Invest in Perth Business Magazine Summer 2025 by Invest in Perth

The £150m Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway Opens

£530m Investment Prospectus Launched

REGIONAL EDGE WINNERS

HORSE TRIALS COME TO SCONE

Realise Your Business Ambitions

Situated on the outskirts of Perth, Northfield Business Park offers a cost-effective, no compromise, alternative to its large city counterparts.

Comprising a number of quality food and drink manufacturers, and the operational headquarters of national brands such as John Deere, McLaughlan Transport and Eastern Western Motor Group, Northfield is ideally located for efficient distribution and logistics, and proximity to the national talent pool.

CONSENTED LAND

Use Classes 4, 5 & 6 (Including Food and Drink Use)

Islay Place, Perth PH1 3FU

Further information and viewing arrangements are available by contacting Graham and Sibbald, the Sole Selling Agents.

Garth Davison 01738 445 733 Garth.Davison@g-s.co.uk

Following the ambitious Council budget, announced in February this year, there has been a focus across the region to ensure we are laying the foundations for a resilient and thriving community.

Whilst much of our attention lies in addressing immediate needs of the most vulnerable, alleviating poverty and ensuring equality for all, there was also direct provision awarded for economic growth with a £9 million promise over

the next four years in the Commercial Property Investment Programme.

Growth in the Perth and Kinross economy matters for everyone –individuals, businesses, charities and local government. It directly impacts all areas of our lives including wider societal issues such as climate change, job security and the encouragement of entrepreneurial spirit.

In this summer issue of the Invest in Perth magazine we look at the businesses who have risen to the challenge of growth, who are providing jobs and opportunities for local people, and who are investing their capital and resources in Perth and Kinross.

Of course, companies often need investment and guidance to take the leap into a growth phase, and we are fortunate here in Perth and Kinross to have a strong business support network. This was strengthened earlier

Following

in the year when the inaugural Scottish Regional EDGE awards launched with Perth and Kinross as one of five pilot areas selected. Read more about the £100,000 investment on page 12.

The hard work of our local entrepreneurs must also be supported by investment in local infrastructure and the opening of the £150 million Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway on 31st March was a landmark event. The single largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the Council unlocks the economic potential of the region and opens an opportunity for all.

Finally, I am delighted to be sharing the £530m Perth and Kinross Investment Prospectus, created to help propel Perth and Kinross into a sustainable economic future. Explore the full story on page 20.

Councillor Grant Laing Leader of Perth & Kinross Council

Works remained on schedule throughout all of the challenges the project faced

During

FEATURE

Innis & Gunn | Brewing Greener from Their

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Business Leaders: Take 5 Graeme

Christie of Howden

Insurance

Graeme Christie, Commercial Director at Howden, Perth, talks about the global brand expansion of this 30-year-old British brand and its multimillion-pound investment in Perth.

Perth’s strong connection to the insurance industry and finance sector dates back as far as the nineteenth century, when the Employers’ Liability Act (1880) opened a new era for insurance companies, including General Accident, which was established in the city in 1884.

Today, the sector continues to thrive, with industry leaders, Howden, committed to a multimillion-pound investment as it moves to double its workforce in Perth. Led by Commercial Director, Graeme Christie, these ambitious plans include job creation, property development, and continuous investment in its people.

Q1. What were the deciding factors in Howden choosing Perth as a Scottish insurance broking hub?

GC: “To answer that, we need to understand a little of the history. Howden was established in 1994 by David Howden, two friends and his dog,

Flight. They were working as brokers at the time and moved to create an insurance brokerage with independence, employeeownership, and clients’ needs at front of mind.

“In the 30 years since then, the business has grown to become one of the leading insurance brokers in the world, with an annual turnover of $42bn.

“As part of its growth strategy, Howden made many tactical acquisitions, which resulted in a Perth presence; and so, initially, the location in Perth was more by default than design. However, it proved to be a worthwhile asset, and a strategic decision was made to invest in our base here, growing the team and the opportunities on offer.”

Q2. What are those opportunities, and how has Howden embraced them?

GC: “One of the most important assets in our business is our people and our base here in Perth has allowed us to grow quickly, and efficiently. Perth has always been an insurance hub; over the years it has been home to large brands such as General Accident / Aviva, and serious

We

ask local industry leaders the questions that matter most.

independents such as Clark Thomson. This collective history generates its own positive PR; not only is insurance a good career that people recognise, but there is also a ready-made local talent pool and depth of knowledge. Put simply, when our competitors’ doors closed, ours opened wide!

“In addition to this, there is a significant benefit in the cost of doing business. When you compare property prices in Perth to other city locations, they are extremely favourable – with no downside. Perth’s central position within Scotland makes it easy to connect with Howden’s wider UK office network, by road, rail and air.”

Q3. What benefits does a global brand bring to a local economy?

GC: “Since it started 30 years ago, Howden has strived to provide an individual service to its customers. Yes, we’re a global brand, but we keep our approach and attitude local.

“When we consider the markets that are important to Perth and wider Scotland, we’re looking at sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, whisky,

construction, property, and private clients – to name a few. Howden play a significant part in renewable energy in the UK with over 800 projects in wind, hydro and solar. We also hold a noteworthy role in the rural sector, and one of our most interesting niche departments is the whisky team. Focused on whisky and distillers, this team are experts in the field and bring an unrivalled depth of knowledge to the sector.

“We do all of this because it makes sense on a global scale, and at a local level.

“In addition to the businesses we represent, as a local broker, we like to connect with the communities we serve, and to understand what matters to them most. And as a global company, we have the influence and resources to act on this knowledge.

“For example, we’re currently supporting Perthshire Rugby Club, and although this links nicely to Howden’s partnership with the British and Irish Lions, it was a team connection that made it all happen. We donated new equipment following their recent flood, and we’re looking forward to sponsoring the Beer Festival this May!

“Most importantly, as a global brand, we bring stability to the local market because we’re at the end of the acquisition journey. The uncertainty surrounding mergers or buy-outs falls away and with that, clients benefit from a continuity of service, and our team can rely on longterm job security.”

Q4. What does investment in the Perth branch look like?

GC: “Howden has over 200 offices across the UK and has committed to a significant investment here, in Perth.

“We have secured a long-term lease on the office at Caledonian House, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and expansion to accommodate the next step in our recruitment strategy. It has also become a real showcase here in Scotland; the views and surrounding environment are unrivalled, and we love to bring in our colleagues from out of town and show off what Perth has to offer.

“Over the next two years, we will grow from a team of 75 employees to a team of 150 and with this, we will look

to support those individuals keen to progress with professional and niche area qualifications.”

Q5. How will Howden sustain the growth required to support this investment?

GC: “One of the reasons Howden has continued to grow is because we, the team, are all invested in making that happen. And I mean that literally!

“Howden is 35% employee owned with the balance spread between long-term pension fund and capital investors. This nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset which is replicated throughout the employee chain – no one wants to make silly decisions.

“This ongoing proposition is opened annually, allowing people to develop professionally and invest in the business they are committed to.

“There is also security in a global brand; our longevity has its roots in sound business practices and careful planning. The investment in Perth is part of the strategy that has served us well for 30 years, and I’m confident that it will reap similar rewards in the years to come.”

See page 6 for Howden’s investment in people strategy.

Building a Team and Developing Talent

CShris Bell, Divisional Director, leads the Business Development Team at Howden’s Perth office in Caledonian House, and is responsible for sales and talent growth.

ean Buchan, Associate Director, leads the Business Development Team at Howden’s Perth office in Caledonian House, and is responsible for sales and talent growth.

Handling 6,000 outbound calls each month, the Howden team at Caledonian House is currently a 75-strong group of business development executives, account handlers, brokers, and senior management.

