26 May – Gilson Gray, the UK’s fastest-growing law firm,[1] has promoted two senior lawyers to partner, strengthening its real estate and litigation offering.
Real estate specialist Gregor Duthie and litigator Stephen Forsyth have both stepped up from Legal Director to Partner.
Gregor joins the partnership with more than 20 years’ experience in the commercial real estate sector. Known for his pragmatic, solutions-focused advice, he works with a diverse client base, including international investors, cross-border portfolio holders and local occupiers.
Having been accredited in commercial property law by the WS Society, Gregor has particular expertise in investment acquisitions, asset management and development projects, underpinned by a background in real estate finance.
Stephen brings 15 years’ experience in litigation and dispute resolution, with a broad practice spanning contractual disputes, construction and property matters, and personal injury claims. His work has included securing numerous six-figure and multi-million-pound settlements, particularly in personal injury and medical negligence cases.
These promotions form part of a wider round of advancements across Gilson Gray, highlighting the firm’s continued growth and its commitment to acknowledging and developing talent from within. The latest round has seen 25 colleagues recognised across the business, including several in senior positions.
The firm’s success has been widely documented recently, including winning Firm of the Year at the Herald Law Awards, being nominated for Legal Firm of the Year at the British Business Awards, and being shortlisted for Firm of the Year (over 250 employees) at the Scottish Legal Awards.
Gregor Duthie said: “In the ten years I have been with the firm, Gilson Gray has built a strong reputation in the market as commercially savvy advisers. Becoming a partner allows me to champion the continued growth of both our Glasgow presence and the nationwide real estate team to guide our clients in achieving their goals.”
Stephen Forsyth added: “The firm has provided a strong platform to develop my practice in Dundee and across Scotland, and I look forward to continuing to support clients while contributing to the ongoing success of the award-winning litigation team.”
Glen Gilson, chairman and managing partner of Gilson Gray, said: “Stephen and Gregor are both highly regarded lawyers who embody the values and ambition of the firm. Their promotions are thoroughly deserved and reflect the strength and depth of talent we have across the business.
“This latest round of promotions demonstrates our commitment to investing in our people and supporting their progression as we continue to expand our presence and offering across Scotland and the UK.”
Gilson Gray, the UK’s fastest-growing law firm[1], has appointed experienced corporate lawyer Peter Millican as partner in its London office, further strengthening the firm’s presence in the capital and supporting its continued growth across the UK.
In his new role, Peter will support the ongoing development of Gilson Gray’s London corporate offering, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity and corporate finance transactions. He will work closely with clients across the engineering, oil and gas, and renewable sectors, while also advising on a broad range of commercial matters. In addition, he will collaborate with colleagues across the firm to raise Gilson Gray’s profile and build strategic relationships in the London and UK market.
With 30 years’ experience in corporate law, Peter joins from Sherrards, where he held the position of corporate partner leading on a wide range of transactions, including M&A, venture capital and banking matters.
The appointment marks a key step in Gilson Gray’s continued expansion across England and follows a series of senior hires within its London office, including Paul Madden as head of London office, Linda Pope as head of family law for England and Steven Eckett as head of Employment for England.
Glen Gilson, chairman and managing partner at Gilson Gray, said: “Peter brings a wealth of experience across corporate law, combined with a history of strong leadership and client delivery. His appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in high-quality talent as we continue to expand our presence in London. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”
Paul Madden, head of London office, said: “The London team is delighted that Peter has joined us. His appointment greatly strengthens our corporate offering and is yet further example of the firm’s commitment to growth. While the Gilson Gray network already boasts an impressive client base, Peter’s experience and ability will help us to win an ever-increasing share of work in the corporate space.”
With close to 500 employees across offices in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, East Lothian, Aberdeen, Lincoln and Angus, Gilson Gray continues to expand nationwide while maintaining the agility, culture, and client-first approach that defines the firm. Its growth has been matched by multiple industry recognitions, including winning Firm of the Year at The Herald Law Awards, being shortlisted for Legal Firm of the Year at the recent British Business Awards and earning a shortlist place for Firm of the Year (over 250 employees) at the Scottish Legal Awards.
Peter added: “Gilson Gray has a clear sense of direction and a strong growth strategy. The firm’s culture also aligns closely with my own approach to delivering pragmatic legal advice. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the business to continue building a strong corporate practice in London.”
By Lesley McKnight, private client partner at full-service law firm Gilson Gray
Family businesses sit at the heart of communities across Scotland, accounting for over 80% of all businesses[1] and, for many owners, representing far more than just a commercial enterprise.
