International speakers will share their expertise and knowledge at the Entrepreneurial Scotland Conference on 26 April. The theme of the event at Gleneagles Hotel is global mindset, and focuses on the need for organisations across all sectors to look outwards and consider what Scotland can offer, and learn from, the rest of the world.
Launching this year’s conference, Chris van der Kuyl, chair of Entrepreneurial Scotland, unveiled the speaker line-up. Mark Beaumont, record-breaking long distance cyclist and patron of the Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation, will open the conference. His “bold ambition epitomises global mindset as a key to achieving what many would see as impossible goals”, said the conference organisers.
Georg Ell, director of Tesla for Western Europe, will explore the firm’s challenges and ambition for the region, and Tesla’s overarching mission; to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. “Tesla is a brand that does so much more than manufacture cars, they are embracing a global mindset, they are pushing the boundaries in technology and innovation to have a positive impact on the planet and embrace the different cultures and environments that they are part of.”
Other speakers confirmed so far are:
- Stefani Grosse, founder of Monreal London, the luxury women’s sportswear brand whose customers include HRH Duchess of Cambridge and Victoria Beckham, and is stocked by Net-a-Porter, Selfridges and Harrods.
- Gareth Williams, CEO and co-founder of Skyscanner, the travel website that was one of Scotland’s first unicorn companies and sold to China travel firm Ctrip in £1.4bn deal. Gareth was the winner of the Entrepreneurial Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2017.
- Lord Bilimoria CBE, the founder of Cobra Beer, chairman of the Cobra Beer Partnership, and of Molson Coors Cobra India, both joint ventures with the global brewing company, Molson Coors.
- Angus Macdonald, chairman ICS Learn, the leading distance learning organisation, and winner of Entrepreneurial Scotland Scale Up Award 2017.
“Those with a global mindset are adventurous and curious,” said Chris van der Kuyl. “They are open to embracing diversity and different cultures. They aren’t afraid to open their minds and look further afield, navigating new approaches and generating opportunities. It is an attitude that is vital for entrepreneurs who want to grow and scale their businesses and be truly international.
“Entrepreneurial leaders with a global mindset have the best chance of taking advantage of emerging opportunities, driving innovation and growing sustainably. It is also a crucial component to achieve our ambition of making Scotland the most entrepreneurial society in the world.
“With that in mind we are bringing world-class speakers that attribute their success to embracing a Global Mindset to share their expertise at Gleneagles next month for what promises to be a formidable Conference to fuel our members’ and delegates’ – Scotland’s entrepreneurial leaders’ – ambition.”
Amanda Robertson, managing director of Dundee-based Stoneridge Electronics, which exports tachographs and supports customers globally, said she was looking forward to this year’s conference. “The theme of this year’s conference something that really resonates with Stoneridge – it is at the core of everything we do. I’m always inspired by the innovation and ingenuity shown by Scotland and its entrepreneurs and it is great to see some fantastic examples will be at Gleneagles.”
Cazenove Capital is supporting conference as headline partner this year. “For hundreds of years, Scotland has been a thriving hub of ingenious ideas,” said Bob Hair, head of the firm’s Edinburgh. “It has given the world many great innovations and some fantastic people have left its shores to pursue their dreams elsewhere.
“There is no shortage of ambition for Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs to have a more global outlook, but that can be achieved without necessarily having to take their ideas, drive, ambition and businesses elsewhere. I can think of no better way of safeguarding its future wealth than by helping to make Scotland the most entrepreneurial society in the world.
“Cazenove is delighted to partner with Entrepreneurial Scotland and believe this shows our commitment to entrepreneurs. It is a pleasure to count some of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs amongst our clients and we hope the attendees at this year’s conference will be inspired, motivated and better connected after hearing from such a brilliant line up of speakers.”
Entrepreneurial Scotland’s Conference 2018 is open to members and non-members. To book a place, visit here.