Business areas
Data, AI and Robotics
Data and AI has cut across much of my work for many years, and I have experience and knowledge of this area, including the rapidly emerging topic of data centres, and all the issues they raise. I worked with the Data-Driven Innovation initiative in Edinburgh for a number of years, organising an annual full-day conference for 5 years, most recently Disinformation, Deepfakes & Democracy in 2024. I hosted the Data Capital podcast series - looking at topics including the Right to Reality (in the face of fake news), We Begin As Data with leading AI commentator Stephanie Hare plus Computer Says No: Algorithms and Recruitment Bias with Dr Nakeema Stefflbauer. I have written regularly, and presented several podcasts, on robotics, and worked with The National Robotarium on an influential manifesto for the growth of robotics in the UK – Reaping the Rewards of the Robotics Revolution.
Environment and Sustainability
This is another subject that increasingly cuts across all of my work. I’ve hosted numerous live and online events on sustainability, including - in 2026 - Scotland’s first soil summit, for the James Hutton Institute, and a series of podcasts on the energy transition.
I also carried out media training for 15 academics at Scotland's rural research centres - and previously presented the podcast series Sustainable Scotland, and A Greener World Needs A Plan for Royal Bank of Scotland - including How small businesses can make the shift to net zero.
Food and Drink
I currently host three annual drinks conferences - Beer Matters https://www.beer-matters.co.uk/bm/schedule In-Whisky and the Scottish Distillers’ Conference - and work with the organisers to develop the agendas.
I hosted a round-table for Scotland Food and Drink about making the sector more investable in spring 2026, and have hosted numerous podcasts and events on food and drink issues.
Forestry and Rural Affairs
Through PA Cooperative, my colleague Neil Cuthbert and I have supported the forestry and wood industry for a decade - organising events, producing videos, and offering communications and public affairs advice. We organised an annual policy conference at Westminster, which I host, as well as hosting an annual forestry awards dinner in Edinburgh. We’ve produced forestry manifestos for the UK and all devolved governments and produced many videos for the industry in the last two years.
Law and Legal Affairs
I’m very active in the legal sector as an event and podcast host, communications adviser, media trainer, and editor of The Scotsman’s long-running legal pages.
I host regular in-person and online events for the Law Society of Scotland, including its annual anti-money laundering and conveyancing conferences, and its new partner practice management course. I’m the regular presenter of Podcasts by Brodies for Scotland’s largest law firm, and work with CMS Scotland to shape its annual business conference
Land and Property
The business is very active in the land and property sector. PA Cooperative is regularly involved in land use change projects, from renewable energy and forestry to data centres. I'm also heavily involved in the property sector, hosting a video podcast series for Millar & Bryce, and presenting an annual conference and webinars on conveyancing for the Law Society of Scotland.
If you would like to find out more about what we could do for your business or sector, email us using the link below.