He is also an investor-director with Vert Technologies, chairman of Miigen and thinkWhere, and co-owner of Tiger Industries.

A long-time friend and customer of Blueprint Media, he was formerly chief executive of Jumpstart and chairman of Brightwork before each was sold, at premier prices per share, to new owners.

Who? Dr Brian Williamson

Where? 4icg offices, Glasgow

When? Autumn 2019

What? Interviewed on his successful entrepreneurial career and top tips from his experience. It was all encompassing and covered: 

•  Highs and lows of career
•  Risks
•  How do you evaluate risk?
•  How do you balance up the board on a business?
•  Importance of Sales 
•  Marketing and raising media profile
•  Jumpstart journey
•  Brightwork 
•  4icg
•  ThinkWhere 
•  Miigen
•  Vert Rotors 
•  Addressing STEM skill shortages
•  Big DATA
•  3 top tips in business 
•  Quick fire questions 

Where? Walled Gardens, Edinburgh

When? Winter 2019

What? Interviewed about his role at SELECT and all that the membership body does, including the campaign to regulate the profession of ‘Electrician’ within Scotland.

It was all encompassing and covered:

• Who is SELECT and what do you do?
• Is the future electric?
• Regulation of electrician and campaign update
• Main issues in electro technical sector in Scotland
  • Skills shortages
  • Renewable technology knowledge
• How does the sector recruit young people in the sector?
• What is SELECT doing to attract more people into the industry?
• What are the typical characteristics of a SELECT Member?
• How does profession of electricians compare to other trades?
• The electric car revolution and how SELECT plays a role in this.
• Where do you see SELECT being in 5 years time?
• What top tips to anyone seeking an electrician?
• What’s involved in day to day work of an electrician?
• Alan’s professional career
• Story about his Scottish Cup journey as goalkeeper for Civil Service Strollers in the 1990s.
• Quick fire questions

John Paterson

Chairman, Vert Rotors Ltd 

www.vert.co.uk

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/john-paterson-335b664 

1. In less than 45 words, give us an Elevator Pitch for your business.

We transform global compressor applications with our proven, patented software-driven technology which has impressively low noise and vibration and which is capable of continuous running unlike most competitors. We see endless potential for the integration of the technology in sectors such as refrigeration, heat pumps and HVAC.  Our branded compressors are ideally suited to the hand-held tools, fibre optics installation and distributed air markets.

2. What do you like the most about your job?

As non-executive chairman there is only periodic contact with people in the company. However, it is always great to see this young but highly talented team, which has a never-ending enthusiasm and a real passion for Vert’s ground-breaking engineering.

3. What has been your best moment in business?

Launching a nation-wide direct distribution system in total secrecy enabling a 15% value share gain over main competitor. My first GM position was in Hungary’s leading FMCG business. Three wholesalers were strangling competition and service levels, so we covertly recruited and trained 250 staff, purchased 250 vehicles, built 12 distribution centres and created a new hand-held sales system with a £5m pound investment. This required setting up six unconnected companies as a front and a full professional security network due to organised crime risks. The wholesale network collapsed the day we went live causing major competitor disruption. Our security network was so effective we knew the death threat was coming the day before it arrived! This transformed our company which went on to win the Hewitt Best Employer Award.

4. What lessons have you learned that you would pass on to others?

Be humble, listen, always do what you say you are going to do and build a great team. Trust should be a given to be lost but most people require trust to be earned which I think is demotivating and a glass half empty approach to culture and motivation.

5. Tell us about your first job and any unusual jobs you have had in the past?

I was an Operational Auditor based in Marathon International Petroleum’s London HQ. We had a young team and it was work hard play hard. An adventure for a 21- year old flying offshore into the North Sea, Arabian Gulf and the depths of the Libyan Desert. An unusual role was securing two acquisitions through the Russian privatisation process – living a real-life thriller from the KGB, mafia, guns and death threats to caviar, champanski and suitcases full of cash!!

6. What do you hope the future hold for you and your business?

Many people have contributed significantly to bringing Vert to its current stage. The best reward for everyone would be to see this unique product achieve its fullest global potential as a true disruptor in a conservative sector.

7. Away from work, what do you like to do?

Travel is still a great passion. In 2018 a group of friends and I spent 10 weeks driving the Pan American Highway from Guatemala City to Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of Argentina. In 2017 I spent 5 weeks driving through Southern Africa with 4 strangers camping amongst the wild animals – totally out of my comfort zone and would love to do it again. As co-owner of a vineyard I very much enjoy wine and occasional cooking. I recently joined Luffness New Golf Club in East Lothian and look forward to playing more.

