support_from_Scottish_Entrepreneurial_Exchange

The Entrepreneurial Exchange 20 09
Celebrating
Entrepreneurial
Success
The Entrepreneur
of the Year Awards
in association with Deloitte and Business7
2 6 . 11 . 0 9
The Entrepreneurial Exchange Annual Dinner
in association with
Cover Stories
Contents November 2009
The Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
contents
04A Warm Welcome
A welcome message from Chief Executive John Anderson
– The Inspiration Goes On
08Eye Spy
If it’s happening, it’s here!
24Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
Once more we gather to celebrate entrepreneurship in Scotland
In association with Deloitte and Business7
On The Cover
Photography: Stephen Burns, Gerardo Jaconelli
Editorial Content: John Anderson & Kylie Forrest
Title: With thanks to Karen McTaggart
Artwork & Layout: Curious Design & Architecture
Dinner Committee
John McGlynn Airlink Group, Dinner Committee Chairman
John Anderson The Entrepreneurial Exchange
Kylie Forrest KL Events
3
Editors Letter November 2009
welcome
a warm
From the editor… the inspiration goes on
Another November rolls round and we are
almost through the year that was 2009.
What a year it has been! From the tail
end of 2008 through much of 2009 we
have witnessed economic turmoil and
the most unsettled market conditions
affecting all sectors and not only in the
UK but across the globe.
Is the end in sight? I certainly hope so
and over the past few months I am
beginning to feel that we are finally
turning a corner.
Throughout the year I meet with many of
our members and whilst yes they have
faced their challenges I sense a strong
under current of optimism that quite
frankly inspires me and gives over to the
belief that we are in a unique position to
grasp the opportunities that are out there.
Over the past 15 years the Entrepreneurial
Exchange has continued to be Scotland’s
only organisation “for entrepreneurs, by
entrepreneurs”.
With other dinners noticing a definite
drop in numbers, to have over 600
people here tonight representing
Scotland’s entrepreneurial driving force
is a very big thing indeed.
There is safety in numbers perhaps but
I also feel the key to this lies in the fact
that only true entrepreneurs understand
each other. A true entrepreneur will seek
the opportunities out there, will see the
4
positive aspects of running a business in
challenging conditions and will be willing
to take the necessary risks to ensure
survival and prosperity.
The contribution that this makes to the
Scottish economy is immeasurable and
we need more of you to take on the role
of wealth creator and mantle of being a
Scottish entrepreneur.
Canny members of the Exchange have
been utilising the benefits of membership
during this time attending targeted
events and asking for advice from those
who have been here before, after all that
is what we are all about.
We will all at some point need a shot
of inspiration and tonight is all about
providing that. We have some truly
fantastic success stories to celebrate
tonight with six exceptional finalists who
are continuing to build businesses of
scale. Of course there can only be
one winner but all of the candidates
impressed the judges and we will be
revealing that decision later this evening.
We also celebrate continues success
and longevity in the world of business
by inducting two distinguished Scottish
entrepreneurs into our Hall of Fame.
As our calendar of events draws
to a close this year, we will look
back throughout the evening at the
achievements of you, our members
and celebrate your success stories.
Looking forward to 2010 I have a feeling
that it will be a pivotal year for many and
with our 15th anniversary celebrations
kicking off on 22nd April 2010 at our
annual conference in Gleneagles I am
confident that our successes of the past
will be nothing compared with what we
are all yet to achieve. Not only in the
field of entrepreneurial accomplishment
but also changing the face of Scotland
through our strategic programme which
is set to be launched by Enlight.
On page 12 you will find details on what
we are hoping to achieve through Enlight.
We have always believed in working hard,
playing hard and giving something back
and by using the combined skill set of our
members collectively we can all play our
part in making a difference that will be
our legacy to the generations who follow.
In contrast to our HeadsUp title, it is time
to get our heads down and get on with
the work of being Scotland’s exceptional
entrepreneurial driving force.
Good luck and enjoy your evening!
John Anderson,
Chief Executive,
The Entrepreneurial Exchange
5
Sponsor’s Message November 2009
Managing risk today
involves more than
mitigating the impact
of adverse effects.
It means identifying and
implementing risk solutions
that help increase revenues
and enhance bottom lines.
As the world’s leading risk
specialist, Marsh works with
clients throughout the UK to
help make their businesses
more successful.
Our experienced local
professionals can deliver
innovative solutions to
the needs of businesses
throughout the UK.
More than one year on from the
upheaval witnessed in economies across
the globe, business remains challenging.
But while ‘normal’ conditions may still
be some time off, there are several
encouraging signs of a return to a more
favourable trading environment.
message
sponsor’s
Recent research shows that British
businesses are now more confident
about their future than at any time in the
past 15 months and are regaining their
optimism in the outlook for the wider
economy.
Call us to see how we can help make you
more successful
Contact: Gordon Duncan
Tel: 0141 304 4370
Marsh is authorised and regulated by The Financial Services Authority for insurance mediation activities only.
© Copyright Marsh Ltd
All rights reserved
Ref:802574FD003514E8_ExpApr10_12/11/08
As part of the wider Lloyds Banking Group,
Bank of Scotland is fully supportive of all
Government schemes designed to help
businesses get access to funding, and
continues to work hard with customers,
both existing and new, to support them
through these undoubtedly difficult times.
As well as offering a wide range of
products and services to customers,
at Bank of Scotland we also deliver an
unrivalled service through locally-based
Relationship Management and Business
Development Teams for both Corporate
and Commercial business.
For SMEs, we have just launched our
charter for business which sets out a
range of commitments to help stimulate
demand and boost access to finance;
provide guidance to help businesses
grow successfully and clarify the terms on
which we will lend to our customers.
This initiative is part of a strategy to build
relationships with customers through the
economic cycle – fulfilling a promise
to support businesses during downturns
and upturns. These commitments
are intended to help provide
confidence and clarity to businesses
as the economy starts to emerge from
recession. Businesses which plan for an
improvement in trading conditions are
more likely to succeed and we aim to
be right alongside with relevant advice
and support.
Our experienced teams provide
professional advice tailored to each
individual customer’s needs. Being based
in the communities enables these teams
to fully understand the challenges that
our customers face.
This has undeniably been a year of great
change for Bank of Scotland. What has
not changed is our determination to
earn our place at the heart of Scotland’s
business community. We are proud
of our continued partnership with the
Entrepreneurial Exchange and honoured
to join you in celebrating the success of
those at the frontline who are making
their mark in these challenging times.
Stuart Yuill
Head of Business Development
- Commercial
Bank of Scotland
7
Eye Spy November 2009
Spending the night together
The Evening With format of events continues to attract a large number of members and provide an ideal opportunity to
get up and personal with some of Scotland’s best known entrepreneurs. Sir Tom Farmer had a sell out last week and if
you haven’t booked your place for an evening with Robert Wiseman on 3 December get in quick. You won’t be going
home with the milk but it will be a great night to spend with fellow members.
If Paradise is half as nice
It was a bhoy hood dream come true when Stephen
round the pitch with the cup, signing autographs and
Melville of Key secured his pace to full on the hoops and
shaking hands with the faithful you’d have thought he
play for Celtic. The legends match in aid of the Tommy
was at this all his days!
Burns Skin Cancer Foundation saw Stephen captain the
PS Stephen impressed the team so much that they have
side in the second half before narrowly missing a chance
asked him back to model in an upcoming charity fashion
to score when it went over the bar. Despite the lack of a
show later this month! Footballer, model what
Melville goal his side went on to win and as he paraded
next Stephen?
Fast Track
Entrepreneurs
How quickly they grow up! Alan Catto announced
the birth of his daughter Jazz to the delegates of the
annual conference in 1997. Members who remembered
this certainly felt their age as Jazz took to the floor to
question Sir Jackie Stewart at a recent evening with…
the new generation are certainly planning on a fast
track to success.
