Chamber member SoConnect has become part of Air IT, the UK’s leading Managed Service Provider (MSP) for SMEs. This merger will enrich SoConnect’s existing expertise and introduce new capabilities to the portfolio of services that it can now offer to its customers.

This latest move, announced on 30th April, establishes a regional hub for Air IT in Scotland and further increases its share of the UK SME market.

Private equity-backed Air IT’s recent acquisition of Lincolnshire-based SCS Technology Solutions and SoConnect demonstrates its eagerness for expansion. Supported by August Equity, this most recent agreement marks Air IT’s thirteenth acquisition.

SoConnect is Air IT’s first in Scotland.

SoConnect was established in 2011 by Campbell Fraser. The company has achieved year-on-year growth, building a client base of over 500 companies. SoConnect’s customers will now benefit from the strength of a 500-strong national business and proactive management, support, and protection via Air IT’s 24×7 network and security operations centres.

A Personalised Service

With 570 staff nationwide, Air IT and SoConnect can offer a local, personalised service to 2,900 SMEs. We understand the importance of local businesses and are committed to providing them with the support and expertise of a UK-wide operation, making each client feel valued and important.

With the addition of Air IT’s specialist-managed cyber security division, Air Sec, SoConnect can now offer advanced detection and protection against threats, helping SMEs strengthen the safeguards of their systems, data and people.

Air IT is also making significant advancements and investments in delivering new emerging technologies, including adopting bespoke data analytics, AI and automation solutions. In addition to enhancing its own operational and client experience standards, Air IT is committed to sharing the same capabilities with clients. This means clients can gain the same competitive edge within their organisations across various business functions and sectors.

Gordon Sayers, CEO, SoConnect said:

“We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter as part of Air IT, a move that marks a significant milestone in our journey. This acquisition not only expands our horizons but also enriches our capabilities and opens up exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. We look forward to working with our new colleagues and continuing to deliver unrivalled managed services to our valued clients.”

James Steventon, CEO, Air IT, said:

“SoConnect are a fantastic addition to Air IT and we’re delighted to have them on board. With a mission to make IT feel effortless, SoConnect is a fantastic cultural fit with an accomplished team that share our values and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. With a complementary skillset and extensive experience of Microsoft cloud and communication solutions, we’re very much looking forward to having them on board.”

Campbell Fraser, who founded SoConnect in 2011, will step down from the Executive Chair role but will continue to work with Gordon and the Air IT team to grow the business further in Scotland.

AAB, the tech-enabled business critical services group, has announced a significant appointment to its Restructuring & Recovery team. Glasgow-based Phil Dunn has joined AAB as Restructuring & Recovery Director, bringing over 20 years restructuring experience within three of the big 4 accounting firms.

With Phil’s appointment, the Restructuring & Recovery department now comprises 28 professionals across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Ireland, and Phil is the fourth director in the team, joining Judith Howson, David McGinness, and Duncan Raggett. Judith recently gained her Insolvency Practitioners Licence with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and has 28 years’ experience in insolvency. She is also a Chartered Certified Accountant.

The AAB Restructuring and Recovery team includes team members based across the island of Ireland, with Gary Digney and Seamas Keating leading the Irish team, who have been shortlisted as finalists at the Irish Accountancy Awards 2024.

The growth of the Restructuring and Recovery team within AAB’s Corporate Finance division follows a steep increase in demand for support from businesses facing financial challenges.  Recent statistics published by R3 show that corporate insolvency numbers in Scotland for Q3 2023-2024 increased by 7.4% compared with Q3 2022-2023.

AAB’s Head of Corporate Finance, Gordon Steele, said: “Although the growth of the Restructuring & Recovery team has been prompted by challenging circumstances faced by other businesses, it is important to highlight that we have some of the best insolvency practitioners here at AAB. They approach each case with empathy and meticulous care.”

“Our latest appointment, Phil Dunn, is a very welcome addition to AAB as the business continues to grow. He possesses a wealth of expertise in finding solutions for distressed SMEs, sole traders, and private individuals. He will work alongside another five high quality partners and directors in the Restructuring & Recovery team based across all AAB locations.”

