A very short walk from both Princes Street and Charlotte Square in the heart of the capital, The Resident Edinburgh combines the heartfelt hospitality The Resident is known for with a distinct Scottish warmth, evoking the brand’s connections with Scotland. The Resident Edinburgh will be open to guests from 1^st September 2024, with rooms available to book now.

All 164 rooms and suites are designed for the home from home experience with mini-kitchens in every room and great natural light. Guest rooms have been specially crafted anticipating a slightly longer guest stay. Overall, the hotel has a cultured thoughtful elegance befitting the prime location and the world destination status of Scotland’s capital city. From Double Rooms to Junior Suites averaging between 17 and 35-metres-squared, the stylish rooms offer a range of breathtaking views including Edinburgh’s skyline, Edinburgh Castle and exceptional views north over the Firth of Forth.

Amenities have been carefully selected and include everything from a personal Nespresso coffee machine with complimentary capsules, GHD hairdryers for the dressing and vanity area; Molton Brown bathroom products in the stylish en-suites; a dining/working area beside the full height windows. The Resident has the latest easy to use in room tech and free Wi-Fi solutions for simple streaming from your own devices to minimum 50” UHD TVs. The beds are bespoke designed for The Resident with multi pocket springs and luxurious mattress toppers, Twin, King, or Super King.

Heartfelt hospitality is the ethos of The Resident Edinburgh’s guest experience. Each team member will be a “Resident Insider”, meaning they will be equipped with insider city knowledge so they can be tapped into for local advice, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in what Edinburgh has to offer.

The personal touch is what The Resident is renowned for, every evening hosting an hour of early drinks for guests. This social pause gives guests and the teams an opportunity to connect with each other and receive recommendations straight from the knowledgeable Resident Edinburgh team, all while enjoying drinks and snacks from local suppliers, including Stewart Brewery and Quirky Chocolate or Wines from Justerini & Brooks. Guest events will showcase local artisan producers and give deeper insight to Edinburgh’s culture and Arts scene.

The hotel will partner and support businesses around the city, providing guests with exclusive offers for local restaurants, bars and gyms to ensure they have access to the best venues in Edinburgh. The breakfast partner, The West End Brasserie, will offer a full breakfast offering for guests to go to. The other partners include; Cairngorm coffee, Dulse, Kyloe and attractions such as the Royal Yacht Britannia, The Real Mary King’s Close and Pickering’s at Summerhall.

The Resident Edinburgh is aware of the cultural and arts appeal of the City to its visitors. The library lounge will host a curated book collection of fascination and relevance to the city, as well as its culture. The hotel owners, Mactaggart Family and Partners have commissioned Art for the public spaces from Emily Beamish of Dacre Fine Art, featuring local artists Katy Eccles, Hatti Pattisson and Poppy Cyster. The Resident will be the perfect spot to relax with friends for a quiet glass of wine, or a specially selected whisky. The hotel has a variety of quiet niches to retreat for work or leisure. Whether a long day of exploring the city, or returning to the hotel after a day of work, the warmth of The Resident Edinburgh’s team will be there for you.

The Resident Edinburgh’s interior design takes inspiration from local surroundings and the designers have placed emphasis on sourcing items to fully capture the vibrant character of Edinburgh.  Furnishings have been carefully handpicked and fabric elements in the rooms and lounge areas have been sourced from well-regarded Glasgow-based, Timorous Beasties. The hotel’s interior colour palette draws subtly on national references; the pale blue of the Saltire flag, the soft hues of the Craigleith sandstone, the earthy tones of the countryside visible from the rooms and finally the smoky browns that allude to the city’s affectionate nickname of ‘Auld Reekie’.

David JM Orr, CEO of Resident Hotels Ltd, said “The Resident Edinburgh marks a significant milestone for The Resident brand, many of us in the business and especially our ownership have cherished, deep Scottish roots and a great affinity for Edinburgh and its cultural affluence.

The Resident Edinburgh brings a new offering to the visitor for the City, a slightly longer stay with the guest and our teams at the centre. The Resident has an enviable track record at ensuring the visitor whether on business or leisure can experience a home from home, living like a local but with a very light touch.

The Resident teams’ advocacy of businesses, attractions, artisans and institutions within the city will be fulsome as our mission to showcase the entrepreneur chefs’ restaurants and bars throughout the city.

