MacMac Cleaning Services Ltd: Five Years Of Growth, Family Values, And A 2025 Award Win

Five years ago, Macmac Cleaning Services Ltd began as a small family‑run venture in East Lothian with a clear ambition: to raise standards in the cleaning industry through reliability, professionalism, and genuine care for clients and community. What started with a handful of domestic clients has grown into one of the region’s most trusted providers of both interior and exterior cleaning services, serving East Lothian, Midlothian, and Edinburgh.

From the outset, Macmac focused on doing things the right way. Every job — whether a weekly home clean, a commercial office contract, or a full new‑build construction clean — was delivered with the same attention to detail. As demand increased, the business invested in training, compliance, and structured operational systems to ensure that quality never slipped as the company grew.

This commitment has shaped Macmac’s evolution from a small domestic service into a multi‑sector cleaning partner. Today, the company provides a comprehensive range of interior and exterior services, including domestic and commercial cleaning, office and retail cleaning, property management support, and specialist construction cleaning for new builds and refurbishments. The expansion into exterior cleaning has strengthened Macmac’s ability to support clients year‑round, offering a complete service that enhances both the inside and outside of homes and businesses.

A Major Milestone: Family Business of the Year 2025
In early 2025, Macmac Cleaning Services Ltd achieved one of its proudest moments to date: winning the Family Business of the Year Award at the Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards.
For a relatively young company competing against larger, long‑established family businesses, the win was both a surprise and a powerful validation of the team’s hard work. The award recognised Macmac’s rapid but responsible growth, its strong family‑driven culture, and its commitment to compliance and professional standards. It also highlighted the company’s visible contribution to the local community and its reputation for trust, consistency, and care.

The achievement was made even more meaningful by the fact that Macmac had been a finalist for the second year in a row, demonstrating that its performance and impact are not fleeting but part of a sustained upward trajectory.

Growth Rooted in Community and Standards
Macmac’s success has been built on relationships — with clients, partners, and the wider community. Word of mouth, five‑star reviews, and a strong local presence have played a central role in the company’s growth. The team has always believed that success should be shared, and Macmac continues to support local initiatives and community efforts across East Lothian and Midlothian.
The company’s expansion into construction cleaning has also been a significant driver of growth. With a focus on site readiness, safety, and documentation, Macmac has positioned itself as a trusted partner for developers and contractors who require a cleaning team that understands the pressures and standards of the industry.

Looking Ahead
As Macmac enters its next chapter, the focus remains on sustainable growth, continued investment in staff and training, and strengthening partnerships across Edinburgh and the Lothians. The company aims to expand its presence in commercial and construction sectors while maintaining the family values that have shaped its journey so far.

Five years on, Macmac Cleaning Services Ltd stands as an award‑winning, fast‑growing, community‑rooted family business — and its story is only just beginning.

Macmac cleaning services Ltd
4 Hoprig Tranent, EH33 1EL
www.macmaccleaningservices.co.uk
Tel. 07535 793558
Email: gillsymac1@gmail.com

Thorntons announces strong growth, Scotland-wide expansion and major new Dundee HQ

• Turnover passes the £50m mark, following 14% annual growth, with major expansion across Scotland
• Firm strengthens commitment to Dundee with relocation to new purpose-built waterfront HQ
• Merger activity, new hires and tech investment fuel rapid national scale-up, especially in Glasgow

DUNDEE, 19 February 2026: Thorntons, one of Scotland’s largest independent law firms, has announced another year of strong financial and strategic growth as it prepares to relocate to new landmark headquarters in Dundee.

Turnover rose to £50.1 million, up from £43.9 million, for the year ending 31 May 2025, marking a 14% increase and a sustained period of expansion across Scotland. The firm continued to grow its national footprint, with standout progress in Glasgow, where the office has rapidly scaled from a small base to nearly 50 people, with revenues increasing at close to 50% year on year.

As it continued to expand its national footprint, Thorntons capitalised on the recovery in the property market, delivering a 24 per cent increase in associated revenue alongside a robust pipeline of corporate deal flow, private client work and international referrals. The firm also delivered strong growth in sectors critical to the Scottish economy such as energy, healthcare, tech and agriculture.