Phil commented: “At AAB, I have been welcomed into a highly capable team that respect and trust each other, and we exemplify this in our approach to clients. Personally, I find that one of the most satisfying elements of what we do is the positive aspects of a restructuring process such as safeguarding jobs and preserving businesses, and I will continue to advise clients on the best options available to them, as I have done throughout my career to date.”

Queen Margaret University is launching an initiative which will support participants from different backgrounds into membership of the University’s governing body (the University Court).

The new GIVE Scheme will encourage, support and upskill QMU alumni who lack the necessary experience to become part of the University’s governing body. Participants could also access opportunities for trustee or non-executive director roles in other organisations.

Pamela Woodburn, Chair of the Queen Margaret University’s Court, explained: “Queen Margaret University prides itself on its inclusive community and we welcome the richness of diversity that we have across our student and staff population. We conduct a wide variety of outreach, education and research work in Scotland and abroad which impacts many different people’s lives. It’s therefore important that our governing body reflects the diversity of the groups we serve, and gives voice to a wide variety of people across different backgrounds and circumstances. This will ensure that we are not missing out on talented individuals who could contribute positively to the governance and direction of the University.

“We know that there will be enthusiastic alumni out there who would be a real asset to Queen Margaret University’s governing body, but who currently lack the experience and confidence to put themselves forward for the role. The GIVE initiative aims to address this by offering those of them without board experience, formal training and mentoring.”

Participants will have the opportunity to witness the work of the University’s governing body in action as part of a pathway to full membership of the University Court (governing body).

Pamela continued: “We look forward to meeting a range of people who are considering board membership, through the GIVE pathway. Membership of the University Court is a great way for talented individuals to contribute in a positive way to education in Scotland and beyond, and to influence the work of the University. It can also help support the personal and professional development of individuals who may have ambitions to join boards of other organisations, by building their governance skills, and so widening their sphere of influence.”

QMU alumni interested in finding out more about GIVE, and how they can contribute more widely to society via board membership, can view details of the scheme on the University website. The GIVE scheme is now open for applications (closing date 1st July 2024).

On Tuesday (7^th May), the invention of the modern public planetarium experience will celebrate its 99^thbirthday with the International Day of Planetariums. These spaces are designed to capture the magic of the night sky whatever the weather.

According to the International Planetarium Society (IPS), there are over 4,000 planetariums located throughout five continents of the world.  These can range from a simple light source and drilled holes to project stars, complex opto-mechanical systems and even portable domes which specialise in reaching remote communities.

Others, like at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, use advanced digital systems that super-charge the night sky experience for audiences. In addition to having one of the UK’s highest resolution planetariums, it also has an innovative inflatable planetarium, ‘the Dinky Dome’, that is taken by its expert in-house astronomers to engage school communities in the remoter parts of the country.

Dr Alastair Bruce is an astronomer and head of Dynamic Earth’s planetarium. He explained the appeal of these facilities: “A planetarium is a magical space that takes you on a journey to other worlds that exist far beyond our fragile planet Earth.  You can travel through time or simply gaze up in awe at the rich tapestry of stars above our heads.

“For many people, these views are all-too-often obscured by clouds or city light-pollution and it’s the planetarium that opens eyes to the wonders of the night, our own Milky Way. Of course, Scotland is very fortunate to have some amazing dark skies but there will always be a special place in our hearts for the humble planetarium.”

“In the Dynamic Earth planetarium our small band of astronomers share our passion for all things astronomical.  Our extra live shows, 20 in total and running between 4 to 7 May offer a little bit of everything: storytelling, entertainment and inspiration. Our immersive, high-resolution planetarium is a wonderful place to lose yourself in another world for a time and we hope lots of people will join us this weekend to sit back for our special live shows and a journey through the Universe.”

To celebrate the International Day of Planetariums, this bank holiday weekend Saturday –Tuesday , Dynamic Earth will host five special daily live shows. Each with its own unique charm and all created by the team since coming on board in 2020.

The live shows include:

You are Here: A breath-taking journey to the edge of our solar system and back (11am)

What’s Up?: Gaze up at the current night sky and catch up on astro-news (12 noon)

Under Pressure: Take a deep dive into the global ocean and explore hidden ecosystems (1pm)

Don’t Panic: Explore causes for optimism about our future (2pm)

What a Wonderful Webb: Learn the story of Webb and marvel at the images captured (3pm).

