In the room.
In our element.

Scotland’s business community

As a board director of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Mary Ann values the Annual Business Address as a chance to bring businesses, leaders and ideas together. It is one of her busiest nights of the year: making introductions, supporting clients and looking beyond her own table to the possibilities across the room.

Stories worth sharing. Connections worth making.

At Cameron House, a women in business gathering organised by the Lomond Business Network brought female founders together to hear Michelle McManus share her story. For Mary Ann, supporting women in business means listening, opening conversations and helping people find someone in the room who understands their journey. And she rarely needs asking twice to take the microphone.

Putting people at the heart of the conversation

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Annual Conference brought an opportunity to share our work around mould remediation and its impact on health, alongside Mel and Gillian Robson of Steri Systems. Mary Ann’s message was clear: tackling housing conditions should also mean protecting the health of the people who live there. It was a chance to build connections and celebrate the work of housing associations across Scotland.

A voice in Scotland’s future

An invitation to the Scottish Parliament brought Mary Ann together with business leaders and newly elected MSPs to discuss the economy and opportunities for Scottish business growth. She attended with Gillian and Mel Robson of Steri Systems, and her business colleague Roderick Cameron. An opportunity to listen, contribute and bring the experience of business into a wider conversation.

Giving confidence a second life

St Vincent’s Hospice is a cause close to Mary Ann’s heart and one she regularly supports. Its Strictly Come Dancing event was also the setting for the launch of Real Life Gift Life. Through donated wigs, the initiative helps fund support for women experiencing hair loss, including help towards a suitable wig and a small stock for urgent situations. It grew from Mary Ann’s own experience as a wig wearer and her belief that confidence can change someone’s day, and sometimes much more.

The joy of finding your rhythm again

After 43 years away from Latin American dancing, Mary Ann returned to the floor and won Step Up for Charity’s Strictly Come Dancing event with Big Kev, dancing the cha-cha to Lady Marmalade in front of 700 guests. These photographs are from the following year, when she returned for a Chicago group opening dance, an Argentine tango and judging alongside Michelle McManus. Bringing businesses together, hosting tables and supporting the cause made the night even more special.

“If I don’t dance, I’m not happy.”Mary Ann Smith

An invitation to Westminster

Attending the Royal Carol Service at Westminster Abbey was a memorable personal invitation. Mary Ann met Catherine, Princess of Wales, and enjoyed conversations with fellow guests, including Judi Love. Warmth, kindness and the pleasure of meeting people made it an evening to remember.