What had started as a team of five telesales operators in 2019 is set to become the company’s largest Scottish department, with 150 people working five days per week by 2027.

Handling 6,000 outbound calls each month, the Howden team at Caledonian House is currently a 75-strong group of business development executives, account handlers, brokers, and senior management. What had started as a team of five telesales operators in 2019 is set to become the company’s largest Scottish department, with 150 people working five days per week by 2027.

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Chris explains the rapid growth: “I joined in 2019, heading up a small team of five telesales operatives. By the time we were purchased by Howden, the team had grown in size and experience with 30 knowledgeable people joining the company’s ranks.

explains the rapid growth: “I joined 2019, heading up a small team of five telesales operatives. By the time we were purchased by Howden, the team had grown in size and experience with 30 knowledgeable people joining the company’s ranks.

Everyone in the office knows and supports one another; there’s a small office feel, with high expectations

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“This figure now sits at 75, with plans in place to double by 2027, making us the largest Howden team in Scotland.”

Focused on sales and business retention, the Business Development Team is a key component of Howden’s ongoing success. All team members go through an intensive training programme, and are encouraged to continue in that mindset, either by progressing into broker roles, moving into expert positions or taking a secondment to a new location.

Focused on sales and business retention, the Business Development Team is a key component of Howden’s ongoing success. team members go through an intensive training programme, and are encouraged continue in that mindset, either by progressing into broker roles, moving into expert positions or taking a secondment to a new location.

“When we operate in niche markets, we encourage our team to really get to know the industry; the whisky qualification is a great example of this. We also provide opportunities for people to undergo placements in London, Bristol and Manchester offices, learning from the experts who have been with the company for a long time.

“When we operate in niche markets, we encourage our team to really get to know the industry; the whisky qualification is great example of this. We also provide opportunities for people to undergo placements in London, Bristol and Manchester offices, learning from the experts who have been with the company for a long time.

“At an entry level position, many of the team are school or college leavers, eager to find a pathway to career success. As a company, Howden embraces ambition and rewards success which keeps things interesting for

an entry level position, many of the team are school or college leavers, eager to find a pathway to career success. As a company, Howden embraces ambition and rewards success which keeps things

About Howden Insurance:

anyone looking to grow professionally. This approach means that we can offer young people excellent career opportunities which in turn brings business stability, and excellent staff retention.

interesting for anyone looking to grow professionally. This approach means that we can offer young people excellent career opportunities which in turn brings business stability, and excellent staff retention.

“Everyone in the office knows and supports one another; there’s a small office feel, with high expectations, and people have responded well to that. You could be chatting to a small, one-person band here in Perth in the morning, and dealing with a multinational company in the afternoon. It keeps you motivated and wanting more.”

Howden Insurance has 260 offices in the UK including Manchester, London, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow. It serves 55 countries and employs 17,000 people worldwide. The company is 35% employee owned with the balance spread between long-term pension fund and capital investors.

www.howdeninsurance.co.uk

International Horse Trials Come to Scone

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will be held in the historic grounds of this iconic venue in August 2025. Expected to attract crowds of up to 45,000 by the end of year three, the event is the most significant addition to the UK equestrian calendar in recent years.

Following on from almost half a century of Blair Castle International Horse Trials, organisers’ ambitions are firmly set on becoming Scotland’s leading equestrian event, with long-term plans to rival their established UK counterparts.

Launched in partnership with British Eventing, this new CCI4*-L horse trials event promises to deliver four thrilling days of competition, top riders, exhilarating sporting action, and a memorable day out.

William Murray, Viscount Stormont, owner of Scone Estates, commented, “The team have put in a huge amount of work in a very short period to get this event up and running, and at an exceptional standard.

“We started conversations in spring last year, after I was made aware of the impending closure of Blair Castle Horse Trials. We knew the event reasonably well and I understood the significant social and economic impact it had on the Perthshire area.

“There was much to consider, but the fact is that we know how to do events at scale. The Scottish Game Fair has had a home at Scone for 36 years, likewise Rewind, BBC’s One Big Weekend, and Otherlands, have all successfully taken place in the Palace grounds.”

New Crop Innovation Centre Officially Opens at James Hutton Institute

The Crop Innovation Centre (CIC) at the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie was officially opened by the UK Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray MP, and First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney MSP, in October 2024.

The centre marks a significant milestone in securing the UK’s future in sustainable crop production and global food security.

Funded through a £62 million investment from the UK and Scottish Governments as part of the Tay Cities Region Deal, the CIC is home to the Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) and the International Barley Hub (IBH). Both initiatives were developed in partnership with University of Dundee Plant Sciences Division.

The facilities combine cutting-edge research with high-tech infrastructure to revolutionise crop production, promote food and drink security, and support rural economies. The APGC aims to enable year-round, local food production using advanced technologies such as vertical farming, molecular phenotyping, and climate-controlled growing environments. Meanwhile, the IBH focuses on innovation in barley breeding and precision agriculture, vital for the sustainability of Scotland’s £6bn whisky industry.

Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, said: “This centre cements Scotland’s global leadership in crop science and innovation, made possible through decades of research and invaluable partnerships.”

Initial projections point to £3 million of economic impact, including 5,000 bed nights and £1 million in food and drink alone. The event will offer opportunities for local and national retailers, and food and drink producers, in its shopping village.

Tickets for Scone Palace International Horse Trials are on sale now. Businesses interested in exhibiting should contact tradestands@sconehorsetrials.com

The 8,000 sq m facility features one of the UK’s largest high-performance data centres and is projected to deliver over 900 industry collaborations and support 2,600 jobs across the UK over the next decade. It’s expected to contribute over £900 million in gross value added to the economy, with more than half of that impact in Scotland.

First Minister John Swinney praised the centre as “essential infrastructure for a modern, dynamic country” while Ian Murray hailed it as “key to our future food security and rural prosperity.”

Find out more about the James Hutton Institute:

hutton.ac.uk

The Opening of Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway

Destiny Bridge and New Kingsway, part of the £150 million Cross Tay Link Road project, opened on 31st March 2025, in a ceremony led by First Minister John Swinney, Perth & Kinross Council Leader Grant Laing and local athletics champion Eilidh Doyle.

The project centres around Destiny Bridge – a threespan crossing over the River Tay and Highland mainline railway – and the New Kingsway – a six-kilometre stretch of new carriageway linking the A9, the A93 and the A94. It also includes two kilometres of realigned dual carriageway on the A9 just north of Inveralmond Roundabout.

developments, and in turn, attract inward investment opportunities, unlocking significant economic potential.

First Minister John Swinney said, “The completion of the New Kingsway and Destiny Bridge is a significant milestone for Perth, and I have no doubt that it will be transformative for the area and bring enormous benefits to all who use it.

“Reducing traffic volumes in the city centre will make journey times quicker, while also helping to reduce pollution, improve air quality, and free up road space for improved public transport.

Award-Winning Design and Procurement

In 2017 Perth & Kinross Council appointed design consultants, Sweco, to design the new route alignment, tasking them to decarbonise the build as much as possible, and to limit the impact that the project would have on its surrounding environment.

Jillian Ferguson, Roads Infrastructure Manager for PKC, commented, “The project team working with Sweco identified several opportunities at design stage, and these were embedded into the procurement process for the build. The main contractors who tendered for the project had to demonstrate how they would achieve a further 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions.

Approved by Perth & Kinross Council (PKC) in 2016, the project’s key priority was focused on reducing congestion and improving air quality in Perth city centre. To ensure the full potential of the project was met, Scottish Government, through Transport Scotland, awarded a £40m funding contribution to PKC.

