Denzil Skinner

Denzil Skinner took up the position of Chair of Essential Edinburgh in February 2011. He has spent 20 years at Edinburgh's renowned jeweller's and silversmiths Hamilton & Inches. His career with Hamilton & Inches began when the company was owned by the Inches family and included being bought by the Asprey Group and completing a subsequent MBO, Denzil left the business in early 2010.

His particular passion was building the Hamilton & Inches Silver workshop into the UK market leader with a UK and European reputation of excellence; notable commissions included the Triple Crown Trophy, a Crown for the Lord Lyon, King of Arms and a Mace commissioned by Her Majesty for the Lord President. Denzil was a shareholder, director and Company Secretary of Hamilton & Inches.

He has been actively involved with the George Street Association and has a breadth of business experience, built upon knowledge gained whilst attending an MBA , during the MBO from the Asprey Group and in negotiating with third party corporate partners. He has a particular interest in the long term development of the BID area.

Denzil lives in Edinburgh with his wife, Sarah and has 3 children; he is actively involved with Lady Haig Poppy Factory as a director and is Chairman of the Scottish Auction in aid of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (Scotland).

1989-2010 – Director & Company Secretary, Hamilton & Inches
1988 MBA – Heriot Watt University
1977-1988 HM Forces – Commissioned into 16/5 The Queen's Royal Lancers, ending service career as the Adjutant of the Regiment.