8
Curry on dancing
From curry to ballroom dancing,
yes that’s right Vice Chairman
Charan Gill, MBE took to the floor to
raise cash for charity at Celebrity
Come Dancing.
His fancy footwork saw him take first
pace with his partner. Rumours of
him being approached by the Strictly
producers are unfounded as he is
now too busy with his new restaurant
venue Slumdog – to the others
though we say keep dancing!
Buzzing with victory
Indestructible
diamonds
They are the hardest mineral on earth
capable of cutting glass and also
taking apart rooms in Gleneagles!
Following the annual conference,
Gaynor Turner happened to drop
some jewellery which disappeared
under the floorboards.
The maintenance team was
summoned and after all efforts failed
to retrieve said gems were left with
little option to dismantle the skirting
boards and floor. Rumours that
the room has been renamed the
diamond suite are unfounded but it
will be a room with a carpet next year
for Gaynor!
There were celebrations in Ayr as the Exchange’s golf trophy the Founders
Cup made it’s way down to the west coast of Scotland and will reside for
a year with current champion Colin Blair of Buzzworks. Well done Colin and
thanks to David McCutcheon of Bullet Express for arranging all of the games
– never an easy task!
9
True Grit November 2009
True Grit
The Mark of the Entrepreneur
the entrepreneurial exchange annual conference 2009 in association with bank of scotland.
Since time began, there have
always been mavericks, tough,
independent, fearless, characters
of honour and principle, willing to
seek opportunity, willing to face
any danger, exploring further and
further a field and often through
hostile territory.
This true grit is the mark of the
entrepreneur!
The Entrepreneurial Exchange is
a pioneering organisatation and
the annual conference once again
took delegates on a journey through
rough business terrain, exploring
the opportunities out there and
discovering the new innovations
and business practices will shape
the new world.
10
Under the leadership of wagon
master Charan Gill, MBE some
of the finest names from the world
of business joined our wagon train.
Last year’s Entrepreneur of the
Year Simon Howie, international
financial entrepreneur Azeem
Ibrahim, serial entrepreneurs
Karen Darby, George Polk and
seasoned investor and former
Dragon Doug Richard.
By the end of the day our delegates
were back in the saddle again and
ready to mosey on back to their
business with a shot of inspiration
claiming it was the best darn event
of the year!
11
Enlight November 2009
The Change Programme
The Enlight Change Programme provides
hands-on management support,
strategic advice and funding to charities
and social enterprises. In the autumn of
2008 Enlight invited charities and social
enterprises working with under 25’s in
The Entrepreneurial Exchange’s Charity
Scotland to achieve their full potential,
to apply for support. The charities had
to be seeking our unique investment
package and be at a critical stage in
Most of us in the developed world
engage in charitable giving, even
the poorest members of society give
to those less fortunate or to support
a cause which is close to their heart.
The Entrepreneurial Exchange has
as part of its core values a focus on
‘giving something back’. Many of our
most successful members have set up
their own foundations; give privately or
through their companies, significant
sums to charity with a serious focus on
philanthropy. All of us, regardless of
wealth, have a responsibility to our fellow
man to do what we can to make a
positive difference to the lives of others.
Despite vast amounts of money
being raised year after year and
charities working hard in their own field,
philanthropy has fallen short of solving our
most pressing problems. For most donors,
philanthropy is about which charity or
non-profit organisation to support and
then how much money to give them.
This effectively delegates to the charity
the responsibility for devising and
implementing the solutions.
Each charity generally functions alone,
in its own silo pursuing the strategies that
it deems best, lacking the structure to
learn from one another’s best practice.
Also lacking the clout to influence
government or the scale to achieve
national impact.
Collaboration throughout the sector
is almost impossible, as each charity
competes for funding by trying to
persuade funders that its approach
is better than any other organisation
addressing the same issue. Very few
have the resource to truly track their own
effectiveness.
as entrepreneurs is what makes each
and everyone of us successful in our
own businesses. Imagine what would
be possible if we were to focus those
energies and expertise within the charities
sector. Collectively we have the potential
to make our mark here in Scotland – and
wider if we choose.
Collectively we
have the potential
to make our mark
here in Scotland
– and wider if we
choose.
Enlight at the Entrepreneurial Exchange
is a new concept that provides the
framework for harnessing that potential.
Enlight will act as a catalyst
and a co-ordinator for collaboration,
creating a new way of working that
encourages shared learning, creativity
and ambition – a similar approach to
the Entrepreneurial Exchange.
The contributions of conventional donors
and the good work of effective social
organisations may temporarily improve
matters at a particular place and time,
but they are unlikely to create the lasting
change that our society needs. Despite
the sincere dedication and best efforts
of those who work in the voluntary sector,
there is little reason to assume that they in
isolation have the ability to solve society’s
large scale problems.
What we need is a new approach to
philanthropy. We need to change our
mindset to facilitate significant and
sustainable change. Our unique mindset
Enlight has designed two investment
programmes; The Change Programme
and the Strategic Programme to help us
achieve our vision, both are focused on
supporting young people under 25 years
old in Scotland. Over the next few pages
you can read about the programmes.
Don’t just read about it – get involved.
We can’t achieve our vision without the
support of all our members. By working
together and pooling our financial and
non-financial resources, whether we can
give just a few hours or a few days or
time, a few hundred or a few thousand
pounds – we can and will make a
difference.
their development, where support from
Enlight would create a step change
The Enlight Investment Committee
(Alan Revie, Peter Grant & Brian Aitchison)
volunteered significant time to work
with Imogen Assenti and assess the
applications. From over 75 initial
applications, they spent six months
carrying out due diligence, including
financial reviews, meeting with
At the Entrepreneurial Exchange
Conference in April we announced
we would be working with SkillForce
Scotland, Day 1 Ltd and Columba
1400, and asked members to get
involved and support them through Enlight.
Here’s their story so far.....
Entrepreneurial Exchange
Day 1 Ltd
Day 1 Ltd is an Inverness based charity
set up to provide young people from
tough social backgrounds who are most
at risk of exclusion or appear to have
limited opportunity, with the chance to
unlock their potential. Day1 works with 14
- 16 year-olds, who need guidance and
positive input in their lives, providing a
one-to-one mentoring service.
Over the course of a year the mentors
work closely with the young people,
offering advice and support to get
programme is designed to improve
12
management teams and site visits
to see the charities work with young
people in practice, to finally select
three charities in the spring of 2009.
at the
the young people back on track. The
Thanks to our supporters for their financial and pro-bono support: Aird Foundation, The Aitchison Foundation,
John Anderson, Paul Atkinson, Chard FM, Clydesdale Bank, First Independent Finance, Chris Gorman OBE, Peter Grant,
Halo Hotels, Kapital Foundation, McGrigors, Jim McColl OBE, Mediavision, Alan Revie, Iain Stirling, Murray Strachan, Voltage
in their organisation. We were looking
for charities that delivered results, were
ambitious and had the potential to
benefit large numbers of young people.
their self-confidence, encourage their
aspirations and explore potential career
opportunities, challenging them to have
a clearer sense of purpose in their lives.
The main aim is to ensure they don’t end
up as one of the 14% of 16-19 year olds
not in employment, education or training.
They have a unique approach and a 94%
success rate. To date they have worked
with 50 young people since they were
founded in 2006 and now having proved
that their model works they want to expand.
Enlight is working with them to help expand
the Inverness operation and explore
growth opportunities throughout Scotland.
Peter Grant from Grant Management
is working with Day 1. “We reviewed a
number of charities and Day 1 really
struck a chord with me. It was founded
by two fellow entrepreneurs and
their approach might seem simple
or common sense but it’s incredibly
effective. Over the last few months we’ve
been working on their future plans and
helping them develop their marketing.
