Cooper Parry (CP), the UK’s next-gen professional services group, continues its PE-backed growth acceleration with the acquisition of Scotland-based market disrupter Hutcheon Mearns.

This marks CP’s sixth deal since partnering with New York-based private equity firm Lee Equity Partners earlier this year. The deal pushes CP’s pro forma turnover beyond £250m, as the firm strides towards £600m by 2028 and £1bn by 2030.

Founded in Aberdeen in 2015, the 70+ strong Hutcheon Mearns team helps companies build exceptional finance teams, solve complex finance problems and deliver focused growth strategies. With a mission to disrupt the existing business accountancy market with a totally differentiated model focussed on putting people at the heart of every solution, the firm shares CP’s rebellious, challenger ethos.

With offices across Scotland and London, the firm’s services are transformative for augmenting a finance team, providing corporate finance and M&A advice, or using technology to improve processes with Business and Artificial Intelligence.  Key sectors include Energy, Manufacturing, Food & Drink, Technology, Professional Services and Real Estate.

Craig Hutcheon, Co-founder and Managing Director, said:

“When we formed Hutcheon Mearns in 2015, we embarked on a mission to disrupt. We’ve been bold in our own journey to make our clients’ problems the catalyst of our evolution. Right from our initial chat with Ade and his team it was clear that there was an instant connection in culture, spirit and values. We’re both people first, fearless and ‘go all in’ businesses. And we’re excited to move into the next stage of our journey together, aligned to challenge the norms of the traditional accounting sector.”

Adam Maitland, Managing Director, said:

“When I joined Craig in 2017 we had a shared, absolute, focus on building something different.  Taking world-class expertise across accounting and finance services, bringing it together in a new way, and being all about our client needs (no more silos!).  It has been an incredible journey so far and we have built a phenomenal team; but we’re only scratching the surface.  We couldn’t be more excited to join a like minded business, bring an enhanced suite of services to the market and be a key part of the Scottish growth story for CP.”

Neil Norman, Head of Scotland, Cooper Parry, added:  

“These are seriously exciting times. With this latest strategic acquisition, our team in Scotland is now tipping 100 strong, we’ve just launched a powerful brand awareness campaign and our Tartan Rebelution event in November is generating a massive buzz. Hutcheon Mearns’ reputation is really strong here and I can’t wait to see the impact our people service lines will make across the UK and Ireland.”

Ade Cheatham, CEO, Cooper Parry, concluded:

“There’s such pace and energy for us in Scotland right now. Our vision is all about new capabilities, new tech and new markets. What Craig and Adam have built creates an awesome people-first footprint for us to roll out UK-wide. Together, we’re not just building a firm, we’re building a movement.”

 

Lumo, the UK’s leading open access rail operator, welcomed three authors from Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival onboard today (10 September 2025) to write a brand-new thriller live at 125mph.

Gordon Brown (AKA Morgan Cry), Douglas Skelton and Natalie Jayne Clark boarded the 09:24 Lumo service from Edinburgh to London King’s Cross, where they took turns to craft an original short story inspired by the East Coast Main Line, the characters they met onboard, and suggestions from online crime fans.

The authors also hosted a high-speed book signing during the journey before returning to Edinburgh the same evening to continue the collaborative tale. The finished story will be released in written and audiobook form for Lumo customers to enjoy in the coming weeks.

Bloody Scotland board member and author Gordon Brown, said: “It’s amazing how many ideas come to you when you’re in a real-world travel environment. You experience and hear things first hand that can spark inspiration, and then your creative mind takes over. To work alongside the other authors was a real honour, and I hope some of the customers we met today might join us at Bloody Scotland this weekend.”

Richard Salkeld, Head of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo, said: “At Lumo we’re all about creating memorable journeys, so what better way than to have three of the UK’s top crime writers dream up a brand-new thriller live on board? Our partnership with Bloody Scotland is about celebrating creativity and connecting communities, and today our customers got to be part of a story that started at 125 miles an hour on the East Coast Main Line.”