Operating profit held steady at £11.6m (£11.8m). This reflects Thorntons’ strategic investment during the year in its office locations, technology and people, setting up the firm for sustainable future growth.

Thorntons recruited 75 new roles and welcomed 16 trainee solicitors, taking its total trainee group to 34, as part of its long term investment in Scotland’s next generation of legal talent. There are now more than 680 people in the business.

This momentum underpins the firm’s decision to relocate its headquarters to James Thomson House, a flagship £26m waterfront development by Dundee City Council. Thorntons will occupy the top three floors of the Grade A building, reaffirming its long term commitment to Dundee, where it was founded.

Managing Partner, Lesley Larg, said: “This is a seismic moment for Thorntons. In the past year we have expanded into new markets, welcomed exceptional talent and delivered sustained revenue growth across our full-service offering.

“Our growth across Scotland, combined with our new headquarters in the heart of Dundee, reflects our long-term confidence in the city and in the future of our firm. Dundee is our home and it will remain so. We want Dundee to benefit from the wider success of Thorntons. Our new HQ gives us a modern base to attract talent, embrace innovation and deliver even more for individual and business clients across the country.”

“As we enter our next chapter, we are investing to future proof the firm, strengthening our capabilities, expanding our footprint and creating the kind of modern, flexible environment where our people and clients can thrive. These results, combined with recent mergers and major investments such as our new HQ, give us a strong platform to accelerate our growth strategy across Scotland, while deepening the international referral relationships that are becoming an increasingly important source of new work.”

Councillor Mark Flynn, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “James Thomson House represents a significant investment for the city in terms of modern office space, which is proving vital in our efforts to sustain and attract high quality jobs in the city.

“Creative thinking about how we use buildings and spaces is at the heart of the council’s long-term vision to reinvent Dundee and grow our economy, making the city a better place for everyone.

“Thorntons is a home-grown success story. The firm has expanded significantly in recent years and remains proud of its heritage. The new premises will enable it to progress its ambitions, especially around emerging technologies.”

The new HQ will provide modern workspaces, high-spec client areas, collaboration and event spaces and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. Designed to the highest sustainability standards, it includes BREEAM Excellent and EPC A credentials, alongside facilities supporting active travel.

Congratulations to Midlothian charity Bright Sparks, who have achieved the Carer Positive accreditation!

VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) supported Bright Sparks throughout the process, including providing examples and advice in the creation of their Carers Leave policy, reviewing the required documents to achieve the accreditation, and providing encouragement for the team throughout the process.

The Carer Positive award is presented to employers in Scotland who have a working environment where carers are valued and supported. Being carer positive helps to retain experienced members of staff, reduce absence, and cut down on avoidable recruitment costs.

Contact VOCAL to learn more about becoming Carer Positive accredited, and how they can support your organisation: https://www.vocal.org.uk/practitioners-employers/inclusive-workplaces/

Top restaurants unwrap pink ribbon gift for breast cancer charities

Scotland’s leading curry restaurants have tied up a £1,500 gift with pink ribbon.

The Radhuni in Loanhead and Itihaas in Dalkeith, both in Midlothian, raised the funds by donating 50p for every customer who came in their doors during December.

The money has been presented to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, a grant making trust which funds projects and provides financial support to UK charities helping those suffering from breast cancer or work to advance early detention and treatment.

Habibur Khan, the sister restaurants’ Managing Partner, commented: “We’re delighted to have helped the Foundation and its supported charities in this latest example of our fundraising activities.

“During the month our staff proudly wore their pink ribbons, a universal symbol of the fight against breast cancer. As throughout the rest of the United Kingdom, we and many of our customers know friends and relatives who have been affected by it.”

The Foundation’s Chair of Trustees Jonathan Prince added: “We are most grateful for The Radhuni and Itihaas’ generosity which has increased awareness in and around Midlothian and Edinburgh for campaigns to tackle a disease which is diagnosed an average of 150 times a day in the UK.”

