Simon Hannah Appointed as New Chair of Scottish EDGE
Scottish EDGE has today announced that Simon Hannah has been appointed as the business funding organisation’s next Chair, effective from 30th September 2023. Simon succeeded David Shearer who completed his nine-year term on 29th September.
Simon will oversee the social enterprise which has invested over £23 million in grants and loans to over 560 early stage, high growth potential businesses since its inception in 2013. Notable beneficiaries of the fund include businesses such as Appointedd, Amiqus, TVSquared, Ooni and Current Health.
Simon is CEO of JW Filshill Ltd and has worked in the wholesale distribution industry for 25 years. JW Filshill, a 5th generation family business based in Renfrew, supplies over 6000 convenience style products to 1400 businesses across Scotland and the North of England, generating a turnover of £203m whilst employing 240 members of staff. Simon has previously chaired Unitas Wholesale Ltd the UK largest wholesale buying consortium with a combined buying power of £8bn and is an active member of the YPO Scotland Chapter.
As well as his leadership experience, Simon brings his valuable perspective of the Scottish EDGE process both through his involvement as a finals judging panel member for numerous rounds of the competition, and as an advisory board member since May 2021.
Commenting on his appointment, Simon said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be taking on the role as Chair of Scottish EDGE. Being able to play my part in the future of Scottish EDGE as part of the unique entrepreneurial eco-system we have here in Scotland is an exciting prospect. I’m looking forward to working with all of our key stakeholders to build the next strategic chapter and continue on the success that David Shearer has built over the past 9 years”.
Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE said:
“Simon brings a specific expertise to the role of Chair of Scottish EDGE. Not only does he have considerable experience at Director level, he also has a keen appreciation of the unique challenges EDGE’s operations present through his close involvement with the organisation over the past few years.
“He joins us at a time when his commitment to the business environment in Scotland will prove invaluable as we continue to work with our stakeholders, clients and wider business community to help rebuild and grow our economy. I am delighted to welcome Simon to our Board of Directors.”
David Shearer became Chair in 2014 when Scottish EDGE C.I.C. was formed to take over the running of the EDGE competition from Scottish Enterprise. Forming a board and advisory board made up of individuals involved in business support and entrepreneurs he has overseen the growth of EDGE to an organisation now investing over £3 million a year in grants and loans to Scottish businesses and with a strong and supportive network of Alumni and a revolving loan fund generating over £1 million a year in repayments.
Sir Tom Hunter said:
“David’s stewardship over the past nine years has been exemplary, leading Scottish EDGE in becoming a core economic development lever supporting some of Scotland’s best businesses in the early stages of their development – thank you David.
“Taking over those big shoes is Simon, a brilliant entrepreneur and our most seasoned EDGE judge; there could be no better person to continue to build EDGE with his deep understanding of business and EDGE.”
Supported by The Hunter Foundation, the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, Scottish EDGE has a key role to play in facilitating the nation’s economic growth through its support of Scotland’s entrepreneurs.
Currently in its 22nd round of funding, a live pitching final will take place on 22nd and 23rd November at the Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow, after which approximately 39 businesses will receive a share of a £1.5 million prize pot at an awards ceremony on 29th November.