There will also be six special screenings of We are Stars, a film narrated by Andy Serkis (captioned screening at 4pm) and 5pm. Recommended age 5+.

The Head of Blackadders LLP’s Business Services Group has become one of the first lawyers in Scotland to achieve Legal Technology Certification.

Kirk Dailly, who also leads the firm’s AI & Legal Tech Group, was among the first cohort to complete a new Law Society of Scotland course designed to equip lawyers with greater knowledge of legal technology and the practical ways it can benefit firms.

The growth in legal technology is set to dominate the industry in the coming years and the certification course is designed to help lawyers to implement changes at their firms to increase efficiency and output.

Kirk said: “I think it is fascinating how technology is impacting on all business sectors, not least the legal industry.

“It is essential that firms are positioned to take advantage of  developments in legal tech and generative AI, while also recognising that its successful implementation – in a way that truly benefits clients and staff – requires hard work and planning.  We’re on the front foot with that at Blackadders and are already seeing benefits across the firm, whether it be with transaction management, the preparation of presentations and marketing materials, or the review and summarisation of documentation.

“We also have a number of clients in the sector, and it’s exciting to see our new service lines develop as businesses grapple with evolving GenAI risks relating to data privacy, IP, discrimination, cybersecurity and governance – something we’re addressing with innovative training workshops and other initaitives.”

As well as articulating why legal tech is important and will continue to grow in dominance, the course focused on how to implement changes regardless of a firm’s size or breadth of expertise.

The Law Society of Scotland believes those attending the course, led by Ally Thomson of Hey Legal, will be better prepared to navigate a rapidly changing business world, develop highly valued skills and be in an optimal position to serve their clients in the modern way that they expect.

The course is made up of online interactive, a written assignment and private study. The second delivery of the course is already underway.

Kirk was appointed as Head of the Business Services Group at Blackadders LLP earlier this year. He is a key lawyer in the Legal 500 and ranked in Chambers, is Signet Accredited in Corporate Law and Certified by the Law Society of Scotland as a Specialist in Data Protection. His expertise is in tech, video games, healthcare and life sciences.

The Corporate & Commercial Team at Blackadders operates across all the Firm’s offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. With a working knowledge of the sectors essential to the UK economy, the Team specialises in supporting clients operating in Scotland and beyond. From Technology, Video Games and Life Sciences to Food & Drink, Retail, Energy, Healthcare and Advanced Manufacturing, the Team supports businesses of all shapes and sizes, advising SMEs, multinationals, start-ups and leading entrepreneurs.

Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP has promoted two of its lawyers to Partner and seven to Legal Director with effect from 1 May.

The newly-appointed partners are Kirsty Headden (Pensions) and John Townsend (Property and Infrastructure).

Kirsty Headden joined Shepherd and Wedderburn as a trainee and has specialised exclusively in pensions law since qualifying, advising trustees and employers on the full range of legal and regulatory issues affecting occupational and corporate pensions in the UK. Her broad practice covers everything from de-risking transactions and member disputes to advising on trustee duties and statutory developments, and she is particularly recognised for her strength in cutting through complexity to provide clear, pragmatic advice.

John Townsend also started his career as a trainee at Shepherd and Wedderburn. After qualifying, he became a part of the firm’s Property and Infrastructure team. Through working on multiple clean energy projects, John has developed strong relationships with clients in the onshore and offshore wind industry and he is part of our market-leading practice in this space. John also has extensive experience in commercial property, representing both landlords and tenants in acquisitions, disposals, real estate finance as well as more typical landlord and tenant work.

Leonore Dupont (Commercial Disputes), Alison Blair (Banking and Finance), Neil Campbell (Banking and Finance), Hannah Swinton (Property and Infrastructure), Daniel MacKinnon (Property and Infrastructure), Alexandra Lane (Property and Infrastructure Rural) and Gillian Gibbons (Property and Infrastructure Rural) have also been promoted to the post of Legal Director.