“The guest experience is at the centre of our operation, and we have carefully curated a hotel that is inspired by Edinburgh, Scotland and the people who live here. We are delighted to be able to offer a personal experience for any guest that enters The Resident Edinburgh and equip them with insider knowledge, so they can feel like a resident in Scotland’s vibrant capital. I’m looking forward to welcoming guests from September; the afterglow of the Festival will be a perfect time to visit a city that has proven increasingly to appeal throughout the year.”

Gillian Mylles, General Manager of The Resident Edinburgh, said: “I am so excited to be bringing The Resident experience to Edinburgh. The attention to detail in The Resident Edinburgh is impressive. Amenities and services have been diligently considered to offer an exceptional experience for guests in an idyllic setting. We will be welcoming guests from all around the world, each visiting the capital for a variety of different reasons, and we have made sure we can cater to any potential need.

“The Resident Edinburgh will be a comforting home away from home. Guests will be able to get involved in the Edinburgh community, learn insider tips from the very best and also have the chance to socialise with other guests. I’m looking forward to our doors opening in September and meeting Edinburgh’s current and new residents”.

The Resident Edinburgh has seen the redevelopment of a 1960’s building, repurposing the former 1963 HM Revenue and Customs office for a use for at least the next 60 years. An innovative glass recycling solution by Arup is a first in a hotel project in the UK; 10 tonnes of glass from the building’s façade were returned to glass manufacturer, NSG Pilkington, which resulted in savings of 12 tonnes of virgin raw materials and more than 5 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided during new glass manufacture.

The hotel will open from the 1^st September 2024, and reservations can be made directly on the hotel’s website. By becoming a member, guests can enjoy 15% off booking and other benefits. Sign up in one simple step by visiting: https://www.residenthotels.com/registration/.

The Resident Edinburgh joins five existing The Resident properties located in prime locations in London and Liverpool, with planning permission approved for The Resident Farringdon, London. The Resident Covent Garden and The Resident Liverpool have both been ranked as #1 in their respective cities on Tripadvisor, cementing the fact that the brand has guest experience at its heart and will be bringing this elevated offering to Scotland.

Stay updated with The Resident news on Instagram @resident.hotels and on Facebook @ResidentHotels.

Average prices start from £269 per room.

Responding to the latest labour market data published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The labour market is continuing to cool but high wage growth is still bearing down heavily on businesses. Our research shows labour costs are the main external pressure on firms forcing them to put up prices and hold back on investment.

“Our latest survey on recruitment, published earlier this week, shows firms across all industries are facing increased difficulties hiring staff. Better skills planning is crucial to tackling these problems, both for individual firms and the wider economy.

“It was encouraging to see a focus on skills in yesterday’s King’s Speech. Plans to create a national skills plan for England, to underpin an industrial strategy, are welcome. Meanwhile, reforming the apprenticeship levy is long overdue.

“Policymakers across the UK need to prioritise helping more people back into work and making sure they have the skills they need to thrive.”

Responding to today’s King’s Speech, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  

 

“The commitment to an industrial strategy could put in place a framework to unleash the pent-up ambition of British business to grow the economy. 

 

“If we use it to make green innovation a key driver of that growth, and link it to a coherent plan around skills, trade, devolution, and AI, then the possibilities could be endless. 

 

“Billions of pounds of private investment have been held back by businesses which have been watching and waiting for long-term certainty in the economy. 

 

“The Government’s clear intention to speed up the planning system for large scale infrastructure can feed that business confidence, if it can be delivered. Measures to increase business resilience, reform of the apprenticeship levy and legislation to support sustainable aviation fuel could also boost the economy. 

 

“Placing decision-making and funding in the hand of the people closest to their local economies, and the issues they face, while increasing a collaborative approach will also be welcomed. 

 

“There are still big issues that need to be addressed. Improving our trade relationship with the EU will not be straightforward, and there will need to be detailed consultation with business on the Plan to Make Work Pay. 

  

“But there is much in today’s speech which shows the voice of business has been heard and that Government is introducing measures that benefit firms and help unlock investment.  

  

“We want to work in partnership with the Government to make this happen and shift the economy out of first gear to get it motoring again.” 

The University of Edinburgh has welcomed its first commercial tenant to the new Edinburgh Futures Institute in the capital’s historic Old Royal Infirmary in Lauriston Place.

Smart Data Foundry has moved from the nearby Bayes Centre to a state-of-the-art workspace in one of the converted Nightingale wards in the A-listed building, which dates back to 1879.