All three authors are appearing at this year’s Bloody Scotland, Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival, which takes place in Stirling from 12–14 September. Lumo is a proud partner of the event and will soon launch direct services between London Euston and Stirling, strengthening its commitment to connecting Scotland and beyond.

Bob McDevitt, Director of Bloody Scotland, said: “We’re always on the lookout for something new to do at the festival and can’t wait to see how this high speed crime story turns out – will the authors stay on the right track or will they go off the rails?!”

Earlier this week Lumo hosted a Scotland Growth Roundtable with the Scottish Chamber of Commerce in Stirling which brought together Stirling and North Lanarkshire business leaders, politicians, and local councils to discuss the social, economic and environmental benefits of Lumo’s new services launching next year.

Lumo, the award-winning open-access rail operator, has given a well-deserving family a ‘grand day out’ in Edinburgh, to mark the launch of the new Wallace & Gromit All Systems Go AR Trail at Dynamic Earth in the city.

The family was nominated by one of the UK’s leading charities, Family Fund, who support those raising disabled or seriously ill children. Sienna, who lives with autism and the eating condition ARFID, was joined by her mother and grandmother.

Lumo arranged for Sienna to travel from Newcastle to Edinburgh, where she was treated to a VIP day out, which included a visit to the famous Dynamic Earth. During her trip to the world-class science centre, Sienna received a special guided tour and even got to experience the new Wallace & Gromit All Systems Go AR Trail. The augmented reality experience, which is on until the end of August, is in Scotland for the first time only at Dynamic Earth. Sienna also got to take in the stunning sights of the Scottish capital on an open top bus tour.

The experience highlights Lumo’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all. The operator connects Newcastle with Edinburgh and London, with a new route to Glasgow also set to launch later this year. Lumo trains feature extendable tray tables, wheelchair spaces, reachable power sockets, and Lumo Customer Experience Ambassadors are always happy to help.

Dynamic Earth, meanwhile, is also proud to be welcoming to all. As a leading Earth Science engagement charity and fully accessible Science Centre, it caters to visitors of all abilities and sensory needs, making it an ideal destination for children with complex conditions. The interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling, and hands-on experiences allowed Sienna to engage at her own pace, sparking curiosity about the planet while providing a safe and welcoming space.

Jen Clare, Service Delivery Director at Lumo, said: “At Lumo, we’re committed to being an inclusive company and that means more than just accessibility on board. It’s about giving back to the communities we serve and also supporting some of the brilliant attractions on our route.

“I’d like to thank the amazing team at Dynamic Earth, as well as everyone at Family Fund, for helping us create a special day for Sienna and her family. Train travel is a quick, sustainable way to enjoy a day out in Edinburgh and I hope this will encourage even more people to give it a go!”

Helen Chomczuk, Fundraising and Marketing Director at Dynamic Earth, said: “Dynamic Earth is Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, and the only centre in the UK solely dedicated to earth and environmental sciences. The centre’s immersive, hands-on experiences inspire visitors about the importance of protecting our planet. Our location nearby Edinburgh’s Waverley Station enables visitors to make sustainable travel choices and take the train to enjoy a great day out at Dynamic Earth.

Making our centre accessible to as many different people as possible is a key priority for us, and it was an absolute joy to welcome Sienna and her family to Dynamic Earth. We’re very grateful to Lumo and Family Fund for making this special day possible, and are delighted we were able give Sienna a day to remember!”

Zoe Hull, Head of Fundraising and Volunteering at Family Fund, who also joined the trip, said: We were delighted to be able to link Sienna and her family up with Lumo and Dynamic Earth for this wonderful trip.  At Family Fund we work with thousands of families raising children with additional needs, who tell us how difficult it can be to have a great, fully accessible day out catered to their needs. We want as many organisations as possible to provide inclusive services and events, like Lumo and Dynamic Earth, so more families can enjoy quality time together, have fun and make memories.”

