Running a business today means facing constant change – economic shifts, new technologies, and unexpected challenges. How do you stay strong and keep moving forward?

Join us for an in-person fireside chat hosted in partnership with Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire and the University of Aberdeen, where experts and local business leaders will share practical strategies built around SMART solutions: Staff, Money, AI, Resilience, and Time.

Confirmed Speakers:

• Bruce Skinner, CEO of ALTO
• Steve Aitken, Founder of Intelligent Plant
• Louise Booth, Owner, Logie Newton Farm
• Dr Milan Markovic, Interdisciplinary Fellow in Data & AI, University of Aberdeen
• Andy McGill, Ashton McGill

Expect networking opportunities, great conversations, and the chance to share your experience and knowledge with peers, all while picking up practical ideas you can test in your own organisation.

Address: The University of Aberdeen, Linklater Rooms, Elphinstone Hall, King’s College, 110 High Street, Aberdeen.

Bruce Skinner is the CEO of ALTO, an MSP focused on proactive IT and cybersecurity for growing SMEs. Bruce has been in business services in Aberdeen for over 30 years, specifically IT for the last 14 years. ALTO was rebooted in 2020 during the pandemic with 6 staff. It has grown to 11, with the development of core values and culture being part of it. ALTO’s customer-centred approach moves the conversation away from fixing technical problems to addressing the underlying processes and management issues that hinder businesses’ day-to-day productivity and growth. He’s passionate about building a culture that’s deliberately designed, clearly expressed, and lived day to day

Steve Aitken is the founder of Intelligent Plant and an Honorary Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Aberdeen, following a distinguished tenure with the Royal Society. A member of the ONE Digital and Technology Leadership boards, Steve specializes in secure, vendor-neutral industrial AI. He empowers national energy sectors with locally hosted data solutions, ensuring complete sovereignty while accelerating the Net Zero transition.

Dr Milan Markovic is an Interdisciplinary Fellow in Data and AI at the University of Aberdeen, specialising in the practical application of emerging digital technologies to improve transparency, accountability, and trust in complex socio-technical systems. His research interests include data provenance, knowledge graphs, automated compliance monitoring, and the accountability of AI-enabled decision-making. With over a decade of experience working with a range of AI technologies, he advocates a measured and responsible approach to the adoption of fast-emerging AI tools, emphasising robustness, governance, and real-world impact over hype.

Louise Booth is the founder of Logie Newton Lodges, a luxury dog and horse-friendly holiday let business in rural Aberdeenshire, launched just over a year ago. She has navigated the challenges of starting a new business by building resilience through a clear vision, strong brand and community engagement. Louise will share practical insights from the realities of establishing and sustaining a new venture