Welcome to the December 2025 edition of Movers & Shakers.

Rounding off a bumper year in the Scottish tech sector, December saw a final flurry of activity with Tomoro continuing its rapid expansion, a litany of high-profile recruitment moves across a number of major Scottish players and some very interesting partnerships in the healthtech space.

All that and more coming up.

Appointments

Bank of Scotland strengthens support for businesses in Edinburgh with new appointment

Bank of Scotland has appointed Matthew Peters as area director for Edinburgh and East of Scotland.

Peters will lead a team of seven, including five relationship managers and two relationship directors. Together, they will support businesses across key sectors such as manufacturing, retail, professional and legal services.

With more than two decades of experience in commercial and retail banking, Matthew joins from HSBC, where he spent 22 years in senior roles, most recently as regional head of SME business b anking Direct.

Matthew Peters, area director for Edinburgh at Bank of Scotland, said: “Edinburgh has one of the most dynamic and diverse business communities in the UK, with firms that continue to innovate and invest.

“My focus is on ensuring they have the right insight, funding and connections to achieve their ambitions. It’s an exciting time for the city’s economy, and I’m looking forward to building strong relationships across its business community, along with further afield across the East of Scotland.”

Prostate Scotland appoints digital technology leader Peter Proud as new trustee

Prostate Scotland has appointed Peter Proud, Founder and CEO of Edinburgh-based digital technology company Forrit, to its Board of Trustees.

Bringing more than 30 years of experience in digital transformation, data, and AI-driven innovation, Peter will support the charity’s work to improve prostate cancer outcomes and raise awareness of prostate health across Scotland.

Peter’s appointment also brings the insight of lived experience. He was diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer following a routine medical check, with successful treatment thanks to early detection. Since then, he has been an active advocate for men’s health awareness, encouraging more men to get informed, get checked, and speak openly about their health.

In his role as trustee, Peter will offer strategic guidance on digital engagement, innovation and technology, as well as supporting Prostate Scotland’s wider mission to provide information, advice and support to men across the country.

Peter Proud, Founder and CEO of Forrit, said: “I’m honoured to join the Board of Prostate Scotland. As someone whose cancer was detected early through routine checks, I know first-hand how important early diagnosis is. Too many men in Scotland are still diagnosed at a late stage, and I want to use my experience and my background in digital innovation to help change that.

“Prostate Scotland plays a vital role in informing, supporting and empowering men across the country, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in that work.”

Nick Challoner joins Ingenza as chief executive officer

Ingenza Limited, a technology driven contract research, development and manufacturing organisation (CRDMO), recently welcomed Nick Challoner as its new chief executive officer.

Nick is a seasoned leader with more than three decades of experience in innovation, strategy and international business.

Starting in research and development before moving into senior commercial roles, he combines scientific insight with business leadership, and will bring a breadth of experience and strategic vision to Ingenza.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick said: “Ingenza has extraordinary people, world-class science, superb capabilities and a clear ambition to grow. Since I started, it’s evident to me that the team is really the driving differentiator behind this company, with a quality of talent and a level of experience that is second to none.

“They all passionately apply their knowledge to the benefit of customers, and create an entrepreneurial environment where innovation can thrive.”

Investing Women Angels appoints new Chair

Investing Women Angels (IWA) has appointed commercial leader Lucy Henderson as its new Chair, succeeding Rhona Campbell.

Henderson brings 25+ years’ experience shaping and scaling Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands, including for AG Barr and Heineken. In her professional roles she has an impressive track record of setting strategic direction, delivering results, and securing sustainable growth.

Henderson has also held a Non-Executive Director role for national social care charity, Cornerstone.

In the role of Chair with IWA Henderson will work closely with the Board and executive team to support the angel group’s ongoing development and expand its impact for women founders and investors, across the UK.

Commenting on the appointment, Henderson said: “I’m energised to take on the role of Chair at Investing Women Angels. This is a pivotal
moment for women founders and investors, and IWA is ideally placed to drive meaningful change and widen participation in angel investing.

“Working with our members, partners and the wider ecosystem, I’m looking forward to building momentum to support more standout entrepreneurs and accelerate a more inclusive, high-growth landscape for the next wave of successful female-led businesses.”

The Data Lab appoints new governance board chair

The Data Lab, has today announced that Nic Granger OBE will assume the role of chair.

Having worked internationally and in the UK across sectors, in her executive role as chief information and financial officer for the North Sea Transition Authority, Granger currently leads an award-winning diverse team that delivers services in data, information and digital solutions to enable and support strategic decisions to accelerate the energy transition.

She is also chair of the Offshore Energy Digital Strategy Group, a trustee for CAST, the Centre for Acceleration of Social Technology, a board member and Chair of the Risk, Audit & Finance Committee of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and a board member for the Bat Conservation Trust.

Commenting, Granger said: “I’m excited to be taking on the role of chair of The Data Lab Governance Board at a time when the responsible use of data and AI is central to creating a connected society and strong economy. Scotland has a unique opportunity to harness the power of data and AI to drive inclusive economic growth, close the skills gap, and lead in responsible innovation.

“As an active member and mentor in The Data Lab Community for many years, I have long admired The Data Lab’s work.  I look forward to working closely with Heather, the board and the wider team to evolve our strategy and ensure that The Data Lab continues to deliver impact that changes lives and helps to boost Scotland’s economy.”

