VIPs:

Iain McMillan, Director of The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Scotland
John Rendall, Scottish Chief Executive of HSBC
Brian Adair, Chairman of Trustees of the The Royal Scots Club

HSBC
The global banking giant and largest bank in Britain, has weathered the banking crisis better than most despite sub-prime fall-out in the US. Employing some 3000 in Scotland; its lending to Scottish businesses was around £744m in April, 2009. John, as the banking chief, is looking for double digit growth in lending. According to many '...the word 'opportunity' crops up frequently during a conversation with John. There is a clear sense the Scottish chief executive of HSBC knows this is a once-in-a-career chance that he has been put in charge of and he is quite determined to make the most of it.'  (www.hsbc.co.uk)

Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Scotland:
CBI Scotland is the premier lobbying organisation for UK business on national and international issues. Their mission is to help create and sustain the conditions in which businesses in the UK can compete and prosper for the benefit of all. CBI Scotland represents the interests of over 26,500 businesses in Scotland from every sector of industrial and commercial activity. Iain McMillan was appointed Director of CBI Scotland with full executive responsibility for the CBI's Scottish operation. He has been a Board member of many committees over the years and was awarded the CBE for services to lifelong learning in 2003. (www.cbi.org.uk/)


Royal Scots Club:
The Royal Scots Club was founded in 1919 as a tribute to those who fell in The Great War. The building boasts many unique architectural features, creating a warm ambiance, which is relaxed and comfortable. It is not only a perfect place to relish the culture and character of Edinburgh, but is home to many of Thrive's events. The Club is managed by a group of Trustees and Chairman Brian Adair has been instrumental in leading the Club through its restoration and redevelopment projects. Brian will lead Thrive in a first-rate, exclusive tour of the recent developments at the Club. (www.royalscotsclub.com/)