Scottish Business Network

Join us for the 2025 Aberdeen-Houston Gateway at the award winning Norwood Hall Hotel on Monday 24th March 11.30 fro 12-3. Explore the Energy Capital of the World and its opportunities for Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland and UK firms. To book a networking delegate place - https://lnkd.in/eBBbkBuZ Price includes- Market Update Expert speakers Plenty Networking Arrival tea coffee 2 course Scottish Showcase lunch Coffee tablet   Market Overview- Malcolm Forbes-Cable Wood Mackenzie Chair & Exec Global Search Partner Mary McIntyre Merrimac International British American Bus. Council (BABC) Texas Speakers- Andy Grieve G-Tech Innovation Center Hampco Justin Hoffman GlobalScot Ex Industries - Hazardous Area Specialists - since 1996! cSolutions Scottish Business Network James Coggs Scottish Development International USA Cleantech missions Insurance Partner- TradeMark Insurance Agency LLC Jo Middleton, CSA, LPRT Caitlin Vorheier Jeremy Vorheier, CPLP Corporate Law Partner- Gus Bourgeois III BoyarMiller Tax & Accounting Partner- Frank Landreneau PKF Texas Immigration Partner Sang Shin Jackson Walker LLP Travel Partner Wings Global Travel #Energy #EnergyTransition #Exports #Growth #Aberdeen #Aberdeenshire #Scotland #UK #Houston #Texas #USA

The Hidden Startup Superpower: Why Grey Hair Is Your Best Investment I know I have found myself surrounded by the fast-moving world of tech startups, the dominant narrative is one of youthful disruption—fresh ideas, ambitious founders, and rapid growth. Yet, behind many of the most successful startups lies an often-overlooked ingredient: the wisdom and experience of older advisors. While younger entrepreneurs bring energy and bold vision, their journey is often one of trial and error. Without the benefit of experience, many face common pitfalls: poor financial management, strategic missteps, and regulatory blind spots. This is where older advisors become invaluable. Nexus Scot intends to bridge the gap with decades of business acumen, our hands on advisors have seen market cycles rise and fall, navigated economic downturns, and understand the nuances of leadership in a way only experience can teach. Why Experience Matters Startups face immense pressure to scale quickly, secure funding, and carve out a competitive edge. In this high-stakes environment, missteps can be costly. Our senior advisors bring a long-term perspective, helping founders think beyond immediate challenges and build businesses designed for sustainable success rather than short-term hype. Beyond strategy, these advisors offer something just as valuable—CONECTIONS. While young entrepreneurs are still building their networks, their seasoned counterparts can make key introductions to investors, potential clients, and strategic partners. These relationships, built over decades, can be game-changers for startups seeking credibility and rapid traction. Navigating Regulation and Risk Governance and compliance are growing concerns in industries like fintech, healthtech, and AI. Regulatory missteps can derail even the most promising ventures. Our senior advisors, often with backgrounds in corporate leadership or government, can help startups navigate these complexities, ensuring that innovation aligns with industry standards and legal frameworks. Breaking the Age Bias Scotland’s tech ecosystem is booming, but to maintain momentum, startups must embrace a mix of youthful ambition and seasoned leadership. The notion that older professionals can’t keep pace with the startup world is outdated. In reality, they bring a depth of knowledge that can mean the difference between success and failure. In an age of disruption, true innovation lies in collaboration between generations. Founders eager to future-proof their ventures should recognise that sometimes, the best investment isn’t a cutting-edge technology or a fresh MBA graduate—it’s the wisdom and insight that only comes with time. So, before you overlook the value of experience, ask yourself: could grey hair be your startup’s secret weapon? Contact me cath@nexus.scot to explore membership of our senior advisors or to discuss your businesses needs for a fractional advisor to help your business grow.

Old Scotland / New Scotland What do you call people from Nova Scotia? The answer is "𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫"! Who brings together Bluenosers across the planet? Sean Meister, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Global Bluenosers, is the answer. So as you can imagine with Sean visiting London for the latest gathering of Global Bluenosers we jumped at the opportunity to meet. Nova Scotia has a population of just over 1 million and comprises the peninsula of Cape Breton Island and over 3,500 smaller coastal islands on the Canadian East Coast. Nova Scotia from the Latin for "New Scotland" has deep cultural and historical links with "Old Scotland" especially found in appreciation of shared culture and traditions. Both Nova Scotia and Scotland are also similar with a large global diaspora, national or state level government, ie. Government of Nova Scotia and The Scottish Government that operate within the respective countries of Canada and the United Kingdom and a strong focus on education hence the large number of well-respected universities found across relatively small populations in both locations. We discussed key sectors for collaboration between Nova Scotia and Scotland including Renewable Energy, GovTech, Food and Drink, Ocean Technology and of course, cultural collaboration based on our shared roots in music, and language (including appreciation of Gaelic) and broader cultural identity. Scottish Business Network and Global Bluenosers are in discussion regarding closer collaboration. So if you have an interest in the Canadian East Coast or the most Northern Nation in the UK then be sure to reach out.

Excited to be here at #4yfn25 and #Mwc25 my chat to camera game isn’t getting any better though.

>> New Appointment Bridging Innovation and Industry: Russell Dalgleish Joins University of Glasgow Advanced Research Centre Entrepreneur in Residence The University of Glasgow has appointed Russell Dalgleish, entrepreneur and Chair of Scottish Business Network, as Entrepreneur in Residence at its Advanced Research Centre (ARC). This move aims to bridge academia and commercialization, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This appointment strengthens the university’s entrepreneurial culture, driving investment and economic growth. Dalgleish’s leadership is expected to inspire researchers and advance Scotland’s position as a global innovation hub. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gvC5uQVA

March 8th International Women’s Day 2025 As we celebrate #IWD2025 and the theme #AccelerateAction, I considered this morning the need for more female role models and our responsibility to support them. But are my words relevant? I have never suffered discrimination based on my gender; found myself in a situation where I was the only man in the room or supported a fellow man who has been exploited because of his gender. In fact, as a man living in a first-world country, having benefitted from a world-class education and working in what is still a male-dominated business environment might I not be part of the problem? So instead of "passing opinions" I would like to highlight a few examples who are in my opinion fantastic role models and I would ask you to share your own examples. Zakia Moulaoui Guery, Invisible Cities empowers those most at risk in our society and through this promotes Scotland magnificently. Susan Scurlock MBE, Primary Engineer championing the next generation of engineers. Cath Strachan, Nexus.scot empowering those aged between 55 and 75. Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Scottish Chambers of Commerce and one of Scotland's true champions. Eilish McColgan is an inspiration for all of us who pull on running shoes and to so many young women through her words. Christine Esson, the woman who changed my life by introducing me to the word "diaspora". Karen Taylor Crowe, an unstinting supporter of Scottish Business Network who will be joining us as an Ambassador for the city of Chicago. Carolyn Currie, through Women's Enterprise Scotland, is democratizing investment by encouraging more women to participate. Tracy Buchan of IQX inspires me every day. Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first female First Minister. Lorna Farrell whose words can captivate a room and propel us on a mission. Aarti Naik, a changemaker who through SAKHI for Girls Education is transforming our society for the better. There are many more, more, but let's hear your examples. Rather fittingly, I will be with my wife and mother for lunch on March 8th, when we celebrate a family birthday. I'm sure we will discuss the progress we have made and still need to make as we seek a world where my granddaughter never has to experience prejudice.