Guy Crawford welcomed to the GlobalScot Hall of Fame

Jumeirah chief executive Guy Crawford has been honoured as the first member of the GlobalScot network’s Hall of Fame by First Minister Alex Salmond on his trip to Dubai.

GlobalScot has launched the Hall of Fame to honour members who have made a particularly significant contribution to Scotland over the past decade.

Mr Crawford is being recognised for his work as a GlobalScot by offering opportunities to Scottish businesses, supporting projects like the SaltireFoundation and raising Scotland’s profile on the global stage.

A passionate supporter of Scottish produce, his support for companies through GlobalScot included inviting Scottish food & drink and textiles companies to promote their products in retail outlets and menus at Jumeriah hotels in Dubai earlier this year. Guy has worked closely with Scotland Food & Drink, the leadership organisation for the food & drink industry in Scotland, as a respected international ambassador returning to Scotland on many occasions to support industry events.

First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“Since its launch in 2001, GlobalScot has created a pool of some of Scotland’s most enterprising talent to drive forward Scotland’s economy in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. By creating a GlobalScot Hall of Fame to mark the tenth anniversary of this initiative, we are marking the support, commitment and passion for Scotland which key entrepreneurs have demonstrated. Guy Crawford is a perfect example of someone who has gone above and beyond in raising our nation’s profile abroad and it is only fitting that while on this business mission, I had the opportunity to welcome him as the first into the GlobalScot Hall of Fame.”

Guy Crawford said GlobalScot was an opportunity to help influence those in Scotland trying to establish themselves and their businesses:

“As a GlobalScot you are part of a group of people with the common objective of helping Scottish companies, both large and small, understand the areas in which they are trying to grow their exports – and hopefully improve their chances of success. In the coming years I hope to continue to be a resource that companies can draw upon for help.”

A further five GlobalScots have been admitted to the Hall of Fame: Helen Sayles, Mark Bamforth, Derek Blackwood, David Reid and Jody Hall. In the future GlobalScots will be admitted on an annual basis.

Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson said:

“Over the past decade GlobalScot members have put their talents to use across a range of activities which are aimed at driving forward Scotland’s economy. Guy Crawford and the other first members of the Hall of Fame have really been exceptional in terms of their contribution to making the GlobalScot network an invaluable source of support and aspiration for Scottish businesses.”

This year the 842 Scottish companies registered as business users of the GlobalScot Network generated approximately 2000 requests for advice and assistance, involving 600 GlobalScots from different industry sectors across the globe.

GlobalScot seeks to develop and expand Scotland's standing in the global business community by utilising the talents of leading Scots, and of people with an affinity for Scotland, to establish a worldwide network of individuals who are outstanding in their field.