Rutherford Cross Consultant Fraser Burnett sat down with Foresight Group’s Investment Manager Louise Mackie to reflect on her move to Scotland from London.
Having supported her in securing her current role at Foresight Group, Fraser met with Louise to discuss taking career risks, finding the right fit and her ambitions to make a meaningful impact in the Scottish market.
Over a year ago, Louise made a bold move by leaving behind a thriving career in London to return to Scotland, where she is now part of the team at Foresight Group. While moving back North had always been part of her longer-term plan, it wasn’t an easy decision to make.
Before joining Foresight, Louise was a senior operator at a high-growth, VC-backed fintech scale-up in London, where her career was progressing rapidly: “The environment was extremely demanding but I enjoyed the challenge.” But with her partner based in Scotland and both sharing a home, relocating was always on the cards and it was just a matter of finding the right time and opportunity.
“Taking the leap was a big decision. I was thriving in a role that gave me a high degree of seniority and influence and was not sure I would be able to find the same calibre of opportunity in Scotland. But I’ve always embraced the uncertainty and taken risks in my career to get to where I want to go.”
That mindset and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone led Louise to Foresight, where she is now growing her presence and making a real impact in the Scottish market. “My goal is to excel beyond the remit of my role and continue to maximise all of the opportunities that Foresight provides from a personal and professional development perspective. I love being a part of a team of such talented and motivated investors.”
However, Louise isn’t just focused on individual success. She is motivated by the chance to contribute to the broader ecosystem, helping grow and support businesses, while playing an active part in backing Scotland’s exciting community of entrepreneurs. “Foresight’s wide range of funds allows us to support businesses at all stages; I love being able to back entrepreneurs across the vibrant spectrum of companies we have in Scotland – from early-stage ventures and growth capital for scale-ups to equity release and MBOs/ MBIs for SMEs.”
For others considering a similar move, especially those relocating from London to Scotland, Louise offered some thoughtful advice: “It really depends on your motivations and what kind of roles you’re looking for. Scotland isn’t London; you’re coming into a smaller market where the right types of opportunities may be more limited or difficult to find, so preparedness is key – plan well in advance of your move, be clear about what you want and focus your efforts accordingly.”
Crucially, Louise highlights how finding the right role comes down to more than just timing: “I needed to be matched with the right opportunity at the right company and that is where Fraser really helped. I felt like I was in great hands given his in-depth understanding of the market as well as his attention to both my needs and Foresight’s”. That personalised approach led to a successful outcome and that is exactly what we aim to have at the heart of everything we do. It is not just about placing people in roles; it is about building the right connections at the right time, with the right businesses, for long-term impact.
Louise’s story is about being brave and finding the right support when it matters most. Rutherford Cross is excited to see the impact she will make in the Scottish market and looks forward to following her continued success.
For support in your next career move, please reach out to Fraser Burnett at Rutherford Cross: [email protected]
