REGISTER NOW

Event

The Herald Budget Briefing event takes place on Wednesday, March 4, the morning after the chancellor’s Spring statement announcement.

The event will provide delegates with the opportunity to network, learn, question and hear from industry experts. Our Political Columnist and panellists will be sharing their expertise, projections, and industry insights, with opportunities across both panels for audience Q & A.

Tickets are free and include a copy of The Herald, along with tea, coffee, and refreshments upon arrival.

9.00am – Arrival and Networking
9.30am – Overview and analysis of key budget announcements
10.00am – Panel discussion 1 – Financial Sector Overview
10.25am – Panel discussion 2 – Industry overview
10.55am – Closing Remarks
11.00am – Networking
11.30am – Budget Briefing Concludes

To register your interest in attending this free event click:

REGISTER NOW

EVENT DATE

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

EVENT TIME

9:00am

EVENT LOCATION

Berlinkys, 396 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3JD

EVENT DATE

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

EVENT TIME

9:00am

EVENT LOCATION

Berlinkys, 396 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3JD

HOST

Brian Taylor
Herald Columnist and Political Commentator

The morning’s discussion will be chaired by Herald columnist and political commentator Brian Taylor, who will provide a summary of the key issues raised by the Chancellor’s latest plans for taxation, benefits and spending.

PANELLISTS

PANEL 1 – Financial Analysis

Zoe Graham

Head of Financial Risk Solutions, Virgin Money

Zoe leads the Financial Risk Solutions team at Virgin Money, supporting business customers who have exposures to financial and international markets with risk management products and solutions.  She took up this role in 2020 and has worked in several roles within the division since 2003 when she joined the Bank as a graduate after studying Law & Economics (LLB) and an International Master of Law (LLM) at the University of Edinburgh.

More to be confirmed

PANEL 2 – The voices of industry

Colin Borland

Scotland Director, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

Colin joined FSB’s Scottish public affairs team in 2008, just as the financial crash was about to hit.  Now, eighteen years, one pandemic, two referendums and multiple elections and governments later, Colin is Director of FSB Scotland, leading its policy, public affairs and operational field staff teams across the country. Colin writes regularly on small business matters in the national press and commentates on business and finance issues for both radio and television.

Graeme Littlejohn

Director of Strategy and Communications, Scotch Whisky Association

Graeme joined the SWA in 2015 and was appointed Director of Strategy and Communications in March 2019. He has 20 years of experience across a range of political strategy, communications and leadership roles. Prior to joining the SWA, he served as Head of Office to the Chief Secretary of the Treasury at HM Treasury and has previously held posts in the Scottish Parliament, European Parliament and at Westminster. Graeme has a Masters in International Relations from the University of St Andrews.

David Lonsdale

Director, Scottish Retail Consortium

David is Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium and Head of Devolved Nations for the British Retail Consortium. Prior to this he was Assistant Director at CBI Scotland and previously worked at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. David’s responsibilities involve promoting the interests of the retail industry to policy makers and opinion formers. He is a member of the Scottish Government’s Strategic Business Forum and its Retail Industry Leadership Group and chairs Trade Associations Scotland.