SDF’s move follows a period of sustained growth for the organisation which was founded in 2022 to unlock the power of financial data to tackle the major issues facing society. Over the past two years it has seen its workforce grow and mature and forged partnerships with clients like Sage, NatWest Group and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The data pioneer has moved into a purpose-built ward on the 2nd floor of the historic building which housed the city’s main hospital until 2003. The Institute officially opened to the public on 3rd of June, following a multi-million-pound, seven-year refurbishment programme.

Professor Kev Dhaliwal, Interim Director of Edinburgh Futures Institute said: “Edinburgh Futures Institute is delighted to welcome Smart Data Foundry. As one of the region’s Data Driven Innovation Hubs, we bring together staff, students and partners into an inspiring, collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. Co-location with our financial and public services sector hubs, alongside numerous industrial partners, researchers, and talented students, will accelerate data innovation and insights to help solve national and global challenges. We share the ambition to deliver positive social impact and build a better world using the power of data.”

The building includes teaching facilities, rooms for co-working with industry partners, business incubation areas, labs for innovation and prototyping, a public square, café, and exhibition and performance spaces.

Dame Julia Unwin, Chair of Smart Data Foundry, said: “Edinburgh Futures Institute has an unrivalled range of facilities in the heart of Edinburgh, and this strategic relocation underscores our commitment to fostering greater collaboration, innovation and productivity in our mission to unlock the power of data for good. It’s our aim to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem where data scientists, researchers, and industry partners can collaborate seamlessly to unlock new insights and drive forward our purpose of creating positive impact across society, the economy and the environment. Our new home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute is the perfect base for this ecosystem to flourish.”

Dougie Robb, Chief Financial Officer at Smart Data Foundry, added: “The combination of modern design, restored historic architecture and beautiful grounds at Edinburgh Futures Institute will help us to showcase our services to clients and attract the best talent to the Smart Data Foundry team. It’s not just a new office; it’s a place where ideas will flourish and groundbreaking work will be done.”

Smart Data Foundry currently delivers pioneering projects including a Cost-of-Living Dashboard for East Renfrewshire Council. Utilising near real-time de-identified data from NatWest Group, this dashboard integrates financial well-being indicators with contextual information, helping the council to understand better the challenges citizens face and therefore how this might impact on future policy interventions.

Other projects include the launch of the groundbreaking Income Volatility Dashboard with Joseph Rowntree Foundation. This innovative platform provides a comprehensive and unique view of income volatility and insecurity on consumers throughout the United Kingdom as a research and policy platform.

A Michelin star chef will be stepping aboard Scotland’s luxury floating hotel in Edinburgh for three consecutive nights of exclusive fine dining events from 23-25 August.

 

Conor Toomey, formerly of the Michelin star Condita restaurant in Edinburgh, will be bringing his culinary flair to Fingal with a special set dinner menu in the ship’s award-winning Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.

 

Permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith, Fingal is more than a luxury five-star floating hotel. The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar holds two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, led by Executive Chef Mark Alston.

 

The unique venue provides a classic setting for diners with all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance.

 

Chef Conor’s specially curated set dinner menu will offer a variety of dishes including tartlet of Fingal smoked salmon belly, taramasalata, and dashi keta; as well as Scottish roe deer taco, nameko mushrooms and mustard seed.

 

Poached East Coast lobster, pickled kohlrabi and claw dumpling, rouille, and bouillabaisse is the starter; whilst the main course includes mead-brined Creedy Carver duck, laminated potato, and smoked golden beetroot purée; as well as duck fat crumpet, confit leg, silverskin onion, and oxalis.

 

For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert is mille-feuille of caramelised apple, roasted hazelnut, kouign amann pastry, and crème fraîche ice cream.

 

Born and trained in South Africa, Chef Conor inherited his passion for food from his mother, who was a chef, and his grandfather, who was a hotelier. He has over 20 years’ culinary experience, including senior roles at a number of Michelin star restaurants around the UK.

 

Within just six months of launching Edinburgh restaurant Condita in 2019, Chef Conor was awarded his first Michelin star. At that time, he was one of only three South African chefs to achieve this prestigious accolade.

 

Commenting on his series of three fine dining events on board Edinburgh’s Fingal this August, Chef Conor said:

 

“I’m delighted to be working alongside Fingal’s excellent Galley Team to present these special three nights of dining experiences for both non-residents and the hotel’s overnight guests.

