November Edinburgh Breakfast – Louise Maclean of Signature Group

Join us for a fascinating and refreshingly honest conversation with Louise Maclean of Signature Group, one of Scotland’s best-known and leading hospitality businesses, as we explore the highs, lows and hard decisions involved in leading a business in an industry that rarely stands still.

A familiar voice in the Scottish media, Louise regularly speaks out about the realities facing hospitality operators, from rising costs and recruitment challenges to changing customer expectations and the impact of government policy.  She’s not afraid to challenge the status quo or speak candidly about the pressures businesses face.

But this conversation goes well beyond hospitality.  We’ll explore the leadership decisions that matter when margins are squeezed, the importance of building and retaining great teams, knowing when to adapt and how to maintain ambition when the operating environment is anything but predictable.

Louise’s experiences offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders navigating the challenges of growth, rising costs and an unpredictable economic climate.  Her candid perspective on leadership, resilience and making tough commercial decisions will resonate with anyone focused on building a successful, sustainable business.

Expect an engaging, straight-talking conversation with plenty of insights, candid reflections and practical lessons from someone who knows what it takes to lead through challenging times.

ABOUT LOUISE

Louise oversees a diverse portfolio of bars, restaurants and hotels across the country.  She has spent her career in the drinks and hospitality industry, beginning on the operator side running Dundee institution Fat Sam’s before moving into the drinks trade.  She went on to hold roles with United Distillers & Vintners (now Diageo), Molson Coors and Tennent’s before joining Signature Group, where her role has evolved alongside the growth of the business.

A salesperson at heart, Louise is passionate about understanding what makes people tick and turning that insight into commercially successful hospitality experiences. Her approach spans everything from food and drink development to brand, design, marketing and the overall guest journey.  She is a firm believer in knowing your audience, constantly learning and looking beyond the industry for inspiration.  A keen traveller and relentless researcher, Louise is always on the lookout for brilliant bars, restaurants, ideas and experiences, and how they can be translated into something that works for Signature’s customers.