Our Business Ambassadors
Please join us in welcoming our wonderful Business Ambassadors!
Business Ambassadors
We are thrilled to launch Scottish Autism’s Business Ambassadors and are delighted to announce the support of nine wonderful individuals.
By drawing on their own experience and expertise, our voluntary Business Ambassadors will work with us to raise awareness and funds to support the work of Scottish Autism.
The unique strengths, interests and talents of each of our ambassadors will help towards our vision of a world where autistic people are understood and enabled to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives as valued members of the community.
Michael and Amanda Gillespie
Amanda has worked in administration since 2011 and has a BA Degree from the University of Abertay in Business Administration. Michael has worked in administration & sales since 2007 and studied admin at college..
They have both worked in various industries over the years and that has allowed them to become more adaptable and why they have now started their own business as Virtual Assistants, helping other businesses with administrative and business support, and they have a special focus on helping business owners who have neurodiverse conditions.
Amanda and Michael said,
“Our daughter is currently awaiting a paediatric diagnosis for autism, and our son is awaiting diagnosis for ADHD. Throughout the process for both we have had to strongly advocate for our voices to be heard, which is why we are passionate about helping Scottish Autism raise awareness and support for the neurodiverse community. We're fascinated on a daily basis as we gain more and more insights into how their amazing minds work. We are big believers in that their minds should be celebrated and we hope we can create a better understanding in society in a world where they will feel included.”
Stephen Manson
Stephen is a Financial Adviser and has worked in the finance sector since 2008.
Before that, Stephen was a professional footballer playing for teams such as Falkirk and Raith Rovers Football Clubs. Stephen has been no stranger to supporting Scottish Autism. In 2019, Stephen started Autism All Stars, a charity football team in aid of our charity.
His broad network and industry knowledge helped to gain the support of other ex-professional football players who have joined the Autism All Stars team over the years and helped to raise vital funds and awareness of Scottish Autism.
Stephen said,
"My son is autistic and I call him my hero because he truly is! It’s an honour to be an Ambassador. I will be striving to support the work of Scottish Autism to educate and create a better world for autistic people. Let’s raise awareness and score some goals!”
Amber Pledge
Amber is co-founder of Kabn, a luxury, regenerative, hospitality brand in Scotland. She is also a dual-qualified (England & Wales and California) lawyer and spent nearly a decade working for US law firms in both London and the Middle East.
Kabn are on a mission to create a network of luxury off-grid kabn retreats in rural locations around the world. A place where guests can be immersed in nature, enjoy the outdoors and be inspired to protect the stunning landscapes that surround us.
Amber said,
“To me, hospitality in its most basic form is about caring for one another. Recognising the unique talents and skills that autistic people can bring to the table, and the benefits that a neurodiverse workforce has on our guests and our business, I look forward to working closely with Scottish Autism to understand how we can do more to include autistic people within the hospitality industry.”
Ian Moffat-Kyle
Ian is the General Manager of Fraser Suites in Glasgow. He has a background in Retail, Service, Operations and Hospitality.
Ian started his retail career in Stirling progressing to work in Livingston and then working between Glasgow and London. In October 2022 Ian joined Fraser Suites Glasgow as their Residence Manager and has since taken up the role as General Manager for the property and overseeing the Operations Team and the three Heads of Department.
Ian is on a mission to raise the profile of Scottish Autism within Fraser Suites, with their guests and across his own network from Operations, Service and Hospitality.
Ian said,
“I’ve always had an awareness of Scottish Autism and people who work for the charity. When we had the opportunity to select a charity of the year, our team were enthusiastic to go with Scottish Autism knowing it can affect the lives of so many family and friends be it directly or indirectly. I’m more than happy to help in any way I can to continue the incredible work that Scottish Autism do”
Douglas Smith
Douglas is the Director of SG Pro Cleaning, a standards and service focussed commercial cleaning company based in Alloa and working across Central Scotland.
Douglas, along with the team at SG Pro have been working in partnership with Scottish Autism over the past 12 years in sponsoring our annual Golf Day. Douglas and the SG Pro team’s involvement in our Golf Day plays a huge part in the fundraising successes of the event each year. Funds raised from our previous Golf Day have contributed to projects such as the development of our Ardencraig Day Service in Glasgow and a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics) room for our pupils at New Struan School.
Douglas’s support of Scottish Autism has expanded our own network of Scottish businesses and continues to generate much needed funding for us.
Douglas said,
“Having worked alongside Scottish Autism for over 12 years I have been a constant advocate for the passion they have for the support and development of the lives of autistic people. I have seen first-hand the work that goes on behind the scenes as well as in the public eye on how challenging this can be and the need for investment through charitable projects. The staff are incredibly focused and supportive and the rewards in how they make a difference to lives young and old is quite remarkable. I look forward to continuing to support Scottish Autism any way I can."
Colin Rushforth
Colin is an Account Director for OCS Group UK & Ireland, with almost 25 years’ experience working in the Construction and Facilities Management industries.