Transforming travel across the region, projections show that Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway will ease future

“This project showcases exactly how, with the right investment and strong partnerships, we will continue to deliver on my priorities of growing the economy, improving public services and protecting the planet.”

“It was a new way of doing things and our innovative approach has now been added to the PAS 2080 guidelines as an example of best practice for procurement – and six engineers from Perth & Kinross Council and Sweco were awarded the Institution of Civil Engineers Carbon Champions accolade.”

The project’s key priority was focused on reducing congestion and improving air quality in Perth city centre.

Construction

Following the award of the contract to BAM UK & Ireland in autumn 2021, enabling works on the project soon commenced.

Derek Walsh, Contracts Manager for BAM UK and Ireland, commented, “A project of this scale is never without challenges, and for the Destiny Bridge build, one of the key considerations was the Highland railway line that runs parallel to the River Tay. To overcome this, initial designs were adapted to lower the east pier. As a result, the east pier moved closer to the water necessitating the need for a cofferdam to be installed at the east embankment. Overall, this reduced material volumes and carbon impact.”

Works remained on schedule throughout all of the challenges the project faced

During the three-year build, the project team were forced to overcome Storm Babet in October 2023, subsequent flooding, and ongoing bad weather, with 2024 bringing one of the wettest Scottish summers on record.

They worked to meet important deadlines such as the completion of 2km of realigned dual carriageway on the A9 which opened just in time to welcome hundreds of cyclists competing in the Gran Fondo World Championships to Perth in August 2023.

Throughout all of this, works remained largely on schedule, and by February 2024, residents and visitors would witness Destiny Bridge begin to take shape as segment by segment, the bridge drew closer together.

Discover more about the construction of Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway by scanning here:

The Community Artwork Project

Led by Kinross-based artist, Nichol Wheatley, a series of community engagement events in 2023 generated the brief for the community artwork project, which identified several possible locations and themes.

Following a lengthy submission and selection process, five Scottish artists were appointed to create the works which are located along the active travel path network:

• The Living Bench, created by artist Louise McVey (on the bridge below)

• The souterrain project, led by artist Kate Robinson

• The wetlands project, led by artist Louise Kirby and assisted by Scone Airport Men’s Shed

• Two mural projects by Shona Hardie (on the bridge below)

The Green Bridge at Highfield, the Active Travel Path Network and the Park-and-Choose

The much-anticipated Green Bridge was officially opened on 2nd December 2024 by Perth & Kinross Council Leader, Grant Laing, and the pupils of RDM Primary School in Scone.

Reconnecting existing footpaths in the forest plantation at Highfield, Scone, the bridge provides safe passage across the link road for woodland mammals and insects, and users of the new active travel path network.

This network offers 12 kilometres of new and upgraded paths through beautiful Perthshire countryside and is connected via a central hub at the new Park-and-Choose.

As well as parking, the Park-and-Choose hub includes a picnic area, cycle shelters and EV charging points.

Unlocking the Economic Potential of Perth

by Grant Laing, Perth & Kinross Council Leader

As the single largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Perth & Kinross Council, the Cross Tay Link Road project is hugely important to the future of Perth & Kinross, both environmentally and economically.

First and foremost, the diversion of heavy traffic away from the city centre, and particularly Atholl Street, will go a long way to reducing pollution and securing our ambitions to become one of Europe’s most sustainable small cities.

Perth is irrefutably beautiful, offering wide pedestrianised walkways and easy access to the River Tay and the green parklands of the North and South Inches. Now, with cleaner air and lower congestion, we can capitalise even more on the appeal of our natural environment, to bring new and exciting opportunities for all.

Fewer heavy vehicles and lower rates of through-traffic is undoubtedly more appealing to those users who wish to visit, shop, eat out and enjoy the attractions on offer such as Perth Museum. Our hope long term, therefore, is that the reduction in congestion will increase footfall and make

Perth a more attractive proposition for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Perth’s location and well-connected road network has always been a big mark in our favour, and the New Kingsway and Destiny Bridge will play a vital role in exploiting new development opportunities, attracting investment and building on success.

As well as impacting these big picture strategies, during construction the project has created job opportunities and tackled

Social and Economic Impact

Using public spending to make Perth and Kinross a better place to live, work and do business was an integral part of the Cross Tay Link Road project from its inception. From visits to schools to student placements, the creation of community orchards to charity fundraising, path clearances, and school playground upgrades, the work carried out was both diverse and meaningful.

Jillian Ferguson commented, “Over £15,000 was raised for local charities, and targets set for work experience, skills development, and engagement with educational institutions, were all exceeded.

“These significant results are testament to the project team involved, the willingness of BAM UK & Ireland, and the generosity of the project’s sub-contractors.”

local skills shortages through a robust outreach and training programme.

And, importantly, the project has both assisted and generated several legacy projects including the Denmarkfield allotments and community orchard, the new active travel path network and the community artwork project, all of which will bring enjoyment and health benefits for our Perth and Kinross residents for many years to come.

Perth Transport Futures Phase 3

The Bertha Park Link Road will be Phase 3 of the Perth Transport Futures Project and will connect Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway with the A9/A85 junction.

It will travel north from the roundabout near Bertha Park High School through Bertha Park village, farmland and forests before meeting the new A9 west roundabout.

Plans for the Bertha Park Link Road were approved in February 2024 with Sweco appointed to design and plan the new road.

Once this is completed the final phase of the Perth Transport Futures Project will be to improve travel routes through Perth city centre, taking advantage of the reduced traffic in the city centre.

A NEWS SHORT

Building Business Futures: Business Gateway Perth & Kinross

Based at the Creative Exchange in Perth city centre, Business Gateway Perth & Kinross continues to be a cornerstone of entrepreneurial support in the region. The 2024/25 financial year marked another period of growth, with a rise in demand for services resulting in tailored support for 91 local businesses.

Once realised, these ambitions will deliver an estimated 195 full-time equivalent jobs over the next three years.

Michelle Shepherd, Contract Manager Tayside, commented, “I’m pleased to report another successful year for Business Gateway Perth and Kinross. Despite ongoing economic challenges, the steady increase in business enquiries and job creation is a promising indicator of resilience and opportunity in our local economy.”

Notably, one-third of those supported were established businesses aiming to scale up, highlighting the team’s growing role in nurturing business expansion.

Michelle explained, “An increasing number of businesses are turning to Business Gateway when they reach a critical point of growth — whether they’re launching a new product, entering new markets, or seeking investment and procurement advice.

“We can partner them with leading industry experts who provide tailored guidance, helping to steer their next phase of sustainable growth.”

With a dedicated funding pot for this, the team offers access to consultants specialising in branding, finance, exporting, procurement, and HR. These

GrowBiz Reports a Successful Year for Rural Business Support

Over the past year the GrowBiz team has continued its work to provide vital enterprise support to rural businesses across Perth and Kinross, by helping individuals and communities respond to a wide range of challenges and opportunities.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, demand for GrowBiz’s services remained high, reflecting the ongoing pressures faced by small and micro-businesses, particularly around rising costs, digital changes and access to funding.

More than 250 businesses received oneto-one support during the year—well above target—and this tailored, relationshipbased approach has continued to prove effective, especially for those working alone or in isolated rural areas. GrowBiz’s award-winning and accredited mentoring programme remained a key feature of its work, with new mentors and mentees trained and matched throughout the year.

GrowBiz supports enterprises in every sector, including tourism, food & drink, niche manufacturing and business services.

services are designed to help businesses strengthen operations and seize new opportunities with confidence.

Equally important is the team’s commitment to inclusivity. Their Community Outreach programme brings tailored, one-on-one support into libraries and community centres across the region. This initiative focuses on breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship, engaging with people who might not traditionally see themselves as business owners.

