CodeBase Stirling is the heart of the city’s growing technology ecosystem. Our hub gathers and supports the tech community by clustering startups and bringing together industry, investors, and academia. We provide scaleup education, hotdesking and flexible work space, mentoring and excellent events.As Head of Stirling, I’m the main point of contact for anything tenant or building related, working with my team to create a supportive and inclusive hub that helps to grow and scale startups.CodeBase Stirling is in partnership with Stirling Council so I work closely with several key stakeholders to deliver the objectives for the Digital District.Part of my role is to identify and create new partnerships and collaborations, attract new tenant companies and foster an inclusive and diverse culture which supports the growth of the local startup ecosystem and adds value to our community.I also work closely with our founders, connecting them with each other and highlighting opportunities for growth through mentorships programmes, external networks and advice.

CodeBase is the UK’s largest startup incubator, home to some of the country’s best technology companies. We champion businesses tackling big challenges with technology, and work tirelessly to support the development of a more diverse and competitive European digital industry.CodeBase brings together ambitious entrepreneurs, world-class technological talent and top investors, in a creative, collaborative environment designed for the new digital economy. We host a vibrant, open community of experts in a diverse range of fields, with hands-on mentorship, networking and world-class business support.Working closely with the CodeBase Stirling startup community, I develop a series of strategic programmes and projects to help support business growth and promote digital skills. I take the lead on our Level Up digital skills strategy and founded the highly successful Digital Skills 4 All strand, as well as the flagship annual festival, MetaFest.I am passionate about delivering digital skills workshops and I am asked to speak regularly at business and academic events.

Tartan Penguin Media: Public Relations and Social Media Consultancy/Events Management.Based in Stirling and covering the whole of Scotland, TPM is spearheaded by Barry McDonald, a vastly respected journalist with over 25 years experience at the frontline of Scottish media. From magazine editing to news reporting and feature writing on national and regional titles, as well as online, he has developed a personal reputation for excellence. In addition, TPM also offers a full social media and media consultancy service. Barry McDonald is also an experienced events manager, having established and managed the Stirling Fringe Festival, The Shindig, National Busking Festival and HaHa Hamilton Comedy Festival, as well as a host of business events and conferences.

An experienced journalist, public relations consultant and events manager with a passion for delivering highest quality outcomes. As a journalist with some of the largest newspaper and magazine publishers in the country, I have the ability to write engaging, informative and entertaining copy across a wide spectrum of topics. Titles include Wall Street Journal, The Times, China Daily, Big Issue, The Herald and more...

Scotland's newest arts festival, taking place annually. The annual festival, which re-branded as The Shindig in 2016 featured an array of performing and visual arts events, including theatre, music, film, comedy, art and children's shows. Attracting thousands of visitors to Stirling annually.

Senior Features Writer for the Herald, Evening Times and Sunday Herald.