8. What’s the last book / concert / Netflix series you most enjoyed?

Assegai by Wilbur Smith, concert was the Community Choir at The Usher Hall and Netflix was Drive to Survive.

9. Where is your happy place?

Two homes from home – Finca Ambrosia, Gualtallary in the Uco Valley, Argentina or Barbados which was our first overseas posting.

10. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to have dinner with, who would you choose?

Nelson Mandela, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Stirling, founder of the SAS.

Dr Sheila started the business in 2016 after working for twenty years as a GP in the NHS.

Dr. Sheila O’Neill
Founder, Glasgow Medical Rooms

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sheila-o-neill-607b1921/
• https://www.glasgowmedicalrooms.com

1. In less than 45 words, give us an Elevator Pitch for your business.

GMR is a private GP practice which offers bespoke appointments to individuals and companies using the most up to date medicine available. We have quick appointments , fast referral processes  and a huge range of medical specialities in house. Discretion is at the heart of GMR.

2. What do you like the most about your job?

Having time with patients and not having to follow strict appointment lengths. These are made to suit individuals as can the times and dates.

3. What has been your best moment in business?

Securing my first big contract with a large company for providing their medical care.

4. What lessons have you learned that you would pass on to others?

Not to expect to make any money for the first 2 years in business!
It is also much harder than I anticipated and all consuming – essentially it is 2 jobs – that of a doctor and that of a business woman.

5. Tell us about your first job and any unusual jobs you’ve had in the past?

My first job was as a chamber maid in a Glasgow hotel – I worked exceptionally hard but did lose weight as a side effect! I also learned how to properly fold towels and make beds – this has stood me in good stead as I now have 4 messy teenage sons.

6. What do you hope the future hold for you and your business?

I hope to have the best and most successful private practice in Glasgow and offer my patients the very best medical care and service possible.

7. Away from work, what do you like to do?

I have started to cycle, run and swim in the hope that I might do a triathlon next year.

8. What’s the last book / concert / Netflix series you most enjoyed?

Last concert was at Christmas in the Royal Concert Hall – it was a live orchestra that played the music to the film Love Actually – it was screened at the same time.
My most favourite Netflix series was Normal People.

9. Where is your happy place?

Walking on Troon beach.

10. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to have dinner with, who would you choose? 

Would have to be 5! My 4 sons and husband.

Chris Brown
Director, Begley Brown

• www.begleybrown.co.uk
• https://uk.linkedin.com/in/charteredfinancialplanner

1. In less than 45 words, give us an Elevator Pitch for your business. ​

We help clients identify the life they desire and then show them how to achieve and protect it. Financial planning done properly is life changing providing clarity, choice and reassurance to live life in the moment.

2. What do you like the most about your job?  ​

The opportunity to build a business based on my values, the opportunity to change people’s perceptions about our industry, the ability to make a difference to peoples’ lives, the opportunity to challenge myself.

3. What has been your best moment in business?  ​

Opening the doors and taking the leap into the unknown.

4. What lessons have you learned that you would pass on to others?  ​

Hire smart people with the right attitude.

5. Tell us about your first job and any unusual jobs you have had in the past? ​

Paperboy, Caddy, waiter.

6. What do you hope the future hold for you and your business? ​

To become respected for doing the right thing and for being one of the good guys and for helping to change lives.

7. Away from work, what do you like to do?

When I was younger I was a keen rugby player playing for Stirling county, Glasgow Accies, Glasgow Hawks and Glasgow as well as being involved with various junior Scotland teams in rugby and athletics. Nowadays, I like golf, snowboarding, walking, keeping fit, cinema, eating out, spending time with my wife, Victoria and my daughters, Erika and Alba.

8. What’s the last book / concert / Netflix series you most enjoyed? 

Viktor Frankl – Man’s Search for Meaning / Lady Gaga in Las Vegas / ​The Last Dance.

9. Where is your happy place? ​

On top of Cairngorm.

10. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to have dinner with, who would you choose?

My Dad, Jesus, Muhammed Ali.

Caroline Wayte
Marketing manager, DM Hall Chartered Surveyors

• www.dmhall.co.uk
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmwayte/

1. In less than 45 words, give us an Elevator Pitch for your business.

We give an entirely independent view on the value & condition of property – so you’re better informed for your next move.

2. What do you like the most about your job?

I enjoy the broad variety of people I interact with, learning new things and understanding what our customers really need from us – now and in the future.

3. What has been your best moment in business?

It’s still early days as I only joined in January. The best is yet to come.