For example I’ve just helped them pull
together a presentation for Highland
Council on the value of their work, which
we hope will help secure additional
contracts and funding. Lindsay McGarvie
of McGarvie Morrison Media has agreed
to help us identify and connect with
the right people in the Council. The
work we’re doing will help to take the
organisation to the next stage”
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Enlight at the Entrepreneurial Exchange November 2009
SkillForce Scotland
SkillForce increases the number of young
people leaving school that go on to a
positive destination, whether finding a job,
getting into further education or training.
Established in 2001, SkillForce Scotland
provides an in-school programme that
draws together vocational qualifications,
community volunteering and life skills
within the context of classroom and
outdoor activities. They are currently
working with 600 young people in
22 schools across Scotland.
The SkillForce programme is taken in
place of a Standard Grade by S3 &
S4 students and they typically spend
4 periods per week for two years
with a SkillForce team of two trained
Instructors. The students choose SkillForce
as an option, but are signposted by
teachers because of poor attendance,
behavioural or academic issues.
SkillForce has an impressive track record.
•100% of their students left school
with at least one qualification
•94% of their students moved into
employment, education or training
•Exclusions & truancy are reduced
dramatically compared to similar
pupils not on the programme.
With the support of Enlight a SkillForce
Scotland Advisory Committee has been
established with SkillForce trustees, staff
and Enlight members. Working to an
agreed plan they are focusing on areas
such as business modelling, marketing &
communications and fundraising.
Iain Murray of Chard FM has been
engaged in Enlight since early 2009. “I
attended the Enlight evening with Rod
Aldridge and got in touch with Imogen to
see how I could be involved. We agreed
to make a small financial contribution
through the company and when the
charities for the Change Programme
were chosen, we had another discussion
about which charity would benefit from
my skills. I’m working with SkillForce to
look at their business model in Scotland,
at the moment particularly focused on
the financials and looking at full cost
recovery for the programme they deliver.
Being able to offer practical hands-on
support that helps to really consolidate
the charity and give them a business
perspective, will ultimately help them to
help more young people.”
“Voltage is a marketing communications
agency and our work with SkillForce
Scotland is focused on exactly that”
says Exchange member Scott Simpson.
Columba 1400
Columba 1400 was established in 1997
and their focus is on young people with
personal or social challenges, such as
poverty, exclusion, addictions to drugs
or alcohol and care leavers and those
adults who could have a positive impact
on their lives such as teachers, social
workers & carers. From their base in Skye
they deliver intensive week long residentials,
focusing on leadership and raising
aspirations for young people. 4000 young
people and adults have graduated from
their leadership academies.
Earlier this year Columba 1400 won the
Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneur of
the Year Award. In 2010 they will open a
14
second site on Loch Lomond enabling
them to work with young people.
“Over the next few weeks we hope to
begin working with Columba 1400”,
Brian Aitchison of Levern Towers Ventures.
“The work they do with young people
is truly inspiring and I believe the
partnership with Enlight will add a great
deal to the organisation. It’s likely we’ll be
looking for people with marketing skills,
change management and strategic
planning, but not exclusively. If members
would like to know more about what it
involves and how they can help, they can
contact either Imogen or myself.”
“The Enlight Investment Committee had
identified marketing as an issue for the
charity and when I volunteered some of
my time they asked if I would work with
SkillForce. So far we’ve completed a
rebrand of the charity completely
pro-bono, supported a major promotion
and sales event for them by securing
T-shirts, exhibition stands and leaflet
printing at cost or pro-bono (thanks to
suppliers and fellow Exchange members)
and the next stage is working through a
marketing plan. It’s easier for us to give
time and skills through our company than
to write a cheque to Enlight, but the value
to the charity is the same”
Sue Holloway from Mediavision, who
recently joined the Enlight Advisory
Board, was able to support SkillForce by
securing a weeklong slot of adverts on
Real Radio. “We get lots of requests from
charities, but when I heard about Enlight
I wanted to get involved, so we made
a donation through the company. We
work closely with Real Radio and when
the opportunity for a Real Action slot
came up for an Enlight charity, SkillForce
seemed like a great choice.”
The aim of the
Enlight Change
Programme is not just to create stronger,
more sustainable organisations that
are world class, but also to encourage
collaboration. Our plan is to work with
many more charities in the coming years,
but we need help from our members
to support these initial charities in their
development.
If you have been inspired to help, either
by making a donation, giving you time or
pro-bono support through your company
please contact Imogen Assenti on
07793 238460 or [email protected]
Enlight Advisory Board:
Brian Aitchison, John Anderson,
Peter Grant, Sue Holloway, Jim McColl OBE,
Keith Punler, Alan Revie, Iain Stirling
The Strategic Programme
Our Strategic Programme focuses on
one of the most significant challenges
in Scotland today - supporting young
people who are looked after or in care
in Scotland.
In 2008, there were almost 15,000 looked
after children in Scotland – their number
is increasing every year.
A child that is looked after or in care
could be in residential care, fostered
or under social work supervision and
cared for by a family member such
as a grandparent or still living at home
with their parents.
They have some of the worst life
opportunities and often find the transition
to independent adult life difficult.
•Poor educational attainment
– 25% don’t achieve even 1 Standard
Grade at Foundation level
•A higher rate of exclusion (forbidden
from attending) from school , 445 per
1,000 compared with 52 per 1,000 for
Scottish schoolchildren overall.
•42% leave care with no
destination and become a NEET
(not in employment, education or
training) statistic
•29% have been in trouble
with the police in last year
•45% of 5-17 year olds were assessed
as having a mental disorder – most
often conduct related.
•30% of young homeless people
have been in care
•1 in 7 are pregnant or already mothers
•23% of adult prisoners have been in care
So the reasons why we have chosen
to focus on this particular group of
young people are clear. The Scottish
Government, Children’s Commissioner
and charities all recognise we need
to improve their future and reduce
the long-term cost to our society.
The question is how?
Over the next few months we will bring
together the partners involved in working
with young people who are looked after
or in care, from the Government and
local councils to charities, along with the
young people themselves. We want to
work in partnership with them to identify
opportunities for change and how we
can help them to achieve those.
We will create a framework to focus
on where we can make a strategic,
systemic change. By targeting one area,
in collaboration with partners, it will be
possible to achieve national impact and
change the lives of many young people.
It is likely our focus will be on improving
education attainment. If we can improve
their educational achievement and
reduce the number leaving with no
qualifications at all, their opportunities
will expand and they will have a higher
chance of moving from childhood to
adulthood successfully. By working with
11-13 year olds we will be able to monitor
their progress until they leave school at
16+ and see which solutions have the
best results.
Once we know what can make a
difference we will share this information
as widely as possible and lobby for
systemic change that ensures every
child in care will have the best possible
chance of a successful future. We need
to be collaborative and innovative, using
all of our experience and skills to create
this change.
We can’t work alone and we don’t have
all the answers – but we can change
the future.
“I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely
more serious and difficult task of wise distribution.” Andrew Carnegie
15
“work hard, play hard, give something back”
Award for
Philanthropy
Sponsored By The Hunter Foundation
Award for Philanthropy November 2009
We make a living by what
we get, but we make a life
by what we give
Winston Churchill
To be in the position of being fortunate enough to give something back has long
been a focus of the Entrepreneurial Exchange. This is at the very heart of Enlight
and is also the reason why each year at our awards ceremony we honour those
who make a commitment to rising to the challenge of using their skill and expertise
to change the lives of many.
The Entrepreneurial Exchange Award
for Philanthropy sponsored by the
Hunter Foundation is presented to an
individual who has made an outstanding
contribution to philanthropy.
