Event

The Herald Scottish Family Business Breakfast in association with Business Gateway is back on Thursday, August 28.

The Event will be held in the Virgin Money Offices, Glasgow

The business breakfast will provide delegates with the opportunity to network, learn, question and hear from leaders in family business within Scotland. Our keynote speaker and panel will share their expertise, knowledge and insight to their own business followed by an audience Q & A.

The event is exclusively open to family businesses across Scotland, the definition of this is found in our FAQs. By maintaining the exclusivity of an event tailored for family businesses we offer a unique platform for networking and knowledge – sharing among like minded peers to give invaluable insights into navigating the intricate dynamics of family-owned enterprises. By focusing on the district challenges and opportunities that family businesses encounter, attendees could gain targeted strategies and best practices that fit their own situation and needs in a welcoming space.

Tickets are £5 and include a place to attend the event, official event programme, a copy of The Herald and tea, coffee and refreshments upon arrival.

9.30am – Arrival and Registration, Networking and Breakfast

10.00am – Welcome

10.10am – Keynote Address

10.30am – Panel discussion and Q&A

11.00am – Coffee and Networking

11.30am – Finish

Host

Brian Taylor

The morning’s discussion will be chaired by Herald columnist and political commentator Brian Taylor, who will lead the panellists in key discussion around family business expansion in Scotland giving attendees valuable takeaways and talking points.

Speakers

Tina Cunningham

Chief Executive, Border Biscuits

Tina is the Chief Executive Officer of Border Biscuits and Chair of the company’s Board of Directors. She is also the Trust Director of ‘Border Biscuits John Cunningham Trust’.

With over 30 years’ experience, Tina has a background in international business management and has worked in the airline industry in Singapore before she joined the third sector in Scotland. She has led and developed Border’s charity before being appointed as CEO.

Tina’s focus is on continuing to deliver success for the business and its charity. Her collaborative leadership approach creates trusted relationships across the business as it moves towards an ambitious future.

David Equi

Managing Director, Equi’s Ice Cream

David Equi is Managing Director of Equi’s Ice Cream, a fourth-generation family business established in 1922. Under his leadership for nearly 30 years, the company has grown from a single shop in Hamilton into one of Scotland’s best-known ice cream brands, supplying major retailers and foodservice partners across the UK. Passionate about quality, innovation, and community, David continues to champion the family values at the heart of the business.

Emma Fairbairns

Director and Shore Manager, Hebrides Cruises

Emma Fairbairns is Director and Shore Manager of Hebrides Cruises, the multi-award-winning family business founded by her father, Rob Barlow, in 1994.

What began as one vessel offering wildlife cruises has grown into three ships and 17 itineraries around the Inner and Outer Hebrides, welcoming thousands of guests from across the world.

Emma works alongside her husband, James, and their close-knit crew to deliver small-ship cruises that combine luxury, wildlife, local provenance and sustainability. She has overseen the company’s growth and expansion, while ensuring conservation, community and customer experience remain at its core.

Hebrides Cruises has been recognised as Green Family Business of the Year 2024, winner of the Customer Service Excellence Award 2023 and Scottish Family Business of the Year (Micro) 2023 at The Herald Family Business Awards. In 2024, Emma was named one of Scotland’s Top 100 Women in Tourism.

Stephen O’Neill

Chairman, Newton Property Management Ltd

Stephen O’Neill began his career in property in 1976 at his family’s surveying firm, gaining early insights that shaped his lifelong approach to business. After nearly two decades with O’Neill & Partners and consultancy work for Quality Street in Aberdeen and London, he launched O’Neill Letting, which grew rapidly before being sold in 2000.

That same year, Stephen founded Newton Property Management, now a market leader with 85 staff and £40 million transactional turnover. Central to Newton’s success is Stephen’s vision of a generational business, with his daughters and son-in-law joining to carry the company forward.

Rejecting the idea of exit driven businesses, Stephen has built Newton on longevity, loyalty, and legacy, making it not just a company, but a family and a promise for the future.

FAQ

Who can Register for the event?

This event is exclusive to family businesses across Scotland.

“A family business is a business governed and/or managed by members of the same family (or a small number of families) with the intention of shaping and pursuing the vision of the business in a manner that is potentially sustainable across generations of the family (or families)”

Is there a deadline to register for the event?

Registration to the event can be made up until the day prior however we would encourage you to register ahead of the event to keep up to date with all event updates.

Where will The Herald Scottish Family Business Breakfast in Association with Business Gateway event take place?

Virgin Money, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow

What is the cost to attend?

Tickets are priced at £5 +VAT+fees per ticket

Where can I see the running order?

You can view the event running order on the online event section of this website above.

Where can I find updates on the event?

You can find updates on the event via this dedicated event website, via heraldscotland.com and by following @NewsquestEvents.

What do I do if I have more questions?

We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have regarding the online event or registration. Please contact Alana Massie, Events Manager at alana.massie@newsquest.co.uk with all enquires.

Please feel free to use #HSFamBiz to notify that you will be attending this event.