As part of Moray Chamber of Commerce’s 25th anniversary celebrations, Vision Moray brings together some of the region’s most influential voices for a forward-looking panel discussion on Moray’s future.
Hosted by Sarah Medcraf, this engaging session will explore where Moray has come from and, more importantly, what its future could look like. From infrastructure and investment to skills, tourism, and economic growth, our panel will share insights, challenge ideas, and spark conversation about the opportunities and priorities shaping the region.
Hear from:
Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion as we look ahead to the next chapter for Moray.
Spaces are limited and thanks to our sponsor DYW and support from Johnstons of Elgin, the event is free for members and breakfast is included.
There will be an opportunity for Q&A and as always, an opportunity for growing your network and connecting with other members.
Tuesday 9th June
8.30 – 10.30am
The Reading Room, Johnstons of Elgin, Newmill, Elgin, IV30 4AF
Free, members only
About our panel:
Sarah Barnes, DYW Moray
Sarah Barnes is leading the strategic alignment of education and industry across the region. She works in partnership with employers, public sector and third sector leaders to shape workforce planning, address skills gaps and strengthen Moray’s long-term talent pipeline.
David Reid, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
David is the Area Manager for Highlands and Islands Enterprise - Moray. He was appointed to the role in January 2021 following six years as HIEs Regional Skills Manager working on skills policy and planning in a regional and national context. Prior to this he was Head of Business Growth for HIE Moray for 16 years.
Throughout his time in HIE he has also worked in the areas of finance, business start-up and new ventures, business research and innovation, sector growth, academia collaboration, inward investment and strategic projects, infrastructure and partnerships.
Kathleen Robertson, Moray Council
Born in Paisley, Kathleen graduated in veterinary medicine from Glasgow University in 1995 and has worked in many aspects of the profession from academia, charity and business sectors to general practice. She has most recently worked as a locum locally and has been involved in Avian Flu contingency work.
She held various posts as President of the Scottish Branch of the British Veterinary Association and Chair of the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons. Locally she was on the Children’s Panel, Chair of Anderson’s Primary School Parent Council and currently Trustee of the Forres and District Pipe Band.
Married with two teenage sons and owner of Tarka and Midge, Border Terriers, she was elected as a Councillor in May 2022.
She was elected as Council Leader from May 2022 and currently holds the Chair of Community Planning Board, Education Committee and Full Council.
In November 2025 she won the LGIU/CLLA Leader of the Year 2025.
Karen Greaves, Moray Council
Karen started her career in local government as a microbiologist joining Grampian Region Council in 1995. With reorganisation this role was eventually with Scottish Water where she worked for over six years before moving to Orkney Islands Council. Karen went on to lead services in Social Care, Education Resources, Schools Estate, Leisure and Lifelong Learning and central services over a period of 23 years whilst building a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and thriving communities.
In parallel and up to 2020, she also gained invaluable private sector experience and knowledge in family businesses, in the motor trade and hospitality sector, which further contributed to her understanding of the critical factors for communities to prosper.
In her previous role as Corporate Director at Orkney Islands Council, Karen had the privilege of working closely with a range of stakeholders and communities, including the Orkney Lieutenancy.
Karen was appointed Chief Executive of Moray Council in March 2025 and is the Clerk to both the Moray and Banffshire Lieutenancies. As Chief Executive, her strategic priorities include enhancing community engagement and participation, by building thriving, resilient and empowered communities, fostering economic growth and innovation and driving the transformation and modernisation of Council services to deliver positive customer experiences with better outcomes for all our communities.
Graham Alexander, AJ Engineering
Graham has worked with some of the country’s largest construction companies, having managed the delivery of contracts across the UK and Australia. In 2014 the opportunity to become General Manager at AJ Engineering drew Graham back to Forres where he grew up. In 2025, following the retirement of Alan James and sale of AJ Engineering to the RSK Group, Graham was appointed Managing Director of AJ Engineering and its sister company NEWCo.
