Glasgow born David MacKinnon – the gritty defender who played for Glasgow Rangers, Arsenal, Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle, has been appointed Managing Director at ZLX Business Solutions with a brief to provide business support to the hospitality industry.
Since hanging up his boots, MacKinnon forged an illustrious business career in hospitality initially in licensed retailing at Bass PLC where he developed an expertise across all aspects of the licensed trade across food, drink and venues. During his 12 years at the company, he was involved in the roll out and development of several high street brands including O’Neills, All Bar One, and J&R Tennent – the first airside pub and restaurant at Glasgow Airport.
With his reputation growing, MacKinnon was head hunted to become Operations Director and shareholder at Scotland’s largest independent licensed retailer – Pub.com, formerly Eagle Taverns, which had a portfolio of 45 pubs, hotels and nightclubs. During his tenure, MacKinnon was responsible for the improved performance and profitability of the company which led to a successful sale to Pubmaster in 2002.
MacKinnon first consulted for fast growing company ZLX– leaders in government backed research and development tax claims, during the pandemic when CEO Stephen McCallion identified in him a dynamic and experienced business expert who could take the company to the next level.
MacKinnon explains: “Although Research and development returns sound rather mundane after the excitement and passion of football and the hospitality sector, in practice the ZLX business model guides business owners or senior executives around the little understood and underutilised government scheme set up to encourage innovation and business developments that can lead to growth. Over the last 18 months in particular, this has proven to be a lifeline to the hospitality and events sector who, through ZLX, have gained sizable cash returns through successful R&D claims. As the industry comes out of the incredible pressures experienced through Covid, I’m sure many more will benefit.
“The sixteen years I spent in the hospitality industry were some of the happiest of my career. It is made up of good people with real passion, the same passion that you experience in football.
“In my new role as MD of ZLX I will be able to help more businesses in a sector that I not only care very much about but also is vital to the wellbeing of our economy.”
Stephen McCallion added: “We are delighted to have David on board. His expertise will be invaluable in showing the hospitality sector how R&D can play a major role in its business planning and success.”
ZLX has recently moved into a new Glasgow Head Office and will shortly be opening a second office in London, which MacKinnon will oversee.
For further information contact: [email protected]