Nisha Katona MBE and Lord McConnell to Headline CMS Scotland’s On Point Conference
The vibrant landscape of Scottish business will soon be illuminated by the insights of distinguished speakers at CMS Scotland’s annual On Point conference. Scheduled for October 3rd at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), this year’s event promises to tackle pressing economic challenges both locally and globally. With a lineup that includes British restaurateur and TV personality Nisha Katona MBE and former First Minister The Rt Hon Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale, attendees can expect a day filled with thought-provoking discussions and valuable perspectives.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Hosted by renowned broadcaster Kirsty Wark, the On Point conference is set to feature a diverse array of speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. Nisha Katona, who has made a significant mark in the culinary world, will share her journey from barrister to successful restaurateur. After a two-decade career in law, she founded Mowgli Street Food in 2014, which has since blossomed into a chain of 24 restaurants across the UK. Her commitment to creating a positive workplace culture has earned Mowgli recognition as one of the nation’s top employers, ranking in the Top 25 of ‘The UK’s Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For’ last year. Katona’s contributions to the food industry were acknowledged with an MBE in the 2019 New Year Honours List, making her a compelling voice on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Joining her is Lord Jack McConnell, who served as First Minister of Scotland from 2001 to 2007. His extensive political career includes roles as the UK Special Representative for Peacebuilding and as a member of the Scottish Parliament for over a decade. McConnell’s insights into governance and economic policy will provide a historical context to the current challenges facing Scottish businesses.
Addressing Economic Challenges
The On Point conference will delve into the current economic landscape, addressing both the hurdles and opportunities that lie ahead for Scottish businesses. Allan Wernham, Managing Director of CMS Scotland, expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the importance of discussing how Scotland can navigate its economic future. With declining interest rates and inflation, there are signs of recovery, yet significant challenges remain. Wernham emphasized the need for innovation, productivity, and a skilled workforce to drive growth in the Scottish economy.
A Diverse Range of Perspectives
In addition to Katona and McConnell, the conference will feature a host of other influential speakers. Louise Hellem, Chief Economist at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), will provide insights into economic trends and forecasts. Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, will share her expertise on economic research and its implications for policy-making. James Withers, a key figure in Scotland’s food and drink sector, will discuss the findings of his Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape in Scotland.
Other notable speakers include Jamie Grant, Head of Corporate Banking Scotland at Barclays; Liam Middleton, Deputy Director of Economic Development at the University of Glasgow; Dame Susan Rice DBE, Chair of Forth Green Freeport; and Susie Lind, Managing Director of BlueFloat Energy. Each of these speakers brings a unique perspective on the economic landscape, ensuring a comprehensive discussion on the future of business in Scotland.
Conclusion
As the Scottish business community prepares for the On Point conference, the anticipation is palpable. With a lineup of high-profile speakers and a focus on critical economic issues, the event promises to be a catalyst for discussion and innovation. Nisha Katona MBE and Lord McConnell’s participation underscores the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of Scotland’s economy. As businesses look to navigate the complexities of the current landscape, the insights shared at this conference will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in guiding their strategies for growth and success.