The restaurants are longstanding supporters of good causes- locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Matin Khan, Habibur’s father, is Executive Chef of both restaurants. Last year he was named Scotland’s top Chef in Awards organised by trade magazine Curry Life, and The Radhuni, one of only a handful of Indian-style restaurants awarded a coveted AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence, was voted Scotland’s Best Curry Restaurant.

MouldAway UK Awarded Place on National SHED 5 Framework

The appointment allows housing associations and local authorities to procure MouldAway UK’s anti-mould solutions through a fully compliant, pre-approved route.

SHED 5 is widely used across the UK. It supports organisations delivering housing maintenance, compliance, and improvement programmes at scale.

MouldAway UK specialises in long-term mould prevention solutions for social housing and rented homes. Its products are designed to work even where underlying building issues cannot be immediately resolved.
The framework award comes at a critical time. Housing providers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate reasonable steps, audit trails, and preventative action in response to damp and mould risks.

MouldAway UK’s inclusion on SHED 5 provides housing teams with a practical, compliant option to support resident health while managing cost and operational pressures.
“ Being awarded a place on the SHED 5 Framework is a significant milestone for us.It removes procurement barriers and allows housing providers to act quickly and compliantly Most importantly, it supports better outcomes for residents living with mould.”
– Jeanette Hamill, Founder of MouldAway UK

MouldAway UK works exclusively with housing providers, councils, and managing agents. The business focuses on prevention, durability, and measurable results.Through the SHED 5 Framework, MouldAway UK will support organisations across the UK to take proactive, defensible action on mould.

A different way independent consultants are building brand clarity

When you’re inside the jar, you can’t read the label: Brand Satellite’s guided brand-creation experience helps independent consultants step back, gain clarity and move forward with confidence

Independent coaches and consultants are often highly capable, experienced and committed, yet many quietly struggle to articulate what makes them distinctive, valuable and relevant in a crowded market.

Running your own consultancy is an inherently solitary experience. You are inside the business every day – delivering work, solving problems, adapting to client needs – while carrying the strategic thinking alone. Over time, this makes it difficult to see your business clearly, communicate it confidently, or make intentional decisions about where it should go next.

This challenge is reflected in national data. According to UK government statistics, 70% of small businesses do not make it to their tenth birthday. Business commentators including Forbes repeatedly cite reasons such as lack of clarity, no clear niche, inconsistent marketing and absence of a long-term vision. These issues often stem from not having a clearly defined brand.

Recognising this pattern, Brand Satellite has created the 28-Day Brand Launchpad. A unique guided, small-group brand creation experience designed specifically for independent coaches and consultants who want clarity, confidence and courage without losing authenticity.

Rather than delivering information and leaving participants to work things out alone, the 28-Day Brand Launchpad is built around shared thinking. Participants move through a structured four-week process together, completing focused brand-building activities, sharing their thinking, and receiving thoughtful peer and expert feedback along the way.

This collaborative approach helps participants step outside their own perspective and see their business from the outside in, turning reflection into clarity, and clarity into confident action.

Founder Giles Etherington explains:

“Trying to create a brand on your own is virtually impossible. Not because you’re incapable, but because you’re too close to your business. When you’re inside the jar, you can’t read the label. The Launchpad is about creating the space, structure and perspective that makes clarity possible.”

The programme is intentionally small and guided, positioning participants as both a cohort of peers facing similar challenges and a panel of expert contributors. Over the 28 days, participants develop a clear Brand DNA Blueprint – a practical foundation that guides messaging, positioning, decision-making and future growth.

Importantly, the support does not end after the initial programme. Participants receive 12 months of ongoing brand accountability, helping them embed their brand into everyday communications and avoid drifting back into uncertainty once the programme finishes – a common gap in many short-term initiatives.

Participants describe the experience as both grounding and transformative.

“Before working with Giles, I’d tried countless ways to get my work out there, but I struggled to communicate it confidently,” says Ruth Friedman, founder of Lead Being You. “The Launchpad gave me clarity, confidence and the courage to show up properly. It’s one of the best investments I’ve made in my business.”

The next 28-Day Brand Launchpad begins at the end of January 2026, with places limited to maintain depth of engagement and quality of feedback.

