ABOUT

DealMakers’ Breakfasts feature expert panels delivering on-the-record assessments of deal-making opportunities and market trends. Chaired by Kenny Kemp, Editor of THE BUSINESS, speakers and delegates are drawn from senior M&A executives at Law Firms, Investment Banks, Financial Institutions, Intermediaries, Consultancies, Private Equity, and Audit & Accounting Firms.

Format

Hosted by Kenny Kemp, Editor of THE BUSINESS, the morning begins at 8:00 am with breakfast and networking. The first expert panel discussion commences at 8:45 am, and the second at 10.30 am, following a brief comfort break. The event concludes promptly at 11:30 am, allowing delegates to continue their daily business.

Each event is themed to suit the audience. Our sessions have ranged from Life Sciences to FinTech, Advanced Engineering, Energy and Infrastructure, AI and Technology, and the Fine Art of Negotiation. You can see our DealMakers’ Breakfast programme for 2026-27 below.

Format

Locations

THE BUSINESS Dealmakers’ Breakfasts are a unique opportunity to hear directly from expert panels with a range of business and economic insights. They are structured to be a good use of valuable time. Those who attend have a chance to network and learn from on-the-record commentary about opportunities and market trends.

We use the most prestigious venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness, such as The Sheraton, EICC, Marcliffe, Radisson and Kingsmills, convening in a round-table format to ensure a comfortable exchange of ideas and to maximise networking opportunities.

Must attend

Typically, our attendees include M&A partners at law firms, senior figures from investment banks and financial Institutions. The sessions are also popular with those working as intermediaries, consultancies, and advisory & accounting firms. The informality and networking also means that younger members of teams can also be part of the discussion.

Our DealMakers’ Events are varied and, depending on the topic, will appeal to curious professionals. We have welcomed senior officials from both public and private sector agencies who are advising on economic growth, sales improvement, and scaling up in Scotland.

Speakers

Our speakers are articulate leaders who focus their comments on innovation, investment, technology and where they see opportunity. We are grateful that they have willingly shared their insights of both UK and international markets. Please check the website for speakers confirmed for forthcoming DealMakers’ Breakfasts.

Past speakers include:

Baroness Margaret Ford, Chair, London Gatwick

Angus Macpherson, Chairman, Noble & Co

Jim McColl, Founder, Clyde Blowers

Calum Paterson, Managing Partner, Scottish Equity Partners

Will Whitehorn, Chair, Seraphim Space Investment Trust

Andrew Noble, General Partner, PXN Group

Speakers

Past speakers include:

Baroness Margaret Ford, Chair, London Gatwick

Angus Macpherson, Chairman, Noble & Co

Jim McColl, Founder, Clyde Blowers

Calum Paterson, Managing Partner, Scottish Equity Partners

Will Whitehorn, Chair, Seraphim Space Investment Trust

Andrew Noble, General Partner, PXN Group

Conference Reporting

National Media Coverage

A full report on each event is featured in The Business Magazine, distributed with The Sunday Times Scotland, read in print and online by over 67,000 of Scotland’s business leaders and influencers. Each DealMakers’ Breakfast has sponsorship opportunities, including the opportunity to join a panel. For information, contact editor@thebusiness.scot. Conferences and Events coverage across digital channels includes our website and social media network on LinkedIn. Click the titles below to read examples of our conference reporting.

Golden Age of Infrastructure

DealMaking in Glasgow

Financing Infrastructure

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Testimonials

Rhea Bain

Head of Communications, Brodies LLP

Thanks to the team at THE BUSINESS for hosting a great morning of discussion and debate at the DealMakers’ Breakfast in Edinburgh. Grateful to the panel for their expert insight on the fine art of negotiation.

Jennifer Young

Partner, Thorntons LLP

A welcome return to Aberdeen for THE BUSINESS DealMakers’ Breakfast today. The expert panel delivered a refreshing dose of reality, highlighting the vital role of the oil & gas supply chain, the importance of skills in successful project delivery, and the north east’s proven track record for innovation – all strengths that are at risk of erosion without consistency in energy policymaking.

Emily Glen- Hencher

Senior Solicitor (Corporate), Macdonald Henderson

The All-Women Expert Panel blew us away with stories of their incredible careers and the ways in which negotiation has been a constant friend/challenge/cornerstone in the growth of their businesses. In the context of negotiating important deals and investments, the panel returned a few times to the importance of surrounding yourself with a good team that you can trust.

Emily Glen- Hencher

Senior Solicitor (Corporate), Macdonald Henderson

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Testimonials

Rhea Bain

Jennifer Young

Emily Glen-Hencher

Head of Communications, Brodies LLP

Partner, Thorntons LLP

Senior Solicitor, Macdonald Henderson

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