The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen were delighted to host their latest Business Tea on 13 August 2026, bringing together members, guests, Burgesses of Guild and representatives from the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee for an evening of networking, conversation and an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Army Benevolent Fund.
The event provided an excellent opportunity for members and guests to connect with fellow professionals, share experiences and hear from an inspiring guest speaker about his distinguished military and professional career.
We were honoured to welcome Lt Col (Ret’d) John Donovan MBE DL as our guest speaker.
John lives in Dunbar with his wife, Sarah, and is currently Regional Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland at the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity. A former infantry officer, John joined the British Army in 1987 and served with The Royal Scots and later The Royal Regiment of Scotland until his retirement in 2012.
During his distinguished military career, John served in Germany during the Cold War and completed operational tours in Northern Ireland, the First Gulf War, Bosnia and Iraq. He retired from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In recognition of his service, John was awarded an MBE in 2006. The honour was presented during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace by His Majesty King Charles III, then Prince of Wales.
Following his military career, John went on to hold a number of senior leadership positions across both the public and private sectors. These included serving as Group People Director at the William Jackson Food Group, a sixth-generation UK food business with a heritage spanning more than a century. John also played an important role in Scotland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 Vaccination Workforce Programme.
More recently, John was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for East Lothian by Roderick Urquhart, Lord Lieutenant for East Lothian. The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen extend their warmest congratulations to John on this well-deserved appointment.
During his address, John spoke passionately about the work of the Army Benevolent Fund, highlighting the vital support it provides to serving soldiers, veterans and their families. For more than 80 years, the Army Benevolent Fund has provided a lifetime of support to members of the Army family who are facing financial hardship, disability, illness, bereavement or other significant challenges.
The charity works alongside a network of specialist organisations to ensure that practical support is available when it is needed most. Assistance can include funding for independent living, mental health support, elderly care, education, housing and financial grants, helping individuals and families navigate difficult circumstances. John highlighted the difference this support makes to thousands of people each year and the importance of ensuring that those who have served their country, and their families, are not left to face hardship alone.
We are extremely grateful to Lt Col (Ret’d) John Donovan MBE DL for sharing his experiences, insights and knowledge with our members and guests, and for providing a fascinating insight into both his military career and his current work with the Army Benevolent Fund.
We would also like to thank everyone who attended the Business Tea and helped make the event a success. Your continued support and engagement with the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen are greatly appreciated. Through events such as our Business Tea, the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen are proud to continue bringing together Aberdeen’s business and professional community, celebrating our heritage and supporting organisations that make a meaningful contribution to society.