Colin started his career as an Electrician and Multi-Skilled Engineer, progressing his way to Senior Management roles. Currently leading a large Government TFM contract, supported by over 450 colleagues.
With a growing professional network, Colin aims to raise awareness and understanding of Autism with both customers and colleagues alike, whilst supporting Scottish Autism in fundraising and charitable project opportunities.
Colin said,
I have a young son who is autistic and who also has an Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) diagnosis. I can see first-hand the challenges the autistic community face daily. Like many families, my wife and I have had to advocate strongly to have his wonderfully unique needs met in a world that is largely not designed for the autistic mind.
My first involvement with Scottish Autism was to complete a charitable project in New Struan School in Alloa, creating a new sensory room. I was truly humbled by the great work the team do every day and the knowledge and understanding they have. They just get it!
I take on this new role as Business Ambassador with great pride and I am excited to help Scottish Autism on their mission to enable all autistic people to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Stephanie Hendry
Stephanie is a solicitor with a wealth of knowledge and experience from a career in criminal defence and civil litigation. Currently, Stephanie works in Regulation as a Reporter.
During her career, Stephanie has grown her personal network and aims to raise awareness of autism across her industry through supporting the work of Scottish Autism.
Stephanie said,
I have a young son who is autistic. How he sees the world is fascinating and I love the way his mind works. I’ve found that I’ve often had to advocate for his needs to be met in society. I’m delighted to be working with Scottish Autism to increase awareness of autism in that regard.
Laura-Jane McClenaghan
Laura-Jane is the Commercial Director at Hilton Glasgow, with over 10 years experience of working in the events and hospitality industries.
She began her career in wedding and events management, before moving to roles that shaped a career in sales and business development.
With Laura-Jane's wealth of experience comes with a vast network of connections along the way. She is particularly motivated to work with Scottish Autism through her personal connections to autism.
Laura-Jane said,
For years now I have been an advocate for the community as my son is autistic and waiting for a paediatric diagnosis, as well as other members of the family. Kier has just turned 3 and is the light of my life and I am so proud of the things he achieves each day.
Like all mums and dads, I am passionate and driven to do the best for him and others - processes and getting support is not always easy. Anything that I can do to help increase understanding, educate and support the community, I am there!
Karen McKeating
Karen is an experienced Sales Manager with over 14 years in the hospitality sector.
Karen started her career in the reservations and events office then worked her way into the world of sales. Over the years, Karen has worked across Scotland, in Troon, Stirling, Aberdeen and Edinburgh until January 2022 when she began her role as Cluster Sales Manager at the voco Grand Central and Kimpton Blythswood Square.
One of Karen’s favourite things about working within the hospitality industry is meeting so many different people. She has a strong network of connections across a variety of sectors.
In her role, she especially enjoys working with charities and the mission of Scottish Autism in particular has a very special place in her heart.
Karen said,
I have been a passionate advocate of autism for many years. We found out our son, Arran, was autistic when he was only 3 years old.
Since then, I have been inspired and encouraged by the work of Scottish Autism. I am delighted to become one of the Business Ambassadors and I look forward to doing what I can to raise awareness for this amazing charity.
Understanding is key and as a family we continue to learn from Arran every day. I look forward to a world where every autistic person is understood and enabled to lead meaningful fulfilled lives. We can make a difference
Matt Donnelly
Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from a full career spanning four decades in working with and advising businesses across numerous industrial and commercial sectors. As the founder and managing director of two successful businesses, he has first-hand management and leadership experience in the issues relating to recruitment, to leading and to retaining a team.
He understands that success without the right team in place is very unlikely to be sustainable. He appreciates the difficulties in recruitment and the challenges to fully utilising the talents of team members for their own benefit as well as for a business or organisation. These unused talents within our community are a huge motivator for Matt.
Matt’s involvement with his successful businesses in Chartered Accountancy and in Financial Planning, helped to make a difference to the lives of business owners across Scotland. It also helped him to assist other charities directly through his substantial network of connections.
In 2018, Matt moved away from his 28 year position as Managing Director of ad+ Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, to concentrate on his duties as Founder of the company. He retired in 2020 from his Financial Planning business and now aims to utilise his time in other business areas and gain more charitable involvement.
Matt said,
My interest in getting involved with Scottish Autism arises from the help that they provide for my cousin’s son. I’m grateful for the help provided to their family and recognise that this valuable work must continue and thrive to help others that so badly need assistance.
You too can be a Scottish Autism Business Ambassador
Becoming a Scottish Autism Business Ambassador is an exciting opportunity for you to get involved in supporting Scottish Autism’s mission to enable autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
We're looking for high profile individuals who feel a connection to the autistic community and are aligned with our vision, mission and values. If you are motivated to:
- Raise awareness of autism and Scottish Autism through your networks and associations
- Lend your support to awareness raising, fundraising, campaigning and influencing
- Use your skills and talents to support Scottish Autism across your industry
then please get in touch with our team and help to improve the lives of autistic people and their families across Scotland.
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