Advertise on podcast: Edinburgh Business Stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Mike O’Reilly, Founder and CEO of OH3, to hear the story behind building an occupational health business with more than 350 corporate clients. Mike shares how a game of tennis unexpectedly led to OH3’s first major client, despite the business not actually offering occupational health services at the time. He also talks about the challenges of rebranding, the importance of listening to employees, and why creating a supportive environment can make such a difference to people at work. A fascinating conversation about saying yes to opportunities, learning from feedback and putting people at the heart of business. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Donnie Maclean, founder of Eat Balanced, to hear the story behind building a food business from the ground up. Donnie shares the realities of getting Eat Balanced off the ground, from 90-hour weeks and expensive supermarket sampling to making products in a home kitchen and eventually scaling into a factory. He also talks openly about the mistakes, setbacks and persistence it took to create a product that worked. Alongside the business story, Donnie talks about his work with the RNLI at Kinghorn, responding to everything from paddleboard incidents to serious medical emergencies. A fascinating conversation about persistence, learning from failure and the impact you can make both in business and beyond it. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit https://rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by David Johnson, Managing Director, and Ian McKee, Co-Founder of GLM, to hear the story behind the business and how it has evolved alongside the property and construction industry. David and Ian share some of the fascinating projects GLM has worked on, from transforming a Cold War nuclear bunker into a data centre to helping redesign the famous John O’Groats signpost. They also discuss how the business adapted as the industry moved from traditional drawing boards to digital technology. A fascinating conversation about adapting to change, solving unusual problems and building a business around strong principles.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Michael Field, Managing Director of Workflo Solutions, to hear how he built the business from scratch and evolved it from a print-focused company into a wider managed services provider. Michael shares the decision to leave Sky and start his own business, the importance of finding a genuine gap in the market, and why service became such a key part of Workflo’s offering. He also talks about seeing the potential decline of print, adapting ahead of the curve, and using acquisitions to bring new skills into the business. Along the way, Michael reflects on growing the company from zero customers to millions in revenue, what he has learned through self-education, and why recognising what you don’t know can be one of the most valuable skills in business. A great conversation about adapting to change, building around customer needs, and knowing when it’s time to evolve. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk.

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Donald Wynn, Owner and Managing Director of Construction & Property Recruitment, a specialist recruitment business serving the construction sector across Scotland. Donald shares the journey from working in recruitment to building a business founded on integrity, strong client relationships, and a commitment to doing things the right way. He reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership style, the challenges of growing a team, and why culture and trust are at the heart of long-term success. The conversation also explores the realities of running a recruitment business, working alongside family, and Donald’s views on creating the right environment for both clients and employees. This episode is for business owners, leaders, and anyone interested in building a company with strong values, loyal relationships, and a people-first approach. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit https://rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Eric O'Donnell, Managing Director of Sports Labs, a business that has become a global leader in sports surface testing and certification. Eric shares the remarkable journey of growing Sports Labs from a small team into an international company working with organisations including FIFA and FIBA. From developing new testing standards to travelling the world to certify pitches and sporting facilities, he offers a fascinating insight into a business operating behind the scenes of some of the world's biggest sporting events. This episode is for business owners, leaders, and anyone interested in how expertise, innovation, and a willingness to solve difficult problems can build a business with a global reputation. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit https://rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Josh Dow, Founder of JDS Gardening, a landscaping business that has grown from a teenage hobby into a successful company with a growing team. Josh shares how he made the decision to choose entrepreneurship over the traditional university route, the lessons he learned from growing a business from the ground up, and why building the right culture has been one of the biggest priorities at JDS. He also talks about hiring based on attitude, working alongside his brother, and the importance of creating a team that enjoys being part of the journey. This episode is for founders, business owners, and anyone thinking about taking a different path. Josh’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always come from following the expected route, but from finding something you care about and building it properly. You can listen to the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit https://rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Bobby Mitchell, Managing Director of Pure IT, a Scottish business helping organisations save money and reduce waste through high-quality refurbished technology. Bobby shares how Pure IT has built its reputation by refusing to cut corners, why changing perceptions around refurbished devices has been one of the company's biggest challenges, and how focusing on quality over price has helped the business grow. He also talks about the importance of empowering your team, knowing when to specialise, and why great leadership often means stepping back rather than stepping in. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or interested in sustainable technology, this episode is packed with practical lessons on growth, quality, and long-term thinking. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit https://rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Debbi McCulloch, CEO, and Craig Graham, Chairman of Spartans Community Foundation, a social enterprise and charity using the power of sport to create opportunities and improve lives across North Edinburgh. Debbi and Craig share how Spartans has grown from a football-focused organisation into a community hub supporting education, youth work, health and wellbeing, and family support programmes. They discuss the importance of building sustainable income streams, why charities should embrace commercial thinking, and how creating financial stability allows them to have an even greater impact. This episode is for business leaders, social entrepreneurs, charity professionals, and anyone interested in the role purpose-driven organisations can play in strengthening communities. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit https://rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Anna White, Managing Director of ScotlandShop, a global e-commerce business bringing Scottish heritage, tartan, and textiles to customers around the world. Anna shares her journey from leaving a secure role at Scottish Enterprise to building a business from a spare room in a farmhouse, long before online retail became the norm. She reflects on the challenges of growing an e-commerce business, expanding into physical retail, and creating a company culture that has helped ScotlandShop thrive for more than two decades. This episode is for founders, business owners, and anyone interested in building a brand with purpose, growing a strong team, and turning a simple idea into a long-term success story. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories-yt