4. What lessons have you learned that you would pass on to others?

1) The best things in life are free
2) Go with your gut
3) Tune into what’s not being said.

5. Tell us about your first job and any unusual jobs you’ve had in the past?

First job was as a sales assistant in a shoe shop. I also did a long stint as a waitress at The Ubiquitous Chip restaurant while I was at university. A real Glasgow institution and definitely falling into the category of University of Life. Most unusual job…I had the privilege of being a funeral arranger for a few months. Again, some amazing lessons experienced in that context.

6. What do you hope the future hold for you and your business?

I see an exciting future for our business – one filled with innovation and diversity of talent.

7. Away from work, what do you like to do?

I’m passionate about coaching and undertake some coaching in my spare time, some on a pro bono basis. Other than that – time with the family, walking the dog, food & drinks in the garden.

8. What’s the last book / concert / Netflix series you most enjoyed?

The last book I read was The Last Act of Love (Cathy Rentzenbrink). It’s been a while since I’ve been to a concert but we’ve been regulars at the Hydro since it opened. Over lockdown, Money Heist and the various Simon Reeve travelogues.

9. Where is your happy place?

Other than home – The Greek islands & Spain. Greece because my parents took me to several Greek islands on a hitchhiking holiday as a 3 year old. Spain because we’ve had many family holidays to Spain.

10. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to have dinner with, who would you choose?

Other than family – Billy Connolly, Michelle Obama, Princess Margaret.

John McDougall
Serial entrepreneur

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcdougall-b45a8b20/
• https://www.safehingeprimera.com/
• https://www.crearweddings.co.uk/
• https://www.weeweddings.co.uk/
• https://www.crear.co.uk/
• https://www.voicetechnologies.co.uk/
• https://www.routestowork.co.uk/

1. In less than 45 words, give us an Elevator Pitch for your business.

All the businesses that I am involved with help people at very significant times in their lives. This can be in overcoming mental health issues, finding appropriate sustained employment, benefitting from optimised NHS information workflows or simply having the wedding of their dreams.

I think I am in the fortunate position that I enjoy all that I do. However, this is not accidental – anything that I add to my portfolio needs to be of intrinsic interest to me. I am currently chair of four companies and vice-chair of another.

2. What has been your best moment in business?

I have had quite a long and varied career and during that time there have been lots of excellent moments in business… and, mind you, some not so good.

Back in the 1990s we won the government Department of Trade and Industry Best British Factory of the Year Award while I was M.D. of Honeywell at Newhouse. That was a great time for everyone at the plant and indeed for the community. Those were the halcyon days of Silicon Glen.

In 2002 when I was Vice President of Global Operations at Honeywell, I received the Global Leadership Excellence Award. That was obviously a good moment for me.

Ten years later I was fortunate enough to represent PSYBT when I won the Youth Business International Mentor of the Year Award which apparently had 15,000 entries worldwide.

Much more recently I was very proud to be appointed Honorary Professor (of Business) at Glasgow Caledonian University.

3. What lessons have you learned that you would pass on to others?

Listen and observe. Fully understand your customer needs and applications. Listen to the voice of the customer (VoC process) and develop solutions accordingly. Then market these solutions demonstrating clearly that they meet customer needs. Listen to your employees – actively gather and distil their ideas and feed them into action plans. Monitor competition all the time – products, prices, suppliers, people, reverse engineering etc.

4. Tell us about your first job and any unusual jobs you have had in the past?

While I was at university, I had the usual range of part time jobs as a postman, as a labourer…and as a gravedigger. On graduating from Glasgow University my first job was as a Systems Analyst with the British Steel Corporation. With business computer systems being in their infancy it was an ideal situation for young people in their twenties to quickly become the leaders. There were no older experienced “experts” in computer application systems at that time. The function was brand new in the seventies.

Much more recently – just a few years ago – as a consultant I was working simultaneously with five small businesses in the fashion sector.  My claims of being big in the fashion world provided an endless source of amusement to people who know me.

5. What do you hope the future hold for you and your business?

Crear Space to Create is already the number one international wedding business in Scotland but we want it to extend into wider “wedding tourism”.

Safehinge Primera will extend its mental health built environment products into smart applications with sensors and AI .  We will also continue our growth in Europe and USA.

Voice Technologies’ products with leading speech recognition and information workflow applications will significantly reduce NHS admin allowing clinicians to focus on clinical work.

Routes to Work will bring as many people as possible in North Lanarkshire into employment and help mitigate the current and upcoming economic turmoil caused by the Covid 19 pandemic.

