I advise business owners, senior leaders and boards facing decisions about growth, change and governance. I work across Scotland, with a particular focus on Fife and Edinburgh. My advisory work is delivered through Growth for Good.
You may be preparing to invest, trying to get a change programme back on track, or asking whether your board has tested a proposal thoroughly enough. I bring commercial experience and an understanding of public decision-making to the same conversation.
When my advice helps
A significant decision needs independent challenge
You have a plan and a deadline, and you want someone outside the organisation to test the assumptions before you commit.
A programme of change needs clearer priorities
Change is under way but the priorities are competing, and you need a clearer view of what it asks of the organisation and its leaders.
Commercial plans depend on public decisions
Your growth plan relies on a decision by government, a council or another public body. You need to understand how that decision is made and what the decision makers will look for.
A board needs stronger scrutiny and accountability
Directors or trustees want to strengthen how they challenge, record and answer for their decisions.
How I work
- Initial conversation. We talk through your aims, what is at stake and your timescale.
- Understanding the situation. I look at the decision, the people affected and the evidence behind your case.
- Agreeing scope. We agree what is worth doing and how I can help, so the work stays focused.
- Advice. I give you independent advice that your team can act on and present as its own.
What we work towards
The scope depends on the decision you face. We agree the questions to answer and the form of the advice at the outset. The aim is to leave you with clearer priorities, a better understanding of the risks and assumptions, and practical next steps your team can own.
For a commercial decision, that means testing the case before committing resources. For a change programme, it means understanding what delivery will require. For a board, it means identifying the questions and evidence needed for sound scrutiny.
Your team owns the decision
I help organisations prepare and present their own case. I do not lobby, I do not approach ministers, officials or public bodies on a client’s behalf, and I cannot offer privileged access or promise an outcome. Growth for Good advises on engagement. The client’s own leaders carry it out.
How to enquire
Use the Growth for Good contact form and begin your message with “For Michelle Thomson”. Tell us about your organisation, the decision or challenge, and your timescale. The team will receive your enquiry and discuss the next step with you.