Executives urged to join leadership club

A BUSINESS leadership group has taken on four regional directors as it embarks on a major Scotland-wide expansion eight years after being founded.

The Scottish Institute for Business Leaders (SIBL) will this week launch a dedicated Glasgow branch after agreeing a corporate sponsorship deal with law firm MacRoberts.

Peter Siviter has been appointed as regional director to spearhead expansion in the west of Scotland. He will be joined by Rebecca Davies, John Paterson and Dave Patrick, who will oversee growth in and around Edinburgh, Tayside and Fife, and Inverness, respectively.

SIBL was established in 2003 with the aim of "promoting economic growth through the development of business and public sector leaders". Membership among an unnamed band of chief executives and managing directors stands at more than 20.

The body's executive chairman, Drew Pryde, said it made sense to offer support locally around the country rather than expand as a single group. "We have ambitious plans for growth in 2011 and I am delighted that we have secured the services of some very highly qualified and experienced business people to become regional directors," he said.

"Their key task will be to attract members in their respective areas and offer the comprehensive support that SIBL membership provides. Our aim is to offer access to SIBL's support and learning network throughout Scotland."

Pryde, who has a background in executive coaching, described SIBL as more of a "learning organisation" than a networking forum.

Members typically meet once a month and the day normally encompasses a morning master class with a "top international speaker" and an afternoon session where members can discuss "vital business issues in depth and confidently among their peers. We offer leaders the opportunity to take a day out to work on their business rather than being caught on the treadmill within the business. They also have a chance to work with peers in different industries."

Alan Kelly, a partner at MacRoberts, said: "We recognise the excellent job SIBL is doing in promoting economic growth and personal leadership skills. As one of the country's leading corporate lawyers we are delighted to support the group by hosting meetings at our new Glasgow offices within the Capella building."