Sienna and her family added: “Thanks so much to all the partners for a brilliant day out. We loved every minute and it’s been great!”

Turner & Townsend has been honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade for its impressive sales growth over the past three years.  The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business accolade in the UK.

Previously, Turner & Townsend received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2003, 2009, 2014, and 2020, and is one of only 197 organisations, nationally, to achieve the King’s Award for Enterprise this year.

Founded in 1946 in Darlington, County Durham, as a quantity surveying practice, the Leeds-based company is now a global and multi-disciplinary professional services firm, that employs more than 22,000 people in over 60 countries. This expansive footprint enables the business to support the ambitions of global clients across real estate, infrastructure, and energy and natural resources.

Since receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2020, the company has increased its net revenue by 95% to reach £1.3 billion last year, with international trade accounting for over 60%.

The company is currently delivering over 15,000 impactful projects across the world, from vaccine manufacturing in Australia and Canada, eliminating power outages in South Africa to the iconic Battersea Power Station residential development in the UK.

Expansion and diversification of the business has been furthered through the company’s strategic partnership with CBRE Group Inc. At the start of 2025, CBRE’s project management business combined with Turner & Townsend to establish a programme, project and cost management offer that is unmatched anywhere in the world.

Turner & Townsend has also made a series of strategic acquisitions and partnerships over the past few years to support clients responding to a rapidly changing and complex world.  These include alinea, specialists in real estate cost management in London; JUMBO Consulting Group, a global leader in procurement and contract management for offshore wind and JukesTodd, specialists in advisory and project management in Australia and New Zealand.

Vincent Clancy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Turner & Townsend, said:

“It’s an honour to receive the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.  This achievement is the result of the outstanding contribution from everyone across the business, our continued commitment to excellence and our long-standing relationships with our clients around the world.

“Our breadth of experience in delivering the world’s most ambitious and innovative capital programmes ensures our teams can support our clients’ ambitions.

“Looking to the future, we are building on this momentum – investing in our peopleour digital tools and capabilities, to support our long-term growth.”

By Chloe Miller

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from the 12th to the 18th May 2025, with the underlying theme of this year being community.

Edinburgh business owners comprise a community of hardworking professionals who care deeply about cultivating a region where everybody can thrive and succeed. However, one of the biggest barriers to success in business can be long-standing mental health challenges, and those must be not only recognised but also addressed.

Coincidentally, in the spirit of another (albeit lesser-known) occasion, namely National Golf Day on the 10th of May 2025, there’s arguably never been a better time for Edinburgh business owners to explore the array of golfing opportunities in our community. Golf is very much ingrained in the fabric of the city, with Edinburgh Leisure recently securing a grant from the Sporting Heritage Grants Programme. It’s rare to find resident business owners not enthused or passionate about the beautiful game.

Beyond the prestige of golf tournaments, let’s explore the mental (and physical) health benefits of golf and how they can be an asset to professionals. 

Why golf? 

Golf has long been recognised as a sport that offers mental clarity. A round of golf provides essential quality time with friends, colleagues, clients and even partners. While offering a healthy amount of time to concentrate on an often-difficult task, you are able to reap the benefits of gentle and non-strenuous physical exercise. 

Many of the UK’s leading golf courses – an abundance of which are located here in Edinburgh – are also versatile, panoramic and vibrant, offering a backdrop of inherently calming, de-stressing, and enriching scenery. 

As such, Edinburgh represents a perfect, neutral place where business owners can form and improve relationships naturally, away from the confines of boardrooms, offices, and conferences, which can feel incredibly stifling the warmer the weather gets. A more bracing, cooler day on the course can be just as invigorating to the mind and soul too.  

However, many business owners can’t visit courses as regularly as they’d like, even once Spring hits. To ensure golf remains a beneficial activity year-round, modern golf simulation systems, from companies like Golf Swing Systems, offer an accessible alternative that can bring the picturesque beauty of Edinburgh courses into an indoor business environment during inclement weather or busy schedules. These systems can also offer a unique and relaxed setting for informal business discussions or client entertainment within the office environment, as well as a low-pressure way for staff to try a game or two during breaks or wellness hours. 

