As 2024 draws to a close, it’s worth reflecting on the last 12 months but also looking ahead with hope, determination and optimism to what the new year can bring. Earlier this year, I indicated I was embarking on what I described as a new direction and new mission for the future. It’s a path which involves stepping back from the endeavour I have devoted so much time to in recent years, the HALO business hub in my hometown of Kilmarnock. But it is a path which will still see me as committed as ever to my passion for regeneration and for bringing hope to communities.

I will continue to be involved with HALO, driving the brand forward across the UK and internationally.  In Kilmarnock HALO is currently engaged with companies like XLCC and Peel Ports on things like cooperation on activities involving apprentices. Both those firms are at the forefront of the drive to Net Zero, which is a mission I am proud to support.

I will also continue to invest in newcos and scale-up companies. However, more of my time will be spent on other projects which are close to my heart. One of those is the issue of women’s health, and specifically my work to champion research and investment to combat the scourge of endometriosis, a condition that blights the lives of too many women.

It is an illness which, as I outlined from my own experiences in an article in the Observer in August, can have a devastating effect not just on women’s health but also on their careers and professional lives. That means tackling endometriosis and related gynaecological conditions should be an urgent priority for governments, as much for economic reasons as health ones.

October saw the launch of ENDO1000, #TALKEndo, a groundbreaking new research project being taken forward by a fantastic team at the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Reproductive Health, which aims to improve diagnosis of endometriosis and bring forward more personalised treatment for women affected.

I’m proud to be a Founding Ambassador for ENDO1000, #TALKEndo women’s health campaign, and it was a privilege to speak at the project’s launch. I look forward to continuing to support the university’s work and to championing women’s health more widely throughout 2025.

This year has also seen me continue my work to support neighbourhoods in my native Ayrshire, communities which remain very close to my heart. That included convening a Faith Leaders’ Summit as well as continuing to support Onthank Primary School, and Kilmarnock Academy on enterprise, sustainability and entrepreneurship activity within the curriculum.

Meanwhile, I have enjoyed sharing some of the lessons my career in business has taught me by hosting a recent masterclass in entrepreneurship at Glasgow Caledonian University, where I am honoured to hold the position of Entrepreneur in Residence.

I’m also pleased to have joined the Board of the Scottish North American Business Council and look forward to helping the organisation continue its important work of growing business and trade links between our country and the United States and Canada.

As part of that transatlantic exchange, which can be beneficial to both sides, I plan to visit the US early in 2025 to take forward my own engagements. As I outlined in a recent article in The Times, it is important that we work as positively as possible with the incoming US administration, and I was pleased to see that First Minister John Swinney recently had a productive introductory conversation with President Elect Donald J Trump.

The political climate remains febrile both at home and internationally. Here in Scotland, as I made clear when I joined a recent panel discussion on STV, it is important that the Scottish Government’s Budget is passed when the key vote arrives early in the new year.

That will mean compromise and a grown-up approach from both the Government and opposition parties. More generally, I am cheered by what appears to be a fresh, practical and can-do approach to business from the Scottish Government, which seeks to maximise gains from our nation’s huge potential in areas like renewable energy.

Cross-party engagement is important to me, and as well as a recent conversation with the First Minister I will also look to have ongoing dialogue with the main opposition parties.

Overall, it’s important that our political leaders understand that the regeneration I am passionate about must be driven by bottom-up growth if it is to drive truly transformational change for our former industrial heartlands.

In summary, 2024 has been a year of transition for me. I look forward to 2025 being a year in which I drive forward the projects I am passionate about – community regeneration, education, women’s health and sustainability – all underpinned by the core concept of regeneration.

Best wishes.

Marie