“The aim is to meet people where they are.” Michelle explains, “Once trust is established, we help uncover and nurture the entrepreneurial potential that might otherwise go untapped.”

For more information, see bgateway.com/ local-offices/perth-and-kinross

Creative industries saw strong engagement, particularly through the Perthshire Artisans initiative – which celebrates its 5th birthday this year. The annual Winter Exhibition at Birnam Arts attracted new audiences, and 11 new creatives were welcomed to the network. Regular peer support sessions and marketing activities helped members increase their confidence and visibility.

Support for young entrepreneurs through the SEED programme also grew significantly. Nearly 50 young people received guidance to help develop new business ideas, with some progressing to exhibitions and funding opportunities. A new storytelling feature, “Seeds of Success”, has been launched to share their journeys and inspire others.

In the care and wellbeing sector, GrowBiz exceeded its support target by 60%, providing guidance to new and existing businesses delivering social care and related services.

The year also saw the successful delivery of the new Regional EDGE programme, highlighting innovation across the region and reinforcing GrowBiz’s role as a key contributor to rural economic development.

Growbiz.co.uk

Regional EDGE prize fund awards

£100K to Perth and Kinross entrepreneurs

A spin-off of the highly successful Scottish EDGE awards, the new Regional EDGE awards were launched in 2024, offering businesses across four regions, including Perth & Kinross, the opportunity to compete for a share in £400,000.

Run as a pilot scheme, Regional EDGE is the latest initiative in the long-standing relationship between the Scottish Government and Scottish EDGE.

Delivered in collaboration with GrowBiz, the Perth & Kinross pilot attracted 25 applicants from a diverse mix of sectors. From this starting point, 12 shortlisted companies went on to pitch to a panel of judges in a full day event held at Perth Civic Hall on Monday 24th February, 2025.

Jackie Brierton, Co-CEO of GrowBiz Scotland, commented, “We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Scottish EDGE team to deliver one of the first Regional EDGE competitions. The response we received from businesses in Perth & Kinross highlights the strong entrepreneurial culture and diversity of enterprise sectors in the area – which GrowBiz will continue to support and develop.”

The awards ceremony took place later that evening, with First Minister and MSP for Perthshire North, John Swinney, in attendance as the keynote speaker. Five finalists shared a total of £100K, including Selaura Ltd (page 14), who secured the top prize of £50,000.

As well as financial support, winners will also become EDGE alumni, granting them access to the organisation’s network of contacts and business acumen.

Little Birdie Secured £10,000

Little Birdie Coffee is an award-winning artisan coffee roastery nestled in Alyth, Perthshire. Founded by Cornelia MacWilliam, the business was inspired by her travels to Papua New Guinea, where she witnessed locals roasting coffee beans over open flames. This experience ignited her passion for coffee and led to the creation of Little Birdie Coffee.

The company specialises in ethically sourcing high-quality coffee beans from around the world, which are then hand-roasted in small batches at their Perthshire roastery. This meticulous process ensures each batch highlights the unique flavours of the beans. Their signature Tartan Range blends Brazilian and Colombian beans, offering tasting notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel.

Beyond coffee, Little Birdie offers a selection of premium loose-leaf teas and luxury hot chocolates made with real Belgian chocolate. The company is committed to sustainability, utilising recyclable coffee packaging, biodegradable and home-compostable tea bags, and repurposing coffee sacks locally.

The name ‘Little Birdie’ pays homage to Cornelia’s grandmother, Albertina, affectionately known as ‘Birdie’. Little Birdie Coffee’s products are available for both retail and wholesale customers, with options for subscriptions and bulk orders. Their offerings can be purchased online and are stocked in various local outlets.

birdie.coffee

MEET THE WINNERS

Enriched Being

Secured £10,000

Enriched Being is a Perthshire-based microgreens company founded in late 2023 by Tara and Paul Scott. The venture was inspired by Tara’s personal health journey, during which she discovered the nutritional benefits of microgreens.

Operating from their home in Craigend, near Perth, the couple employs innovative indoor vertical farming techniques to cultivate a variety of microgreens, including sunflower shoots, tendril pea shoots, and rambo radish. This method ensures a sustainable, weather-independent supply of fresh produce year-round.

Enriched Being’s microgreens are grown to order and typically harvested within 10–14 days, minimising waste and maximising freshness. Deliveries are made within 24 hours of harvest, ensuring optimal quality for their clientele, which includes top hotels and restaurants across Perthshire, such as Andy Murray’s Cromlix Hotel, Murrayshall Hotel, and Cairn Lodge.

In addition to supplying fresh microgreens, the company is developing “Big Shot”, a 30ml cold-pressed, fermented microgreen juice aimed at enhancing nutrient absorption and shelf life. This product reflects their commitment to combining nutrition with innovation.

Enriched Being’s mission is to promote health and vitality through nutrient-dense, sustainably grown microgreens, supporting both individual wellness and the local culinary scene.

enrichedbeing.com

Secured £15,000

Nestled beside the tranquil Mill Pond at Comrie Croft in Perthshire, Nowhere Sauna is a handcrafted, wood-fired retreat designed to help guests disconnect from daily distractions and reconnect with nature. Built from sauna-grade spruce and aspen timber, it features a high-quality Finnish IKI stove, offering an authentic sauna experience. Complementing the heat therapy, guests can invigorate themselves with a burn-fed plunge bath or a waterfall bucket shower, embracing the benefits of hot and cold contrast therapy.

Founded by Lauren and Susanna, Nowhere Sauna emphasises community, wellbeing, and the restorative power of nature. The sauna accommodates up to eight people and is available for both communal sessions and private bookings, making it ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or quiet reflection.

Located within the eco-conscious Comrie Croft, visitors can enhance their experience with nearby amenities such as eco-lodges, camping facilities, and scenic walking and biking trails. Nowhere Sauna welcomes all, including those not staying at Comrie Croft, and provides accessible parking options.

Bookr is a technology company based in Inchture, Perthshire, Scotland, specialising in cloud-based scheduling software designed to streamline the management of Simulated Patient (SP) programmes within healthcare education. Founded by John Hume, Bookr addresses the administrative challenges faced by institutions running SP programmes, such as coordinating role-players for clinical skills training and examinations.

The platform replaces traditional methods — like spreadsheets, emails, and phone calls — with an intuitive dashboard that automates bookings, communications, and resource management, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing errors.

Bookr has been adopted by various healthcare organisations, including the University of Dundee, to manage increased student numbers with reduced administrative overhead. The company participated in the Scottish Government’s Techscaler programme, which supports tech startups across Scotland, and maintains a presence at the Flour Mill in Dundee, a hub for tech entrepreneurship.

With a focus on improving productivity and reducing administrative burdens, Bookr continues to support healthcare educators in delivering high-quality training.

bookr.global

Nowhere Sauna

Bookr

Overall Regional Edge Winner: Selaura

Secured £50,000

As the inaugural Perth & Kinross winner of the £50,000 Regional Edge Award, Morven Shaw, founder of Selaura, is poised to break the UK and American menopause markets with her award-winning nutritional supplement.

Selaura is a Perthshire-based health and wellbeing company, specialising in hormonal change. Founded in 2021 by Morven Shaw and holistic and nutritional expert, Debbie Wheeler their first product is a nutritional supplement for menopausal and peri-menopausal women, created using clinically proven ingredients.

The business is based on a direct-toconsumer subscription model and in its first three years, it has secured over 500 customers and generated turnover in excess of £220,000. In February 2025, Morven was awarded the £50,000 winning prize in the Perth & Kinross Regional Edge Awards, which she will use to kick-start the next stage of Selaura’s journey.

