Homelessness charity Edinburgh Cyrenians has announced the appointment of Ian Grimwade as Head of Business Development, a newly created senior role in the charity.

Ian joins the charity after three and a half years as Head of New Business Development at Edinburgh Leisure, having joined Edinburgh Leisure in 2010 as Head of Golf. Prior to seven years working in the golf business in the UK and the USA, Ian had thirteen years of experience in the software industry. He is also a board member of the Scottish Disabled Golf Partnership.

Ewan Aitken, chief executive of Edinburgh Cyrenians, says: “Ian Grimwade’s appointment as our Head of Business Development is another step in Cyrenians’ exciting journey of service and hope. We know we are in tough times and so we need the strongest possible team to face the challenges of austerity politics head on. Ian brings a wealth of global and local business experience and insight and a deep commitment to our values and mission. I know he will make a huge contribution to our ability to better walk alongside and serve those most excluded from family, home, work or community.”

The creation of this new post is part of Cyrenians’ strategy to face austerity measures head on rather than battening down the hatches. Cyrenians recognise that in order to continue their work they need to increase the income they receive from outside the public sector, and to develop collaboration between the third, private and public sectors. In particular they aim to develop their social enterprises and their ability to generate an income stream that is longer term and more within their control than income received from the public sector.

Ian says of his appointment: “I am excited about the opportunity to be part of the leadership team that will deliver growth for Cyrenians over the next few years, while staying true to the Cyrenians vision of a more inclusive society. My broad commercial background will allow me to help the team assess the viability of new initiatives for Cyrenians, and seek to maximise return from current operations. My third sector experience provides me with the ability to complete balanced analyses of opportunities looking at both commercial and social impact. I look forward to learning more about the tremendous impact that Cyrenians has on those who are on the edge of society, and sharing that with a wider audience.”