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Member News: Bringing decades of technology adoption expertise to shape Scotland’s digital future

November 25, 2025
Member News: Bringing decades of technology adoption expertise to shape Scotland’s digital future

Following on from her appointment to the Scottish Technology Council launched by government earlier this year, Sheryl Newman owner of Appetite for Business has also been appointed to the sub working group for AI, the expert working group established to advise Ministers on maximising the economic impact of Scotland’s burgeoning multi-billion-pound technology sector.

In this role, Sheryl will contribute to shaping government policy for the future of Scotland. As the leader of one of the UK’s top accredited learning practices and technology business she brings a unique perspective on unlocking the barriers to AI end user adoption working strategically with leaders at an operational level, ensuring the strategic integration of AI across organisational systems, processes, and decision-making structures.

This proven track record in digital transformation and user adoption will be instrumental in supporting the Council’s goal to foster an environment where Scottish businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish, develop new technologies, and drive meaningful change.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Scotland aims to reinforce its legacy of innovation and establish itself as a global tech leader.

Commenting on the appointment, Sheryl said:

“I am honoured to join the sub working group for AI and to help shape policies that will unlock Scotland’s potential as a leading digital nation. Appetite for Business stands at the forefront of technology adoption, driven by more than 25 years’ experience guiding organisations through transformative change. Our accredited learning practice empowers users and delivers tailored solutions designed for real-world impact. By bridging the gap between innovation and practical application, we consistently enable SME businesses to thrive, adapt, and lead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. I look forward to collaborating with fellow experts to deliver meaningful progress for Scotland’s future.”

If your organisation is leveraging Microsoft 365 and actively exploring or implementing AI solutions, Appetite for Business invites you to discover how it can help accelerate your digital transformation and support your people with AI adoption not only safely but maximise the impact of your technology investments.

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AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

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AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
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The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
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Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
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Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise