THE chair of the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) is stepping down after more than four years on the organisation’s board.

Paddy Tomkins QPM will leave at the end of the month to focus on other commitments.

SBRC is a non-profit organisation which exists to support and help protect businesses. It says its unique connection to Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Government gives it exclusive access to the latest information to advise businesses how to interact safely.

Tomkins said: “My time with SBRC will always be a source of many happy memories, but my business activities are increasingly taking me overseas.

“Now is the time for a new chairperson to make a fresh contribution that will help deliver the exciting new strategies being developed under [chief executive] Jude McCorry’s leadership. I wish my successor every success in the role.”

The board said it had reluctantly accepted Tomins’s resignation and was grateful for the significant contribution he has made. Douglas Barnett from AXA and the current vice-chair will lead the board until a new chair is appointed. The search for a new chair is already under way, with the recruitment process closing September 24.

Commenting on Tomkins’s contribution and future of the SBRC, McCorry said: “Paddy’s vast experience and the focus which he brought to the SBRC has undeniably shaped our future direction and we wish him all the very best.

“We are now looking for an experienced chair who can support myself and the board in making sure we remain a leader in our sector not only nationally but also across Europe. Scotland is home to a passionate and dedicated business community and we want to guarantee SBRC is there to work alongside them and guide them towards being truly resilient.”