Past winners include David Sibbald,
Jim McColl, OBE, Mel Young the
Chairman of the Homeless World Cup
and last years winner Sir Ian Wood
who through the Wood Foundation is
pledging to use his business expertise
and fortune to create a lasting legacy
across the globe.
All of our winners have one thing in
common – determination to rise to the
challenge that they face. Each of them
has shown a willingness to approach
philanthropy from a business perspective
in order to make a long term difference.
Tonight’s recipients are an inspiration
to us all. They have both faced
challenges that most of us couldn’t
begin to comprehend. They have shown
determination, exceptional courage
and tenacity in their efforts to make a
difference to the lives of many.
Sir. Tom Hunter, Chairman of the Hunter
Foundation noted:
“Our winners this evening are outstanding
in their achievements through adversity.
Having met both of them on numerous
occasions they continue to inspire me
with what they have achieved , the
determination that they possess is fierce.
It is an honour and privilege for me to
know both of them and to be able to
present this award for all they have done
and will continue to do- Fantastic”.
Sir Tom Hunter
The Hunter Foundation
16
17
Award Sponsor’s Message November 2009
We are delighted to continue our support and commitment to this
prestigious event in the business calendar. Since our initial involvement
with the Exchange in 2007 we are encouraged by the depth of interest
in these coveted awards and the continued growth in nominations
which reached a record number this year. This is a real testament to the
robustness and resilience of Scottish business-builders, both within the
Entrepreneurial Exchange membership and beyond. We also consider
that these Awards are widely regarded by the business community and
fellow entrepreneurs as the benchmark to recognise and celebrate
entrepreneurial achievement. As you would expect this year’s finalists
are truly outstanding.
message
award sponsor’s
Innovation only happens with the right ingredients
2009 has undoubtedly been a tough
year for a number of businesses across
Scotland as they have had to react to
the challenges brought about by the
economic downturn. That said by any
measure and under any circumstances
the examples of innovation and
entrepreneurship seen among those
interviewed this year, and even more so
among the six reaching the final, have
been exceptional. We acknowledge
and commend the continued efforts
and mentoring of the Exchange and its
members in supporting the sustained
development of Scotland’s ambitious
growing businesses.
At Deloitte, we identify and celebrate
the spirit of entrepreneurship. Achieving
extraordinary business success is a
journey and our Entrepreneurial Business
Team is well placed to recognise and
distil the many greater opportunities
along the way. Our team thoroughly
enjoyed meeting the diverse range of
exceptional candidates this year. From
ambitious youngsters setting out to shake
up their sector through to more seasoned
campaigners who have gathered
a wealth of experience and built an
impressive track record across a number
of different fields, they presented us with
an almost impossible task in agreeing the
shortlist for this year’s awards.
It’s heartening to see entrepreneurship
in Scotland continuing to thrive and
long may it continue.
Now is the time for each of you to
position your businesses for the future.
Economic downturns create the
environment for differential growth for
those entrepreneurs with bold and
ambitious plans and who execute well
and with urgency on those plans. How
you choose to respond over the next 24
months could influence your business’
performance for the next 10 years.
Jim Boyle
Audit Partner and Head of the
Scottish Entrepreneurial Business Team
© 2009 Deloitte LLP. All rights reserved.
19
News November 2009
Preparing
for exit
The Deloitte Entrepreneurship UK
report published earlier this year
highlighted that 60% of Scottish
entrepreneurs are already
planning how and when to
ultimately exit their businesses.
The process
Sources of funding
Forward planning is essential.
When considering a sale, there are both
internal and external factors to take into
account. These will affect the price and
marketability of the business.
There will also be commercial factors to
consider such as resolving or minimising
potential issues which could delay a sale.
This would mean looking at contentious
areas such as outstanding customer or
staff disputes or pension scheme funding.
Various types of institutions might
provide sources of finance if vendors are
contemplating a partial sale of equity
or a sale to second tier management.
These include banks, private equity
houses and public sector funding. Before
raising finance, it is good practice to
prepare answers to questions which
providers are likely to ask. Any finance
provider will focus on the balance sheet
and future cash flows of the business.
Important internal factors affecting a sale
include the track record of the business,
underlying quality of assets, future
profitability, the retention of key personnel
and whether the purchaser sees an
opportunity to create additional value.
External factors will include things such as
stockmarket conditions and the market
dynamics in the particular sector. The
current conditions in the debt markets
and the potential impact on underlying
value should also be considered when
contemplating a sale.
Ensuring that all legal affairs are up to
date is part of preparing a business
for sale. Any sale process will involve
substantial legal paperwork.
Once the decision to sell has been taken,
creating a structured and tight timetable
for the process is crucial in establishing
and maintaining best value. This will also
serve to minimise the risks associated
with a sale process, including adverse
reaction of customer or suppliers if they
hear rumours the business is being sold.
These types of transactions are proving
more complex, and taking longer to
complete, in the current economic
environment. Bank funding is not readily
available and this severely impacts the
private equity funding model. There is
even more reason, therefore, to plan
effectively for the transaction process
and for vendors to appreciate that
valuations are unlikely to reach levels
seen in recent years.
Tips for success
• Planning, and timing your exit well, is vital to a successful sale.
• Grooming the business ahead of time shortens the timeframe of the sale process
• Finding a buyer should be a targeted exercise
• Vendor due diligence and a well run process helps the vendor stay in control
20
Top line growth gets second
billing for UK’s entrepreneurs
– but Scots businesses remain more
confident about their long-term prospects
According to the results of the Deloitte
annual Entrepreneurship UK report
published earlier this year, growth
has taken a backseat for the UK’s
entrepreneurs.
The survey of nearly 300 entrepreneurs
from across the UK (including over 50
from the Exchange) revealed that a fifth
of firms expect to see no revenue growth
in their business in 2009. However, the
survey also shows how the recession has
exposed frailties in their businesses, which
they have been slow to rectify in order
to secure the long-term survival of their
business.
anticipating a 50-100% growth rate in the
next 3 years versus 14% across the UK as
a whole.
The report also found that many
Scots businesses would increasingly
look towards strategic alliances and
collaboration as a driver of this growth
with 23% of those surveyed in Scotland
citing this compared to only 17% in the
rest of the UK.
On 26 August a group of Scotland’s
entrepreneurs and members of the
Entrepreneurial Exchange met at
Deloitte’s Glasgow office for a private
boardroom dinner, where the results of
the Deloitte Entrepreneurship UK 2009
Survey were shared.
Whilst the report expressed doubts over
UK recovery prospects from the current
recession, the Scots appear to have a
more bullish outlook on what lies ahead
over the next few years.
Jim Boyle, Partner in charge of Deloitte’s
Scottish Entrepreneurial Business team,
commented: “Over the last two years
we have seen a number of Scottish
entrepreneurs continue their growth
and acquisitions strategy, albeit in a
more cautious and measured way. It
is really encouraging to see so many
Scottish businesses remaining so positive
and confident about their long-term
prospects, with 21% of Scots participants
Boyle commented: “This is an interesting
response and shows that Scottish
companies are taking a smart approach
to growing their businesses. Alliances and
collaborations can be an excellent way
of improving access to expertise, funding
and resources as well as building the
chances of success whilst at the same
time sharing the downside risks.”
One other key finding from the Deloitte
report was that over a quarter of the Scots
businesses surveyed are making more
use of mentors, non-executive directors
and accountants than a year ago.
Boyle added: “This comes as no
surprise. For many years Scotland
has had a culture that supports and
nurtures entrepreneurs and innovation
and there are a number of very well
established and active networking and
support organisations, not least the
Entrepreneurial Exchange. Especially in
these challenging times, the benefits of
tapping into this experience and getting
different perspectives can be invaluable.”
