As Einstein said “Any fool can know.  The point is to understand.” The result of the EU Referendum has thrown the UK into turmoil, leaving voters in both camps feeling uncertain about what the future holds. One of the most frequent comments we have heard since the result was announced is that people feel they are lacking in knowledge about what Brexit actually means.

We are therefore, in conjunction with Charlotte Street Partners, hosting this breakfast with the aim of uncovering the effects Brexit could potentially have.   By bringing together three of Scotland’s most respected, informed and non-political minds, you will have the opportunity to hear an overview of the potential impact and to gain a better understanding of the extraordinary situation we find ourselves in, regardless of which way you voted.  Whilst no-one has a crystal ball, our aim is to increase your knowledge and understanding of the perceived implications and above all else, to endeavour to answer the multitude of questions so many of us have.

You will hear an overview from each of our speakers which will be followed by a Q & A session, giving you ample opportunity to ask questions.  Whether we are in favour of the result or not, we need to stand together and face the future, both for ourselves and for future generations.

OUR SPEAKERS

ANDREW WILSON – CO-FOUNDER OF CHARLOTTE STREET PARTNERS

Andrew is co-founder of Charlotte Street Partners a strategic communications company based in Edinburgh & London.  Andrew launched the business in January 2014 with co-founder Malcolm Robertson, former BAA Communications Director.  Both were named as the top faces to look out for in 2014.  Terry Murden of The Scotsman described the formation of the business as ‘the biggest PR launch in Scotland for some time.’  The company has bases in Edinburgh & London

Having graduated from Strathclyde University with a degree in Politics & Economics from Strathclyde University, Andrew joined the headquarters team of the SNP as a Researcher/Economist and as Director of Business for Scotland through the 1997 General Election and Referendum.

He then joined the Royal Bank of Scotland as a business economist before being elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.  During his time in Parliament, Andrew served as the Shadow Minister for Finance, Economy, Transport and Lifelong learning.  He was also a columnist for The Sunday Mail.

From 2003, Andrew held a number of posts at RBS Group including Deputy Chief Economist and through the banking crisis as Head of Group Communications.  In 2012, he joined WPP in a client strategy role before launching Charlotte Street Partners.

Andrew is a Trustee of The John Smith Memorial Trust.  He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Scotand and a Member of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the Institute of Directors and the David Hume Institute.  He is a member of the new Public Policy Advisory Board of Glasgow University and writes and broadcasts regularly including a weekly current affairs “Scrutiny” column in Scotland on Sunday.

BILL JAMIESON – FOUNDER OF SCOT-BUZZ & FORMER EXECUTIVE EDITOR OF THE SCOTSMAN

Bill Jamieson is the founder of Scot-Buzz, an online media website to encourage business start-up and investment in Scotland.  Scot-Buzz brings news and instant analysis on key business and economic data together with practical help and support for SMEs as well as sharp and incisive commentary on business and current affairs.

Bill was formerly Executive Editor of the Scotsman Newspaper with specific responsibility for the paper’s business and economics coverage and was the economics columnist for Scotland on Sunday.  He continues to write for both publications on a freelance basis in addition to the Spectator Business magazine and City AM and is a regular commentator on business & economic affairs for BBC Scotland.  Prior to this he spent seven years as the Economics Editor of the Sunday Telegraph.

Bill speaks on the domestic and global effects of changes in the economy and the financial markets. He is also a passionate advocate of the positive overall economic effects of championing entrepreneurialism and why regulation and risk aversion will damage this.

In addition to speaking and journalism, Bill is also the author of a number of books on economics and politics including An Illustrated Guide to the British Economy and Scotland’s Ten Tomorrows: The Devolution Crisis.

 

 

CHRISTINE O’NEILL – PARTNER & CHAIRMAN OF BRODIES LLP

Christine O’Neill is Chairman of Brodies LLP and a recognised expert on public and constitutional law issues in Scotland. She is, uniquely in Scotland, rated by Chambers and Partners as a Star Individual in administrative and public law and is also ranked in Band 1 for local government law. Her hallmark is developing strong client relationships in the public and private sectors and providing clear, practical advice.

Christine advises clients on legislation and statutory interpretation, the powers and duties of public bodies including the Scottish Parliament, and freedom of information laws and data protection. She acts for a range of Scottish and UK clients including BBC Scotland, the Gambling Commission, the Scottish Courts Service, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, and a range of local authorities.

Recognised for her experience and expertise in handling litigation, Christine is regularly instructed in judicial reviews, statutory appeals and public inquiries. She led the Brodies’ team which acted for four global insurers in the landmark judicial review of an Act of the Scottish Parliament which was heard by the Supreme Court in 2011: Axa and others v Scottish Ministers and currently leads the team acting for the Scotch Whisky Association and European drinks producers in their challenge to the Scottish Parliament’s legislation on minimum pricing of alcohol.

Ticket sales end on Wednesday the 6th of July at 12 noon and we anticipate a high demand, therefore please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  You can book by clicking HERE.

Please note that ticket cancellations will only be accepted more than 48 hours of the event taking place and must be confirmed by email to [email protected]

With thanks to our event sponsors Mazars