Business Beats Cancer Dundee

Alan Duff is a VP Relationship Director for Barclays Bank supporting SME Businesses across Scotland with borrowing requirements between £1-5m. Managing a portfolio of Key Clients supporting their growth and success by being a partner for growth.

Alan is also Creative Technology Lead for Barclays in Scotland providing support to Games, and Film and TV Production businesses across Scotland. Outside of work, Alan is a proud father to Lily and husband to Andrea and spends his time outdoors with the family and his dog Vinnie. Alan is a proud Dundonian currently “exiled” and living in Fife.

Alan is looking forward to utilising his professional skills, local knowledge and networks in his key role as Chair of the Business Beats Cancer Board, and is proud to help raise awareness for Cancer Research UK in Dundee and to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Caroline is the Chief Operating Officer at EQ Accountants, part of the Sumer Group.

As Chief Operating Officer, Caroline sits on the Executive Board, overseeing the planning and direction of operations and the delivery of the people, client, and financial goals. Her role is three fold, to lead our central functions – HR, Finance, Admin, Marketing and IT, delivering successful Merger + Acquisition integrations and leading on firm-wide initiatives.

Caroline is passionate about building high-performing cultures, creating great places to work, and is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. Her dynamic leadership style combines energy and vision with a strong focus on people and culture.

Outside of her professional commitments, Caroline enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, indulging in cooking, walking and reading. Caroline has helped to raise vital funds for research in Dundee since becoming a board member of Business Beats Cancer in early 2023.

Louise Grant is a Partner at EQ Accountants LLP and Head of EQ Healthcare, a team dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals. She is a qualified accountant and has worked in practice for over 20 years, helping her clients to meet their personal and business goals. Louise has a diverse client portfolio including a large proportion in the healthcare sector. With a wealth of experience in this area, she provides relevant support and advice on factors directly affecting the healthcare industry.

She has extensive experience in corporate finance, helping her clients to achieve their dream of buying a business or finding the right solution for someone looking to sell. Louise prides herself on her client relationships and will always go above and beyond to help them achieve their ambitions.

On top of her client work, she regularly attends a variety of trade shows and presents technical information in an easy-to-understand manner, as well as writing articles for various publications due to her vast knowledge and experience. Louise is also a member of EQ Trustees LLP, where she takes an active role in the charitable activities of the firm and encourages staff to get involved where possible.

David has been in the software industry for over 20 years, currently working for ‘AND Digital’, one of the UK’s largest digital agencies. AND look to close the world’s skills gap by helping companies accelerate the development of their digital capabilities.

Having personally been diagnosed with cancer and gone through aggressive chemotherapy treatment, David has been a massive supporter of Cancer Research UK, raising money and awareness of the charity for over 18 years now. We would like to thank David for his involvement on the Business Beats Cancer Dundee board and for his ongoing dedication and support to Cancer Research UK.

Les Johnson is the Creative Director of Dundee design agency, Creative Orange, and has worked at some of the largest creative agencies across the UK. Creative Orange has been operating since 2007 and has provided a wide range of graphic design services to both local businesses and international organisations, helping them to achieve their goals and increase their business presence in their respective markets.

Originally from Newcastle, Les joined the board of Business Beats Cancer Dundee in December 2021 after the tragic loss of his wife, Ruth Johnson who lost her battle to Cancer in November 2021. Ruth was previously an active and well-loved member of the board and brought a great deal of passion and enthusiasm to her role and her cruel death was a very sad loss to the board and the wider business community. Les has a very personal insight into how this vile disease affects people and he is more determined than ever to continue the good work that Ruth started and help highlight the fight to one day find a cure for this horrible disease that affects one in every two people.

Les has also recently worked with Apex Dundee on the launch of a new cocktail called the ‘Delicious Dora’, nick named after his beloved wife, with proceeds going towards funding life changing vital research right here in Dundee, so if you’re ever in the Apex Dundee bar, ask for a ‘Delicious Dora’ (made with Eden Mill gin) and help us in the battle against cancer.

David is Divisional Cost Manager for the Retail Division within Lloyds Banking Group and is responsible for leading the cost reviews to provide reporting with commercial insight with action to ensure delivery in line with expectations. Graduating from University of Ulster, David enjoyed a career within telecommunications before going into the banking sector in 2004.

David has been a valued supporter with Cancer Research UK for over eight years, and has previously and proudly held the position of Chair of the Relay for Life Dalgety Bay, a vibrant fundraising event which is in its 14th year and on the brink of raising £1m for the charity’s vital work.

David, originally from Belfast, now lives with his wife and two young boys in Dunfermline. He is looking forward to bringing his fundraising experience and business acumen, as Board member and Secretary, to Business Beats Cancer Dundee’s events and support in helping to raise funds for life changing research.

Owner and Director at Walker Luxury Jeweller

A proud Dundonian girl, Mary started as a Saturday girl in Walker Luxury Jeweller and is now owner of the business she has worked in for over 35 years. A qualified Gemmologist with a passion for all things jewellery, diamonds and watches she believes strongly in driving client service & experience with her team. A proud mother and wife, in her spare time Mary loves running and sports. New to the Business Beats Cancer Team, Mary is hoping to give something back to community and use her business & service experience to support the charity and drive it forward.