Morven commented, “Like many great products, the inspiration behind Selaura stemmed from my own experience of perimenopause. I confided in Debbie, a friend with over 20 years’ experience in female health care. I listened, followed her advice, and within eight weeks I was feeling so much better. The problem was, I was taking 12 different supplements every day!

“Convinced we’d hit on a winning combination, we decided to explore the possibility of creating a daily, one-capsule

supplement that would address all 48 symptoms of menopause, and after 13 months of intensive research and development, we cracked the formula that would become Selaura.”

Morven champions the quality and potency of ingredients used as the business’s USP and will use some of the prize money to conduct a clinical trial which she is confident will prove efficacy.

“We have a trust pilot rating of 4.6, so we know consumer feedback is positive. However, we would like that clinical trial seal of approval to approach private clinics and the NHS.

“We source our ingredients from Scandinavia and India, through reliable, trusted channels. They are all clinically tested and provided at the optimum daily doses – quite unusual in the supplement industry. The product is manufactured and packaged in the UK.

“Growth so far has been fairly organic and generated by word of mouth. The bulk of our customers are Scottish based, with pockets in the wider UK, Switzerland and the US. Up until our US launch – set for summer 2025 – we hadn’t really carried out any major marketing campaigns.”

The launch in the US plays a key role in the company’s growth strategy; the menopause supplement market is estimated to reach $7 billion by 2026, and Selaura’s ambitious campaign will

include targeted geographical ads, and ambassador-style marketing.

“When it comes to the supplement market, the US is primed and ready. Customers are used to paying for wellbeing and health, and our brand carries a premium.

“We’re also launching on Amazon marketplace, which is developing rapidly at the minute, and now includes a number of high-end brands that are synonymous with our customer base.

“Our US agency is LA based and has an impressive track record in scaling startups and supplements. In addition to this, I have worked in the American market, having founded, and successfully exited, a boutique law firm, specialising in venture capital for the tech space.

“Now, I’m committed to accelerating the growth of Selaura, with a three-year plan to reach £2 million turnover. To deliver on this, we need enough in our pot to cut through the noise which is why this new phase includes a £350K funding-round.

“The win at Regional Edge has been a great catalyst for this, and I recently presented at the Angel’s Share event in Perth which was a really valuable experience that helped me secure two pitches with investment groups – Mint Venture and Invest in Women. It also deepened my understanding of the type of angel investors there are out there, including those who aren’t suitable for Selaura.

“Feedback has been positive with a trip with Mint Ventures to New York as part of Tartan Week and selection as a Finalist For Unrest’s Impact-Investor Office Hours.”

seluara.com

PKC Commits to Two Years of Funding for The Angel’s Share

A two-year contract has been awarded to deliver Perth and Kinross Council’s innovative business investment programme, The Angel’s Share.

The Angel’s Share, developed by Perth and Kinross Council (PKC), is an economic development programme designed to support entrepreneurial expansion by connecting growth-ready enterprises with certified investors.

Based around three live pitching events each year, the programme supports entrepreneurs by providing high value expertise and coaching ahead of their presentation to the programme’s audience of certified investors.

Julie Barnsley, PKC Economic Development Officer leading on the programme, explains, “The Angel’s Share aims to foster a culture of ambition and entrepreneurship across Perth and Kinross by ensuring both entrepreneurs and investors benefit from the pitch experience.

“By facilitating the entrepreneurs preparatory work such as growth strategy, financial model planning, valuation and pitch decks, the programme ensures the business is pitch-ready and has the confidence to withstand the scrutiny of the investor audience.

“On the other side, investors must comply with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations for High-Net-Worth individuals or Sophisticated Investors. By enabling and supporting both sides of the engagement,

the aim is to maximise the opportunity both in terms of the capital investment and the long-term business potential.”

Launched in 2012, The Angel’s Share was the first fully funded entrepreneurinvestor matching service delivered by a local authority in the UK. 13 years on, and PKC has committed to developing the programme further, awarding Raising Expert – a consultancy business focused on helping early-stage founders raise angel investment – the contract to deliver The Angel’s Share for a further two years.

Finlay Kerr, founder of Raising Expert, commented, “We are delighted to have won the contract to deliver The Angel’s Share programme for PKC and to support businesses with growth across the region.

“I’ve been encouraged by the diversity of businesses presenting through the programme. Many represent what we’d consider traditional industries, but more and more, we’re seeing companies emerge from the digital technology space.

“While the primary objective of The Angel’s Share is to facilitate equity investment, the forum has also proven to be a fantastic networking platform. Many pitching businesses have developed collaborations, met advisors, and made sales as a direct result of taking part.”

Key Features of The Angel’s Share

Entrepreneur and Investor Engagement: The programme is based around live pitching events. These opportunities provide a platform for entrepreneurs to present to certified investors with a view to securing investment and strategic partnerships which align with the business’s growth ambitions.

Comprehensive Support: Beyond the opportunity for financial investment, the programme offers guidance and mentorship, addressing various aspects of business development such as financial planning and growth strategy all aimed at achieving investor-readiness.

Focus on Long-Term Growth: By nurturing relationships that extend beyond capital infusion, the programme accentuates sustainable business growth and economic resilience for the area.

For more details, please contact: finlay@raising-expert.com

Growing Your Business Through Angel Investment

Professor Gillian Fleming, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Mint Ventures, discusses the power of angel investing for business and economy growth.

“Mint Ventures launched in 2022, and in that time, we’ve grown to 61 members from across the UK bringing much needed new sources of capital into the ecosystem. As a women-based membership, our focus is to provide education and support to encourage more women to invest in early stage companies and have a say in shaping the future of the economy.

“There is a misconception that womenled means women only, but we do invest in male founders who have built a diverse team with female representation at senior management and board level. Quite apart from promoting equality in the workplace, evidence shows that this helps to develop more sustainable companies, with gender diverse teams 25% more likely to have above-average profitability.

“Surprisingly then, only 14% of investors in the UK are women, and only 2 to 3

pence on every £1 of equity investment goes to all-female teams.

“These are important statistics. Angel investment is an important component of the Scottish business ecosystem and fewer women in the space means sectors where women are more likely to set up businesses that may not be classified as science and technology are less likely to receive funding.

“As well as providing a critical source of funding for early-stage companies, angel investors can also offer knowledge and expertise to support companies as they grow. Furthermore, the tax benefits and due diligence help to derisk the opportunities and angel investing can aid companies to leverage grant funding.

“I was particularly encouraged to see so many women represented in the Perth and Kinross Regional Edge final held in February this year. Scottish Edge has been the lifeblood of funding in Scotland since its inception, with inclusivity at the heart of what it does.

“As well as providing winners with significant cash injections, it provides a very tangible endorsement for potential investors who know the intense process and scrutiny that companies go through to secure that win.

“To see to see it rolled out at regional level was fantastic; particularly as they chose to work with local providers such as GrowBiz in Perth and Kinross. We need to see more in the way of collaborative working if we are to help smaller businesses access the funds required for real growth.

“The Angel’s Share initiative from Perth and Kinross Council is another great example of how working together can strengthen the wider economy. By offering a showcase for local businesses, and placing them in front of serious, national investors, this exemplar model for investment encourages a growth mindset from an early stage.

“Typically, a funding journey will start with family and friends, may be suitable for

Launched in 2022, Mint Ventures is a women-led angel investment group focused on making angel investment more accessible to women from a wide range of business backgrounds through a CPD accredited educational route into angel investing.

Mint is purpose led and aims to invest in products and services that meet the needs and interests of women with a social, ethical or environmental purpose. mintventures.co.uk

crowd funding and then, usually because there is not enough income to secure a loan, founders may look towards angel investment.

“If we could speed this process up, encouraging businesses to access angel investment earlier, then companies could grow quicker and more sustainably, without the need for less appealing strategies such as salary sacrifice. Throughout my career I have spoken to many people who wish they’d realised earlier how much support could be made available through an investment route.

