People: Money Dashboard's roster grows again

BIG names just keep lining up to join the party at Money Dashboard, the Edinburgh-based software house.

The latest luminary to join the provider of personal finance software is Laurie Dempster, picured, the founder of Albannach Financial Management. Dempster, who is also a partner at investment firm Par Equity, will serve as a non-executive director at Money Dashboard, which already boasts former Tesco Personal Finance chief executive Stuart Sinclair as its chairman and Bright Grey founder David Robinson as another non-exec.

Gavin Littlejohn, Money Dashboard's chief executive, says: "I am very pleased to welcome Laurie to our team. His experience of our industry is invaluable and he has successfully grown a number of businesses in the SME sector."

Staying plugged into the IT sector, Aberdeen-based Escape Business Technologies has promoted Graeme Niven to the new post of technical director.

Niven, who hails from Oban and has been with the firm for four years, will be responsible for running VMWare and Citrix, two of the bigger products offered by Escape, which focuses on servicing the energy sector.

Director Mike Bain says: "Graeme's promotion to technical director is richly deserved. He is a highly valued and hard-working member of the team and his expertise has played a critical role in helping Escape grow and become the success it is today".

From promotions to appointments, and "big four" accountancy firm Deloitte has strengthened the line-up in its Scottish public sector division.

John Watt has joined as an associate partner in the firm's government and infrastructure practice, while Pat Kenny becomes a director in its audit practice, focusing on public-sector audits.

James Baird, senior partner for Deloitte in Scotland and Northern Ireland, says: "The firm is significantly expanding its public-sector business and John and Pat's appointment illustrates our commitment to deliver a broad range of capabilities in these challenging times.

"We are delighted to have them both on board."

Sturzaker makes it Big in Edinburgh PR as Shaw steps down

THE Big Partnership, which bills itself as Scotland's largest public relations agency, has named Nicki Sturzaker as the new head of its Edinburgh office.

Sturzaker replaces Bill Shaw, who has decided to step down after six years with the agency to "seek a fresh challenge".

Edinburgh-born Sturzaker is returning to Scotland after ten years working for agencies in London, where she serviced clients including Diageo, Whitbread and Skype.

Big's director and founder Neil Gibson said: "Nicki is a seasoned communications professional with some tremendous experience of working with major brands as well as a track record of leading and developing teams. We believe she'll make a significant contribution to the ongoing growth of our Edinburgh operation and the wider company in the years ahead.

"We'd also like to wish every success to Bill Shaw, who has decided to step down to seek a fresh challenge. Bill has made an important contribution."