The Eden Forum

Date: 8th & 9th October 2009
Venue: The Eden Project

The Eden Forum, supported by South West RDA, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) and the British Council, is part of Eden’s long term educational strategy and the outcomes will cross pollinate other Eden programmes. Internationally renowned thinkers, experts and visionaries from different disciplines and world views came together and, drawing on their expertise and insights, developed a compelling narrative around creating resilient communities. The Forum marks the start of a long-term process to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to address the transformation we will have to make in our communities and society over the next forty years. The themes include food security, energy and population, looking at issues such as affordability of housing, a growing and ageing population, large pockets of deprivation and unemployment, urban-rural divide in infrastructure, renewable energy sources available, etc.

The MacGregor Consultancy developed the initial concept for the Eden Forum, assembled the Advisory Committee and project managed the event through it’s first year. They then worked closely with the Eden Project to deliver the preliminary meeting of the Forum – and maintain a supportive role going forward.

” Your contribution was inspirational, passionate and, most importantly intelligent.  Your understanding of how to put in place everything necessary to create an ambience in which all participants feel at ease, yet rigorously challenged, led to a quality of discussion which was quite unique.” – Tim Smit – founder and CEO of The Eden Project

“This was the most intensive and superb learning experience” - Sir John Rose – Chairman of Rolls Royce

The Scottish Diaspora Forum – “A Future From our Past”

Date: 25th July 2009
Venue: The Scottish Parliament , Edinburgh, Scotland

The Scottish Diaspora Forum brought together leading minds from academic, business, arts, and political fields as well as individuals from the Diaspora to discuss how Scotland can better engage with it’s Diaspora for their mutual benefit. The forum took place on the weekend of The Gathering, the highlight of the 2009 Homecoming year, when Edinburgh was full of Diaspora Scots. The Forum was hosted by the Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP, the First and Second Presiding Officers, Lord (David) Steel of Aikwood KT KBE and the Rt Hon Dr George Reid, took major roles in the event. The McGregor Consultancy developed the concept for The Scottish Diaspora Forum as their contribution to the Scottish Government’s Year of Homecoming – a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.  The MacGregor Consultancy secured substantial funding from The Scottish Government as well as support from key organizations in this field – Scottish Enterprise and The Saltire Foundation, The Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust, and the University of Edinburgh – the conceptualization of the forum was facilitated with counsel from these partners.  Additional private sector sponsorship was secured. This event was wholly owned and managed from start to finish by The MacGregor Consultancy who worked closely throughout with The Scottish Parliament.  A VIP hospitality package was developed in partnership with The Gathering 2009.

“the conference and setting were marvelous and the timing perfect – a huge success on which to build” Gary Kildare Vice President Human Resources Europe, Americas and Asia Pacific, IBM

“this was a remarkable initiative and I feel honored to have had a ticket” John Serriot

“Just wanted to congratulate you and your team on a fantastic event on Saturday. The quality of the panel and participation from the floor was first rate.” Kathy Hayes, Programme Manager; Signature Events, Homecoming Scotland 2009, EventScotland

“It was a superb event that I have found extremely interesting for my work promoting Scotland in France.” – Roisin Murphy, Global Friends Network, Paris

“Beyond Best Practice” EU Summit on Innovation

Date: 4th -6th July, 2008
Venue: Combined University of Cornwall, Penrith, Cornwall.

The “Beyond Best Practice” EU Summit on Innovation, hosted by The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) was set up in order to bring together representatives from across the EU to share best practice in the acceleration of commercialisation of R and D through Regional Programmes. The event was attended by Commissioner Danute Huebner, and by representatives from 19 countries and 25 regional development agencies. The summit was chaired by former Director General of the EU Commisions DG Regio. Graham Meadows.

The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) invited The MacGregor Consultancy to assist with the design, management and delivery of this summit. The brief specified that the summit should have a strong practical component with an in depths exchange of ideas – “not just another talking shop.” The MacGregor Consultancy worked closely with SWRDA to create a stimulating forum which led to the unanimous decision by attendees that an ongoing European network should be formed to take forward this ‘best practice’ initiative.

“A huge success.”
- Graham Meadows

“A great result. Many thanks.”
- Maria Ioannou, European Manager, SWRDA

The Outsider Festival

Date:23-24 June, 2007
Venue: Rothiemurchas Estate in the Cairngorm National Park, Scotland

The Outsider Festival is a midsummer environmental festival, aimed at attracting festival goers, outdoors enthusiasts and those looking for something with an exciting literary fringe. The 2007 festival was a great success, with a turn out of over 10,000 people.

The MacGregor Consultancy was sub-contracted to produce the ‘Outsider Forum,’ which focussed on the key issue of climate change. Lord David Steel and television presenter Kirsty Wark were engaged as hosts to the Forum, which included an outstanding programme of chaired panel discussions and a number of presentations. The Macgregor Consultancy brought in support from the British Council Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and Edinburgh University for the programme. They also undertook sponsorship and fundraising initiatives for the festival.

“The best panel debate I have ever taken part in.” – Dr. Dave Reay, author and lecturer

“A thrilling debate.” – Alastair MacIntosh, author and lecturer

“Exceeded all my expectations.” – Lord David Steel

“Voyages of Discovery” Scottish Development International

Date: 2004-2005
Venue: Leading universities and major cities in Scotland.

The Voyages of Discovery project, funded by Scottish Development International, the international wing of Scottish Enterprise, was developed in order to showcase leading Scottish Science to a variety of Chief Technology Officers from major international companies. Critical to the success of this initiative was the close working relationship established between the four partner organisations; Scottish Development International, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, British Council Scotland and Universities Scotland.

Scottish Enterprise contracted The MacGregor Consulatncy as a key part of this initiative- with a central role in the successful planning, organisation and delivery of the Voyages of Discovery project. The event proved to be a major success achieving all of its goals, primarily the important task of establishing relationships between major corporations and leading Scottish university research departments. The eight companies represented on the Life Science Voyage of Discovery, for example, had over $3 billion annual R & D spend between them. A number of ongoing collaborations resulted from these Voyages, as did some indirect investment initiatives.

“Both the Life Science and Energy Voyages of Discovery exceeded expectations. The reports from the visiting Chief Technology Officers were overwhelmingly positive and resulted in a number of significant investments and collaborations which are underway today. Kirsty’s excellent facilitation and networking skills made her an excellent choice to lead on this project.”
- Denis Taylor,
director, Scottish Development International.