits extend to staff members, who receive access to Creative Cloud software, including popular tools such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Illustrator. Both students and staff can also tap into Adobe Stock’s extensive library of millions of royalty-free images.
EC-PR Appointed to Support 2i’s Growth Strategy
UK engineering service provider 2i, has selected EC-PR as their PR and marketing agency.
This partnership aims to bolster 2i’s growth plans, leveraging EC-PR’s award-winning expertise in strategic communication for high-growth B2B tech companies.
Building on their previous, highly-successful collaboration in developing a communication strategy, EC-PR will now expand its support through comprehensive marketing, PR, and thought leadership initiatives.
Johnston Carmichael Partners With Europe’s First VC Accelerator
Johnston Carmichael has secured a partnership with Europe’s first VC accelerator to empower emerging VC managers and bolster the fundraising system.
The firm was selected as Mountside Ventures’ Emerging VC Managers Accelerator Programme’s sole accountancy partner due to its “track record and credibility within the venture community”.
The programme was launched earlier this week by Mountside – Europe’s leading accelerator and early-stage advisory firm – and is open to applications for a programme that will start in the new year.
As part of the partnership, the UK accountancy and business advisory firm will provide specialist advice, mentoring and full accountancy to new and emerging VC funds.
Robert Gordon University in New Cybersecurity Academic Partnership
Robert Gordon University (RGU) has become an academic partner of ISC2, a leading not-for-profit member association for cybersecurity professionals.
This allows RGU to offer training and courseware in support of cyber security professional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) on all its cybersecurity courses as well as in the form of short courses to the wider community of professionals.
Scottish Space Network Partners With Portfolio XD and the Events Hub
The Scottish Space Network has announced new partnerships with PortfolioXD and The Events Hub, respected companies who offer ‘C-Suite as a service’ and specialised event management services to support the growth of the country’s space sector.
These collaborations will help space companies develop effective ‘go to market’ event strategies and access flexible, highly experienced C-suite executives to accelerate growth and success.
Scottish Tech Specialist Partners With Air Canada
Glasgow-based simulation software specialist, Simul8 has partnered with Air Canada to help the airline to streamline its call centre systems in order to improve customer experience.
Through the international partnership, Air Canada is using Simul8’s advanced simulation software to optimise its customer care lines, reducing call wait times, improving call routing and prioritisation and optimising the telephony platform to handle spikes in call volumes during busy periods.
Expansions & Relocations
Sustainable Ventures Opens Glasgow Base in Partnership With Techscaler
Sustainable Ventures is opening a Glasgow base in partnership with Techscaler, aimed at driving climate tech startup activity in Scotland.
Alongside its venture capital arm, Sustainable Ventures works closely with portfolio companies through intensive 12-month programmes, one-to-one support, and the provision of professional services, to help accelerate growth and secure future funding rounds.
Click here to read more.
Edinburgh Space Testing Facility Relaunches
The Higgs Centre for Innovation is relaunching its Space Testing Facility after upgrading its capabilities with new and clean rooms and advanced testing equipment.
Following nine months of renovations and over £400,000 investment via the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the Higgs’ space testing facility is reopening for business.
The upgrade is set to further enable the site to support early-stage tech start-ups and space SMEs as they begin their journey. Providing access to cutting edge equipment, specialist advice and guidance, and technical expertise to qualify space hardware.
To read more, click here.
Puma Private Equity Expands Into Scotland Amid Rebrand
Puma Private Equity, a provider of growth capital to small- and medium-sized businesses, has announced its expansion into Scotland and its rebrand to Puma Growth Partners.
The team in Scotland will be led by investment director Ben Leslie, who has relocated back to Scotland after spending six years helping to grow the Puma business in London.
Based at new offices at Queen Street in Edinburgh, the investment team will be focused on backing management teams across Scotland who have a clear vision for building successful, expertly-run businesses, the firm said.
To read more, click here.
Strathclyde Uni Launches New Microelectronics Lab
The University of Strathclyde has opened a state-of-the-art engineering laboratory, with hopes that it will allow students to gain practical design, implementation and test experience of techniques required to create combined hardware and software engineering systems.
The NXP Technology Laboratory, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, is funded under a three-year collaboration with technology company NXP Semiconductors, a semiconductor manufacturer working across the automotive, industrial, IoT, and communications sectors.
In collaboration with Strathclyde’s third year microcontroller class, NXP will provide every student with their own microcontroller kit for the class and future projects.
To read more, click here.
Ingenza Announces Relocation to Purpose-built Edinburgh Facilities
Ingenza – a contract research, development and manufacturing organisation (CRDMO) and technology accelerator – has announced its plans to relocate to the Moubray Building at Edinburgh Technopole, part of Pioneer Group.
Following a detailed strategic review, the company has embarked on the creation of a multi-million pound facility to help drive its growth plans.
The purpose-built premises will more than double Ingenza’s current footprint to approximately 25,000 square feet, expanding its fermentation and research facilities.
Awards
Scotland Women in Technology Unveils 2024 Awards Finalists
The “platforms for women to thrive” in the tech sector have been made clear following a record number of individuals and organisations who have been unveiled as finalists for the Scotland Women in Technology (SWiT) Awards 2024.
Announced during a showcase event at Morgan Stanley in Glasgow, 33 individuals working across 27 organisations in 10 categories were recognised for their efforts in elevating the profile of women or in driving gender equity-focused programmes within their organisations.
The awards, which have been refreshed for 2024, include four new categories: Mentor of the Year, Unsung Hero Award, Career Changer of the Year and Everyday Leader Award.
To see the full list of finalists, click here.
Big Wins for Women-led Businesses in Scotland
Businesses from across Scotland have been celebrated at this year’s Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards 2024.
The ceremony, held at Glasgow’s voco Grand Central Hotel and attended by over 275 guests, got going with a keynote speech delivered by Sheila Flavell, techUK president and COO of FDM Group, before handing out awards to established and emerging businesses across ten categories.
The winners included Edinburgh-based events and marketing company YOURGB, led by Gilly Bain, which won Outstanding Business of the Year, and ThermaFY Eco Solutions, a home energy efficiency firm from the Scottish Borders, which won the Business Investment of the Year Award.
To see the full list of winners, click here.
Converge 2024 Winners Revealed
Converge has announced the winners of its 2024 awards, showcasing an impressive array of innovations addressing critical global challenges, from environmental sustainability to healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
At an event held in Edinburgh on 3rd October and attended by Kate Forbes, deputy first minister of Scotland, Converge presented 12 prizes to Scottish universities across its four award categories of Converge, Create Change, KickStart, and Net Zero, with a total prize fund of over £300,000.
In the Converge Challenge category, University of Strathclyde future spin-out InProcess claimed top prize with its real-time welding inspection system. Using ultrasonic waves, its technology detects defects as they occur, potentially saving manufacturers millions of pounds and significantly reducing rework and delays.
To see the full list of winners, click here.
Language Coaching App Designed in Dundee Up For Award
Leximos, an AI-driven language coaching app designed by University of Dundee students, has been shortlisted for the EIBF’s Champion of Champions competition.
The app offers international students personalised, real-life scenario practice to boost speaking confidence, setting it apart from traditional grammar-focused tools.
After winning at the Venture enterprise competition, Leximos will now compete for a share of £16,500 and mentorship from top business leaders, with the final taking place on November 8 at the Royal Academy of Engineering.