Edinburgh’s top golf courses

While the convenience of indoor engagement with the sport is valuable, there is still the true allure of experiencing the natural beauty and challenges of a real course. With that in mind, let’s consider the following nearby open-air golf courses in Edinburgh to take your clients, partners, or staff for a game, to build that sense of community and help yourselves and your fellow players overcome some mental barriers that you or they may be facing. 

Prestonfield Golf Club

Set in the shadows of Arthur’s Seat, Prestonfield offers one of the most picturesque urban golfing experiences in Scotland. The former deer estate boasts over 100 years of history, with tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkers that challenge players of all abilities. Its central location makes it perfect for squeezing in a round between meetings.

Braid Hills Golf Course

For those seeking dramatic views alongside their game, Braid Hills delivers spectacularly. Perched high above the city, golfers enjoy panoramic vistas across Edinburgh, the Forth, and beyond to Fife. Its unique terrain and elevation changes provide a stimulating test of golf that rewards strategic thinking.

Royal Burgess Golfing Society

As the oldest golfing society in the world, Royal Burgess offers a prestigious experience steeped in tradition. The immaculately maintained parkland course provides a challenging yet fair test, while the historic clubhouse offers exceptional facilities for post-round business discussions.

Duddingston Golf Club

Nestled beside Holyrood Park, Duddingston combines accessibility with championship-quality golf. The picturesque setting includes views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, creating a tranquil escape despite being minutes from the city centre. The club’s excellent catering facilities make it ideal for business lunches after your round.

Ratho Park Golf Club

This hidden gem offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing an excellent test of golf. Set within the grounds of a former country estate, the mature parkland layout rewards accuracy over power – a reminder that in business, precision often trumps force.

Benefits of golf for business leaders

As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, it’s worth highlighting how golf can contribute to an improved overall sense of mental clarity and stability:

  • The rhythmic nature of golf, combined with outdoor exercise, helps calm the mind and improve focus. 
  • A handful of uninterrupted hours away from emails, phone calls or notifications, surrounded by nature, significantly reduces cortisol levels. What’s more, gentle exercise promotes endorphin release, creating a natural mood boost.
  • Walking an 18-hole course typically covers 7-10 kilometres, providing low-impact cardiovascular exercise, crucial for busy professionals who struggle to find time for fitness.
  • Golf offers legitimate and valuable time away from screens and devices, allowing the mind to rest and reset while focusing on a different challenge.

The Edinburgh Chamber recognises the power of mutually beneficial networking events and social gatherings for business leaders. The Chamber has it’s own Golf Day coming up at Dalmahoy Golf Course on the 12th of September 2025.

While it can be difficult to ‘switch off’ from running and growing your business, it’s important to take time away and recognise what’s immediately in front of you. In the spirit of overcoming mental health challenges – which often aren’t communicated in everyday business conversations – golfing can be an excellent community activity while offering personal enrichment.

For business professionals in Edinburgh, the above list merely scratches the surface of what’s on offer in Scotland’s capital and the surrounding area. Many courses and clubs offer packages and flexible membership options, often providing early tee times for those looking for a pre-work game and twilight rates for evening rounds while the sun still shines.

With mental health awareness in focus this month, the Edinburgh business community has every reason to make their next golfing experience a memorable and beneficial one.

Today, First Minister John Swinney announced out his Programme for Government, setting out the Government’s plans for the legislative year ahead. Normally set out in September, this year the First Minister chose to bring the announcement forward to give more time to deliver on the plans ahead of the Parliamentary election expected next summer.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce had set out our asks of Government, pushing for economic growth to be a priority, and we welcomed announcements such as the Six Point Export Plan and the commitment to at least seek no further tax divergence with the rest of the UK. However, the focus now will be on delivery to ensure that Edinburgh businesses are supported to create the good economic growth we need to fund our essential public services and create jobs and opportunities for all of our people.