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Chris Dodds, Owner and Director of CTD Scotland, a construction and fit-out business that has grown from a one-man joinery operation into a trusted contractor delivering projects across Scotland. Chris shares the realities of building a business from the ground up, from naming the company after himself and learning hard lessons during the early years, to navigating the challenges of cash flow, growth, and managing larger projects. He also reflects on the steep learning curve of moving from tradesman to business owner, and why understanding the numbers became just as important as mastering the tools. Along the way, Chris discusses the unexpected challenges of running a business during Covid, the project that transformed CTD's growth trajectory, and the persistence required to keep moving forward when opportunities don't always come easily. This episode is for business owners, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs who are building something from scratch and learning as they go. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories-yt

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Mark Rafferty, Managing Director of Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes and Metal Recycling, a long-standing Edinburgh business operating across cranes, recycling, logistics and storage. Mark shares the realities of running a multi-generational family business, from unusual crane jobs and managing large-scale recycling operations to tackling scrap theft and preserving resources for the future. He also discusses the environmental pressures facing the construction industry, why recycled aggregates are becoming increasingly important, and how Bernard Hunter has evolved far beyond what most people expect from a scrapyard. This conversation covers everything from lifting whales off beaches to the surprising story behind the donkeys living beside the scrapyard, alongside a serious look at sustainability, infrastructure, and the future of the industry. This episode is for anyone interested in family business, construction, sustainability, logistics, or the unseen industries helping keep cities moving. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit https://rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Scott Brewster, Managing Director of Brewster Brothers, a Scottish business turning construction waste into valuable recycled materials. Scott shares his journey from a difficult start in chartered accountancy, where failing exams led to his first major setback, to building a business focused on sustainability, scale, and solving a growing industry problem. He also opens up about the hidden realities of construction materials, from global scarcity and environmental pressures to the rise of illegal “sand mafias” in parts of the world. This episode is for anyone interested in sustainability, construction, or how industry challenges can become powerful business opportunities when approached differently. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit https://rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Ally Hollins-Kirk, Managing Director, and Austen Clark, CEO of Jera IT, a technology company helping businesses navigate growth, change, and digital transformation. They share the story behind their merger, why it took time to truly understand what a “true merger” means, and how learning to balance leadership and management has transformed both their roles and their team. They also explore the reality behind the hype of AI, and why businesses need to focus on fundamentals before chasing new technology. Along the way, they reflect on the moments that really define a business, not when things are going well, but how you show up when things go wrong. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. https://rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories

In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Ed Vickers and Vicky Hope, co-founders of Loop Agencies, a creative agency built around people, culture, and doing things differently.  Ed and Vicky share how they landed the Edinburgh Fringe as a client just months after launching, working day and night to prove themselves before they felt ready. They also talk about making the bold decision to become Scotland’s first employee-owned trust at just three years old, choosing long-term culture over a quick exit. We explore what it really means to build a different kind of agency, from putting people first in difficult decisions to creating a transparent and supportive environment. They also discuss how they’re approaching the rapid rise of AI, and why leaning in early has given them an advantage. This episode is for anyone building a business with strong values, navigating growth decisions, or trying to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry. This episode of Edinburgh Business Stories is brought to you by Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a long‑standing presence in Edinburgh and offices across Scotland. Rathbones helps people plan and invest for the future they want, whether you’re building wealth, growing your career, or enjoying the rewards of success. Life can be busy and complex, and having the right support matters. By taking the time to understand what’s important to you, Rathbones helps you invest well, plan well and live well. Wherever you are on your journey, Rathbones is there to help you go further. When you invest, your capital is at risk. For more information visit rathbones.link/edinburgh-business-stories-yt