Announcing the winner of our 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award – Malcolm McPherson of HBJ Gateley

Our annual conference took place last week at The Glasshouse in Edinburgh – more about this in a blog coming out soon – and was once again, a fantastic and inspirational day, sponsored for the third year in a row by Santander Corporate & Commercial. The winner of our annual Lifetime Achievement Award is always announced and presented at the conference and we’re delighted to announce that the very worthy winner this year was Malcolm McPherson of HBJ Gateley, one of Scotland’s leading corporate lawyers.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the only award which can be won by non-members of WeDO Scotland and once again, our judging panel chaired by Graham Langley of Platinum Global Resources, joined by our Executive team Ambassadors, Martin Mutch of Mutch Associates, Rod McMillan of RJM Consultants and Dougie Walker of Claymore Global Solutions, had a challenging time deliberating over who should win.

After studying Law at Edinburgh University, Malcolm joined a small Edinburgh law practice, Henderson & Jackson. After showing great potential he was appointed partner at age 24 and quickly moved into the Managing Partner role 4 years later. The firm expanded at pace through organic growth and mergers, the most recent of which was with English firm Gateleys. He is now Senior Partner at HBJ Gateley which has grown to become one of the UK’s leading law firms with revenues of ?80m, 10 offices and an international reach.

As well as his leadership role within the firm he is Vice Chairman of the Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal, a Chairman of the Judicial Panel for the Scottish Football Association and has in the past sat on the Investigation Committee of the Chartered Institute of Accountants. He is also former Chairman of Hibernian Football Club.

Throughout his career he has not only thrived on business development and expansion within the firm but also on helping others establish and grow their own companies. As a seasoned Non Exec Director he has helped companies such as Intelligent Office and Space Solutions. Bringing commercial acumen as well as strong corporate governance to the boards on which he sits, he has helped some 30 businesses thrive over the years.

His involvement in entrepreneurialism in Scotland however is not restricted to his formal roles. He has for many years been a great introducer, bringing individuals and companies together to their mutual benefit. When not in the office Malcolm enjoys combining business with pleasure through his love of sailing, field sports and golf.

Malcolm was presented with his Award by long-standing friend and former founding Ambassador in the WeDO Scotland Executive Team, Paul Atkinson of Par Equity along with Steve Hand of Santander Corporate & Commercial who were sponsors of the Award.

Commenting on his win, Malcolm said:

“WeDO is led by quality people who give their time, skill and energy to helping those who for the most part are starting out on their business lives so it gave me great pleasure to have my career recognised by them.

I enjoy my firm HBJ Gateley being referred to as entrepreneurial and take it as a great compliment. The fact that we have represented so many successful businesses across the UK, many of whom we have worked with from their infancy gives me great pride.

For a country to be successful it needs a constant stream of new businesses and organisations who help and promote in the early stages are invaluable. WeDO is one such organisation.”

Steve Hand commented: “Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking were delighted to be able to sponsor the WeDO Scotland Lifetime Achievement award that this year was presented to Malcolm McPherson, Senior Partner from HBJ Gateley.  As Paul Atkinson from Par Equity acknowledged when presenting the award, Malcolm has made a huge contribution to the business community, not just in his role as one of Scotland’s leading Corporate Lawyers but also through his interest and commitment to so many other Scottish companies, associations and charities. A well deserved honour.“

We are absolutely delighted that Malcolm has received this well-deserved recognition of his contribution to the Scottish entrepreneurial community and we look forward to watching more of his dedication and support being given to SMEs in Scotland.