Key announcements for Edinburgh’s businesses and the economy are:

  • A Six Point Export Plan to help Scottish exporters to diversify and access new markets
    • International Growth Support Programme, providing grant support to Scottish companies to help them unlock specific international growth
    • Sector Export Plans for Technology, Life Sciences, Renewables and Hydrogen
    • Inward missions to bring more global buyers and suppliers to Scotland
    • Expand SDI support to get companies to their target markets
    • Increase funding for the International Trade Partnership Programme with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce
    • Provide information, advice, and support to exporters to the US and develop a US Export Plan
  • Attracting capital investment to Scotland in priority areas through actions including:
    • Launching ‘InvestScotland’, a new portal that will showcase investment opportunities and information for investors and provide a single point of entry to Government
    • Working closely with the UK Government to unlock up to £25m of seed capital funding for our Green Freeports
    • Seeking more co-investment from public and private pension funds into Scottish projects and businesses
    • Acting on feedback to the proposed Housing Bill to explore how to support investment in private housing whilst also protecting tenants, for example through exempting property built exclusively for rent and mid-market rent from any rent controls
  • Support innovators, increase start-up creation, develop business clusters in innovative markets areas, and build on Scotland’s expertise in critical technologies
    • Launching the First Minister’s Start-up Challenge for young people from disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds
    • Transforming the number of women who start and scale businesses
    • Launching AI Scotland, a new national transformation programme founded on a partnership of business, academia, agencies and government, including a national AI adoption programme for SMEs
    • Hosting an Innovation Summit as the centrepiece of Scotland’s Innovation Week
    • Partnering with the private sector to deliver an improved Ecosystem Fund, issuing grants to increase the scale, quality and profile of the Scottish start-up ecosystem
  • A commitment to create better certainty and stability, and make it easier to do business
    • No further divergence from the UK on Income Tax for the remainder of this Parliament
    • A review into the valuation methodology applied to nondomestic property in the licensed hospitality sector, to report in 2026 and be acted on by 2029
    • Publishing an action and implementation plan based on an assessment of the regulatory controls which exist in key growth sectors
  • Boost planning capacity and reduce barriers to delivery
    • Reversing the decline in professional planners working in public authorities
    • Providing local authorities, through the Planning Hub, with additional capacity and expertise
  • Other key measures for business and the economy include:
    • Investing an additional £5m in Scotland’s food and drink strategy
    • Abolishing peak rail fares permanently from 1st September
    • Increasing culture funding, investing at least £100 million more in the arts and culture by 2028-29, with an additional £32 million this year
    • Boosting our screen sector, with an additional £2 million
    • Working with VisitScotland, airlines and travel partners to grow international connectivity
    • Working with the UK Government to maximise opportunities for economic growth from a stronger EU/UK relationship
    • Establishing a national Recognition of Prior Learning system – formally acknowledging an individual’s skills and knowledge gained through work experience, training, or other learning outside of formal education
    • Reviewing and improving school-age and adult careers support
    • Providing £3.5m so that colleges can deliver the pipeline of skills our economy and public services need
    • A Fairer Funding pilot, providing multi-year funding for Third Sector organisations across Scotland
    • Funding for Edinburgh Innovation Hub to grow innovation-led enterprise in and around East Lothian, aiming to deliver around 100 new start-ups over its lifetime
    • Various employability measures to support more people into work, including Parental Employability Support and funding pilot projects that will develop actions employers can take to implement inclusive recruitment practices
    • Leveraging private investment to develop supply chain clusters for offshore wind

Various plans were also announced to tackle the Government’s other priorities of eradicating child poverty, tackling the climate emergency, and providing high quality and sustainable public services. You can find the full Programme for Government here. If you have any feedback on the Programme and how it may affect your business, please get in touch with our policy team at policy@edinburghchamber.co.uk