About
The team behind Resilient Economy CIC
William Thomson - Founder - Political Economist
William studied neoclassical economics for one year at Dundee University in the 1990s, dropping the subject for something that seemed more practical and real-world and ending up with a Management Studies degree.
He then worked in the commercial departments of a few financial services trade associations in London during and after the financial crisis. He then set up various events and training businesses.
His interest in economics was rekindled during the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 when the YES campaign seemed to be getting into a mess, especially around their decision to try to form a currency union with the country they wanted to leave.
After several years of self-study, William set up SCOTONOMICS as a vehicle to disseminate information on economic issues that seemed to be rarely discussed in the mainstream, including the impact of the economy on the climate, inequality and how money really works.
In 2022, William completed an MSC in the Green Economy and MEcon in the Economics of Sustainability.
Based in Dunblane, William writes regular blog posts are articles on economics in various publications including The National newspaper in Scotland and the Scottish Left Review.
Simon Ripton - Founder
Simon graduated with a degree in Business Law and worked in the financial services and wealth management industries where he gained a deep understanding of how banks, consumer credit, payment systems, pensions, investments and financial technology work.
Whilst working in an offshore financial centre during the 2008 GFC he saw first hand many of the challenges and inequities inherent in global financial and taxation systems and became increasingly interested in the political economy and the space where micro money and macro money meet.
Upon returning to the UK he was a Volunteer Director at a regional credit union where he saw first hand the impact of low wages, unstable work and financial exclusion.
He’s a trained B Corp ‘B leader’ and in 2020 he completed an MBA in strategic sustainability. He is now studying a Masters in Ecological Economics and the Economics of Sustainability.
Based in the Peak District between Sheffield and Manchester Simon is an elected Councillor. He works closely with his MP and local parties to improve social outcomes for residents. He’s an advocate for systems change and reform of the public and private money system to deliver social and climate justice.