John Anderson, Chief Executive of the
Entrepreneurial Exchange in Scotland,
said: “The findings of the Deloitte report
confirm what we are seeing day to
day amongst the members of the
Entrepreneurial Exchange. We have the
added benefit of being able to tap into
the experience of our more seasoned
members who have seen tough times
before and thrived. These role models
have been fantastically supportive in
recent times and are happy to share
their knowledge of what works and what
does not with those who are facing these
conditions for the first time. We have
long had a culture of asking for help
and advice and again this seems to be
coming through strongly in the report
results. This augurs well for the ambitious
entrepreneur in Scotland.”
21
Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 November 2009
The
Entrepreneur
of the Year 2009
Our winner tonight will join an illustrious role call of
past winners who have received the coveted title
Entrepreneur of the Year they are:
Business7 has quickly established itself as the essential Scottish business weekly,
covering a wide range of news and analysis in bite-sized chunks every Friday.
Delivered in 20,000 copies to an audience of 40,000 readers and directly available in
over 400 Scottish businesses.
Business7 is the cost-effective way to target Scotland’s business community from
ambitious executives through to Scotland’s industry leaders.
• 89% of readers are in business full time
• 63% of readers are at managerial level or above.
Source: Business7 reader research Feb-May’08
Chris Gorman, OBE DUniv FRSA:
“I think Business7 is a great weekly business newspaper with
great editorial coverage. I’m very impressed by the quality and
depth of its distribution and have come across it many times on
my travels.”
To find out more about Business7 and the commercial opportunities
opportunities available within Scotland’s weekly business newspaper,
contact our sales team on 0131 535 5549.
23
Entrepreneur of the Year November 2009
Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
Once more, we gather to celebrate entrepreneurship
in Scotland and to recognise the driven individuals at the
helm of this county’s most successful growing businesses.
The Deloitte Entrepreneurial Business
team faced an extremely difficult task this
year whittling down a record number of
nominations to the shortlist for this year’s
Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2009.
From total of 62 entries received by
the Exchange, 18 were interviewed by
members of the Deloitte Entrepreneurial
Business team throughout the month
of October. The nominees interviewed
were assessed based on a range of
factors including revenue and profit track
record, innovation, leadership, strategic
vision, achievements, scalability, people
development and personal impact.
The six finalists were then selected at
a short-listing meeting on Wednesday
28 October, attended by Exchange
board members Nelson Gray and John
Anderson and Jim Boyle, Mike McGregor
and Hazel Gray from Deloitte.
24
Tonight we will congratulate two
impressive winners in the category of
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
and Entrepreneur of the Year.
Each of the finalists this evening was
identified after a rigorous judging process
and has emerged from a considerable
number of high calibre nominees.
The Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
awards is judged with one eye on the
future and goes to the person who
has demonstrated that he or she is
building a businesses of outstanding
potential.
The coveted Entrepreneur of the Year
award is presented to the person who has
led his or her business to strong growth in
revenue and profits through innovation,
teamwork and leadership skills. This award
recognises the talented and committed
individuals who are running Scotland’s
most successful growth businesses.
Leading professional services firm
Deloitte partnered with Business7 in the
assessment and the judging process.
The three stage judging process got
underway with a thorough assessment
of the nominations by a cross service
line team at Deloitte headed up by Jim
Boyle. Following this assessment,
a shortlist of nominees was selected for
the second stage judging process.
The individuals were then interviewed
by the Deloitte team and in addition to
evaluating the financial performance
of the companies, particular attention
was paid to their strategies, planning,
relationships with customers, suppliers,
competitive advantage, people,
leadership and business results
– all essential components for running
successful entrepreneurial companies.
A short list of the three finalists in each
category was then drawn up and earlier
this month each of the finalists was
interviewed by the judging panel. After
an intense day of judging and much
deliberation the judges came to their
conclusions and tonight we will present
the chosen exception individuals with
these illustrious accolades.
Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
Judging Panel (L to R)
Simon Howie, Entrepreneur of the Year
2008; Greg Cameron, Chief Reporter
Business7; John Anderson, Chief
Executive, The Entrepreneurial Exchange;
Jim Boyle, Audit Partner and Head of the
Scottish Entrepreneurial Business Team,
Deloitte; Stuart Yuill, Head of Business
Development - Commercial, Bank of
Scotland; Nelson Gray, Chair of the
Judging Panel
25
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
Owen Barrett
CLYDE VALLEY DRILLING
Serial entrepreneur Owen
Barrett has crammed a lot into
his various careers, working as a
labourer, bouncer, record label
owner and property developer.
However, it was during his time as a
technical salesman that he made
his biggest business breakthrough:
identifying a gap in the market for a
specialist diamond drilling company.
After some careful planning and
research, he decided to seize the
opportunity and in 1997 he launched
Clyde Valley Drilling (CVD) Ltd from a
garage in South Lanarkshire. CVD grew
quickly and Owen soon found that the
business was all-consuming, leaving little
time in the day for anything else.
He reinvested everything into growing
the business, taking only a modest
salary. It was the only viable source of
funding available as the banks remained
cautious about lending to a business
operating in the sub-contracting sector.
CVD continued to grow rapidly and in
2006 Owen moved the company to a
£2million purpose-built HQ in Eurocentral
Business Park in South Lanarkshire, which
was opened by HRH The Princess Royal.
26
Having established the core business,
Owen looked at other opportunities
and has expanded activities into fire
protection, recruitment, structural
erections and business workflow
scheduling. His IT company, Quarterback
Systems Ltd, has received a number of
IT business awards including the Scottish
Enterprise award for E Business and the
Orange Award for best use of technology.
Owen has also invested heavily in
innovative solutions to meet the
demands of the fledgling nuclear
decommissioning market and as a
result the business has secured major
contracts at Dounreay. He is also looking
at expanding the company’s new-found
expertise in this area into new territories
such as Eastern Europe.
However, it isn’t just in these areas
that Owen has excelled. He has also
challenged his workforce, which now
numbers more than 75, to come up with
innovative solutions for the business. A
recent example aims to improve fuel
efficiency for his large fleet of vans.
CVD’s chief mechanic has come up
with a concept to squeeze more out
of every gallon of petrol which could
reduce fuel costs by 15% and emissions
by up to 50%. An external viability
review of the process may lead to its
commercialisation.
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
Colin Manson
XODUS
Owen has grown turnover to as high as
£6.4million in 2008. However, due to the
economic downturn in the construction
sector, the decision was taken to close
CVD’s recruitment operation. Turnover
in 2009 is expected to stand at around
£5million.
Jim Boyle, Partner in charge of
Entrepreneurial Business for Deloitte in
Scotland, said:
Owen is clearly a very determined
individual who is driven to succeed. He
is bold and ambitious with his decision
making, which has allowed him to
develop and grow the business over
recent years.
Owen has also demonstrated that he
is passionate and focused on staying
ahead through innovation and hard
work, which is reflected both by the
portfolio of businesses he has in the
group and a number of significant
breakthrough contracts, such as the
Dounreay decommisioning work which
has seen the first ever diamond drilling in
the nuclear sector.
His success has been achieved through
self funding, by re-investing profits in
infrastructure, people and intellectual
property, and by always being on the
look-out for the next opportunity.
Imitation may be the most
sincere form of flattery but for
Colin Manson it’s also the best
way to ensure his business is a
success.
Initially growth was organic. However,
in March 2007 the company opened
a base in Perth, Australia, and four
months later an Orkney environmental
consultancy was acquired. A London
office was added in March 2008.
Colin and his two partners, Steve Swindell
and Richard Heard, set up Aberdeenbased energy consultancy Xodus
just four years ago with a mission to
create a culture to reflect that of Colin’s
former employer, Enterprise Oil, which
he describes as being “fantastic and
dynamic”. The chemical engineering
graduate believes this is the best way to
get the most out of people.
