Consultancy takes on two PRs and an accountant

Specialist communications consultancy Perceptive Communicators has made three appointments.

The Glasgow based company - which operates across the UK - said it has appointed two public relations practitioners and an accountant in key roles to drive growth and support a number of new client wins in its specialist sectors of construction, technology and life sciences.

The Herald:

Above: Matthew Williams, Aelred Nicholas and Kate McMahon

Matthew Williams, who has 11 years’ communications and marketing experience in various sectors, including three years with the organising committee for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, joins as PR and social media manager along with Aelred Nicholas, a communications expert with over 13 years’ experience across the public and private sector.

Kate McMahon, an accountant with 25 years’ experience in chartered accountancy practices, will be finance and administration manager.

Perceptive Communicators recently picked up Property Team of the Year at the Herald Property Awards and Managing Director Julie McLachlan was awarded Business Women of the Year (under 50 employees) at the Scottish Women’s Awards last month.

Ms McLachlan said: “Perceptive is continuing to grow and this success is testament to our team of experts and our specialist knowledge in our key sectors."

The Herald:

Pufferfish appoints a high profile chairman

Technology company Pufferfish has announced Seonaidh MacDonald as its new chairman in what it described as a high profile appointment as it closes a third round of funding led by Edinburgh venture capital firm Par Equity.

The former chief executive of mLED Ltd, who headed the company’s trade sale in 2016, has over 25 years of executive management and board experience.

Described as key figure in the Scottish tech industry and owner of EOLAS (Advisory) Ltd, Mr MacDonald has worked with companies including IBM, AMP Inc. and Babcock International Group.

The Edinburgh-based company has worked with some of the world's biggest brands, such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, Audi, BBC, Shell and Twitter.

Angus MacFadyen, Pufferfish chief executive, said: “We are delighted that Seonaidh has joined our growing team and aside from bringing a wealth of international deal-making experience, he also brings an infectious enthusiasm.”

Paul Atkinson, Par Equity partner says: “Having known Seonaidh for his previous accomplishments, he has one of the best track records as a CEO and NXD in the tech sector, with the experience to support the development of Pufferfish - a great addition to the Pufferfish Team to take them forward to the next level.”

Mr MacDonald said: "Absolutely delighted to be coming on-board as chairman of what I believe is another Scottish success story in the making."

The Herald:

Above: Robert Graham-Campbell and Chris Gibson

Gillespie Macandrew promotes Chris Gibson to partner

Leading independent Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has promoted experienced corporate and commercial lawyer Chris Gibson to partner.

Mr Gibson manages a broad range of corporate and commercial work and while in acquisitions and investments has advised on some of the largest deals in Scotland.

He has expertise working with high growth businesses and has assisted several clients in the digital technology sector to scale up their businesses and achieve a successful exit.

Robert Graham-Campbell, Gillespie Macandrew chief executive, said: “I highly commend Chris on his appointment as our most recent partner.

"Chris’s promotion is representative of the firm’s focus on organic growth and enabling staff to develop their long term careers.

"Through our training academy, Chris is the fifth person to achieve partner status and his appointment recognises the capabilities and importance of our corporate team to our clients.”