Strategy Day 2026

Our 2026 Strategy Day brought Members and the Executive Team together at The Merchants Hall for a focused session on our priorities for the year ahead. 

The programme, presented by Guy Cartwright, Katie Ridland, Andrew Swann, Alexander Lamley, Todd Bioletti and Cristina Tait, centred on how we strengthen our community impact, expand professional volunteering opportunities with our schools and Edinburgh's third sector, and promote The Merchants Hall as a thriving venue in Edinburgh's city centre. 

We were also delighted to launch our 2025 Impact Report.

What Members Believe We Should Aim to Achieve in 2026

Across the responses, four outcomes dominated:

1. Visibility, Profile & Awareness
   Feedback from Members emphasised “raising the profile,” “increasing visibility,” and “spreading awareness” of the Company. Members tied profile directly to impact, venue use and membership growth.
2. Membership Growth & Quality
   Repeated comments called for “high‑calibre members,” “cross‑membership,” “diversifying experiences,” and “increasing our membership.” Collaborations with bodies like ICAS, IoD, SFE, IoB, CMI, RSA and others were consistently suggested.
3. Reciprocal, Value‑Led Partnerships
   Members highlighted shared events and “active engagement for mutual benefit.” Suggestions included awards for philanthropy, joint diary‑planning summits and collaboration with organisations such as Essential Edinburgh, FirstPort, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, WS Society and Scottish Enterprise.
4. Mission Alignment & Impact
   Feedback emphasised reinforcing our purpose through recognition (“incentivising mission and values through awards”), showcasing impact and working with organisations whose values similarly focus on contribution and civic responsibility.

How Members Believe We Should Engage

Members proposed a wide-ranging set of practical actions:

• Targeted outreach including CPD sessions, sector‑specific talks and presenting to partner organisations.
• Roadshows that “pitch membership clearly” and articulate our mission and benefits.
• Leveraging member networks, including encouraging members to list committee roles on LinkedIn.
• Better volunteer communication, including direct emails, clearer expectations and improved visibility of opportunities.
• Partnership targets repeatedly named: Essential Edinburgh, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Financial Enterprise, Young Enterprise Scotland, RSA, Royal Colleges, Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network, Chartered bodies across finance, insurance, banking and management and multiple livery-style organisations.