Andrew Blain, Shepherd and Wedderburn’s Managing Partner, said: “I am delighted to announce these well-earned promotions, recognising our colleagues’ specialist skills, knowledge and dedication in their respective practice areas. We are grateful for their continued dedication to the firm and our clients and wish them well as they embark on this next phase of their careers.”

The Scholar Hotel was the top prize Winner of Best 4 Star Hotel East Scotland category and placed Highly Recommended for Best Hotel Team and Best City Hotel categories at the 2024 Scottish Hotel Awards (Prestige).

The hotel, which is part of The University of Edinburgh’s Hospitality & Events Collection, secured top honours across all three categories it was nominated in, showcasing its unwavering commitment to excellence in the hospitality sector.

The Edinburgh-based hotel impressed a judging panel of esteemed hospitality professionals with its dedication to exceeding guest expectations and championing sustainable practices. The hotel has invested in supporting local businesses, furthering its community engagement and ethical sourcing: from the curation of artwork in partnership with ArtPistol and a wine list selected by Dalgety Bay’s l’Art du Vin, to the luxury toiletries and scent diffusers by a North Berwick business, Laura Thomas Co.

There was also recognition for the newly refreshed hotel restaurant, The Brasserie, and its newly appointed Executive Chef, Ed Fortune, for his fresh take on a modern Scottish menu. The seasonal menus blend traditional local favourites with innovative flavours, drawing from Scotland’s very own larder of ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

The seventh annual awards were presented at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow last night and exist to ‘showcase and reward outstanding service within the hotel industry in Scotland’.

Gavin MacLennan, Group General Manager – Operations, The University of Edinburgh Hospitality and Events Collection, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the title of Best 4 Star Hotel in East of Scotland and be Highly Recommended Best City Hotel and Best Team. This is not just recognition of our fantastic team’s hard work, but also a celebration of their incredible dedication and passion. These achievements are particularly heartening given we have just experienced a major rebrand and relaunch of the hotel over the past year.

“We are extremely proud to be recognised by the judging panel of hospitality professionals who are looking for the absolute best in the industry, and we are also immensely grateful for all of the continued support from our guests this year.”

For more information, please visit: http://www.uoecollection.com/hotels/the-scholar 

Workshops and webinars are being offered to help anyone who wants to kickstart their journey in the food and drink sector.

THRIVE 2024 offers participants the chance to gain crucial entrepreneurial skills and meet industry experts who can help turn their ideas into reality.

Delivered by experts from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Queen Margaret University (QMU) the programme is now in its fourth year.

Aimed at students, graduates, and early-stage entrepreneurs, THRIVE offers the skills vital for concept development and business growth, as well as providing insight focused on legislation, marketing, and manufacturing.

Ceri Ritchie, Principal Consultant at SAC Consulting (part of SRUC), said: “THRIVE is about helping to create resilient start-up food & drink businesses – entrepreneurs with awareness of the need for pace and perseverance in their approach.

“It can help build a business where there is a real demand for its products, and that has adaptable strategies, equipped to scale over time.

“From the start we want to encourage entrepreneurs to be aware of the value they bring to customers and have a long-term view.

“This is our fourth year delivering THRIVE and it is a privilege to share our commercial experience and industry knowledge with Scotland’s embryonic food, drink, and rural entrepreneurs.

“I look forward to meeting the 2024 participants, the fantastic discussions we will have and to another successful programme.”

As well as being designed for students and graduates, THRIVE is also open to people in food & drink manufacturing, hospitality, diversified agriculture or food and farm shops who have ambitions to develop as entrepreneurs or even who just have an idea in the making.

Applications for the programme that will run from August to November are now open and can be made via Eventbrite.

Last year’s edition of THRIVE was a tremendous success attracting 53 participants from Shetland to Whithorn and Tighnabruaich to Crail.

One of those who participated, Katy Matsetse of The Wee Ginger Company was able to capitalise on her experience and kick start her business.

She said: “I absolutely loved THRIVE. The whole programme was exceptionally well organised, educative and very useful material.

“Networking with other food and drinks business owners/entrepreneurs was incredible too. Some of which have continued since THRIVE 2023 to date and will hopefully lead to collaborations.

