In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Marie Owen, Founder and CEO of LS Productions, one of the UK’s leading film and television production services companies.

Marie shares the story of how LS Productions grew from a small, hands on operation into a global business trusted with some of the world’s biggest shoots. From building a powerful locations database to managing complex productions across the UK and beyond, she explains what it really takes to make ambitious creative work happen.

She talks about problem solving when things go wrong, why relationships and reputation matter just as much as logistics, and what she has learned from working with A list talent on high pressure shoots.

This episode is full of insight for anyone building a business behind the scenes, leading teams through uncertainty, or creating systems that allow great work to happen at scale.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we sit down with Nestor Demosthenous, Owner of The Mayfield Clinic by Dr Nestor, one of Scotland’s leading names in aesthetic medicine.

Nestor shares the journey that took him from training as a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon in the NHS to building a clinic known for its clinical excellence, evidence-based treatments, and patient-first approach. He talks openly about the misconceptions around aesthetics, the psychology of ageing, and why the work is far deeper than lips and lines.

He also reflects on the business decisions that helped him stay focused in a fast-growing industry, why specialisation matters, and how emotional intelligence shapes every patient conversation.

Whether he is discussing the thrill of opening day, the pressure of constantly improving, or the lessons he learned from his no-nonsense mum, Nestor brings the kind of honesty and clarity that every leader can learn from.

This episode is full of insight for anyone building a business rooted in trust, expertise, and a deeper understanding of the people they serve.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Colin Smith, Managing Director of Land Technology and J. Sives Surfacing - two companies shaping landscapes, outdoor spaces, and infrastructure across Scotland.

Colin shares the story of how he went from crawling through centuries-old clock towers as an apprentice engineer to rebuilding his career in landscaping, winning national skills competitions, and eventually leading businesses with a real focus on people, systems, and future talent.

He talks about the importance of creating opportunities for young people, why strong processes matter just as much as strong projects, and how a single book reshaped the way he approaches leadership, culture, and compliance. At the heart of it all is his belief that progress happens when you lift others up with you.

This episode is full of insight for anyone leading teams, developing the next generation, or building a business with foundations that last.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Gillian Ogilvie, Managing Director at Will Rudd Davidson, the consulting civil and structural engineers behind some of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks.

Gillian shares the story of how she went from designing tunnels at Heathrow to leading one of Scotland’s most respected engineering firms, and why authenticity, pride, and emotional intelligence sit at the heart of her leadership.

She talks about the importance of creating a culture built on empathy and openness, the thrill of seeing your work come to life, and what it means to lead with both strength and vulnerability in a traditionally technical industry.

This episode is full of insight for anyone leading a team, building a legacy, or finding purpose in the work they do every day.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Shona Campbell, Partner and Chair of Henderson Loggie - one of Scotland’s longest-standing accountancy firms, known for its people-first culture and community spirit.

Shona shares what it’s really like to lead through crisis, from supporting struggling charities to steering complex insolvencies with empathy and clarity. She reflects on the legacy of Henderson Loggie, a firm founded in 1909, and how today’s partners see themselves not as owners, but as custodians for the next generation. From guiding businesses through their hardest days to welcoming primary school pupils into the office to learn about entrepreneurship, Shona’s approach is rooted in purpose, people, and the long view.

This conversation is for anyone leading a team, building a culture, or trying to make a difference that lasts longer than their own tenure.

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 accountancy, the lessons he’s learned leading change in one of Scotland’s oldest professions, and why he believes the legal world must evolve or risk being left behind.

If you’ve ever questioned convention, led through change, or built something by trusting your gut, this is one to watch.

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 critical mass before credibility, the importance of transparency in a world of “AI hallucinations”, and the early clients who took a chance on something new.

This is an episode for anyone building in tech, navigating the balance between people and machines, or learning how to turn data into the foundation of a successful business.

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 shaping Compass into a modern business that still holds onto its traditional values, his story is as honest as it is inspiring.

He talks about the early days of growing a name, why Compass was designed to stand out in the Yellow Pages, the lessons learned from apprentices past and present, and why his business plan has always been simple: do good work, spend less than you earn, and make sure everyone gets home safe.

