Douglas Maclean held a senior research post in Central Government for nearly 20 years, and has been head of IT for the Prison Service in England and Wales, and Director of IT for Highland Regional Council. As a consultant he brings his expertise in research, policy analysis, strategy development, IT planning and management. He has extensive consultancy experience, gained over many years. His work has included advice and consultancy to the United Nations, Council of Europe and European Commission. He is currently business development consultant for SOCITM Consulting in Scotland. Douglas is also Managing Director of a separate company, Highland Business Networks Ltd

Jenny Brogden has had extensive experience of community development over the past eighteen years as well as an in-depth knowledge of European funding. Most recently she has managed four major European funded projects delivering services to rural communities through appropriate technology. She has also worked in adult education - in both local authority and voluntary organisations as well as programmes to help people back into employment, and to increase opportuntities for existing businesses.