Edinburgh Business Stories
Hosted by ActionCOACH business coach Alan Smith and YouMore founder Alex Richards, this video podcast focuses on the stories of business owners in and around the great city of Edinburgh. Check it out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. And why not follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn too for updates and behind the scenes sneak peaks? Know someone with an awesome story who should be on this podcast? Let us know by emailing info@youmore.co.uk.
Episodes
October 22, 2025 • 60 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Rob Aberdein, Group Managing Director at Simpson & Marwick - a lawyer, entrepreneur and lifelong hustler.
Rob shares how his early ventures, from selling cookies at family barbecues to trading posters and pizzas as a teenager, shaped his business instincts long before he stepped into law. He talks about the bold decision to walk away from a “safe” career in accountan...
Rob shares how his early ventures, from selling cookies at family barbecues to trading posters and pizzas as a teenager, shaped his business instincts long before he stepped into law. He talks about the bold decision to walk away from a “safe” career in accountan...
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October 8, 2025 • 50 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Douglas Lawson, CEO & Co-Founder of MarktoMarket, the platform setting new standards for accuracy in the private capital markets.
Douglas shares how the company was built on forensic data, why AI can never replace human oversight, and how focusing on the often-overlooked smaller end of the market created a powerful niche. He reflects on the challenge of building crit...
Douglas shares how the company was built on forensic data, why AI can never replace human oversight, and how focusing on the often-overlooked smaller end of the market created a powerful niche. He reflects on the challenge of building crit...
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September 24, 2025 • 48 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Scott J Miller, Managing Director of Compass Roofing, a family business with deep roots in the city and a reputation built over decades.
Scott shares his journey from leaving school at Christmas and knocking on doors for an apprenticeship, to leading one of Edinburgh’s most trusted roofing companies. From the black donkey jackets and ankle-cutting boots of the 1980s, to ...
Scott shares his journey from leaving school at Christmas and knocking on doors for an apprenticeship, to leading one of Edinburgh’s most trusted roofing companies. From the black donkey jackets and ankle-cutting boots of the 1980s, to ...
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September 10, 2025 • 52 mins
From a family business collating school uniform orders by hand to supplying embroidery for global brands like Ralph Lauren and Barbour, Ross and William Smillie’s story is one of graft, adaptability and vision. Today, as joint managing directors of BE Uniforms, they run one of the UK’s largest school uniform and workwear suppliers, but the journey has been anything but straightforward.
In this conversation, we hear how the brothers ...
In this conversation, we hear how the brothers ...
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August 27, 2025 • 50 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Carina Contini - chef, restaurateur, and director of Victor & Carina Contini, one of Scotland’s best-loved hospitality families.
Carina shares a journey steeped in heritage and flavour — from crates of sun-ripened lemons and figs arriving from the markets of Milan, to her grandparents’ adventures on The Queen Mary’s maiden voyage, bringing back the first choc ice mac...
Carina shares a journey steeped in heritage and flavour — from crates of sun-ripened lemons and figs arriving from the markets of Milan, to her grandparents’ adventures on The Queen Mary’s maiden voyage, bringing back the first choc ice mac...
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August 13, 2025 • 44 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Peter Proud, Founder and CEO of Forrit, a company quietly powering some of the world’s most secure and scalable digital platforms.
Peter takes us through a career that’s anything but ordinary: from his time at Microsoft to launching Forrit, building not just a product, but a company rooted in strong values, technical excellence, and a genuine culture of care. He talks ab...
Peter takes us through a career that’s anything but ordinary: from his time at Microsoft to launching Forrit, building not just a product, but a company rooted in strong values, technical excellence, and a genuine culture of care. He talks ab...
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July 30, 2025 • 52 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Ross and Craig Davidson; brothers, business partners, and the team behind Dofos, one of the city’s most iconic independent pet retailers. Ross and Craig talk about the early days, including how they turned a cupboard into a grooming salon with nothing but YouTube and grit, and how lockdown helped cement their place in the local community. Throughout it all, they’ve focu...
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July 16, 2025 • 42 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, Colin shares the journey behind the business: from scribbling ideas after a night out, to developing a brand that now partners with Hearts FC, and navigating the intense highs and lows of entrepreneurship along the way.
This conversation covers everything from the real meaning behind the Stella Omada name, to launching a digital greeting card company during lockdown (and watching it com...
This conversation covers everything from the real meaning behind the Stella Omada name, to launching a digital greeting card company during lockdown (and watching it com...
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July 2, 2025 • 37 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Tommy Dale, co-founder of Forth Resource Management, for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and thought-provoking.
From composting garden cuttings into premium topsoil, to pulling tonnes of marine waste off Scottish beaches, Tommy’s work straddles entrepreneurship, sustainability, and a deep love for the land. He shares how a single hea...
From composting garden cuttings into premium topsoil, to pulling tonnes of marine waste off Scottish beaches, Tommy’s work straddles entrepreneurship, sustainability, and a deep love for the land. He shares how a single hea...