Since then the business has taken off with
Xodus recently concluding a £6m, threeyear contract with Maersk. Other clients
include Shell, BP, Woodside and Total.
The company now employs more than
240 people across the globe and its
divisions include subsea, process and
facilities, integration and technology
and environmental.
And it seems to be working. In a short
period of time Xodus has grown turnover
to £23.1 million and has opened offices
in Australia, Edinburgh, London and
Orkney.
Colin’s aim when he set up the company
was to be a business – or rather
consultancy – of scale as he believed this
would attract the attention of the bigger
potential customers.
More than £1m was raised to invest
in state-of-the-art equipment and a
significant proportion of these funds was
spent on PR and marketing to create
brand awareness.
Colin wants Xodus to be the leading
front-end energy consultancy in the
world. To achieve this he is implementing
an acquisition-led strategy for the
business which he calculates will increase
turnover to around £180m within five
years. This would see staff numbers
at the company rise significantly to
around 1,500.
Colin has already identified the
specialisms and regions where he wants
to add capability, with a particular focus
on all five Divisions to make each one the
best in class in its own field.
Jim Boyle, Partner in charge of
Entrepreneurial Business for Deloitte
in Scotland, said:
It is very unusual for someone who
has never run his own business before to
be so bold in their approach to starting
and growing a consultancy practice.
Xodus has experienced impressive
growth over the last four years which
highlights that Colin’s approach has
been successful.
Colin is very passionate about what
he does and his passion and vision will
certainly inspire others in the business
to follow his lead as he seeks to realise
its full potential.
He is currently on the lookout for private
equity to provide funding for the
acquisitions and the company is in
talks to acquire four companies by the
end of the year which would increase
staff numbers by 80 and add a further
£10m to turnover.
27
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
James Watt
BREWDOG
James Watt is already a
captain of the seas – and his
endeavours as co-founder of
Fraserburgh-based brewery
BrewDog could yet see him
become a captain of industry.
The 27-year-old decided against a legal
career after graduating from university
with a degree in law and economics.
Instead, he joined the family fishing
business where he worked for four years,
becoming a skipper.
However, with a taste for good beer,
and a dim view of what was available
commercially, James joined forces with
school friend Martin Dickie, who studied
brewing and distilling at university, to form
BrewDog in 2007.
James and Martin financed the venture
through a combination of sources
including a bank loan and their own
money. This allowed them to rent a unit
in an industrial estate in Fraserburgh
and purchase second-hand brewing
equipment.
Their aim from the start was to produce
contemporary beers made from
natural ingredients with no additives or
preservatives and without the need for
pasteurisation.
28
Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
Dermot Jenkinson
BECOGENT
Growth has been organic and the first
phase focused on off-sales for both
the domestic and export market. The
business currently holds national listings
with Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Tesco and
Oddbins and is available in 15 countries
across the globe.
The second phase of growth has been
the development of the on-trade
market and a number of products are
now available in kegs and casks, and
BrewDog has listings with Mitchells &
Butlers and Coors.
James and Martin now employ 25
people and earlier this year hired Richard
McLelland as UK sales manager – a
well known figure in the industry having
launched Smirnoff Ice.
The level of growth achieved to date has
required the business to expand into the
two adjacent factory units in Fraserburgh.
With production at 350,000 bottles every
month the factory is at 90% capacity
and an additional plot has been
acquired to house their first energy selfsufficient brewery. The new facility will
allow the production of 25 million bottles
per annum which would make Brewdog
the UK’s biggest independent brewery.
BrewDog is aiming to raise the £2.3m
needed to fund the new brewery through
Equity for Punks, an online equity-raising
scheme in which shares can be bought
for £230 in return for annual dividends
and a lifetime discount of 20%.
Recently, a 12.5% stake in the business
was sold to US-based and a Delaware LLP
has been established for the US business
which will handle sales and distribution of
BrewDog in the US. Turnover is expected
to reach £1.8m this year and is projected
at £3.5m for 2010.
Jim Boyle, Partner in charge of
Entrepreneurial Business for Deloitte
in Scotland, said
James is a great example of what
a young person can achieve with a little
backing and support.
Given that it is a relatively small
business and only in its third year of
trading national awareness surrounding
BrewDog has grown considerably.
James’s contemporary approach has
caught the mood of the beer buying
public and this growth and success
comes at a time when the UK beer
market has been declining.
James has also worked hard to attract
quality senior staff and leading investors
in the drinks industry which should help
take the business to the next level.
Dermot Jenkinson, founder
of Airdrie-based call centre
specialist beCogent, could
have been enjoying a few
drinks in the Copacabana after
selling his music business more
than 25 years ago.
The 54-year-old set up Teledisc in 1979,
which sold records and cassettes to the
public through TV advertising, and the
company’s first featured artist was a then
little-known Barry Manilow. And like the
singer-songwriter Dermot has been a hit
ever since.
Teledisc wasn’t his first venture, though.
At the tender age of 22 Dermot opened
a skateboarding centre in London which
was quickly followed by two in Blackpool
and one in Glasgow.
However, the business was not a success
financially, so Dermot entered into an
arrangement with local councils to take
over the venues. This proved to be an
invaluable business lesson and one he
learned well as was evident when he and
his business partners sold Teledisc in 1983
for £11 million.
His father-in-law then invited him to join
the family business – John Menzies –
overseeing some notable developments
including acquiring the Early Learning
Centre and negotiating the rights to sell
Nintendo products.
Dermot needed extra funds for the
business to survive and raised £1m in
six weeks. This proved to be beCogent’s
watershed moment and with the funds
further sites in Kilmarnock and Glasgow
were established.
The experience gained at John Menzies
provided Dermot with an insight into how
to run a multi-national business. However,
he was starting to question life in a large
corporate and his focus turned to an
increasing demand for call centres.
The company now has revenues of
£40m, employing 2,600 people and
clients include Virgin Media, Clydesdale
Bank, John Lewis and Sainsbury’s.
Together with business partner Ron
Peerenboom, and armed with £4m
from personal equity, loans and a
grants, the duo set up beCogent in
1999. They acquired the current Airdrie
site for just under £1m and invested
in state-of-the-art systems – a feature
which distinguished them from their
competitors.
beCogent was the first VOIP-enabled
(Voice over Internet Protocol) call centre
in the UK and clients included AOL. In
2004, Dermot acquired the former AA
call centre at Erskine as a base from
which to expand the business. However,
shortly after the business suffered a
setback when AOL relocated call centre
activities to India.
Jim Boyle, partner and head of
Entrepreneurial Business for Deloitte
in Scotland, said:
Throughout his career Dermot
has built up an extensive wealth of
knowledge and has a track record
of building and leading exciting and
successful businesses across a number
of sectors.
beCogent has grown from a standing
start to a company generating over
£40million revenues from an impressive
client base and is now a major employer
in the West of Scotland, all testament
to Dermot’s entrepreneurial and
leadership skills.
29
Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
Angus MacSween
IOMART GROUP PLC
Entrepreneur of the Year 2009
Norman Springford
APEX
Angus MacSween, founder
of web hosting firm iomart,
has been in business for more
than 25 years and has bought
and sold over 30 companies
in that time.
As this business grew, Angus also saw
iomart floated in 2000 on the London
Norman Springford’s
entrepreneurial spirit was
evident from an early age
when he earned pocket money
selling eggs to neighbours.
