ONE of Scotland’s most renowned licensing lawyers, Stephen McGowan, has been elected as the new president of the Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society at the charity’s AGM.
Officially known as The BEN, the charity helps former and current workers of the licensed trade facing hardship, providing social, financial and emotional support.
In his new role, McGowan will head the charity’s board and drive operational strategy, working closely with chief executive Chris Gardner to optimise fundraising and the delivery of services for beneficiaries.
McGowan was appointed to the board of The BEN in 2012 and elected vice-president in 2017. His presidency was announced at the charity’s annual general meeting in April.
“I am deeply honoured to be able to serve the charity as its president and help steward us towards seeking out new beneficiaries during my term,” he said. “With my appointment, I am asking everyone in the licensed trade to reconnect with The BEN and to consider anyone they know or employ who might benefit from its services, particularly younger members of staff who may not know what The BEN can do to support them.
“We are working on a number of new initiatives to seek out people we can help and support, and I hope I can follow successfully in the footsteps of the many able presidents who have served before me.”
Stephen McGowan is a well-known face in the licensed trade as a specialist licensing lawyer and a partner at law firm TLT. He is the former chairman of BII Scotland, a position he held from 2012 to 2016, and was appointed inaugural chairman of the Scottish region of the Institute of Licensing in 2016.