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How Being Student Focused Keeps Us Relevant
Hi, I’m Stewart, and I’m the Head of Commercial Development at Heriot-Watt Student Union.
I’m originally from Pitlochry but moved to Edinburgh for uni back in 2004. After graduating from Napier, I worked in retail all over the UK before eventually making my way back here. Edinburgh just felt like home and I was ready for the next chapter. I joined Sainsbury’s in 2010 as a store manager then moved to Marks & Spencer in 2012 and stayed in retail until 2018, when I made the leap to the Student Union.
I started off as Shop Manager, the space had just had a refit, and we needed to shake things up. I was given the freedom and trust to make changes, and it felt great to be able to bring fresh energy to it. In 2022, I got asked to cover in the student union looking after the Bar and Cafe for a couple of months… three years later, here I am, heading up all things commercial!
I’d tell a new student that my job is all about improving student life. I look after our shop, bar, and café, and I work with the team to bring in relevant services, great products, and exciting events. I love talking with students and spotting trends, if they want chai or matcha, we’ll be on it. We’re always asking, “What do students actually want?” and then making it happen. It’s all about staying relevant.
Freshers’ Week is one of my favourite things to work on. We’ve proudly turned it into something for everyone, from Scottish nights to arcades and full-on funfairs. One moment that’s always stuck with me was when a student turned 18 mid-Freshers. We threw a mini celebration for him in the bar, swapped his wristband, gave him his first legal drink and he’s been coming back ever since.
The Union’s value of being student-focused really speaks to me. Whether it’s deals, pricing, or opening hours, we’re here to support students and give them the best experience we can. Outside of work, I love walking my dog with my partner, it’s the best way to relax and unwind from a day in the office.
And here’s a fun fact: I’m also a humanist celebrant! I’ve done all kinds of weddings, even one in someone’s back garden where everyone wore pyjamas.
Ways to get in touch with me...