They are the result of decades of commitment, sacrifice and identity, often built with the intention of being passed on to the next generation. However, with that legacy comes responsibility, yet succession planning remains one of the most consistently delayed leadership decisions in family businesses.
For owners, preparation for what comes next is rarely just about deciding who takes over one day. It is a leadership obligation that exists from the moment a business has value, employees and people who depend on it. Whether planned or not, every business will ultimately change hands. The real question is whether that transition happens on considered terms or is driven suddenly by circumstance.
Effective succession planning requires honest reflection on how and when an owner intends to step back, and how control and responsibility would be transferred if that moment arrived earlier than expected. Retirement, ill health or sudden loss can bring change with little warning and without preparation, these transitions can feel abrupt, destabilising and deeply personal for everyone involved.
Some families are clear that the business should remain within the family, with the next generation gradually introduced and supported over time. Others plan to build the business for sale, securing long term financial stability while preserving value. Both routes are entirely valid, but each requires early decision-making and appropriate legal, tax and governance structures long before they are needed.
What differentiates family businesses from other enterprises is the overlap between professional and personal life. Decisions made in the boardroom rarely remain there. Longstanding family dynamics – rivalries, loyalties, expectations and unspoken assumptions – often sit just beneath the surface of day-to-day operations. In times of stability, this closeness can be a strength but under pressure or uncertainty, it can quickly become a source of tension.
Tax is often what forces succession discussions to the surface, and for many owners, recent changes have altered the landscape more dramatically than they realise. Inheritance tax reliefs have evolved, pension rules will change from 2027, and expectations made years ago may no longer be fit for purpose.
The challenge is not simply the size of a potential inheritance tax bill, but how it would be met in practice. For many families, wealth is tied up in trading companies or investment property rather than readily available cash. An unexpected liability can place immediate strain on the business itself, forcing rushed sales or structural decisions at precisely the wrong time. Without forward planning, the cost is often felt not only financially, but emotionally.
Health is another factor that can transform succession planning from theoretical to urgent. Many founders expect to remain actively involved for as long as possible, and as a result, planning is frequently deferred. When illness or loss of capacity occurs, unanswered questions around authority, control and continuity can become critical overnight. Clear contingency arrangements, powers of attorney and agreed leadership structures can mean the difference between stability and paralysis.
There is also a widespread belief that having a will in place is sufficient. In reality, many wills will no longer reflect the current structure of a business, changes in family relationships or the modern tax environment. Documentation drafted years ago may still be legally valid but practically unworkable. Regular reviews are therefore essential to ensure planning keeps pace with the evolution of both the business and the family.
When succession planning falls short, the impact is often felt most acutely within families. Children who play very different roles in the business may have distinctive expectations of fairness and entitlement. If those expectations have never been openly discussed, misunderstandings can quickly harden into dispute. Thoughtful planning and clear documentation allow these conversations to take place early, calmly and on balanced terms.
Succession is also rarely confined to one area of advice. It touches corporate structure, employment arrangements, property ownership, family law and financial planning, all within the context of constantly changing legislation. Divorce, blended families and shifting personal circumstances can all significantly alter the picture. Taking a holistic view, rather than addressing issues in isolation, gives families the strongest possible footing.
Ultimately, succession planning is not just about preserving financial value. It is about strong leadership, relationships and continuity. It protects livelihoods, safeguards families and gives the next generation the best opportunity to build on what has already been created. Doing nothing is still a decision and often the costliest one. With timely, considered planning, family businesses can ensure their resilience extends well beyond the founders who built them.
Edinburgh Remakery’s contribution to tackling e-waste and digital exclusion has been recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026.
It is one of just 185 organisations across the UK to be recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise in 2026.
The prestigious award acknowledges Edinburgh Remakery’s outstanding achievement in sustainability.
The charity specialises in ethical IT asset disposal and the refurbishment of donated devices for people experiencing digital exclusion.
It previously won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2022.
Sustainability at the core
Edinburgh Remakery’s partners, and the public, donate unwanted devices that are professionally wiped, refurbished and then reused.
In 2024, the organisation diverted 47 tonnes of e-waste from landfill, preventing over 1.1 million kilograms of carbon emissions.
In the same year, through its Tech Gifting Programme, Edinburgh Remakery provided 295 refurbished devices to individuals across Scotland facing digital exclusion.
Tackling e-waste one laptop at a time
Elaine Brown, chief executive officer of Edinburgh Remakery, said: “The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development is wonderful recognition of Edinburgh Remakery’s achievements and bolsters our credentials as a credible, impactful partner for businesses across the UK.