If you’re building a trade business, thinking about apprenticeships, or simply enjoy stories of local businesses that have stood the test of time, this is one to watch.

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 balanced tradition with change, from the days of fax machines and handwritten order forms to a rapid pivot online during Covid, and even opening their own coffee shop as part of their retail spaces. Along the way, they reflect on what it means to run a business rooted in family, community, and identity.

This is a story about resilience, reinvention, and recognising that sometimes a uniform is about far more than just clothes.

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 machine to Glasgow. She paints vivid memories of childhood summers outside the family café, early lessons in work ethic, and the traditions that have shaped her approach to business.

If you’re passionate about building a values-led brand, balancing heritage with modern business demands, or simply love hearing stories of family, food and resilience, this is one to watch.

This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Henderson Loggie Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, who help owner-managed businesses grow—from those first steps as an entrepreneur through to a happy retirement.

Based right here in Scotland, Henderson Loggie knows what it takes to succeed locally, and through their membership of PrimeGlobal, they help clients thrive internationally too. Their purpose? Helping their people, clients and communities unlock their full potential.

To learn more, get in touch with the Edinburgh team at Henderson Loggie today!

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 about the importance of leadership through inspiration, why culture always comes before product, and how he’s helping create opportunities for the next generation through apprenticeships.

If you’re scaling a tech company, leading a team, or thinking about how to build something that lasts, this is a must-watch.

This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Henderson Loggie Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, who help owner-managed businesses grow—from those first steps as an entrepreneur through to a happy retirement.

Based right here in Scotland, Henderson Loggie knows what it takes to succeed locally, and through their membership of PrimeGlobal, they help clients thrive internationally too. Their purpose? Helping their people, clients and communities unlock their full potential.

To learn more, get in touch with the Edinburgh team at Henderson Loggie today!

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 completely flop), to the deep personal sacrifices that come with chasing ambitious goals. Colin speaks candidly about burnout, risk, reinvention and resilience—with plenty of humour woven through it all.

If you’ve ever wondered what building a business really takes, this episode offers an unfiltered glimpse into the mindset, mess, and magic of growing something from scratch in Scotland’s capital.

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 heartbreaking moment with a guillemot led to a nationwide clean-up effort, why he believes business should always balance profit, people and the planet, and what he'd like done with his body when he dies.

Whether you're growing a business or planting deeper roots in your community, Tommy’s approach to circular economy thinking and honest, purpose-driven leadership offers plenty to reflect on.

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 offer secure, compliant, and genuinely human-centred ways for businesses to share information and build trust.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re interested in the future of fintech, the power of resilience, and how strong ideas, backed by the right team and mindset, can scale far beyond expectations.

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 confidence, and hosting women’s networking events to connect and support local businesses. Sheryl’s passion for mentoring school leavers and helping them grow within the firm highlights her commitment to developing future talent.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on career growth, building relationships, and personal development.

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 marketing by offering expert-led strategy grounded in insight, brand creative that drives enterprise value, secure technical digital solutions, and packaging artwork services that protect brand integrity.

Richard sees sales not as persuasion, but as facilitation. If you're ever interested in a no-pressure, no-obligation conversation about your brand or marketing strategy, he's always open to chat.

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, Nathalie reflects on bold decisions, business acquisitions, culture-building, and what it really takes to run a successful agency while raising a family.

This is a story about resilience, reputation, and redefining success in business and beyond.

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 wardrobe and the planet.

In this episode, Emma shares the journey of growing TBCo from its early days to its current success, offering invaluable insights into building a brand that balances sustainability, design, and purpose. Learn about the challenges she’s faced as a female founder and how she navigated the complexities of ethical sourcing, product development, and building a business with a clear social and environmental mission.

Emma's passion for positive change is evident in TBCo’s Positive Impact Pledge, where 2% of all profits are dedicated to supporting the planet and communities in need.

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 challenges of recruiting the right people, and why confidence and resilience matter more than rigid milestones when it comes to child development. They also dive into the ongoing struggle to challenge outdated regulations and push for a more skills-based approach to hiring in childcare.

Whether you're in childcare or another industry, hiring the right people isn’t always about formal qualifications—it’s about finding those with the passion, skills and adaptability to thrive.