Business – WEST | Alumni Blog

25May

By uwsalumniNo Comments

Featured, Profiles

Alumni Interview: David McFadden

In this alumni interview we speak to the newest member of University of the West of Scotland’s Fundraising & Alumni Team, David McFadden. Trust and Foundations Manager David, who graduated from UWS in 2011, tells us about his career in fundraising and his new role at UWS. David McFadden BA (Hons) Business Studies & International Marketing (2011) Can you tell us a bit about your time at the University - what you studied and why you chose UWS? I studied Business Studies and International Marketing at UWS and graduated in 2011. I’m local - I was born in Paisley and grew up in Erskine - so UWS always felt like a natural choice for me. It was close to home, but more importantly, it felt accessible and grounded. It felt like somewhere I could grow, build confidence, and prope...

Business Geared Towards Improving Mental Health Launched by Graduate

21May

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Business Geared Towards Improving Mental Health Launched by Graduate

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) nursing graduate is focusing on supporting wellbeing with the launch of a business that uses an immersive sound experience to put clients into a calm and meditative state. Jade Swan, who graduated from UWS Ayr Campus with a BSc in Mental Health Nursing, is offering sound frequency therapy or soundbaths to offer the brain time to rest. “Having busy lives we’re often in our fight or flight response in a high state of alert,” said Jade. “Many people struggle with busy brains and struggle to sleep, soundbath allows the brain to shift into a meditative state which many people struggle to do.” A soundbath is an immersive sound experience that uses different vibrations and frequencies via crystal sound bowls and other instruments to allow clien...

NHS Fife Announces Alumnus as its New Chief Executive

25Mar

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Alumni Stories, Featured

NHS Fife Announces Alumnus as its New Chief Executive

NHS Fife has announced the appointment of University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate William Edwards as its new Chief Executive. William Edwards, BA Business and Management 1999 William joins NHS Fife from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where he has served as Deputy Chief Executive since May 2025, having previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer. William said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chief Executive of NHS Fife. It is a privilege to lead an organisation with such a strong commitment to high-quality, person-centred care. “I look forward to working closely with staff, partners and local communities to build on existing strengths, embrace innovation and ensure our services are sustainable for the future. Together, we will focus on delivering safe, effect...

UWS Brough Lecture 2026: Greggs Through The Ages

24Feb

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News

UWS Brough Lecture 2026: Greggs Through The Ages

We are delighted that the UWS Brough Lecture will this year be delivered by Chief Executive of Greggs plc, Roisin Currie CBE on ‘Greggs Through The Ages’. The lecture will take place at our UWS Paisley campus on Friday 13 March at 10.30am. The Brough Lecture commemorates the University’s origins, when philanthropist, Peter Brough, provided funds to establish the original Paisley Technical School in 1897 in his hometown. Appointed Chief Executive of Greggs plc in May 2022, Roisin has worked at the hospitality giant since 2010, after twenty years in senior HR roles across the UK. Roisin joined Greggs as Group People Director, progressing to Retail Operations and People Director, then Retail and Property Director, before taking on her current role. Roisin is Chair of the Employer...

Alumnus Calls on the UWS Community to be Yellow Yogis

23Feb

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Alumnus Calls on the UWS Community to be Yellow Yogis

When it comes to backing great causes, UWS alumnus Mike Smith doesn’t just show up — he steps up. The business graduate is calling on the entire UWS community — students, staff and fellow alumni — to become ‘Yellow Yogis’ this September in support of Beatson Cancer Charity. A graduate from the BA Business Economics degree programme, today, Mike is Group CEO of the orb group, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of branded merchandise, corporate clothing and point-of-sale solutions. With offices in Glasgow and London he works with powerhouse brands including Tunnock’s, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scottish Power and Arnold Clark. But beyond business success, it’s his long-standing commitment to cancer charities that truly defines him. Mike has supported the Beatson since the 1980s, s...

2Feb

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News

UWS Welcomes New Chair of Court

University of the West of Scotland officially welcomed Joyce White OBE as its new Chair of Court 2 February 2026, marking the beginning of her term in office. Gavin Lee, Interim Vice-Principal (Governance) & University Secretary, said: "As we continue to drive forward the goals set out in Strategy 2030, Joyce’s experience, leadership, insight, and perspective garnered across an extensive career in public, private and third-sector organisations will be invaluable to the University. I, along with colleagues from across the University, look forward to working closely with her in the years ahead. As we continue to drive forward the goals set out in Strategy 2030, Joyce’s experience, leadership, insight, and perspective garnered across an extensive career in public, private and third-...

Enterprise Seychelles Agency Appoints UWS Graduate as CEO

13Jan

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Alumni Stories

Enterprise Seychelles Agency Appoints UWS Graduate as CEO

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA). Dylis Cedras, who holds an MBA in business management from UWS, has 17 years of experience in the public service, having begun her career in 2008 as a Secondary School Teacher with the Ministry of Education. Before joining the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), serving as Visitor Centre and Sales Manager from 2012 to 2013, Dylis subsequently served as a Business Analyst at the Financial Services Authority between 2014 and 2015. She returned to SIF in 2015, completed her MBA in 2020 at University of the Seychelles and held the position of Sales and Marketing Officer until 2021, advancing to Sales and Marketing Manager from 2021 to 2023....

Marketing Graduate Recognised in New Year Honours

6Jan

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Marketing Graduate Recognised in New Year Honours

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) alumnus has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for 2026. Mark McCulloch, who graduated from the BA Marketing programme at the then University of Paisley (now UWS), has been awarded an MBE for his outstanding contribution to marketing and the UK hospitality sector. “I’m absolutely over the moon,” commented Mark. “The foundations laid during my time at UWS played a meaningful part in the journey that has led to this honour, and I remain genuinely proud to be a graduate of the university.” Mark McCulloch MBE, BA Marketing 1999 Graduating in 1999 from the Paisley Campus, Mark is considered one of the leading food, drink and hospitality brand and marketing minds in Europe. He has more than 20 years' brand, marketing, ...

2Dec

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News

UWS Giving Day 2025

On the 27th and 28th November 2025, we held our annual UWS Giving Day, and we are delighted to share the results. Over the two days, 47 generous donors came together to raise £3,073 and thanks to the kindness of a match funding donor, every gift made during giving day was doubled which brings our grand total to £6,146! This incredible support will go towards two vital funds that make a real difference in the lives of UWS students. The Hardship Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected challenges such as housing insecurity, delays in funding or lack of essentials. It ensures that students can stay in education and focus on their future, even during times of crisis. The Development Fund empowers students to lead innovative projects, access indu...

Canadian TEDx Talk Delivered by UWS Alumnus

23Oct

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Alumni Stories

Canadian TEDx Talk Delivered by UWS Alumnus

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has delivered a TEDx talk in Canada on the theme of kindness being a core leadership competency. Robin Young is a Canadian native who studied Commercial Music at UWS Ayr campus as part of the partnership with Harris Institute in Toronto, Canada. Graduating in 2013, he also subsequently completed his MBA at UWS in 2021. At TEDxOshawa his presentation explored how small, compassionate actions can create a powerful ripple effect in personal and professional environments. “Earlier this year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and delivered a talk on leading with kindness,” explained Robin. “In the talk I encourage leaders to pause, reflect and choose kindness in times of stress and negativity, in order to create positive and lasting ch...