“We are tackling the fastest-growing waste stream in the world.
“Businesses trust us to ‘clean’ and wipe their donated laptops, tablets and other devices to industry standards and help those devices have a second life.
“We collaborate with charities to provide refurbished devices to people experiencing digital exclusion – it could be a desktop computer for a family, a laptop for an individual or a games console for a young carer.
“Since we entered the award, we’ve actually increased our output – in 2025 we diverted 52 tonnes of e-waste from landfill, a 10% increase in one year.
“We divert waste, create green jobs and tackle exclusion – one laptop at a time.”
EGS benefits for business
Elaine emphasised that Edinburgh Remakery has the capacity to deliver benefits for more UK businesses.
“If you’re a business, you have tech. We should be the first choice of partner for any organisations that are disposing of electronic items.
“Working with Edinburgh Remakery bolsters organisations’ environmental, social and governance credentials by diverting waste from landfill and creating social good.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business awards. Winners are allowed to display the King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years — a globally recognised mark of excellence.
Applications for the 2027 King’s Awards open on 6 May 2026.
Find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
For more information on Edinburgh Remakery, visit https://www.edinburghremakery.org.uk/
Fine margins are everything in elite sport. We will see that on the global stage this summer. Every movement made, every millisecond saved, makes a difference. No competitor makes it to the top without talent. But their competitive edge is undoubtedly enhanced by innovation and technology.
For even the world’s greatest sportsmen and women, the creativity, detailed design and precision engineering which happens away from their arena of physical action can be one of the defining factors in record-breaking or championship-winning success.
Whether it’s carbon plating in running shoes, racket design in tennis or the latest mechanical innovation in cycling, it’s all about being first – in competition and creativity.
Behind every innovation in sport lie inventors, creators and entrepreneurs; people who come up with the concepts and carry out the work which delivers on the course, court, arena, track or field.
Success for them lies not necessarily in medals, but in ensuring their rights are protected through intellectual property (IP) laws.
Sunday (April 26) is World IP Day, organised by WIPO the United Nations Agency which supports innovators and creators to ensure fair reward.
Appropriately, with football’s World Cup taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer it’s theme is IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.
It celebrates the fact that sports inspire passion.
But it also highlights the fact that intellectual property rights play a key role in protecting and promoting the innovations that keep the spirit of sports alive, bringing fans together and fuelling the future.
These are facts that no-one in the highly-competitive business of sport can afford to overlook, whether they be through patents, trademarks, copyright, or design rights – and whether in physical or esports.
Commercial success lies in ensuring that you have all of your protections in place before your product reaches the market – before your competitors seize on your creation.
Coming up with a concept is only the foundation of success. Delivering commercial success is reliant upon protecting that expression of an idea, product or brand.
Throughout Scotland – where my work advising businesses in corporate and technology law is based – and across the United Kingdom, there are leading global sport and esport innovators and entrepreneurs who cannot afford not to take steps to safeguard their products and their brand.
The sporting world knows the financial power of both.
Indeed, the World Cup is perhaps the globe’s most prolific brand powerhouse – leaning on every aspect of IP. So too does the Commonwealth Games, which return to Glasgow this summer. There, we will see IP law in action in all aspects of how the sporting action is showcased, from pre-event activity to everything which surrounds the athletes competing.
Organisers of these international sporting competitions vigorously protect their brand. So too do the nations competing.
Patents protect product innovation, encouraging research and investment in sporting technology.
Team logos build the identity of sports, uniting fans and nations as we will undoubtedly see this summer are protected by trademarks.
Design rights protect the style of sports, including gymwear.
And copyright protects all of the content shared through broadcast and social media.
As lawyers, there are countless areas of IP law that we advise on – from protection against infringements to contract agreements and e-commerce.
What we find time and again is that if creators of any scale protect their assets and seek legal advice from their inception this maximises their potential down the line.
Context is important – and the economic worth of sport should not be underestimated.
Across the UK, sport is estimated to be worth about £20bn to the national economy. Research from the Scottish FA, SPFL and SWPL recently revealed that Scottish football alone is worth £820m to the country’s economy, supporting 14,000 jobs.
Sport is big business – and if our economy is to realise the full benefits of it, protecting the rights of those who are helping take it to the next level is critical. You will not become the Greatest Of All Time without securing your IP.
Alastair Smith is a corporate and technology lawyer at independent Scottish legal firm Lindsays