Edinburgh businesses urged to be bold in pursuit of growth

Businesses across Edinburgh with ambitions to scale and grow have been urged to think globally, embrace AI and make confident decisions if they are to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Picture - Chris Watt Photography | Chris Watt Photography

The message came from speakers at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Festival 2026, delivered in partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland at the RBS Conference Centre, Gogarburn.

More than 170 business leaders attended the event, which was themed “Adapt, Compete and Grow”. Throughout the day, entrepreneurs, investors, economists and business leaders shared insights into the opportunities and challenges facing growing businesses, with common themes emerging around leadership, innovation, technology adoption and collaboration.

Richard Lennox, Interim COO at CodeBase and former leader at Skyscanner and Current Health, encouraged business leaders to be bold in their decision-making and adopt a global outlook from the outset.

Chris Watt Photography | Chris Watt Photography

“Significant growth won't be possible by focusing solely on Scotland. Businesses with real ambitions to scale need to look beyond local markets and build for global customers.”

He also emphasised the importance of making decisions that are informed by data but guided by customer needs.

That view was reinforced by Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager Scotland at the British Business Bank, who warned against waiting for the perfect conditions before taking action.

“Too often, businesses become stuck waiting for certainty. Growth requires businesses to test ideas, take calculated risks and be prepared to adapt.”

The importance of understanding customer value was also highlighted by Niki McKenzie, Joint Managing Director of Edinburgh-based investment firm Archangel, who said successful businesses are able to clearly demonstrate how their products or services solve real customer challenges.

A major focus of the conference was the role of artificial intelligence in driving growth and competitiveness.

Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist at Royal Bank of Scotland, said businesses that place AI at the heart of their operations are already reporting stronger performance across revenue, profitability and hiring intentions.

He also cautioned that many organisations may be underestimating the extent to which AI is already being used within their workforce.

Opening the festival, Liz Dalton (McAreavey), Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the need to create the conditions that allow more businesses to grow and succeed.

She said: “Scottish businesses are operating in a fast-moving environment defined by digital acceleration, changing markets and new opportunities for innovation. This year's Business Festival has brought together leaders who are turning those challenges into opportunities and building the capabilities needed for long-term growth.”

Highlighting the Chamber’s Edinburgh 2030 business-led growth plan, she added: “Edinburgh has one of the strongest city economies in the UK, but we cannot take success for granted. By strengthening our business ecosystem and investing in the skills, infrastructure and innovation needed for the future, we can create the conditions for more businesses to grow and compete on a global stage.”

Chris Watt Photography

The programme also featured a panel discussion chaired by Elizabeth Pirrie, CEO of AccelerateHER, alongside business founders Alex Harrison of Young Spirits, Rachel Jones of SnapDragon and Tomas Maunier, COO of Fogo de Chão UK & Europe and founder of Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill. Speakers shared examples of how they had navigated significant change and used disruption as a catalyst for innovation and growth.

Delegates also took part in workshops on leadership, resilience and building trust during challenging times, before the event concluded with a keynote from Stuart Common, Managing Director of Mackie’s of Scotland, who reflected on the company’s growth journey and future ambitions.

The festival’s message was clear: businesses that are prepared to adapt, innovate and act decisively will be best placed to seize future opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.