Scotland’s Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart will remain in her role until September 2027, continuing her work to help ambitious Scottish businesses establish themselves, grow and compete internationally.
The extension was announced by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn at a Scottish Government supported event celebrating the inaugural Sunday Times Scotland Fast 50.
The initiative recognises 50 Scottish businesses achieving exceptional growth, highlighting the innovation and entrepreneurial talent emerging across the country.
Stewart, who helped develop the Fast 50 earlier this year, serves as the Scottish Government’s principal adviser on strengthening the country’s business landscape and supporting companies from their earliest stages through to expansion.
Among the businesses featured is Edinburgh life sciences company RoslinCT, which secured a £7.25 million Scottish Enterprise grant to digitalise its manufacturing processes and strengthen its export capabilities.
Another is Amiqus, which previously received support through the Scottish Government’s CivTech programme in 2019.
The announcement comes as the Scottish Government commits a record £45 million this year to programmes supporting innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship.
The latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor has also recorded entrepreneurial activity in Scotland reaching a record high, providing encouragement for those working to develop the country’s business economy.
Stephen Flynn said:
“There is an incredible amount of business talent and innovation across Scotland and the Scottish Government is delivering a record £45 million this year to drive innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship throughout the country.
“It is vital Scotland’s support and interventions are delivered in a way that best supports our entrepreneurs and young businesses.
“As someone who has been behind a number of successful businesses and who knows the ecosystem inside out, Ana brings indispensable insight and advice as Chief Entrepreneur and I am very pleased she will be continuing in the role.”
Stewart brings experience as an entrepreneur and business adviser, with her work focused on helping Scotland develop an environment in which promising companies can secure investment, expand their operations and create employment.
Her continued appointment is intended to maintain momentum in efforts to connect entrepreneurs with the support, expertise and opportunities needed to turn promising ideas into successful businesses.
Ana Stewart said:
“Scotland must create real and lasting momentum to help more ambitious businesses emerge and grow.
“Progress has been made in creating the conditions for entrepreneurs to start, grow and scale their businesses, but there is much more potential to be realised and it will take sustained commitment and collaboration to achieve this.
“I’m pleased to continue working with fellow entrepreneurs, Government and partners to build a clear strategy that helps join the dots for companies, from start up and scale up, to grow and proper using Scotland as a platform for international success.”
The extension provides continuity as Scotland seeks to translate growing entrepreneurial activity into businesses capable of sustaining jobs, attracting investment and building an international presence.
For entrepreneurs across Scotland, including those working beyond the country’s major cities, the challenge remains ensuring that access to advice, funding and opportunities matches the ambition of those trying to build something successful.
The measure of that ambition will ultimately be found in the businesses that emerge, the jobs they create and their ability to grow and prosper.