 

“We’ve carefully selected the finest quality Scottish produce to create a menu that is bursting with seasonal flavours and complements the classic setting of this world-class dining destination.”

 

Mark Alston, Executive Chef for Fingal and her sister ship, The Royal Yacht Britannia, said:

 

“Conor is a highly respected chef in Edinburgh, the rest of Scotland and beyond, so it’s a real pleasure to invite him aboard Fingal for this unique fine dining experience.

 

“Our restaurant guests will get the chance to appreciate the Michelin star quality of Conor’s cooking in the relaxed setting of our award-winning Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.

 

“With all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance, Fingal provides a classic setting for diners to enjoy some truly memorable culinary events with Conor and our Galley Team this August.”

 

Opened in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender was developed and is managed by the award-winning team of The Royal Yacht Britannia.

 

Fingal’s 22 luxury guest cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by Fingal’s rich maritime heritage. The ship is now the ultimate in luxury accommodation and dining with a nautical twist.

 

The ship’s double-height Ballroom and Bridge provide dedicated dining spaces for private events, corporate celebrations and weddings.

 

Fingal is located opposite the Port of Leith tram stop, which offers a direct and quick transport link between Leith, Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh Airport.

 

Earlier this year, Fingal sailed to the top of the world’s best hotels list in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2024. The ship was singled out by reviewers on the world’s largest travel guidance platform as one of the highest rated hotels on the planet and ‘Best of the Best’ in the UK. The five-star hotel was named Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Luxury Hotel and was among the best Small and Boutique Hotels in the world by Tripadvisor reviewers, taking first and second place in the UK and Europe lists, respectively.

 

Fingal was also crowned ‘AA Hotel of the Year Scotland 2023-24’ by the internationally recognised Automobile Association (AA). The AA inspectors singled out Fingal for the top accolade and praised the exceptional quality of the ship’s stylish interior design, meticulous attention to detail, unique maritime heritage, outstanding customer service and fine dining experience.

 

Chef Conor’s set dinner menu on board Fingal is available between 6pm and 8.30pm on 23, 24 and 25 August only, priced from £95 per person. A paired wine menu is also available.

 

Advanced reservations are essential. Call Fingal on 0131 357 5000, book through the website www.fingal.co.uk or email reservations@fingal.co.uk

 

For more information on Fingal, visit www.fingal.co.uk and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/fingaledinburgh and Instagram www.instagram.com/fingaledinburgh

Reacting to the latest ONS data on inflation, David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said: 

 

“Today’s data indicating a 2% increase in the CPI rate shows the UK is exiting its three-year inflation crisis and makes a bank rate cut more likely. 

 

“Our own indicator, tracking business concern over inflation, shows that it is still the top concern but has been waning since its all-time high in 2022. Risks remain, with global conflicts and trade tensions major sources of uncertainty, and services inflation proving stubborn. 

 

“A rate cut would ease the cost of borrowing and help induce investment in smaller firms. This will be essential to reverse the trend of anaemic investment facing many SMEs. 

 

“With signs that a rate cut is imminent in the USA, we’ve seen the start of a rotation of investment into small cap firms.  

 

“It’s vital that similar firms in the UK have access to the capital needed to make productivity gains, especially as we enter into the AI revolution.” 

 

More information on the ONS data can be found here. 

Call comes after five Royal Bank of Scotland Accelerator Alumni win a share of £1.5 million at the 23rd Scottish EDGE awards

Closing date for applications is 16th August

 

Scottish entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their businesses are being urged to apply to join one of the UK’s leading accelerators, as Royal Bank of Scotland prepares to welcome a record number of new businesses to its accelerator programme in September.

Up to 2,500 places will be available for free to entrepreneurs and the closing date for applications is set for 16th August.

The bank’s Accelerator programme, which was recently ranked amongst the top 30 best start-up hubs in Europe by the Financial Times1 , has supported thousands of entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

Evidencing the support available, a record breaking five Accelerator members took home a share of the £1.5 million prize pot at the 23rd Scottish EDGE awards in May. The successful businesses are orthodontic supply manufacturer, Whitebox Dental, online catering marketplace, ANDMunch, strategic procurement specialists, Optimum Business Growth, Scottish confectioner, Ochil Fudge, and Glasgow’s Naked Kimchi, founded in 2021 by Katerina Hayes.

