Chamber Board of Directors
Karen Ritchie
Chief Executive
A graduate in Ecology from Dundee University, in her early career Karen worked within Education and Operations at Science Centres and then at Scotland’s National Aquarium. In 2009 she began working for Bright Green Hydrogen, assisting more than 30,000 pupils learn about renewable energy and hydrogen storage technologies through the Hydrogen Office Project and the Levenmouth Community Energy Project education programmes. After a brief time working/living in Canada, she returned to take on a more Operational role within Bright Green Hydrogen and in late 2019, added Bright Green Business to her portfolio. Karen became Chief Executive of the Business Partnership incorporating Mid & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce in April 2021.
karen@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk
Patricia Barclay
Bonaccord Law
Patricia is a graduate of Edinburgh and Oxford Universities. Having qualified as a solicitor she spent nearly 20 years working in pharmaceutical industry around the world and serving as general counsel of two multinationals. She served on various industry committees and working groups. She has also chaired the International Bar Association Health and Life Science committee for an extended term and has just stepped down as President of Cicero an international association of boutique commercial law firms. She is a director of St Andrews Clinics for Children which supports healthcare for children in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2007 she founded Bonaccord a law firm specialising in the commercialisation of scientific innovation. Both she and the firm have won multiple awards and in 2010 Patricia became the first Scottish ( and one of only a handful of UK ) lawyers to be honoured with a fellowship of the American Bar Association
Michael von Euw
Kontroll Solutions
Michael von Euw is a seasoned business strategist and the founder of Kontroll Solutions, specializing in guiding companies through growth and innovation in the global market. Leveraging his extensive experience in business management and strategy, he excels in modernizing organizational systems and optimizing data-driven decision-making processes. Michael's consultancy and project management expertise has significantly contributed to enhancing business efficiency, performance, and growth, firmly establishing him as a critical player in business strategy and consultancy. His educational background includes Economics and Environmental Science, enriching his approach to sustainable and customer-centric business practices
Nigel Duncan
Nigel Duncan Media
Cllr Colin Cassidy
Midlothian Council
Colin.Cassidy@midlothian.gov.uk
Keith Barbour
Chamber President
Keith has been serving as Chamber Board of Director for a good number of years. As a former of Chamber CEO, he was a Business Development Director for Network ROI, a Midlothian based IT Company. With a successful career in marketing and business development, Keith has an open and friendly attitude with no sales bravado, bringing exactly the right experience to the role.
Keith’s career started with Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, where he was appointed Brand Manager until he was made Sales Promotions Manager for the group. He then set up a successful sales promotion and marketing consultancy which he developed and ran for 15 years. Keith was then involved in business development in the IT industry. His knowledge and experience to match the company's business needs are invaluable to the on-going success of our organisation.
KmBarbour@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk
George Archibald
Board of Director
Former CEO of the Chamber and the Business Partnership from 2012, George has served on the Board since 2004. His early career background was in senior Sales and Marketing positions with well known companies like McCain, Cussons, and McVities, and he co-owned and managed his own company Pentland Hygiene Services from 1992 to 2003.
George brings a wealth of experience, and business knowledge to the Chamber and his positive outlook and enthusiasm help inform the Board and the Executive of the organisation
geo.archibald@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk
Grant Middleton
Partner at AGL Tax Solutions LLP
Gran has over 35 years’ experience in tax having spent 11 years with HMRC prior to moving into the professional tax arena. Having held senior positions in many of the Big Four firms, he has a wealth of experience in advising private clients and family businesses on their tax affairs.?
His experience covers all aspects of personal and business taxation.
Cllr John McMillan