“There is a common misconception amongst founders that they will lose control of their ‘baby’, however, angel investment is based on fair and reasonable terms for all parties which should ensure you are aligned with the right investors and advisors and that they all have the same goals.

“This is especially true for women, who tend to have a different attitude to risk

Through educating and encouraging more women to become angel investors, we create new sources of capital for innovative businesses to grow.

than their male counterparts and make more socioeconomic-based decisions. While this brings many strategic benefits to a growing company, we also see more female-founded businesses bootstrapping for many years. Salary sacrifice is commonplace, and income generation is the only ongoing investment.

“The same is true on the other side of the fence. We need more women to become angel investors in order to ensure we are more broadly represented in the business ecosystem. Only 14% of UK investors are women, and yet we are 50% of the consumer base.

“We need to encourage our female entrepreneurs, to think audaciously and ambitiously, and to take their seat at the table.”

Highland Spring Group Launch Solar Farm in Partnership with SSE

Highland Spring Group, leading UK producer of natural source waters, in partnership with clean energy company SSE Energy Solutions, have announced the launch of a new solar farm in Scotland.

Located in the Ochil Hills, Perthshire, the 7-megawatt, 23-acre project will supply up to a quarter of the Group’s electricity needs for their main Blackford site.

Construction is due to start in summer 2025 and it is expected the solar farm will be fully operational by early 2026. SSE has been appointed to manage the installation and running of the solar site on behalf of Highland Spring Group.

In addition to providing power to the manufacturing site and offices, the project has direct, tangible benefits for the local community including a sensitive design to minimise its visual impact, providing a free-of-charge electricity supply to Blackford Primary School and rapid EV chargers for community use.

In recent years Highland Spring Group has accelerated their business decarbonisation roadmap, delivering projects and initiatives in collaboration with customers and partners which reduce emissions across their entire operations from source to shelf. They were one of the first companies in the UK to have their science-based net-zero target approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) under the Net-Zero Standard and recently attained a B score from the Climate Disclosure Project (CDP) for their work to address climate change.

Jim Fairlie MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire said: “Highland Spring are an important local employer who have done a power of work in recent years to decarbonise. I welcome this partnership between Highland Spring and SSE, and the community benefit that it will bring both for the school and with the community use EV chargers.”

Simon Oldham, Managing Director Highland Spring Group said, “Environmental and social responsibility have always been at the heart of our purpose and this project not only positively supports our sustainability strategy but our good neighbour programme too. Harnessing the renewable energy transition is a key part of our journey towards a zero-carbon future, and we are delighted to have collaborated with SSE to bring this solar site to life.”

Margaret McMillan, Head Teacher, Blackford Primary School said, “The solar farm is a major development for the local community and on behalf of the entire school I am delighted that we will benefit in a tangible way from Highland Spring’s focus on renewable, sustainable energy.”

Councillor Liz Barrett, Perth and Kinross Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Vice-Convener, commented,

“This is a major project for the Blackford area and I warmly welcome the valuable support to local life that Highland Spring and SSE will provide through the solar farm both in EV chargers for community use and significantly, a free electricity supply for Blackford Primary School.”

Innis & Gunn | Brewing Greener from Their Home in Perth

Innis & Gunn, the Scottish brewer renowned for ‘The Original’ whisky cask beer, acquired Inveralmond Brewery in Perth in 2016 and quickly established it as their home for innovation and cask maturation.

Launched by Dougal Gunn Sharp in 2003, Innis & Gunn has evolved to become a multi-award-winning brand, producing a range of core and limited-edition beers as well as the Inveralmond Brewery cask ales. The Original continues to be their flagship beer and Innis & Gunn Lager is a top 10 premium lager brand in Scotland, ahead of large global competitors including Heineken, Estrella Damm and Staropramen.

This has included the addition of new pumps, which speed up the process overall, and new steam plate heat exchangers, which offer significant heat transfer improvements. Installed in January this year, the new kit is expected to

“The overall increase is significant, but it will be achieved through incremental improvements across the production process. For example, the process of separating wort would have taken us around 3 hours for each batch and we’ve now halved that to 1.5 hours.

Alex Cox, Site Leader at their Perth brewery, oversees the production of around 50,000 litres of beer each week, and is responsible for ensuring consistency in taste, quality and production.

In 2024, the company successfully applied for a Green Capital Development Grant from Perth & Kinross Council and were awarded £25,000 to invest a total of £60,000 into improving their brewing process.

increase production by 33%, making Innis & Gunn one of the largest independent brewers in Scotland.

Alex commented, “Our brewing capacity is around 50,000 litres of beer a week, but this new kit will maximise what the brewhouse can achieve, and we expect to increase production by one third, to 75,000 litres.

“When it comes to mashing in, we can now blend our hot liquor to achieve the right temperature, meaning we’re cutting out the time needed for reheating, as well as saving on our cold water consumption.

“In addition to the resource efficiencies, the introduction of a rotary lobe pump system means we can now use liquid maltose. This allows us to brew at high gravity, whilst providing sufficient nutrients to the yeast and better consistency in product quality.

“Brewing beer is an energy-intense exercise, and so when you operate at the scale we do, fluctuations in energy pricing can have serious ramifications across all areas of the business.

Why Perth?

“By addressing how much energy is consumed on every batch of beer brewed, we’ve stabilised our costs and reduced our carbon emissions. We’ll save around £9,000 a year on gas bills alone, which is 25T of CO2(e). The savings made by using liquid sugar are another £1,600 a year, and while that is a small gain, add it to the £28,000 saved in other material efficiencies, and incrementally, it all makes a difference to the bottom line.”

As well as savings across costs and carbon emissions, the investment has also led to a more efficient production process. As a small team – there are only four brewers on site, each working five days, on a backto-back shift rotation – the production efficiencies made amount to a significant increase.

“We can now brew three times a day instead of two, thereby squeezing the operating window into a shorter period. The kit was installed in January this year, and I would expect to be seeing the full benefits of it by mid-summer when we aim to increase brewing capacity by a third. That will take us from 25,000 hectolitres each year, to 37,500 hectolitres – to put that into terms people understand, we’ll be producing 6.6 million pints a year!

“Innis & Gunn has always been known for pushing the boundaries, and the pioneering of new brewing techniques for a more carbon-friendly beer, is simply an extension of that entrepreneurial spirit.”

www.innisandgunn.com

“Perth is our only brewing site in the UK and its central location, and access to the road network, offers an ideal position for our tankers to distribute to our co-packers where the beer is canned, bottled or kegged. We move around 25,000-75,000 litres each week, which is only going to increase.

“We use malted pale barley in all of our recipes, and we source this from in and around the area, and up the east coast of Scotland. This is mixed with speciality malts to add colour, body, aroma and flavour giving our beer its distinct characteristics.

“Perth is renowned for its quality food and drink manufacturers, and we are proud to sit alongside the many great whisky distilleries and award-winning producers that can be found throughout the area.”

£530 Million Investment Prospectus Launched to Propel Perth & Kinross into a Sustainable Economic Future

Perth & Kinross Council has officially launched a bold, £530 million Investment Prospectus at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2025, setting out a compelling vision for sustainable, long-term growth across the region.

Presented to a high-profile audience of government representatives, private investors, developers, and funding bodies, the prospectus outlines eight transformative projects that collectively support Perth & Kinross’s ambitions to lead in sustainability and clean growth.

Spanning a 15-year period from 2025 to 2040, the portfolio covers market-ready opportunities, and longer-term investorled partnerships in energy and net zero, the circular economy, food and drink, light industrial, travel and logistics, leisure and retail, accommodation in tourism and residential.