6. Away from work, what do you like to do?

Cycling, hill walking, reading.  Italian food is a favourite too. As a lifelong St Mirren supporter I have had plenty of practice in wanting things to be better.

7. What’s the last book / concert / Netflix series you most enjoyed?

When I was younger, I read a lot of fiction but in recent decades my interest is primarily non-fiction.

The last book that I read was “Hutton’s Arse” (yes, that’s the name!). It brings together many of the things that I really enjoy – the Highlands, history, geology, science, hill walking, the Scottish Enlightenment – all in one book. It is written by Malcom Rider and Peter Harrison in an easy to read style.

The next book I will read will be John Bolton’s The Room Where it Happened. I look forward to reading it.

8. Where is your happy place?

The Big Strand in Islay (both the beach and the whisky).

9. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to have dinner with, who would you choose?

My ultimate dinner party guests are an unusual threesome – one dead, one fictional, one alive and that’s not all that makes them unusual.

I would choose the 1st Marquis of Montrose, Sidney Carton from Tale of Two Cities and Gabriel Batistuta. All three made huge sacrifices and were totally loyal to something beyond themselves. All then underachieved because of that loyalty – Montrose loyal to the losing side in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Sidney Carton to Lucie Manette and Charles Darnay, Batistuta to Fiorentina.

My two big questions would be: “Why did you do it?” and “Any regrets?”
I would be interested to see if there are any common themes that spanned the centuries and the vastly different contexts.

In 2018 we wrote an article for Eric about his ‘40 years under a floorboard‘ as a surveyor which offers great insight in what has changed over the years in his profession. 

Eric Curran
Partner, DM Hall

• https://www.dmhall.co.uk
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-curran-53a32221/

1. In less than 45 words, give us an Elevator Pitch for your business.

Protecting your investment? Need questions answered? Know what to ask? Seeking unbiased, independent local knowledge? At DM Hall we will look after you, tell you what you want to hear and possibly things you may not wish to hear. An opinion worth having.

2. What do you like the most about your job?

The people and problem solving.

3. What has been your best moment in business?

If I am honest it is passing my exams to become a Chartered Surveyor but really just being part of a great team at DM Hall for my whole working life.

4. What lessons have you learned that you would pass on to others?

So many lessons but briefly; be true to yourself, empathy is important but independence is more important. Never stop learning, listen to others, remember to say thank you and give praise where praise is due.

5. Tell us about your first job and any unusual jobs you’ve had in the past?

My only full time job has been with DM Hall but when at school I sold carpets for Scotco at Parkhead Cross on a Saturday and when I was 17 yrs old I went to Holland for 7 weeks to pickle gherkins and pickles for a company called G J Schuller until my exam results were available. What happened in Holland stays in Holland!

6. What do you hope the future hold for you and your business?

The business future is bright because of the people in it and it will go from strength to strength as modern technology innovates how professional practice is delivered. I will watch with interest from the side lines because the retirement sirens are calling.

7. Away from work, what do you like to do?

Socialise, spend time with my fabulous family, eat, drink good wine, whisky and Gin and of course chase a white ball around a golf course and sometime curse at it as if the problem rest with the ball!

8. What’s the last book / concert / Netflix series you most enjoyed?

Not a great reader or concert goer but in theatre land hard to get past The Jersey Boys, Les Miserable, Joseph and Blood Brothers. I tend to search out Sci Fi in Netflix.

9. Where is your happy place?

Home or Portugal.

10. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to have dinner with, who would you choose?

Ghandi, Nelson Mandela and Tommy Cooper. I would need another place however for my long suffering wife.

Gordon Duncan
Partner & Head of Corporate – Scotland
Lockton

• Lockton: https://www.locktoninternational.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-duncan-3a12102/

1. In less than 45 words, give us an Elevator Pitch for your business.

Lockton design and implement knowledgeable and creative Risk & Insurance solutions to make our clients more successful. We are composed of people who demonstrate a passion for delivering unparalleled service in order to protect our client’s balance sheets – ‘Broking Done Differently’.

2. What do you like the most about your job?

Engaging with clients and prospective clients with a view to add value and business benefit to their organisation. The different types of characters and personalities you meet on a daily/regular basis always keeps the job varied and interesting.

3. What has been your best moment in business?

Leading Lockton Corporate Scotland for the past six years, and watching the business grow exponentially year-on-year by obtaining the trust of a number of successful Scottish businesses to administer all of their insurance requirements.

4. What lessons have you learned that you would pass on to others?

a) Respect, value, and nurture all client relationships.
b) Rectify your mistakes quickly, don’t allow them to manifest and suck the life blood from your business.
c) Do not drop professional standards or integrity at any cost.

