For those who know Alistair, you’ll understand what big shoes these are to fill, but if anyone embodies the combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, and genuine warmth that we value at Forumm, it’s Neil.
Neil’s professional journey has been defined by a singular passion: helping businesses and economies develop and grow. That passion took him through a distinguished career at Scottish Enterprise, where he led the organisation’s international economic development activities for a number of years, focusing on trade and investment to support Scotland’s global ambitions.
Most recently, as interim Managing Director at Scottish Development International, Neil oversaw international trade and investment efforts during one of the most challenging periods in recent memory. Even amid COVID-19 conditions, Scotland grew its inward investment pipeline; achieving 128 new projects in 2019-20, a 19% increase on the prior year.
Neil’s academic foundation is equally impressive: a BSc (Hons) from Loughborough University (1986) and an MBA with Distinction from the University of Strathclyde Graduate Business School (1997). But what stands out most about his MBA experience is that he chose to do it full-time rather than part-time, fully immersing himself in the learning rather than simply collecting credentials. During that time, he studied cutting-edge approaches like scenario planning under pioneers in the field, and later spent six years as an external supervisor for MBA projects, gaining insight into how dozens of organisations approached their most strategic challenges.
When we asked Neil what he’s learned about leadership over his career, his answer was refreshingly honest: “Leadership isn’t positional. It’s more about how you lead when you do not have the authority to lead. Just because you’re in a particular position, it doesn’t mean anyone’s going to listen to you. And that’s a great thing to understand.”
He emphasised two principles that have guided him: authenticity and contingency. People need to see the real you, not just the polished version in set-piece moments. And effective leadership requires adapting your approach to different contexts and circumstances, which is incredibly difficult when we all have our default ways of working and communicating.
As Neil put it: “Under stress, you resort to type. Most people resort to type. But people don’t expect anyone to be perfect. That’s why leaders with serious deficiencies are often forgiven, because people say, ‘Well, they’re authentic.'”
So why did Neil say yes to Forumm? Three reasons, as he tells it.
First, passion and values alignment. When he stepped away from his executive career, Neil wanted to take on opportunities he felt passionate about, that aligned with his values, and that allowed him to share his experience and knowledge. Supporting startup companies, especially in Scotland, where we need more of them ticks all those boxes.
Second, the challenge. We’re operating in a marketplace with big incumbents. That David and Goliath dynamic? That’s exciting. As Neil said, “Being able to support Forumm navigating its way through that; that’s a really important thing.”
Third, relationships. “It’s all about relationships,” Neil explained. “You might have those two things, but if you don’t feel a warmth and connection with the chief executive, it’s not going to work anyway. It needs to be enjoyable, doesn’t it? You need to value and look forward to the engagement with the executive.”
When Alistair approached him about Forumm, Neil already trusted his judgment from their long-standing relationship. But it was meeting Hilary (Forumm cofounder) and the team, understanding our mission, and seeing how we show up for our community that sealed the deal.
Neil sees Forumm’s greatest strength clearly: “Dan and Hilary bring to the party what the others don’t, that personal connection with potential users and customers. That comes across as absolutely front and centre of the approach, and people are responding to that.”
But he’s also asking us the right questions: How do we keep that as we grow? How do we stop becoming more like the incumbents? More distant from our customers? It’s a challenge he’s acutely aware of, and one we’re committed to solving together.
Beyond his strategic thinking and economic development expertise, Neil brings extensive non-executive, chair, and trustee experience across both private and not-for-profit organisations. His governance credentials strengthen our board at exactly the right moment as we scale.
He’s also pragmatic about what effective boards need. “You’re looking at the most important issues, challenges, and opportunities the company is facing,” he explained, “and you’re trying to ensure that across the board, you have that covered.” With Alistair’s strategic expertise, David’s business development prowess, Malcolm’s technology insight, and now Neil’s leadership and international perspective, we have a board that’s genuinely greater than the sum of its parts.
Outside of boardrooms and strategy sessions, Neil’s a man of movement. Sport is his principal hobby, he grew up playing rugby (and remains a devoted Glasgow Warriors supporter), and all his children have played hockey, which led to his involvement with Scottish Hockey. You’ll find him watching hockey matches every week, fascinated by the approaches different teams take to the game.
But it’s running and cycling that really energise him. “I’ve always been fit, and I think that’s an essential part of a healthy body, healthy mind,” he told us. “I’d rather be outside. I just find it so much more invigorating.” He and his friends are planning another gravel bike trip later this month, and he’s off to Mallorca next week with his wife and eldest daughter for some cycling.
When we asked Neil what he hopes to be most proud of in 12 months’ time, his answer was characteristically focused: “That we have growing revenue and we’ve raised a round of funding.”
And his advice for a founder scaling rapidly? “Don’t let your service drop. Companies often scale because of the quality of service and support they give their customers. Then they scale, and that drops, and it causes all kinds of problems.”
It’s advice we’re taking to heart. As we grow, maintaining that personal connection will be our north star.
We couldn’t be more excited to have Neil join us as Chair. His experience navigating complex international markets, his authentic approach to leadership, his strategic thinking, and his genuine enthusiasm for what we’re building make him the perfect person to guide Forumm through our next chapter.
To Alistair: thank you for everything you’ve built with us. Your wisdom and guidance have been invaluable.
And to Neil: welcome to the Forumm family. We’re looking forward to the journey ahead.
Forumm is building the future of event management and community engagement. If you’d like to learn more about what we do or how we can support your events, get in touch at hello@forumm.co.uk