Perth & Kinross Council Leader, Councillor Grant Laing, commented: “Over the past six years, Perth and Kinross has demonstrated its commitment to building a modern, resilient, and inclusive economy through an impressive £600 million public investment programme. This has supported essential infrastructure, cultural development, and growth in key economic sectors.

“Now, the Investment Prospectus sets out a clear intention to build on these strong foundations, by providing an exciting platform for investor and developer-led partnerships, both domestically and internationally.

“I believe the diversity and ambition of the projects on offer present a compelling case for doing business in Perth and Kinross. Alongside transformative, clean growth

Perth Eco-Innovation Park offers serviced plots for green tech and logistics firms. Backed by Tay Cities Deal funding, it includes the Perth Innovation Highway and solar park. Early investors can influence planning and benefit from a net-zero, future-focused business ecosystem supporting MaaS, R&D, and sustainable manufacturing.

opportunities directly impacting our net zero ambitions, there are also traditional, property-based propositions designed to encourage and support existing business relocation into the area.”

The £530 million proposition complements the Council’s existing £600 million+ investment in infrastructure, key sectors, and the arts, creating a powerful springboard for future growth.

Binn Ecopark is a 200-acre centre for circular economy and renewable energy near Perth. Home to diverse renewable sources of energy it offers land for lease and investment opportunities in agri-tech, energy, and sustainable resource management.

Eco Innovation Park at Perth West

Binn Ecopark

Perth City Heat Network

Northfield Business Park

CONSENTED LAND – Use Classes 4, 5 & 6 (Including Food and Drink Use)

Islay Place, Perth, PH1 3FU

The Perth City Heat Network will deliver low-cost, low-carbon heat to public buildings and housing. A 2025 market prospectus will outline investment in heat and renewable energy infrastructure. As the anchor for wider decarbonisation, it presents a major opportunity for sustainable energy investors across Perth and Kinross.

Strategic Energy Partnership

The Strategic Energy Partnership enables investment in Perth & Kinross’s net-zero transition. It supports low-carbon heat, EV infrastructure, battery storage, and renewable energy. It’s a platform for clean growth across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, guided by the Council’s energy strategy.

Advanced Plastics Sorting and Upcycling Factory

Located at Binn Ecopark, APSuF is a £9.2m plastics recycling facility opening in 2028/29. Backed by Tay Cities Deal funding, it offers investment opportunities in advanced recycling, reuse, and local manufacturing. APSuF aims to transform plastics waste into value while supporting R&D and emissions reduction.

Northfield Business Park near Perth offers five fully serviced development plots (1.2–5.0 acres) ideal for logistics, manufacturing, and food and drink industries. With excellent transport links and national brands already onsite, it’s a costeffective, strategic location for businesses seeking growth in a well-established commercial hub.

The Culture Quarter

The Culture Quarter in central Perth supports cultural-led regeneration with £100m investment potential. Development opportunities include residential, leisure, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Anchored by Perth Theatre and Museum, the area promotes city centre living, green infrastructure, and streetscape improvements supporting events, dining, and independent retail.

The Mill Quarter

The Mill Quarter will deliver a £61m leisure centre and unlock mixed-use and residential development in Perth’s city centre. The site supports sustainable living, active travel, and green space, with additional student and residential opportunities tied to the planned Perth City Heat Network and wider regeneration.

What Perth Means to Me: Lorna Bruce, The Bean Shop

In 2003, Lorna and her husband, John opened the doors to The Bean Shop, providing Perth city with its first independent coffee roastery and retail outlet. 22 years on and their business has expanded to include a successful online shop - shipping UK wide, a wholesale arm, a white label business-to-business service, and the recently established, Watergate Roastery in the heart of the city centre.

As well as choosing Perth as the home for their business, Lorna and John live in the area, raising their family here and enjoying the great outdoors, café culture, and all that Perth has to offer.

The business has evolved and grown significantly in the past 22 years. What have been your most important milestones?

Lorna: “The first major addition to The Bean Shop was the online shop. We were early adopters, launching in 2004, with help from Business Gateway, with a very basic, off the shelf, BT webshop. We’d wrap coffee in brown paper and send it from the Post office in Bridge End.

“at which point I was on maternity leave and working on our new Shopify website.

We relaunched the site fully in 2014 and it has worked well for us; having stayed with Shopify for our latest upgrade

“By the time we launched the new website, our Shore Road roasting unit was already too small and we began actively looking for larger premises. We took a leap of faith in 2019 when we aquired the old McEwen’s building on Watergate, and by 2021 we had moved fully into the new roastery, increasing our capacity with 2 large roasters and a roastery assistant.”

What has been the key to your success?

“I don’t believe there is a magic formula except for being consistent. For the last 22 years we have got up in the morning and roasted coffee and opened up the shop. We take great pleasure in providing our local community with fresh coffee and further afield with our online sales.

“We also take time to look at things from a customer perspective. For example, we actively encourage people to buy little and often, to ensure the coffee is as fresh as possible, and so our basic postage is kept at £3.

“I think people would be surprised to learn that we operate more like a bakery

than a factory. We roast what we need that day, package it up for the shop, our wholesale customers and our online orders, and do the same again tomorrow. It almost seems too simple to say, but it really has been staying true to our original plan.”

Was Perth your first choice for your business?

“We met in Aberdeen where I was working for MacBeans Coffee Shop. When we decided to set up our own business we had looked from Inverness to Edinburgh. I knew Perth as my parents are from here, and it just ticked all of the boxes for us. The catchment area is big, it has a central location, and property is reasonably priced.

“I think all of those things remain true today too; and in some ways they matter even more. We sell wholesale and white label all over the UK, supplying retail, large offices, cafes and restaurants. Our central location has helped us logistically, from deliveries to inviting wholesale customers to visit, we couldn’t be better placed.”

What are you most proud of after 22 years in business in Perth, and what will come next?

“When we opened on that first day we didn’t know where it would lead us. Now, we are a close knit team of ten supplying customers with a little slice of affordable luxury. We’ve also built up a very loyal base of lovely customers who seem to appreciate what we do and why we do it.

“When you come to work and are surrounded by great people, it makes the job a joy. Everyone is supportive of what we do and why we do it, and we feel valued as a business because of that.

“We plan to focus even more on the things that make us a sustainable company. We’re already mindful of the environment, we pay the real living wage, we buy from small producers and we think about both people and the planet in everything we do. We are part of the community here in Perth, and we are proud to serve everyone within it.”

thebeanshop.co.uk

YMCA Tayside’s £50,000 Adapt Your Property Grant

YMCA Tayside secured a £50,000 Adapt Your Property grant from Perth & Kinross Council to support the redevelopment of two long-vacant and derelict buildings in the heart of Perth’s Conservation Area.

The funding award was part of a wider £7 million fundraising project and contributed to the transformation of a former Grade C listed church and an adjacent tenement into a vibrant community hub and urgently needed accommodation for vulnerable young people.

The Adapt Your Property grant is part of the Council’s ongoing effort to boost economic growth and improve the appeal of city and town centres.

It provides up to 50% of the cost of repurposing commercial properties, with a maximum award of £75,000. The initiative prioritises projects that enhance the local economy, improve the townscape, and deliver wider community benefit; all of which are at the heart of YMCA’s vision.

The £7 million project has resulted in a modern, multifunctional Y Centre, offering flexible space for skills development, youth work, and community use. The adjacent tenement is also undergoing restoration to provide seven flats for their users.

Jill McGrath, CEO of YMCA Tayside, commented, “The

Adapt Your Property grant contributed significantly to the conversion of an underused space into something that directly supports young people and in turn, the wider community in Perth and Kinross.

