Scottish entrepreneur Peter Vardy, the businessman behind the Peter Vardy Motor Group, CarMoney and SilverBullet, has launched a new national “leadership summit” called “The Calling” which will take place in Glasgow in October, 2026.
Produced by The Peter Vardy Foundation, the one-day event aims to inspire, equip and connect people who lead in every part of Scottish life.
“When the leader gets better, everybody around them wins,” said Vardy.
“That is something I have seen again and again across business, schools, charities and sports clubs, anywhere people rely on each other. The Calling is really about that. It is about bringing people together who want to learn how to lead with character, humility and influence, no matter what their actual job title is.
“I have always believed leadership is not a badge you wear; it is the impact you create. No matter who you are, you influence the people around you every single day, but most do not have access to development. If we can help people lead even slightly better, the ripple effect is enormous.”
The inaugural summit on Friday, October 2, at the SEC Armadillo will feature keynote talks, panel discussions, teaching sessions and music. Its focus is to provide both inspiration and practical tools for leading well in an increasingly complex world.
The Calling builds on the foundation’s long-standing work in early intervention and leadership, including Gen+, a programme “teaching meta-skills and leadership behaviours to tens of thousands of pupils across Scotland.”
Vardy added: “Scotland has world-class talent and extraordinary achievements, yet we often lack a unified leadership culture that celebrates success and builds confidence.
“The Calling is funded by The Peter Vardy Foundation because I genuinely believe this is one of the best investments we can make; giving people the tools, insight and encouragement to lead well in whatever world they are in.
“We can take a long-term view, even if the impact is harder to quantify. If this conference inspires people to lead with more courage, compassion and clarity, then that is money well spent.”
TV presenter Dan Walker will host the event and will be joined by speakers including best-selling author Jon Acuff and Jo Salter, Britain’s first female fast-jet pilot. The programme will also feature music from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.