This was followed by three more hotels in
Rising property prices have been a
new opportunities in telemarketing
Stock Exchange; its Telco businesses were
using Voice recognition technology
later sold for £5m cash to Centrica and
Edinburgh and the Apex City Quay Hotel
strong feature over his business career
and Spa in Dundee. In 2005 Norman saw
and financially underpin some of this
alongside live operators, winning key
its online directory business sold for £20m
accounts such as Compaq, Microsoft,
to BT. Angus acquired 5 Datacentres
the opportunity to expand south of the
success – but he has still managed to
Border with the Apex City of London Hotel
call positions well and realise value when
the Disasters Emergency Committee and
along the way and is now focussed
the DVLA launch of the sales of private
followed by the four-star London Wall
appropriate to do so.
on building the UK’s foremost hosting
He qualified as an account in 1971 and
Hotel, which opened its door this month.
A past Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland
registrations in the UK. It also acted as the
company through its iomart hosting,
soon set up his own firm, Springfords.
winner, his record demonstrates an
Share Information Office for most of the
Easyspace and RapidSwitch brands. His
Norman built the business up over the
aptitude to create businesses that
government’s privatisations. He was Sid.
entrepreneurial spirit just never fades.
next two decades while also developing
Angus then acquired Prestel an online
Jim Boyle, partner and head of
information division of BT, and turned it
Entrepreneurial Business for Deloitte
Not bad considering his business empire
into one of the UK’s first ISPs competing at
in Scotland, said:
was started with his £3,000 gratuity on
the internet’s infancy against the likes of
completing his Royal Navy Commission
Demon and Compuserve. In 1996 Angus
in 1983. Angus set up a shop in Stirling
sold his business interests to Scottish
selling alternative telephones to those
Telecom (now Thus) for £12 million.
offered by the then BT. The shop quickly
Angus stayed with Scottish Telecom
His record demonstrates a unique
comprised dozens of properties including
expanded into providing installation and
for 18 months and was responsible for
ability to create new ideas and business
the Edinburgh Playhouse.
cabling services and even laid claim to
the development of its internet strategy
ventures which capitalise on emerging
selling the first handheld mobile phone
culminating with the acquisition of
and new technology propositions before
in Scotland. Angus sold the venture for
Demon.
either developing them and selling
capitalise on emerging technology and
then sell them on to major operators.
£60,000 in 1986.
Angus started iomart in 1998 as a fully
Angus had established a business
licensed Telco to provide ISP services
dialogue with BT and this provided
and iomart was the UK’s first broadband
opportunity for a host of new business
reseller through its Madasafish brand.
ventures in conjunction with BT – including
football information line ClubCall,
WeatherCall, RaceCall and ShareCall,
becoming the largest telephone
Angus has been a director of over
40 companies, with iomart just another
step on a trail of successes.
them on to major operators within
the sector or maximising their potential
within the group.
property interests in the licensed trade
sector.
In 1990 however, he decided to leave
accountancy to concentrate on his
growing pub and nightclub real estate
portfolio through another business
he founded, Arrow Leisure Ltd, which
Arrow Leisure was a huge success but
Norman saw more potential in the hotel
industry and sold the entire real estate
portfolio for £3 million in order to fund his
next venture.
He put the money to good use straight
Jim Boyle, partner and head of
Apex Hotels is now the UK’s leading
Entrepreneurial Business for Deloitte
operator of four-star, contemporary hotels
in Scotland, said:
and employs more than 550 people.
Revenue has almost doubled to £27m
last year from £14m in 2004.
Norman has a great entrepreneurial
spirit and his willingness to experiment
in different sectors has allowed him
In 2006, Norman showed great financial
to develop and grow this impressive
shrewdness when he entered into a
hotel group after earlier ventures in
deal to sell and lease back two of his
the accountancy profession and the
hotels in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket for
Edinburgh pubs and clubs circuit.
£55m providing the capital required
to buy other properties in London and
Edinburgh.
In Apex Norman has developed a
distinctive and identifiable brand in
a relatively short space of time. It has
In Apex Hotels, Norman has succeeded
been very encouraging to see Norman
in developing a distinctive, identifiable
and the family grow the group by
brand in a short space of time, and has
investing in new hotels in Edinburgh and
continued to grow the business, develop
London during 2009 when others have
and open new hotels during
been applying the brakes.
the recession.
away by buying an old university building
in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket. In just 10 months
it had been converted and opened in
1996 as the Apex International Hotel.
information services businesses in the
UK as well as owning seven overseas
businesses in Hong Kong, South Africa,
Spain, Denmark, Turkey, USA and Holland.
30
31
Hall of Fame November 2009
The Entrepreneurial Exchange
Hall of Fame
fame
hall of
When we launched the Entrepreneurial
Exchange Awards at our inaugural
dinner in November 1995, our intention
was to create a high profile platform
to celebrate entrepreneurship and
to highlight the achievements of
distinguished entrepreneurs in Scotland.
Over the years we have been presented
with a number of extremely successful
entrepreneurs who have not necessarily
made their significant move in the
year under review and have therefore
not been recognised at past award
ceremonies.
32
These individuals remain tremendous
role models for all aspiring entrepreneurs
in Scotland and to allow is to recognise
them, we created the Entrepreneurial
Exchange Hall of Fame.
Each year we recognise the exceptional
achievements of selected Scottish
entrepreneurs and induct them into
the Hall of Fame.
Our new inductees each receive a
special version of the Exchange Awards
cast in bronze and set in Scottish stone.
Sir Richard Branson 1995
Lord Macfarlane of Bearsden 1995
Sir Tom Hunter 1996
Sir Tom Farmer, CBE 1996
John Boyle, OBE 1997
Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE 1997
David Moulsdale 1998
Brian Souter 1998
Jim McColl, OBE
1999
Richard Emanuel, MBE
2000
Willie Haughey, OBE 2000
David Sibbald 2000
Sir Arnold Clark
2000
Sam Russell, MBE
2001
Ann Gloag, OBE 2001
Sir Moir Lockhead, OBE 2002
Donald Macdonald, OBE
2002
Sir Ian Wood, CBE 2002
Walter Nimmo 2003
Chris Gorman, OBE 2003
Alasdair Locke 2003
Gordon Baxter, OBE 2004
Keith Miller, CBE 2004
Sir Bill Gammell 2005
Martin Gilbert 2006
Lord Irvine Laidlaw
2006
In 2006 we commissioned portraits
all of those inducted so far into the Hall
of Fame, with a foreword by Sir Richard
Branson, Portraits of Inspiration gives a
fascinating insight into each of these
exceptional entrepreneurs.
Richard Tait 2006
Stewart Milne 2007
Sir Angus Grossart 2007
Duncan Bannatyne, OBE
2008
Tommy Dreelan
2008
The portraits which have been displayed
in the National Portrait Gallery are on
display in the foyer this evening.
Charan Gill, MBE
2008
Alan Wiseman
2008
Robert Wiseman
2008
33
The Saltire Foundation November 2009
Saltire
the
foundation
Imagine a Scotland 10 or 20 years
from now where international success
is the norm, rather than the exception.
Where, instead of 50 companies of
scale, there were 250. Where people
were queuing up to get into the
country… rather than get out.
Where success is grown easily at
home – rather than having to be
fostered abroad.
That is the Scotland that the
SaltireFoundation is aiming to build.
Scotland needs individuals with the
business skills and entrepreneurial
drive to transform Scottish companies
into global businesses of scale.
People like you.
The SaltireFoundation has been
established to address this
need. Since its formation, the
Foundation has been working
to identify individuals who can
make a difference to Scotland’s
economic future and provide them
with invaluable opportunities to
work with some of the world’s key
business players. Uniquely positioned
and supported by the impressive
GlobalScot Network, the Foundation
offers an international internship
programme, and a postgraduate
fellowship programme which enables
participants to learn from some of
the world’s leading companies and
business people.
34
For one Fellow the experience has
created an exciting change of
career and has attracted an inward
investment project to Scotland....
Having completed four months in
the USA, at the leading executive
education establishment Babson
College - Jim Duffy undertook a
significant global re-alignment
project with global energy services
company Shawcor Inc. in Houston,
Texas. Shawcor were looking for a
detailed and practical analysis with
recommendation as to where to
set up a new business development
bridgehead in Europe.
