The Federation of Small Businesses announced the appointment of a new chair to lead its policy and campaign work in Scotland.

Guy Hinks, an award-winning photographer and former solicitor, will take over as FSB’s new Scotland Chair on April 1.

Hinks succeeds independent retailer Andrew McRae, who is stepping down after seven years.

“Guy has been a member of FSB’s Scotland Policy Unit since 2021, helping inform its support for small businesses through the Covid pandemic and its aftermath,” said the FSB.

Hinks said: “Small and micro businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, yet they continue to face significant challenges. Scotland should be a place they can not only survive but thrive. It is an honour to lead FSB’s campaigning to help make sure that is the case.

“In the role, I will aim to build on the formidable work of my predecessor Andrew McRae, championing Scotland’s small businesses, and protecting and promoting their interests.”

FSB Policy and Advocacy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “Congratulations to Guy on his new appointment. My thanks to outgoing chair Andrew McRae for flying the flag for small businesses in Scotland over the past seven years.”

Andrew McRae said: “Leading FSB’s campaign work over the last seven years has been eventful to say the least. The Covid pandemic and its immediate aftermath in were some of the most turbulent times in living memory to be running an independent business.

“I would like to take this chance to pay tribute to the work of the wider FSB team who provided magnificent support to our members throughout the crisis.

“Scotland’s small businesses continue to face significant challenges, but we are a creative, dynamic and resilient bunch.

“It has been a privilege to represent Scotland’s small business community for so long, and I know we will find a worthy champion in my successor Guy Hinks.”

Hinks worked in civil and criminal law in the west of Scotland before switching careers in 2008 to establish his own award-winning photography business.

McRae is founder of multiple retail brands including Museum Context and John Kay’s Shop and co-founder of Elephant House International which aims to take the Edinburgh “birthplace of Harry Potter” cafe global.