Marie Delivers ‘Powering the Nation’ Story at Exclusive Entrepreneurial Scotland Gathering
Marie Delivers ‘Powering the Nation’ Story at Exclusive Entrepreneurial Scotland Gathering
The Exchange, Glasgow | Thursday 21st August 2025
Marie was invited by Entrepreneurial Scotland to join some of the nation’s leading entrepreneurs and share her story at an exclusive event in Glasgow on Thursday evening (21st August 2025). Her talk, ‘Powering the Nation’, focused on regeneration and driving positive economic and social impact across Scottish communities, emphasising the importance of bottom-up growth and how her journey has been driven by strong family values. The conversation with Marie was facilitated by Entrepreneurial Scotland CEO, Sean McGrath.
The event formed part of Entrepreneurial Scotland’s, ‘The Exchange’ programme, which gives members exclusive access to Scotland’s top entrepreneurs through private networking dinners and behind-the-scenes conversations.
Unlike traditional lectures or keynotes, these dinners provide a rare opportunity to engage directly with business leaders, learn from their highs and lows, and gain practical insights into scaling successful businesses.
Held at The Exchange in Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, the evening gave guests the opportunity to hear more of Marie’s unique story and connect with like-minded individuals, all while enjoying the modern surroundings, as well as Scottish hospitality and cuisine.
Reflecting on the evening, Marie said:
“Thanks to Sean and the team for such a wonderful evening – it was a privilege to be asked to share my story. I always enjoy the opportunity to meet fellow entrepreneurs who are driving real change across Scotland. If my journey of regeneration and community/ family values can inspire progress and help others accelerate their impact, then sharing it is worthwhile. More than ever, we need entrepreneurs to drive opportunity, hope, and economic prosperity in our communities here in Scotland and beyond.”
Find out more about Entrepreneurial Scotland: https://www.entrepreneurialscotland.com
“Transformational" project promising 1,200 jobs for Ayrshire takes step forward at roundtable meeting
“Transformational" project promising 1,200 jobs for Ayrshire takes step forward at roundtable meeting
Earlier today, (Tue 19th August 2025) Dr Marie Macklin CBE chaired the ‘Powering the Nation Together’ conversation with partners XLCC and East Ayrshire Council. The meeting provided the opportunity for XLCC to provide an update and current status of the project.
The pioneering project spans two Scottish council areas – North and East Ayrshire – with key facilities in Hunterston, where the HVDC subsea cable factory will be built; in Irvine, where the Training Academy for apprentices is already established; and in Kilmarnock, where the HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre has been identified as the XLCC preferred site for the Sales and Project Delivery Centre with the creation of 300 jobs.
This transformational development will create 1,200 high-skilled full-time jobs in Scotland, including 200 apprenticeships, and support approximately 9,000 indirect jobs during construction and across the supply chain. It represents a £1.5 billion investment in a new green industry for the UK.
Today’s roundtable brought together senior management from XLCC, senior leadership from East Ayrshire Council, including leaders of the main political groups, and local MP Lillian Jones.
Commenting following the meeting at HALO, Dr Marie Macklin CBE said:
“Today’s roundtable gathering was an important step forward in bringing this hugely important project to fruition, and I thank all of those who attended for their time.
“I have been on a 16-year journey in creating HALO as a facility which will play a pivotal role in helping to spark a new era of dynamism, growth and jobs for Ayrshire and the wider Scottish economy.
“That journey has seen me engage with a range of businesses and organisations who can play an important part in delivering that vision – but the partnership with XLCC is one that can be truly game-changing for the region and the country.
“The arrival of up to 1,200 jobs – 300 of them here at HALO in Kilmarnock – promises to be truly transformational.
“Scotland and the UK have enormous renewable energy potential, and we have been successful as a country in setting a vision for the development of green power – what we have not done, so far, is match that with the indigenous manufacturing capacity to build the infrastructure needed.
“This project will go a long way to addressing that issue. Today was an opportunity to take stock of the great progress made so far, but also to look ahead and to resolve jointly to do all that we can to ensure this strategic project of national significance is successfully delivered.
“I was particularly pleased to see the total unanimity around the table from all political groups represented, who are all in complete agreement that it is essential this project goes ahead.”
Marie Joins Esteemed Panel for The Courier Business Awards 2025 Judging Day in Dundee
Marie Joins Esteemed Panel for The Courier Business Awards 2025 Judging Day in Dundee
DC Thomson | Thursday 14th August 2025
Judging for The Courier Business Awards 2025, held in partnership with Henderson Loggie, took place in Dundee as a panel of respected industry leaders came together to assess this year’s entries.
Marie joined an expert judging panel alongside David Smith, David Clegg, Chris van der Kuyl CBE, Rob McLaren, and Angela Linton, contributing her insight and experience to a rigorous evaluation process.
Now in its 12th year, the annual awards continue to shine a spotlight on the ambition, innovation, and resilience of businesses across Courier Country – from long established companies to emerging entrepreneurs.
The panel carefully reviewed every entry, celebrated business achievements from across the region, and engaged in thoughtful discussion to select this year’s finalists.
Reflecting on the day, Marie said: “It’s been such an honour to be one of the judges this year. The application review process really highlighted the incredible business community in the east—their tenacity and determination to make things happen is inspiring. It was great to be in Dundee today for the next stage with my fellow judges. Finalists will be announced soon, and I’m looking forward to returning to the ‘City of Discovery’ later this year for the big awards celebration.”
Stay tuned to www.thecourier.co.uk, where the finalists will be announced soon.
See also video below that was filmed whilst Marie was in Dundee with Owen Wyatt, Chief Growth Officer at DC Thomson.