For more information, contact:
Giles Etherington
Founder & Brand Creator
Brand Satellite
giles@brandsatellite.co.uk
07940 544 804

Website: https://brandsatellite.co.uk/
28-Day Brand Launchpad: https://brandsatellite.co.uk/28-day-brand-launchpad/

Scottish Chambers of Commerce appoints new Chief Executive

The Board of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has appointed Mr Charandeep Singh BEM as its new Chief Executive.

Following a UK-wide recruitment process led by SCC President Rodney Ayre, Mr Singh was the unanimous choice of the SCC Board to take over from Dr Liz Cameron CBE, who is stepping down after 21 years.
He will officially begin as CEO on 1st February 2026, signalling an exciting new era for the national business network and its 12,000 members.

Key priorities for the new CEO will be amplifying the voice of business during the upcoming Scottish Elections; delivering international trade programmes to the USA and India; and working closely with the Scottish Chambers Network to build a strong policy platform to grow Scotland’s vibrant business community.

Rodney Ayre, President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Charandeep Singh to the prestigious role of Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

“During the rigorous UK-wide recruitment process, we sought a high-calibre leader with the experience and dynamism to propel Scotland’s business community on the national and global stage.
“We were impressed by Charandeep’s vision, innovative thinking, and strategic ambition to strengthen SCC’s role as the voice of business for our 12,000 members.

“This is a role of national significance; Charandeep brings deep insight, commercial experience, and a proven record of delivery for Scotland’s Chamber Network. His ability to unite the private sector with government and international partners will enable SCC to play an influential role in shaping Scotland’s economic future.

“The Board has complete confidence that Charandeep – as a forward-thinking leader – will champion Scottish business in an increasingly competitive global environment. Together, we will ensure that business priorities are firmly embedded at the heart of decision-making at both Holyrood and Westminster.”

Charandeep Singh BEM, incoming Chief Executive, said:
“I am honoured to take on the role of Chief Executive at a defining moment for Scotland’s business community. My top priority is to work in close partnership with our entire Chamber Network to represent our members and create meaningful economic growth opportunities.

“My ambition is to place Scotland at the forefront of global trade, harness digital transformation, and build a future-ready workforce. By fostering the right environment for start-ups, scale-ups, and established businesses, we can enhance competitiveness and deepen trade connections on the world stage.
“As the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections approach, SCC will offer a clear economic vision to drive innovation and support investment that delivers sustainable, long-term growth across the country. We will engage constructively with governments at all levels to advocate for a competitive business landscape and secure new investment opportunities.

“With our members and partners at the heart of our work, SCC will celebrate enterprise and promote an economy that is resilient, innovative, and open to the world.”

John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary-General, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), added:
“Charandeep’s appointment is a strong signal of Scottish Chambers of Commerce’s commitment to global trade and the vital role chambers play in shaping the international economy.

“His knowledge of the International Chamber of Commerce and its World Chambers Federation network and his understanding of the importance of open, rules-based trade will ensure Scottish businesses remain connected to trading opportunities worldwide.

“We look forward to working with him to advance prosperity through global commerce.”

Sarah Medcraf, CEO, Moray Chamber of Commerce, commented: “I am very pleased to see Charandeep Singh appointed as CEO of SCC. Moray Chamber has worked very closely with SCC to boost Scotland’s regional exports on recent trade missions to USA. I look forward to future collaborations with SCC to take advantage of emerging opportunities and enhance the impact of the Scottish Chambers Network.”

Dr Liz Cameron CBE, outgoing Chief Executive, commented: “I am delighted that Charandeep Singh has been appointed CEO of SCC. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and passion in dealing with some of the most challenging issues of our age. From the Scottish Independence Referendum to Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, he has been a formidable advocate for Scotland’s hard-working entrepreneurs and businesses. His energy, creativity, and awareness of the challenges and opportunities ahead make him the ideal person to lead SCC. I wish him and the organisation tremendous success.”

Rosslyn Chapel has received a prestigious 5-star award in a new quality scheme for visitor attractions in Scotland.

The scheme, managed by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), reviews and scores all areas of the visitor experience in an incognito visit – from pre-arrival information and first impressions to the core experience itself, as well as catering, retail and toilet provision. It was introduced in 2025, replacing a grading scheme for attractions run by VisitScotland.

Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said: ‘We are all delighted and very proud to receive this 5-star award recognising the high quality of the visitor experience at Rosslyn Chapel. This is our first visit under the new scheme and the award recognises the commitment and dedication of the team, across the whole site, to provide one of the leading visitor experiences in Scotland.’

Photo: Graham MacKay, Visitor Services Manager, with colleagues Lorraine Costello, Norheena Carnie and Sarah Petrie, showing the new award.

Further information from:
Ian Gardner, Director, Rosslyn Chapel Trust
Rosslyn Chapel, Chapel Loan, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PU
www.rosslynchapel.com

Gilson Gray strengthens London offering with senior dispute resolution and insolvency hire

Full-service UK law firm Gilson Gray has hired experienced lawyer Paul Madden as partner, head of dispute resolution for England, and head of international insolvency, further strengthening the firm’s London practice and supporting its continued growth across the UK.

In his new role, Paul will lead Gilson Gray’s dispute resolution and international insolvency services in England, with a particular focus on funds disputes, alternative funds’ solutions, securities litigation, shareholder disputes, and corporate insolvencies. As a leading advisor in the share appraisal litigation space, he will work closely with a broad range of clients, drawing on his extensive cross-border experience. He will also focus on building strategic relationships with offshore law firms to support overseas disputes.

Paul joins Gilson Gray from Harneys, where he was global co-head of its mergers and securities litigation department and a partner in its insolvency team, working across the firm’s Cayman Islands, Luxembourg, and London offices. Prior to that, he held senior positions at Irish law firms A&L Goodbody and McCann Fitzgerald, where he advised on major matters including the restructuring of Eircom, Ireland’s largest telecommunications company, and the special liquidation of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation.

The appointment marks a significant step in Gilson Gray’s expansion in England and follows a series of senior hires within its London office, including Steven Eckett as head of employment for England and Linda Pope as head of family law England.

Glen Gilson, chairman and managing partner at Gilson Gray, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to the firm. His depth of experience in complex disputes and insolvency, together with his strong leadership credentials, make him an excellent fit as we continue to grow our presence in London and across England. This appointment underlines our commitment to building high-performing teams that deliver outstanding results for clients.”

With nearly 500 employees across London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, East Lothian, Aberdeen, Lincoln and Angus, Gilson Gray continues to reinforce its position as the UK’s fastest growing law firm, according to the UK Fast Growth Index. The firm also ranks as the 15th fastest growing professional services business overall – the highest placement for any organisation in the legal sector.

Paul added: “Gilson Gray has a clear sense of direction and an ambitious growth strategy, which really appealed to me. The firm’s values also align closely with my own approach to delivering practical, high-quality legal advice. I’m looking forward to working closely with colleagues across the firm to further enhance the dispute resolution and insolvency offering, while supporting the continued success of the London office.”

Showcase Your Apprenticeships Ahead of NAW & SAW 2026

Are you getting ready to promote your apprenticeship programme? We help companies show what it’s really like to work with them, by using video that feels authentic and engaging.

That might mean a short, attention-grabbing video for social media that drives people straight to your website. Or it could be a more in-depth piece that shows the range of roles available and the people behind them. Whatever the approach, we create video content that helps your apprenticeship offering stand out and gives potential applicants a genuine feel for what you do.

National Apprenticeship Week and Scottish Apprenticeship Week are just around the corner, NAW runs from 9–15 February 2026, and SAW follows on 2–6 March 2026, so this is an ideal time to get involved.

At Dangerous Studio, we’re big believers in the power of apprenticeships and vocational pathways. We’ve spent years working with national and regional Developing the Young Workforce teams, as well as major manufacturing and engineering companies, helping them bring these opportunities to life. And because several of us have young people who’ve taken apprenticeship routes themselves, we really get how important these pathways are.

You can find out more info at https://www.dangerous.studio/promote-your-apprenticeships

Or drop me a reply if you want to chat about it. Phone office: 0131 440 5692, email info@dangerous.studio, website: www.dangerous.studio