Partnerships

Voice Technologies partners with Corti to deliver healthcare AI-enabled apps

Voice Technologies, a provider of clinical workflow solutions in the UK, has announced a strategic partnership with healthcare AI infrastructure firm Corti.

This strategic alliance sees Voice Technologies taking the lead in integrating Corti’s advanced, healthcare-native AI models directly into its healthcare apps – WinVoice, which streamlines document creation and workflow management, and FormStream, which turns time-heavy paper forms into slick, web-based processes – that have been developed in partnership with the NHS.

The result will be AI-powered documentation apps tailored specifically for the needs of UK healthcare professionals.

The collaboration aims to significantly reduce administrative burden, streamline documentation and improve efficiency – offering new levels of support for an overstretched healthcare system by enabling clinicians to focus more time on patient care.

Dundee City Council joins Abertay cyberQuarter network

Abertay University has announced a new collaboration with Dundee City Council focused on improving the local authority’s digital security through research and skills development.

As part of the partnership, members of Dundee City Council’s security operations team will work alongside students and staff at the cyberQuarter hub, accessing specialist expertise to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges.

The Council has provided a series of research problems for students on Abertay’s MSc Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity programme to address. Each project will form the basis of a Masters dissertation, giving students hands-on experience while delivering valuable insights for the local authority. All of the projects focus on key issues faced by public sector organisations and explore ways to enhance cyber resilience.

The partnership also builds on existing research links, including work by Abertay PhD student Sylvester Egbu, who is investigating how technical and non-technical cybersecurity stakeholders communicate within organisations. His study aims to develop frameworks that improve reporting and understanding between teams.

Expansions

Tomoro Opens New Edinburgh Site With £10m Growth Commitment

Edinburgh-based AI consultancy Tomoro is continuing its rapid growth by celebrating the official opening of its new Fountainbridge office, marked by a visit from Richard Lochhead, the Scottish Minister for Business.

To commemorate the launch, Tomoro has pledged a further £10 million investment over the next three years to more than double its headcount and deepen the company’s commitment to fostering homegrown Scottish AI talent.

Business Minister Lochhead formally opened the office by cutting a ceremonial tartan ribbon, describing Tomoro as “a European technology powerhouse helping ensure Scotland is at the forefront of the AI revolution.”

Ed Broussard, co-founder and Managing Director at Tomoro, said: “From day one we’ve believed Scotland has the depth of talent, curiosity and engineering excellence to solve the hardest problems in AI. Our teams here are already working on some of the most ambitious AI solutions anywhere in the world.

“We’re welcoming more exceptional people and giving them the platform to build transformative AI solutions that change how enterprises operate. This new office and increased commitment are about doubling down on that belief. It was great to demonstrate our vision and some of our solutions to Minister Lochhead today.”

WeDO Scotland Announces New West Coast Advisory Board

WeDO Scotland has announced its expansion in Glasgow with the establishment of a new West coast Advisory Board.

At the helm of the new Advisory Board is Chris Lowden, whose leadership at Nine Twenty Recruitment has been defined by a deep understanding of the talent needs of SMEs. With a strong track record in helping companies scale and secure first-rate teams, Lowden brings first-hand insight into what growing businesses demand, making him ideally placed to guide WeDO’s West coast strategy.

Joining Lowden are two highly respected business leaders: Yvonne Webb of ActionCOACH & Glasgow Business Stories and Ross Wilson of Vidatec.

Webb brings a wealth of experience in business coaching, mentoring and storytelling through Glasgow Business Stories – a platform that highlights local entrepreneurs’ journeys. Her background at ActionCOACH ensures that WeDO Scotland’s members will benefit from structured support, practical advice and an empowering community perspective.

Wilson contributes a tech-savvy and innovation-driven mindset from his role as CEO at Vidatec, offering an acute awareness of the challenges and opportunities faced by tech-driven SMEs in Glasgow and beyond. His voice will help ensure WeDO Scotland supports a broad cross-section of industries, from traditional SMEs to digital ventures.

Awards

Muckle Media named as one of the fastest growing firms in UK

Muckle Media has been recognised as one of the fifty fastest-growing businesses in Scotland and one of 350 fastest in the UK, by the UK Fast Growth Index. Muckle Media placed 40th in Scotland and is the only communications consultancy on the list.

The achievement recognises the significant impact Muckle Media has had delivering exponential growth, including the acquisition of fellow B Corp PR agency, Spey in 2024 which saw its workforce almost double in size.

Nathalie Agnew, Founder and Managing Director, said: “Our laser sharp focus on delivering the best creative and strategic work for iconic brands, with a values led approach at our core has been key in enabling us to spot the opportunities to achieve the right kind of sustainable growth. We’ve accomplished a lot in 14 short years, and I can’t wait to see where we take things next.”

Quorum Cyber reaches the final of the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards

Qorum Cyber today announced in December that it is a Data Security & Compliance Trailblazer award finalist and a Security Service Partner of the Year award finalist in the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards. The company was honored among a global field of industry leaders that demonstrated success across the security landscape during the past 12 months.

“Reaching the finals for two categories is yet another fantastic achievement by our entire team and testament to the incredible work we’re doing in the data security & compliance and managed security services spaces,” said Federico Charosky, CEO of Quorum Cyber.

“I’m really proud that we’ve reached two finals at the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards for the fourth consecutive year, and looking forward to raising the bar even higher in 2026. See you in Seattle in January – hopefully as winners!”