Simon Hannah is taking on the role of chair at Scottish EDGE, succeeding David Shearer who completed a nine-year term in the position at the end of September. 

Hannah brings with him experience and leadership from his role at a fifth-generation family business JW Filshill. The company generates a turnover of £203 million and employs 240 staff to supply products to 1,400 businesses across Scotland. In addition to this, Hannah also has experience as chair for Unitas Wholesale Ltd, which is the UK’s largest wholesale buying consortium, as well as being actively involved in the YPO Scotland chapter.

In addition to this, Hannah also has experience in the Scottish EDGE process by serving as a finals judging member for various competition rounds, and has been a board member since May of 2021. 

“Simon brings a specific expertise to the role of Chair of Scottish EDGE. Not only does he have considerable experience at Director level, he also has a keen appreciation of the unique challenges EDGE’s operations present through his close involvement with the organisation over the past few years,” said Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE.

“He joins us at a time when his commitment to the business environment in Scotland will prove invaluable as we continue to work with our stakeholders, clients and wider business community to help rebuild and grow our economy. I am delighted to welcome Simon to our Board of Directors.” continued McDonald. 

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Scottish Edge is an initiative which is supported by Scottish businesses such as The Hunter Foundation, the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Scottish Government, and Scottish Enterprise. Its goal is to foster Scotland’s economic growth by providing support to the nation’s entrepreneurs, especially in early stages of development.

Hannah joins the organisation at a time which is focused on supporting Scotland’s economic recovery. This comes at a time where the average GDP growth rate in Scotland over the last three years was -1.0%, according to the Scottish government, and the economic inactivity rate climbed to almost 23%, according to Scottish Enterprise.  

Commenting on the appointment, Simon Hannah said: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking on the role as Chair of Scottish EDGE. Being able to play my part in the future of Scottish EDGE as part of the unique entrepreneurial eco-system we have here in Scotland is an exciting prospect. I’m looking forward to working with all of our key stakeholders to build the next strategic chapter and continue on the success that David Shearer has built over the past 9 years.”