Owen Wyatt, Chief Growth Officer, DC Thomson
Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of leading transformation and growth initiatives across the UK and beyond in roles that have taken me from London to Tokyo, New York, and Sydney. But no place has inspired me quite like Scotland.
The energy transition – arguably the defining challenge of our time – has brought me to the heart of Scotland’s business community, where collaboration, resilience, and innovation are more than just buzzwords; they are a way of life. As we look to the future, Scotland’s potential to position itself as a global leader in clean energy solutions and business innovation is undeniable. But the time to act is now.
From day one, I’ve been struck by how deeply collaborative this community is. Whether it’s the energy transition, making positive change in local communities or embracing emerging technologies, businesses here understand that progress happens when we work together.
Take, for example, E-FWD, DC Thomson’s powerful tool for C-suite networking and collaboration in energy transition. It was the support that we received from the cities in Scotland who are playing critical roles that has allowed us to create something truly impactful.
Aberdeen, the oil and gas capital, is reshaping itself as the home of GB Energy. Edinburgh has established itself as a global hub for financing renewables. In Dundee, we’re helping decarbonise transport infrastructure, while Glasgow – the city with ambitions to be a global clean energy hub – is showcasing the very best in tech and innovation. And of course, Inverness and across the Highlands and Islands including Cromarty, home of Scotland’s Green Freeport ensures that this region will play a significant role in the energy transition journey.
These achievements are not isolated successes but part of a larger story: a country where businesses and leaders share a vision of progress, fuelled by openness, partnership, and mutual support.
Over the last 12 months, I’ve met with hundreds of business and community leaders who have limitless ambition, enthusiasm, and commitment, inspiring innovation and driving growth in their sector, industry or community. These leaders exist throughout Scotland, and I am committed to connecting and engaging with even more of them in 2025 to identify opportunities for us to work together.
Scotland’s business leaders have found a rare balance: building ventures that are globally relevant yet proudly rooted in their communities. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a critical advantage.
At DC Thomson – a 200-year-old family business – this philosophy has shaped everything we do. Whether it’s our global energy media platform, Energy Voice or E-FWD, our ventures are making an impact worldwide, but they have strong roots at home.
This combination of global vision and local commitment positions Scotland perfectly to lead the clean energy revolution. With abundant wind and tidal resources, world-class universities conducting groundbreaking research, and a highly skilled workforce, Scotland has all the ingredients needed to become the go-to destination for green energy innovation.
Scotland’s ability to adapt and innovate is unparalleled. The energy transition itself is proof: a monumental challenge that Scotland has embraced as an opportunity to lead.
Whether it’s leveraging new technologies, rethinking outdated infrastructure, or responding to global trade dynamics, Scotland has shown that it can compete and thrive on the world stage.
But we cannot afford complacency. The opportunities are immense, but they require collective action. Two early E-FWD events in Q1 2025 will ensure we start the new year on the front foot – a vision-setting session in January and a workshop in March exploring themes like AI’s role in energy – will showcase Scotland’s potential to lead. These events are more than conversations; they are calls to action for businesses and policymakers alike.
While Scotland’s strengths are clear, there remains a gap between politics and business. Too often, opportunities for collaboration are missed.
In the lead-up to Scotland’s next election, and against a backdrop of global uncertainties, it has never been more important for political leaders to lean into business. By collaborating with the private sector, policymakers can unlock growth, drive innovation, and position Scotland as a global leader in clean energy and beyond.
The energy transition is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Scotland has all the ingredients to firmly establish itself as a global leader. But to seize this moment, we need bold leadership – from business and politics alike – to come together with a shared purpose.
Scotland is a brilliant place for business and, as I have found over the last year, to bring up a young family. Its strengths – collaboration, global vision, and relentless innovation – are precisely what the world needs to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow.
I firmly believe DC Thomson is a transformative partner in bringing together communities to effect positive change. Where there are challenges, we lean into them and look for ways to make a practical difference. Where people are looking for guidance, we’re a focus; convening conversations and events that are purpose led and identify solutions. If we should be having a conversation in 2025, please get in touch.
To my fellow business leaders: let’s work together to position Scotland as a global leader in clean energy technology and innovation. The enabling conditions are here; now, we need collective will and action to turn potential into reality.
To our politicians: embrace the spirit of partnership that defines Scotland’s business community. Listen to businesses, understand their challenges, and work with us to drive meaningful solutions.
Let’s not wait for opportunity to come to us. Let’s make it happen – together. By championing innovation, collaboration, and ambition, Scotland can lead the way in energy and countless other sectors and industries, ensuring a greener, brighter future for us all. Let’s go.