Naked Kimchi received £65,000 funding to continue to back their sustainability mission. Originally from Ukraine, Katerina introduced traditional Ukrainian fermenting practices to Scotland 16 years ago, producing a 100% vegan, free-from kimchi with her father’s authentic recipe. In response to ongoing world events, Naked Kimchi & Co now provides employment opportunities for displaced Ukrainian people.

Naked Kimchi & Co’s approach to mindful eating emphasises the importance of gut health, supports local farmers, improves food security and provides a delicious superfood along the way.

Royal Bank has been at the heart of Scottish business for nearly 300 years, today supporting one in three business across the country at every stage, scale and sector.

The Accelerator programme provides a range of support through the hubs across Scotland. This includes expert coaching, access to a wide network of like-minded peers, and a programme of thought leadership and events, all designed to help fledgling businesses to unlock new markets, attract new talent, access growth funding and to build leadership skills and scalable infrastructure.

The programme is free for participating businesses and entrepreneurs do not need to give up any equity in their business to take part.

 

Interested entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their businesses can apply to join The Royal Bank of Scotland’s Accelerator programme for free by following the link below. https://www.rbs.co.uk/business/business-services/entrepreneur-accelerator.html

Applications close on 16th August.

Katerina, CEO Naked Kimchi commented: “We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received from the Royal Bank Accelerator Programme. The guidance and resources on offer have been pivotal in helping us scale and grow the business.

“We’re looking forward to sharing our passion for authentic Kimchi with the industry and to connect with fellow food and environmental enthusiasts”.

Heidi Simpson, Regional Accelerator Director, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “Wraparound support is paramount when it comes to supporting ambitious businesses to grow. As Scotland’s biggest bank for start-ups we understand what businesses need to succeed – and we provide this support in our accelerator hubs.

Scotland boasts a dynamic and innovative community of start-up and growing businesses, and now have the opportunity to be part of our biggest accelerator network ever  – I’d encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch before the August 16th deadline.”

In today’s King’ Speech, the King set out the new Government’s legislative agenda for the next parliamentary year. The Government promised to be mission-led, with policymaking based on the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all, with stability as the cornerstone of the economic policy.

Key announcements for Chamber members are summarised below, and keep an eye out for our Friday newsletter where we’ll be analysing in more depth what the King’s Speech means for you.

On business and tax

• A £7.3bn National Wealth Fund will be established, to make transformative investments across the UK, and help simplify the UK’s fragmented landscape of support for businesses and investors
• As part of a new partnership with business and working people in promoting growth, the Government will establish an Industrial Strategy Council
• A New Deal for Working People will be introduced in the next 100 days, through an Employment Rights Bill. This will end fire and rehire, ban exploitative zero-hour contracts, and strengthen other rights for employees
• Legislation will enshrine in law the right to equal pay for ethnic minorities and disabled people and introduce mandatory ethnicity and disability pay reporting for larger employers
• A Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill will be introduced – this will give more powers to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Bank of England to respond more effectively to the failure of small banks
• The UK’s product safety and metrology framework will be updated
• A Digital Information and Smart Data Bill will enable new innovative uses of data to be safely developed and deployed, and support a modern digital government
• Bills will be brought forward to strengthen audit and corporate governance, as well as a Pension Schemes Bill to legislate on various areas of the private pensions market

On transport, energy and infrastructure

• A Planning and Infrastructure Bill will seek to accelerate delivery of high quality infrastructure and housing – the majority of this Bill will only apply in England, with some parts extending to Scotland
• The Government will begin the process of reforming rail franchising, establishing Great British Railways and bringing train operators into public ownership
• Great British Energy will be established: a new, publicly-owned energy production company which will own, manage and operate clean power projects up and down the country
• The production of sustainable aviation fuel will be supported through its own Bill, to encourage investment and set targets for fuel suppliers

On skills and education

• Most policies announced in this area will not apply to Scotland, but various measures will be introduced to improve education standards, whilst a Skills England Bill will aim to bring together businesses, providers, unions, Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) and national government to simplify and improve the skills system
• The Apprenticeship Levy will be reformed into a Growth and Skills levy

On devolution

• An English Devolution Bill will establish a new framework for English devolution, giving greater decision making powers to local leaders, and introducing new powers and duties for local leaders to produce Local Growth Plans
• A new Council of the Nations and Regions will be established, to renew opportunities for the Prime Minister, heads of devolved governments and mayors of combined authorities to collaborate with each other