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June 18, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Josif Grace, Founder and CEO of Legado, a company reshaping how regulated industries communicate with their customers.
With a background in investment management and time spent immersed in the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem, Josif brings a unique perspective on scaling tech businesses in traditionally slow-moving sectors. At Legado, he’s building digital tools that off...
With a background in investment management and time spent immersed in the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem, Josif brings a unique perspective on scaling tech businesses in traditionally slow-moving sectors. At Legado, he’s building digital tools that off...
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June 4, 2025 • 30 mins
In this episode, we speak with Sheryl Macaulay, Partner at EQ Accountants, about her journey from Accounts and Audit at Douglas Home and Co to specialising in Tax Planning. Sheryl shares how leaving university early and taking a summer placement led to her successful career, and how she overcame challenges as a young woman in a male-dominated industry.
She also discusses the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone, building ...
She also discusses the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone, building ...
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May 21, 2025 • 44 mins
Since the age of 16, Richard Simpson had a clear ambition—to own and run a creative agency. After starting out in the fast-paced world of media sales and building experience at a global brand design consultancy, that vision became a reality. Today, he’s Joint Managing Director and Co-owner of Tayburn, now part of Limitless Innovations Group following its recent acquisition by LEWIS.
Tayburn helps clients find clarity in their market...
Tayburn helps clients find clarity in their market...
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May 7, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Nathalie Agnew, Managing Director of Muckle Media—an agency built on purpose, people, and bold ideas.
As Managing Director of Muckle Media, Nathalie has led award-winning campaigns for private and public sector clients across the UK. With over 20 years of experience, she’s built a purpose-led agency with kindness, results, and impact at its core. In this episode, Nathal...
As Managing Director of Muckle Media, Nathalie has led award-winning campaigns for private and public sector clients across the UK. With over 20 years of experience, she’s built a purpose-led agency with kindness, results, and impact at its core. In this episode, Nathal...
Mark as Played
April 23, 2025 • 41 mins
Join us in this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories as we speak with Emma Macdonald, the visionary founder and CEO of TBCo, a B Corp-certified brand that’s making waves in the world of design-led accessories. Since founding the company in 2014, Emma has built TBCo into a leader in sustainable fashion and homeware, using natural and recycled fibres to create stylish, high-quality products that make a positive impact on both your w...
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April 9, 2025 • 38 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Sharon Fairley and Nicole Crane of High Flyers, a family-run childcare agency providing expert staff across Edinburgh and West Lothian. Since 2020, High Flyers has been dedicated to supplying high-calibre, experienced childcare professionals to nurseries, playschools, out-of-school clubs, and more.
Sharon and Nicole share their insights on early years education, the cha...
Sharon and Nicole share their insights on early years education, the cha...
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March 26, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Adam Sinclair, Managing Director of Stirling Sinclair Removals & Storage. His journey to business wasn’t exactly traditional—after years of playing professional rugby in South Africa, France, and the UK, he spotted an opportunity in an industry he had plenty of personal experience with moving.
What started with a single truck has now grown into one of Central Scotla...
What started with a single truck has now grown into one of Central Scotla...
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March 12, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Slaine and Stuart Kerr, co-founders of The Row Dental, a luxury cosmetic dental clinic in the heart of Edinburgh. Together, they share their journey of building a standout clinic that combines cutting-edge treatments with a patient-first philosophy, all set in a beautifully designed space inspired by the elegance of Harley Street.
From Slaine’s expertise in minimally inv...
From Slaine’s expertise in minimally inv...
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February 26, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with David Hunter, the founder and CEO of Shot Scope Technologies. David takes us through his journey of transforming Shot Scope from a start-up to a scale-up, delivering innovative GPS wearables, laser rangefinders, and performance-tracking solutions to golfers in over 160 countries worldwide.
With a background in electronics design and embedded software development, David ...
With a background in electronics design and embedded software development, David ...
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February 12, 2025 • 52 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Jonathan Ward, Managing Director of Spring Solutions, a company specialising in supply chain solutions for industries like Aerospace, Defence, and Oil & Gas.
Jonathan takes us through his fascinating journey from the high-pressure environment of call centre sales to leading a business that partners with some of the world’s biggest players. He shares how discipline ...
Jonathan takes us through his fascinating journey from the high-pressure environment of call centre sales to leading a business that partners with some of the world’s biggest players. He shares how discipline ...
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January 29, 2025 • 47 mins
Step inside the world of Margiotta, Edinburgh’s beloved family-run retailer, in this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Edinburgh Business Stories. Founded by Pierino and Eleonora Margiotta in the 1960s, Margiotta has grown from a single sweet shop on St. Mary’s Street to a household name across Edinburgh, known for its local charm, exceptional customer service, and quality products.
In this episode, Franco and Joe Margiotta refl...
In this episode, Franco and Joe Margiotta refl...
Mark as Played
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