“The Y Centre will become a cornerstone of youth support in Perth and a beacon of regeneration in the city centre.”

By repurposing these buildings, the YMCA project not only addresses local social needs but also contributes to the wider ambitions of placemaking and economic renewal outlined in the Perth City Plan.

To find out more about the Adapt Your Property Grant, including how to apply, visit:

investinperth.co.uk/business-support/funding

Perth Museum:

One Year On

The ambitious £27 million development of the former City Hall was never without controversy, now, one year on , Perth Museum has exceeded all expectations to become a multi-award-winning venue on the Scottish cultural stage

Heralded as the cornerstone of Perth’s city development plan, Perth Museum opened on the 31st March 2024, promising to experience capable of attracting new visitors into the heart of the city.

At its centre, the Stone of Destiny, which was returned to Perth and Kinross for compelling hook for its wider narrative, which sought to inspire audiences to explore Scotland’s past and its connection to the wider world.

Targeted to attract 167,000 visitors each year, Perth Museum’s displays explore how the city and wider area has shaped Scotland’s ancient roots and the creation of a modern nation. Drawn from one of the oldest public collections in the country, the permanent collection includes representations of natural history, archaeology, social history, and world cultures.

Managed by Culture Perth & Kinross, the

Museum was awarded 5 Star accreditation from VisitScotland, and has received a further slew of awards, including the Championing Social Justice Award at the Museums Change Lives Awards, and the Small Regeneration Project of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards

set, reaching its 167,000th visitor just six months after opening. It welcomes an average of 500 visitors each day, rising to 1,000 in the busiest months and during school holidays. It ended its on 258,000 visitors, an impressive 50% up on initial projections. From this captive audience, 33% visited the Stone of Destiny – some 87,112 people.

of the team involved, and to the original vision for this landmark attraction.

“ What ’s particularly satisfying amongst with their visit, and 67% of people had an improved perception of Perth because of it.

Helen Smout, CEO of Culture Perth & Kinross, commented, “It has been an

To achieve such incredible results is testament to the hard work and dedication

“Of course, year one will always draw the crowds, which is why ongoing programming is one of the most critical elements of the overall strategy Ensuring we remain fresh, interesting and appealing to locals as well as visitors, is a challenge we’re well equipped for, given the scale of our collections, and the skills of our team.

“ The objects on display can be rotated to enable more of our collections to be seen over time, and there is a strong focus on securing exciting temporary exhibitions to support this core product.

Helen Smout

“ We are currently showing Macbeth, a story woven into the landscape of Perthshire, which is proving to be very popular. In January 2026 we will welcome Mary, Queen of Scots’ last letter, which is incredibly exciting and a real coup for Perth.

“Looking forward, we have coach tours booked every week of 2025, many of which have never previously stopped in Perth; it has put our city back on the map. Attracting

the Museum but also impacts positively on the local economy and other attractions in the area Perth Art Gallery has seen a 31% increase in its footfall since the Museum opened and, unsurprisingly, our close neighbour, St John’s Kirk, has reported a 106% increase in visitor numbers in 2024.

“ This isn’t an accident. We have intentionally encouraged visitors to these attractions, creating a route along St John Street and George Street to maximise exposure to the surrounding businesses in the city centre

“ Work with local businesses and using our unique position to influence the economic potential of the Museum, is already attracted over 50 local artisans with a further 30 joining the waiting list.

“It was extremely positive. Quite apart from championing our UNESCO city of crafts and folk-art status, it allows us to satisfy the demand for quality, local products while supporting local makers seeking a physical outlet for their goods. In addition to this, as a free attraction, increasing average spend is essential if we are to remain economically viable – both for the Museum and for the city.

“I know the redevelopment of the City Hall had its critics, but one year on and I am more convinced than ever that this was the right thing to do. There is something

connection to this building that has meant so much, to so many. We have heard stories of people playing in orchestras, meeting their spouse of 50 years at the

dancing, watching their child receive a school prize on stage, or attending their

“ That legacy continues into the next generation too. There are currently nine local primary schools working on a threeyear project, funded by the Gannochy Trust, to build strong connections with local heritage and the stories held within the Museum.

“I truly believe that the team here have set a trend on how a regional museum should be run. There is an immense sense of pride amongst the staff, and this is particularly true when we hear comments such as, “I wasn’t sure what to expect but you’ve done a great job!” Feedback like this resonates and rewards us all ” perthmuseum.co.uk

McIntosh Tours: Growing an International Business Through Bespoke Tours of Scotland

Raymond McIntosh, founder of McIntosh Tours, successfully utilised the Beyond Scotland Market Development Grant to gain a strong foothold in the North American tourism market for his specialist Scottish tour company.

McIntosh Tours is an independent family business based in Pitlochry, specialising in bespoke luxury tours of Perthshire and wider Scotland. Winning Private Tour Operator of the Year in the Prestige Awards 2023 and 2024, they have built an enviable reputation for quality products and exceptional customer service.

Raymond McIntosh founded McIntosh Tours in 2017 when he retired from a long career in teaching: “I wasn’t quite ready for the pipe and slippers, and having

spent a lifetime walking, climbing, sailing, canoeing and skiing the length and breadth of Scotland, transitioning to become a tour operator seemed a natural fit.

“My wife, Laura, and daughter, Victoria, have since joined me, and together we work to curate bespoke itineraries for domestic and international visitors. We made a conscious and deliberate decision early on, to pitch McIntosh Tours to the top end of the market. We wanted to create a premium product for people looking to experience Scotland on a truly personal level.”

Like all businesses in the tourism sector, McIntosh Tours ground to a halt over 2020 and into 2021. However, once borders reopened, Raymond found that people from around the world had spent their

downtime researching those big bucket list wonder trips – and Scotland polled top for many.

“People wanted something WOW. They wanted the trips that make a lifetime’s worth of memories and that’s exactly what we offer. The majority of our customers come from North America, India, and Australia, which is no surprise really. A huge number of Scots who moved during the Highland Clearances ended up in North America and Vancouver, and this has created a strong pull and heightened interest in Scottish history amongst this market.”

Building on this demand, Raymond made a strategic decision to proactively target the North American market, and last year successfully applied for a Beyond Scotland Market Development Grant to help fund a trade mission to the west coast of the USA and Canada, including Seattle, Portland and Vancouver.

“I set up a series of meetings with selective, high-end travel agents, and explained what we could do. We were already targeting North America with digital advertising but in my opinion, nothing beats a face-to-face – and everyone remembers a Scotsman in a kilt!

“The mission was a huge success. We’ve already had three lots of tours from Vancouver and one from Portland, with more to follow up on for this year. We’ve also had agents recommend us to industry contacts that we didn’t have a chance to meet; for example, we’ve been asked to do an add-on for a cruise as an indirect result of the trip.

“Given the timeframe involved in these large, multi-stop trips, I’m confident we’ll be picking up enquires for the next two or three years. Our turnover is up 23% on last year and the number of clients from North America has increased by 15% since our trade mission. Alongside this, many other local hospitality businesses benefit from our high-spending clients.”

“That pipe and slippers is a long way off yet!”

Beyond Scotland Market Development Grant

Grants of up to £3,000 are available

Open to fund projects that will enable businesses to expand their market overseas and into other parts of the UK, this competitive grant is assessed on potential impact. It can cover:

• Exhibition and trade show attendance and related costs

• Transport and accommodation directly related to a business event

• Marketing activities and brand development

• New product development

• Consultancy services Contact businessdevelopment@pkc.gov.uk for more details.

* Ts and Cs apply. Funding is up to 50% of eligible costs.

“Our turnover is up 23% on last year and the number of clients from North America has increased by 15% since our funded trade mission.”

Raymond McIntosh, McIntosh Tours