Karen McGregor is leaving the development agency after eight years

A development agency that supports social enterprises and entrepreneurs is looking for a new boss.

Firstport have paid tribute to outgoing chief executive Karen McGregor, who is moving on after eight years.

The organisation is celebrating a decade of supporting social entrepreneurs next month and has begun advertising for a replacement.

McGregor will remain in post until October 2017 when she takes up her new role as business development director with Calmac Ferries. She said she had enjoyed helping to support 800 social entrepreneurs over the years.

She said: “It’s been a fantastic experience to lead the Firstport team over the last eight years and so rewarding to see the inspiring social entrepreneurs we support turn their ideas into viable social businesses that make a real difference to their communities.”

Peter Shakeshaft, chair of the Firstport board, said: “I have had the pleasure of working with Karen for many years now. Her contribution to the development of Firstport has been outstanding, providing creative, dynamic leadership and support to the team, to the board and to the sector in general.”

The organisation is looking for someone who has seven to 10 years management experience, has knowledge of the social enterprise sphere in Scotland and who can provide inspiring leadership. A salary of circa £60,000 will be provided and the role is based in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

McGregor added: “For the new chief executive they’ll be joining the organisation at an exciting time for social enterprise, with new developments such as Scotland’s Ten Year Social Enterprise Strategy, and increased social investment by organisations and individuals. I look forward to watching what Firstport achieves over the next 10 years.”