Other policy areas

• The safety and security of public venues – including counter-terrorism measures – will be strengthened through delivery of Martyn’s Law
• A Bill will be introduced to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes
• They will aim to reset the relationship with our European Partners and work to improve our trade and investment relationship with EU
• Modernise the constitution, including reform of the House of Lords, and introducing a duty of ‘candour’ for the public sector

As always, if you would like to speak to the Chamber’s policy team about any of these issues please get in touch at policy@edinburghchamber.co.uk

• FPM, Sagars and May Figures to become AAB
• Think People and SeeHearSpeakUp will become AAB People
• On track to achieve £100million turnover in 2024

Professional services firm, AAB, is announcing a strategic consolidation of its five brands across the UK and Ireland, a cornerstone of its six-year plan to strengthen and expand its position as a leading provider in the mid-market.

Employing around 1,000 people across 12 office locations, AAB will bring FPM, Sagars and May Figures under its main brand title, AAB. Think People and SeeHearSpeakUp will become AAB People.

AAB delivers Audit, Accounting, Tax, Payroll, HR, Consulting and Advisory Solutions globally from offices across United Kingdom, Ireland and United States, with annual turnover approaching £100 million. The rapidly growing business, with its expanding client base, has trebled in size since 2021, ranking in the top 20 of Accountancy Daily’s Top 75 Accountancy Firms last year.

This strategic move is designed to optimise AAB’s robust brand presence, enhance market penetration, and deliver a more integrated experience for clients. AAB’s growth plan, which includes enhancing client engagement, expanding its service offerings and investing in technology, has continued backing from August Equity.

A transition period is currently underway, ensuring that clients experience a seamless change with no disruption to services.

“Our brand consolidation marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey,” said Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB. “By combining our diverse services under the widely recognised AAB brand, we are not only simplifying our structure, but also amplifying our ability to deliver integrated, innovative solutions to our clients. This alignment is crucial as we continue to pursue our ambitious growth targets and expand our footprint in the UK and beyond.”

“AAB’s commitment to our clients remains steadfast, with a focus on delivering unparalleled accountancy, consultancy and advisory services that drive success,” added Lancaster. “By uniting our brands, we will operate more efficiently and effectively, enhancing our ability to offer holistic professional services, and ensuring that our clients continue to receive exceptional support as they navigate their own journeys.

“We have a wealth of experience and expertise across all five brands, and we are delighted to welcome these individuals to the AAB brand. I’d like to thank everyone in our team for their continued hard work.”

Accountants & Business Advisors | Audit, Tax & Recovery | AAB

Professional services advisory firm Hutcheon Mearns is planning to use the success of its new Edinburgh office as a springboard to further growth in the central belt.

The firm established a presence in the capital in late 2023 in the most recent phase of a Scotland-wide strategy to achieve a multifold increase in both revenues and headcount over the coming years.

Hutcheon Mearns recently moved to a new office on the city’s Coates Crescent and is already focusing on new expansion opportunities, based on its distinctive service offering.

Hutcheon Mearns was founded in Aberdeen in 2015 to provide recruitment and consultancy services to the finance sector. It added an office in Dundee in 2021 and now has a staff of around 60 people.

Its Deals, People and Insights service areas help clients in three key, interlinked areas: building finance teams, solving business problems and delivering growth strategies.

Co-founder Craig Hutcheon says: “We’ve welcomed the opportunity to take our full-suite service offering into the Edinburgh market and have had a very positive response to date.

“We’re supporting clients in different ways that also come together to represent integrated solutions, and that’s never been done by one business before.

“Our focus is on solving problems for clients in the here-and-now, but also on using our knowledge and insights to anticipate them – identifying areas that are likely to cause issues in the future, and working to avert them.”

The firm broadened its core business activities in 2023 when it launched Hutcheon Mearns Real Estate, which provides clients with independent advice and expertise on their commercial property portfolios.

Craig says it illustrates a commitment to diversify, broadening Hutcheon Mearns’ scope of service provision and underpinning its growth ambitions.

“We have an ambitious five-year plan and are looking to quadruple our revenues and headcount,” he adds. “We’re also working constantly to explore other ways in which we can support our clients.”

Hutcheon Mearns, meanwhile, is constantly expanding – having also recently opened its first office in Glasgow. “Our key ambition is to offer innovative solutions to our clients,” says Craig. “We want to take our services into new territories where we can be a breath of fresh air to clients.”