Movers and Shakers in Corporate Scotland

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Watson to head debt advisory service

CHARTERED accountant Simon Watson is to develop a debt advisory service for property businesses for BTG Financial Consulting, part of Begbies Traynor Group.

Watson, who worked for the “big four” accountancy firms before setting up a property development business in Glasgow, has experience of the sector. He spent six years working on distressed properties with both Clydesdale Bank and National Australia Bank.

His new role will focus on debt advice for solvent and performing property and licensed trade businesses across Scotland. Mr Watson said: “Our aim is to work with clients to help them articulate and present their position in the best possible light to banks/funders in order to achieve a market leading, enhanced refinance offer.

“We will also help with existing lender negotiations to bring resolution to difficult legacy relationship issues.”

Managing partner Ken Pattullo said that Watson had a “strong track record” in distressed property, and the expertise to lead BTG’s new offering. “Simon will add further strength and depth to the team in Scotland as we continue to support businesses facing tough funding challenges.”

Gilligan moves in at Stronachs

LAW FIRM Stronachs has hired Eric Gilligan as an employment partner in its Aberdeen office.

He has previously been a partner at Brodies and Paull & Williamsons.

At Stronachs he will work alongside fellow partner Gillian Donald in the employment team.

Mr Gilligan said: “I am very pleased to be joining a firm with a strong Aberdeen based employment law team, and look forward to both developing our employment offering and contributing to the further growth of Stronachs.”

Sutherland takes life sciences chair

DR Ken Sutherland has been appointed chairman of the advisory board of The Scottish Lifesciences Association (SLA).

He replaces Dr John Brown, who held the position from the inception of the Association in 2011. The SLA’s policy is to refresh Board membership every three to four years.

Dr Sutherland said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role at a time when life sciences are flourishing in Scotland.

“My predecessor, John Brown has been hugely influential both as chairman and more widely across the sector. We have seen a strong period of growth in life sciences investment over the past two years and I see a great future ahead.”

Dr Sutherland is company president of Toshiba Medical Visualization Systems in Edinburgh, where he leads a team of 125 computer scientists, data analysts and clinical experts, responsible for research and development of advanced visualization technology. He studied electronics and computer science at Edinburgh University, has a PhD in image analysis and post-doctoral research experience.

Grindlay dealt in by surveyor

GRAHAM + Sibbald has added Scott Grindlay as a senior surveyor to its agency team in Glasgow.

Mr Grindlay, formerly at J&E Shepherd, has experience across the retail sector with a recent deal working for Bank of Ireland in securing Gourmet Burger Kitchen to St Vincent Street. He will work in all sectors, acting for landlords and retailers, and acquiring and disposing of properties. Calum Campbell, Partner, said: “We are delighted Scott is joining our growing agency team in Glasgow. With his strong market reputation and breadth of experience, we are certain Scott will prove a great asset.”

Copyright of The Herald
Originally Published: 20.10.2014