“THRIVE is a definite “to go to” programme for all businesses regardless of the stage the business is. I highly recommend THRIVE to anyone thinking of starting a business, already started or those with well-established food and drink businesses.”

The programme is made up of two interactive sessions, supported by six industry-focused webinars.

On 21 September, an online session covering business skills will take place, followed by an in-person event at QMU on 2 November which will look at food product development.

Six optional evening webinars will take place between 28 August and 9 October. They will examine:

• Investment and funding opportunities for Scottish food and drink businesses
• Crafting your perfect pitch
• Co-packing versus self-manufacturing
• Sustainable marketing strategies
• Practical packaging solutions
• Legislation for food manufacturing and foodservice in Scotland

Catriona Liddle, Head of Scottish Centre for Food Development & Innovation at QMU, said: “THRIVE offers a terrific opportunity for businesses to get “real world” help from experts, help which is specifically focused on food and drink startup requirements.

“Whether you are a student with a food business idea, a graduate who is in the process of starting up a business, or someone who has already been actively running a food and drink enterprise for a couple of years but could benefit from specialist input, then THRIVE can help you confidently take things to the next level.

“The programme also offers delegates the chance to meet up with like-minded individuals, so you can build a supportive community and learn from each other as you progress your journeys.

“Every year THRIVE gets a little bigger and is broadened in scope which allows us to help more enterprising start-ups on the road to success in the food and drink industry.”

Taking place on Saturday May 4^th and Sunday May 5^th at Bonnie & Wild, the two-day event will see Gary shucking oysters, pouring luxury Champagne PIAFF and sharing his in-depth knowledge of all things food with fans. The Masterchef Professionals winner will also be running an incredible prize draw, with the lucky winner receiving a VIP meal for six, cooked by Gary personally.

Gary, who has just unveiled an exciting new menu at his Creel Caught seafood restaurant at Bonnie & Wild’s food hall in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter, said:

“I’m hugely excited to be taking part in the Edinburgh Seafood Festival at Bonnie & Wild where I’ll be running the Oyster and Champagne bar in partnership with Champagne PIAFF. The oysters I’ll be using are truly first class, sourced by my friends at Bernard Corrigan from Cumbrae Oysters on the west coast. They’re among the best in the world.

“While they’re beautiful on their own, I’ve also created a selection of sauces to go with these incredible oysters, including a Chilli Ginger Dressing, Shallots Sherry Vinegar, Yuzu and Toasted Sesame, Tabasco, and Simple Lemon. All combined, these will pair beautifully with the Champagne PIAFF we’ll be pouring.”

Gary added: “Bonnie & Wild’s Food Hall is the perfect location for this Edinburgh Seafood Festival event. Everyone here is passionate about great food, great drinks, great service, and warm, welcoming hospitality. It’s no surprise it’s as successful as it is.”

As well as shucking oysters, the National Chef will be signing copies of his latest cookbooks. Everyone who purchases a book will be entered into a prize draw to win a VIP meal for six at Bonnie & Wild cooked by Gary himself.

“I’ll cook a three-course meal for the winner and their guests and serve it all up in the beautiful private dining room at Bonnie & Wild.”

Signed copies of Gary’s latest two cookbooks – Scottish Kitchen and Scottish Traditions – will be available to buy during the event, with Gary also offering to inscribe each copy with a bespoke message. With forwards by Sam Heughan of Outlander and Hollywood actor Brian Cox, the cookbooks share some of the National Chef’s most popular Scottish recipes, from Whisky Fudge to a perfect Arbroath Smokie.

Chris Roser of Champagne PIAFF said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Gary Maclean and Bonnie & Wild for this Oyster and Champagne Bar during the Edinburgh Seafood Weekend. Our stunning Champagne is the perfect accompaniment to the fresh Scottish oysters that Gary has sourced.”

Gary Maclean’s Oyster and Champagne Bar at Bonnie & Wild is just the latest in a series of pop-ups and takeovers at the popular Edinburgh Food Hall curated to showcase local talent or Scottish produce. With more takeovers in the pipeline, the seafood event at Bonnie & Wild follows pop-ups by local bakeries Kilted Donuts and Chulos Stuffed Cookies, and bar takeovers by Botanist Gin and Isle of Raasay Distillery and a host of others.