Meet the Panels and Hosts

The aim of the Economic Summit is to engage fully with the business ecosystem, across public and private sectors. The day will consist of keynote speakers, two panels made up of senior business leaders, educators and public sector representatives, and roundtable discussions involving 300 delegates. 

Panel 1 will hear directly from private sector business leaders on what's holding growth back, while Panel 2 brings together employers, skills providers and education leaders to discuss the future workforce. This careful curation of experience will ensure discussions move beyond policy talk into lived business experience, aligning skills, investment and workforce priorities into shared, actionable outcomes for the next 12 months and beyond.

Panel 1: Unlocking Business Growth: What’s Holding Businesses Back?

Hosted by William, Viscount Stormont, of Scone Estates, this panel hears from local private sector leaders on business challenges and aims to explore what's really holding growth back across Perth and Kinross.

William, Viscount Stormont, Scone Palace & Estates
William, Viscount Stormont is owner and strategic lead of Scone Palace & Estates, a diversified rural family business spanning tourism, events, farming, forestry and property. Son of the 9th Earl of Mansfield, he represents the 16th generation of the Murrays of Scone, stewards of the 400-year-old estate, which welcomes over 250,000 visitors a year. With a degree from Durham, roles as a diplomat and consultant, and an MBA from Oxford, William leads the business into its next century with generational investment plans. 2026 marks 60 years of Scone Palace welcoming visitors. 

David Clegg, Editor, The Courier
David Clegg is editor of The Courier, the award-winning regional news brand serving Dundee, Angus, Perthshire, Fife and Stirling. He joined DC Thomson in 2007, rising to political editor before joining the Daily Record in 2012 as political editor and assistant editor. He returned to The Courier as editor in 2019, leading its shift to a digital-first subscription business. A six-time Scottish Press Awards winner, including Journalist of the Year, David co-authored Break-Up: How Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon Went to War. Under his editorship, The Courier was named Scottish Newsbrand of the Year at the 2026 Scottish Press Awards. 

Victoria Ritchie, Co-Owner, Highland Health Store
Trading since 1986 from two shops on St John Street, Perth, Highland Health Store is an independent, family-run health store offering a large selection of wholefoods, natural skincare, vitamins and minerals, plus a refill station for home care, body care products, and herbs and spices. The business prioritises quality and sustainability in the products it offers and takes pride in excellent customer service. Highland Health Store is a proud member of the National Association of Health Stores, the Federation of Small Businesses, and the Health Food Institute. 

Jade Robertson, Founder and Creative Director, Little Lies
Little Lies is an independent fashion brand rooted in 70s rock 'n' roll. Since launching from a bedroom in 2015, the brand has built a loyal global community of customers drawn to its "future-vintage" ethos — timeless styles designed in small batches with inclusivity in mind. Little Lies has grown from a passion project into a business with a seven-figure turnover and is known for its authenticity and bold energy. 

Panel 2: Building the Workforce for Future Growth

Hosted by Evonne Boyd of Skills Development Scotland, this panel brings together employers, education and skills providers to discuss how Perth and Kinross prepares its workforce for the next decade.

Evonne Boyd, Head of Operations (East), Skills Development Scotland
Evonne Boyd is Head of Operations for Skills Development Scotland's East Region, leading the delivery of careers, skills and employability services across a diverse geographical area. She works with local authorities, employers, education providers, and national organisations to support workforce development, economic inclusion and positive outcomes for individuals and communities. Evonne also chairs the Perth and Kinross Local Employability Partnership, bringing partners together to strengthen employability pathways and respond to local labour market opportunities and challenges.

Catherine Etri, Interim Principal & Chief Executive, UHI Perth
Catherine was appointed as Interim Principal and Chief Executive, effective from Thursday 29 May 2025. She has over three decades of experience in further and higher education, along with a strong background in senior leadership, governance and advisory roles. Her previous work includes senior roles within UHI Perth and contributions to Education Scotland and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). She is highly experienced education manager, with a demonstrated history of working in further and higher education, both in the UK and internationally.

John Duncan, Transformation and Talent Manager – Group Enterprise Technology, Aviva
John Duncan is a Transformation and Talent Lead within Aviva's Technology business, leading initiatives that strengthen colleague engagement, culture and talent development. Passionate about creating opportunities for people to thrive, John works across programmes that support employability, inclusion, wellbeing and social impact, helping to build strong connections between colleagues, communities and business. Outside of Aviva, John chairs the Tay Cities Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Board, championing opportunities for young people across the region.

David Macluskey, Strategic Lead – Education, Perth and Kinross Council
David Macluskey, Strategic Lead for Education & Learning and Chief Education Officer, provides strategic leadership for education services across Perth and Kinross. He is responsible for Early Learning and Childcare, primary, secondary and inclusion services, educational psychology and central support services and family support. He works with partners across the Council and beyond to improve outcomes for children and young people, raise the quality of learning, close attainment gaps and ensure the Council meets its statutory responsibilities in education.  Beyond his PKC role David sits on the boards of UHI (Perth); Saints in the Community and DYW (Tay Cities). He is vice chair of the Local Employability Partnership and co-chair of the Curriculum and Qualifications Network of ADES (Association of Directors of Education in Scotland).

Stephanie O'Donnell, Head of Early Careers & External Skills Engagement, SSE plc
Stephanie O'Donnell is Head of Early Careers & External Skills Engagement at SSE. She leads the development of future talent pipelines, early careers programmes and external skills partnerships, working with industry, education and government to help address workforce challenges and support the skills needed to deliver.

Book online via Eventbrite today and be part of the conversation that will help shape the future of the Perth and Kinross economy. Book here >

Note: Tickets are free but as spaces are limited, they must be booked in advance.

Thanks to our sponsor, SSE

The summit is proudly supported by SSE, who will showcase how they are spearheading the energy transition across the UK from Perth.