5. Tell us about your first job and any unusual jobs you’ve had in the past?

Many, many years ago during the school summer holidays I became a pallet maker. It was meant to last the whole summer, however, I lasted two weeks!

6. What do you hope the future hold for you and your business?

To build on the success we have enjoyed to date, and be the leading broker in our field. However, having turned 50 I now have one eye on retirement!

7. Away from work, what do you like to do?

I am a massive football and boxing fan. I still try and play football, but my knees keep arguing with me during and after each game. I also have two boys who are my world.

8. What’s the last book / concert / Netflix series you most enjoyed?

• Book: Mike Tyson – Undisputed Truth
• Concert: Foo Fighters
• Netflix Series: Billions/Peaky Blinders – very difficult to separate in terms of what I enjoyed the most

9. Where is your happy place?

Florida; Dubai; or Italy – anywhere with sunshine, good food/wine/beer and relaxation.

10. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to have dinner with, who would you choose?

1. Pamela Anderson
2. Michael Hutchence, Inxs
3. Steven Gerrard

Andrew Bowman

Founder, ARB Growth

• arbgrowth.co.uk
• linkedin.com/in/andrew-bowman-arb-growth

1. In less than 45 words, give us an Elevator Pitch for your business.

We deliver business growth for SMEs across a variety of disciplines including communications, strategy, PR, media, advertising, property and grants. We work with businesses to deliver their growth aims and ensure we are flexible to the business needs and budgets to ensure the best collaboration.

2. What do you like the most about your job?

The variety of challenges keeps it interesting, but ultimately it is the satisfaction of helping businesses to grow and achieve what they are striving to do, no matter how big or small. We work across all three sectors with our client base and have a unique perspective that clients find is of great benefit. One day we can be delivering a piece of strategic communications for important policy work to the Government and the next installing billboard advertisements for a small SME – it is that varied.

I am a Chair, Trustee and Director on several Boards as well, which empowers me to give something back locally to voluntary groups, the creative sector, businesses and young people, all of which I find really rewarding and helps me to learn.

3. What has been your best moment in business?

They have been different at each stage of my career, with different highs for different roles. I think the critical piece is that you know what you are trying to achieve and focus on how to deliver that. It was fantastic to merge our commercial property business with Marco Rebecchi’s earlier this year to create Bowman Rebecchi, and I am enjoying the challenge of growing both businesses in tandem.

4. What lessons have you learned that you would pass on to others?

Not sure who said it, maybe Richard Branson, but the best advice I have is say yes to opportunities presented to you – even if they scare you. You have got to put yourself out there, and you will make mistakes, but it is the best way to grow and develop as an individual. Critical to everything is a work-life balance which can take some time to achieve, but once found makes life a lot easier, both for your support unit and you. People are much more likely to work with a can-do attitude, than something else.

5. Tell us about your first job and any unusual jobs you have had in the past?

I was the PA announcer at Greenock Morton Football Club for 3-4 seasons, one of many voluntary roles, including coaching I carried out for the Club when I was younger. I am looking forward to getting my kids involved on matchdays with the club once the season re-starts.

6. What do you hope the future hold for you and your business?

It has been a fantastic first year, and we have achieved everything we had aimed for in terms of turnover, profit, clients and growth. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has certainly slowed that down but we are beginning to see a sense of life pre-Covid returning, which enables us to plan again for this coming year.

7. Away from work, what do you like to do?

The simple things to help you chill and switch off – predominantly playing and having fun with my kids and family and catching all those jobs around the house and garden. I love my sports, particularly American and the NFL is probably my favourite currently given the competitiveness of it each season. I am a big Arsenal fan, and for the majority of my life have enjoyed great highs with the club.

8. What’s the last book / concert / Netflix series you most enjoyed?

My wife and I motor through boxsets, but the best I’ve seen this year was Succession on Sky Atlantic – great to see a big budget series coming to Scotland also – a few more in Inverclyde would be nice.

9. Where is your happy place?

It may be sad, but I love my hometown and Inverclyde – I think moving away certainly helped me to appreciate it more. My wife and I try to get a kid-free break each year for a few nights and one of the best was Varenna on Lake Como, which was perfect and peaceful.

10. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to have dinner with, who would you choose?

John F Kennedy – I have always been a huge JFK fan and was lucky to visit his memorial library. I enjoy reading his letters and views on the world, many of which are still relevant today.

Bill Belichick – Arguably the greatest coach in any sport, I would love to pick his brains.

Hugh Bowman – My father, who died when I was 10, so we have a lot of catching up to do.