With the support of Brian Williamson,
Board member at the Entrepreneurial
Exchange and Chairman at Brightwork
recruitment, the project is now in an
advanced stage. New employees
have been recruited, and the new
business is on track to generate
significant revenues within Scotland.
The SaltireFoundation’s Undergraduate
Programme provides students,
who are in their penultimate year
at Scottish universities, with the
opportunity to participate in an
eight-week internship at the
international branches of a wide
range of influential companies.
Chris Gordon (Saltire Foundation
Intern 2008) has been awarded the
coveted BP Prize for Excellence for
the best final year dissertation from
Heriot-Watt University’s School of
Management & Languages and has
now accepted a full time position
with the Wood Group in Aberdeen.
John Lee, Vice President Operations,
America, at the Wood Group and
a GlobalScot, said: “The students
we have hosted to date are
testament to the SaltireFoundation’s
ability to offer candidates who
are already on their way to being
ambassadors for Scotland.”
To play a part in helping the
SaltireFoundation bring together,
educate and develop our country’s
next generation of business
leaders please visit
www.saltirefoundation.com
or contact Julie Morrison at
[email protected]
or on 0141 228 2287 to get involved.
35
This Evening Format November 2009
evening’s
this
format
Chairman’s Welcome
Chris Gorman, OBE
Chairman
The Entrepreneurial Exchange
Sponsor’s Welcome
Outline of the Evening
Fred MacAulay
Dinner
Interval
Raffle
Proceeds from tonight’s event will benefit Enlight
Interval
The Entrepreneurial Exchange
Award for Philanthropy
Sponsored by The Hunter Foundation
Presented By Sir Tom Hunter
The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2009
In association with Deloitte Logo and Business7 Logo
The Entrepreneurial Exchange
Hall of Fame 2009
Vote of Thanks
Menu November 2009
menu
Cod and Pancetta Fishcake,
Isle of Lewis Oak Smoked Salmon,
West Coast Prawns and Citrus Dressing
•••
Collops of Beef Fillet,
Dauphinoise and Vegetable Gratin,
Chantaney Carrots,
Fine Beans and Roasted Peppers,
Madeira Jus
•••
Trio of Toffee: Toffee Tart,
Toffee Pudding,
Butterscotch Ice Cream
•••
Freshly Brewed Coffee
and Chocolates
•••
Our Supporters
The Entrepreneurial Exchange is grateful for the continued support of its Corporate Members
36
Vegetarian Option Available
37
Fast Facts November 2009
Table Hosts November 2009
table hosts
Company
the entrepreneurial exchange
fast facts
•Scotland’s only members’ organisation
exclusively for ambitious growth oriented
entrepreneurs.
• Motto: ‘for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs’
• Established in 1994 with 50 founder members
•The Exchange provides opportunities for
members to meet like-minded people and
share experiences of growing a business.
Events include the annual awards dinner,
spring conference, charity ball, supper clubs,
focus dinners, masterclasses.
•Sept ember 2009: over 450 members
heading-up companies employing more
than 290,000 people, with a collective
turnover of over £21 billion.
•The Exchange has great role models who
are willing to help – its members further
up the ladder of growth readily share their
experiences honestly and with no axe to
grind or hidden agenda
•Key objectives: to inform, motivate, educate,
inspire and support entrepreneurs.
•Current Entrepreneur of the Year: Simon Howie
– Simon Howie Food Group
•The board: Sir Tom Farmer (honorary
president); Chris Gorman OBE (chairman);
John Anderson, (chief executive);
Charan Gill MBE (vice chairman)
•Current Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year:
James Miller - Abermed
•Key message: entrepreneurship is about
creating businesses of substance and scale,
whether started from scratch, bought or
inherited. This is important to the Scottish
economy.
38
•Publications: Entrepreneurial Scotland,
Portraits of Inspiration, available priced £17.99
from the Entrepreneurial Exchange office on
01698 285650
Table Number
3i
3x1 Public Relations
9-20 Recruitment Abermed
AC Gold Services
Access Business Communications
Agri-Fab Engineering Services
Airlink Group
Alchemist Estates Apple Harlequin Group
Astin Peak Associates Aurora Hotel Group
Balhousie Holdings Balmore Holdings
Bank of Scotland Corporate hosted by Craig McNaughton
Bank of Scotland Corporate hosted by Pat Reilly
Bank of Scotland Corporate hosted by Derek Rolland
Bedlam Benedetti International Boudiche
Business7
Cairn Energy Campbell Properties
CAPA
Carnegie Building Services
Charlie Taylor Hair Design
City & Wharf Asset Management City Refrigeration Holdings
Clark Contracts
ClinTec International
Clyde Blowers Clyde Space Consolidated Carriers
Deloitte - hosted by James Baird
Deloitte - hosted by Mike McGregor
Design Matters
DM Design Dobbies Garden Centre
Eden Scott
Elevate You
Equator
Ernst & Young
Executive Air Charter
Fake Bake Fifi and Ally
Finlayson Wagner Black First Scotrail Giles Insurance
Glenarden
Golfalot
goodpractice.net
Grant Management
Grant Thornton
Halo Hotels Harlequin Leisure Investments Heritor’s Consultants Hometech
HR Consultancy
Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship
ID Inquiries Intellis Ltd.
James Donaldson & Sons Key Portfolio
Killochries Fold
Kissing with Confidence
KL Events 67
11
23
25
4
4
2
36
60
41
1
49
5
23
27
16
17
76
12
43
64
30
20
44
31
43
57
26
36
15
39
32
31
52
51
49
44
49
1
2
1
55
43
54
39
4
18
63
76
31
20
36
61
76
41
76
76
14
73
31
73
48
29
3
9
35
Company
Table Number
Levern Towers Ventures
Liquorice Media Macdonald Henderson Solicitors
MacDonald Reid Scott Group
Mackays
Macleod Hotels UK Maidencraig Ventures
Marsh
McGrattan Piling
McGrigors
MediaVision
Mercurytide Murgitroyd & Company
Nation1
National Tyres
Nevis Capital
New-U Coaching
OCD
Par Equity Pinnacle Telecom Premium Mobile Distribution PricewaterhouseCoopers
PSYBT
Qserv
RAD Software
Recruitment Zone Redeem plc
RS100
ScotNursing Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Institute for Enterprise
Simclar Group
Simon Howie Group
Spark Energy
Spark of Genius
Specialmove Consultancy
Spymasters
SST Sensing
Stafffinders
Strachan & Partners
StudioLR
Success Training (Scotland)
Team Advisors The Company Creators The Entrepreneurial Exchange - hosted by John Anderson
The Entrepreneurial Exchange - hosted by Jacqueline Walker
The Property Log Book Co The Saltire Foundation Think Global Recruitment
Think Analytics
Tiger eye
Tiso Group
TSG UBS
Unco
Unicorn Property Group
Versko
Vets Now
Voltage
Wearable Technologies
WEST
West Coast Capital
Wiseman Dairies WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies
Young Enterprise Scotland
77
76
77
76
65
59
37
24
5
42
21
65
47
36
41
40
15
20
32
43
15
69
53
37
47
15
19
5
26
66
68
14
26
74
43
54
36
32
65
31
65
74
37
76
38
35
65
75
20
56
14
10
38
56
14
57
23
50
62
32
76
28
38
23
59
39
LENDING
SUPPORT
TO UK
BUSINESS
Thousands of British businesses depend on Bank of Scotland to support them.
And today that help is needed more than ever. In local areas our Relationship
Managers are working closely with customers helping them to plan for recovery
and beyond. Our commitment to business in these turbulent times is total.
Because business people expect nothing less.
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