Staff team
Sarah Deas, Chief Executive
Sarah leads the strategic and operational development of CDS. She proactively promotes co-operative business models by engaging with key stakeholders and the media. Before joining the enterprise network, Sarah held senior management and board positions in strategy, marketing and business development with international companies including Carnaud MetalBox, LinPac Plastics International, Fort Sterling, RBM Europa and Airport Advertising (Europe).
Jim Maxwell, Business Development Manager
Jim leads CDS's client support - ensuring the delivery of a quality service. As our lead adviser and expert, he is the first point of contact for new enquiries. Jim has practitioner experience in finance and marketing and a strong track record of working with businesses. Leading multi-agency economic partnerships in Stirling and Glasgow has also developed his collaborative management skills in politically sensitive situations.
Gillian Kirton, Project Manager
Gillian manages a number of strategic projects that support the work of CDS, including research and liaising with stakeholder organisations. She has extensive project management experience in areas such as e-business, development of online systems, change management, European funding and EU tendering processes. Recent projects involved mainstreaming of e-business activities into Business Gateway, and the development and roll out of a suite of new Business Gateway workshops.
Glen Dott, Project Manager
Glen advises clients and leads some of CDS's key projects. He helps potential or growing co-operative and employee-owned businesses explore how co-operation can work for them. Glen has 14 years experience mainly in the consumer goods sector, primarily in sales and marketing and latterly as general manager of a motor dealership. He also has account management experience within Scottish Enterprise.
Martin Peters, Project Manager
Martin Peters is a solicitor from law firm Harper Macleod LLP who is currently on secondment to CDS. As a member of the Public Sector Department at Harper Macleod, Martin’s role includes advising clients on a range of regulatory, governance and commercial matters. Martin’s role at CDS involves helping potential and existing clients develop co-operative and employee owned business structures.
Cathy McCready, Marketing and Communications
Cathy provides marketing and communications support, including liaising with media agencies and managing the development of events. She joined CDS from Business Gateway's marketing team, where she was responsible for internal communications, liaison with suppliers, event organisation and promotion. Before this she managed a team of Business Information Officers.
Carol Smith, Administrator (part-time)
Carol provides administrative support, including arranging meetings, planning diaries and responding to online enquiries. She has extensive administrative experience in a number of fields and built her early career in the financial services industry. Carol also works within Scottish Enterprise's Facilities Management division, providing administrative support to a number of teams and responding to customer enquiries.