Tag Archives: Jim Boyle

The winners … Colin Robertson named Scottish Entrepreneur of the Year

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Bus-builder boss Colin Robertson named Scottish Entrepreneur of the Year

Alexander Dennis chief executive takes home top accolade at the Entrepreneurial Exchange Awards Dinner

Colin Robertson, chief executive of Falkirk-based bus and coach manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Entrepreneurial Exchange’s annual awards dinner, sponsored by Clydesdale Bank, held at the Glasgow Hilton last night (1 Dec).

The awards, in association with Deloitte and media partner The Herald, are Scotland’s leading and longest-standing annual awards for growth-oriented entrepreneurs, recognising those who have excelled in this area over the last twelve months.

Since taking the reins at ADL in 2007 Colin successfully steered the company through the economic downturn with its UK market share almost doubling to over 50%, turnover increasing twofold to £360m, profits set to rise significantly this year and next and an increasingly global footprint which takes in the US, Canada, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

Intuitively identifying the recession as an opportunity to expand Colin introduced invaluable out-sourcing arrangements, enabling ADL to increase production by 60% while preserving its core workforce in facilities at Falkirk, Scarborough, Guildford and key overseas locations.

Jim Boyle, head of entrepreneurial business at Deloitte, and awards judge, said: “Colin has demonstrated fantastic entrepreneurial instinct in his ability to identify and capitalise on an opportunity in a tough economic climate. His passion and drive is evident in his ongoing ambition for the company and I would like to extend my own personal congratulations to Colin for his achievements. Colin epitomises the best of what Scotland’s entrepreneurial community has to offer and, with him in the driver’s seat, I’m sure ADL can look forward to a successful future. He has totally transformed the business and it is now a great example of a successful Scottish manufacturing business helping drive an export-led economic recovery.”

The winners – Keith Wight named Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

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Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, Keith Wight.

Founder and chief executive of sensor design and manufacturing company SST Sensing, Keith impressed the judges after identifying a gap in the market to sell bespoke products and specialist technical support directly to original equipment manufacturing (OEM) customers, enabling SST Sensing to develop a closer relationship with its client base and provide a more efficient service.

The result was an increase in repeat business and new opportunities with SST Sensing’s customer base increasing six fold to 450 in just two years with plans to expand into new international markets and cement itself as market leader in the next five years.

Jim said: “The most successful entrepreneurs know their market, identify a customer need that is not being met, and then fulfil it. Keith has done exactly that. His innovative approach has allowed the business to establish itself as a key player in the industry and has placed it in a strong position for future expansion into new markets. I was delighted to see Keith’s achievements recognised at last night’s event and look forward to following the next few chapters for SST Sensing.”

Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist – John Watson OBE of John Watson & Company

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John Watson OBE has always been ahead of his time when it comes to business and despite having worked with, managed and led John Watson & Company (JWC) for more than 45 years he has no intention of changing his innovative ways as he drives the firm towards its next phase of expansion.

JWC, founded in 1824, is one of the oldest printing companies in Scotland producing some of the finest design and print related products using the most advanced technology in the industry. Chief executive John employs 100 at his printing facility north of the city centre and serves a core of blue chip companies in the drinks industry, particular the Scotch whisky sector, as well as a number of firms through JWC’s commercial division.

John joined his father in the business in 1965 at a time when JWC was primarily a stationery retail business and jobbing printing company. However, even at an early stage it was clear to John that the focus of the business needed to be realigned to realise its full potential. When he took over the firm from his father in 1971, John set about establishing JWC as one of the leading bespoke printing businesses in Scotland.

Over the years as the company grew John advocated the importance of innovation as being the key to success, along with the firm’s ability to offer exceptionally high standards; not just in terms of the goods manufactured but also the service offered. A key foundation to this success has been to stay in touch with the key issues and challenges facing his customers. The firm deals with a range of customer issues from rebranding exercises to implementing anti-counterfeiting measures.

While the Scottish market is in a mature state and the printing industry in general is in decline, John has still maintained a profitable and financially sound business through challenging times, with turnover reaching £9.7million in March 2011. 2011 also saw the installation of a new state-of-the-art £3m Gallus PSL (pressure sensitive label) press demonstrating John’s confidence in the future,

John has sought to challenge many of the overseas markets where the competition is even fiercer than in the UK by entering the French, Irish and Russian markets as he strives to strengthen JWC’s global reach.

Thanks to his contribution to the printing industry, as well as his charity endeavours, John was awarded an OBE in 2006.

Jim Boyle, partner and head of entrepreneurial business at Deloitte, and awards judge, said: “Over the years John’s clear edge has been his focus and his ability to understand the needs of his customers and being able to offer solutions that are of the highest quality, on budget and to the right timescales. His drive, determination and resilience over his 46 year journey is an inspiration to anyone starting out in business.

“John’s energy, enthusiasm and vision has helped him to establish and maintain, over an entire career, a profitable business with a top class reputation and growing customer base.”

Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist – Stuart McLeod of qedi

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Stuart McLeod’s entrepreneurial spirit knows no bounds. His prowess for spotting business opportunities saw him establish his first oil & gas services company in his 20s – during the 1980s’ economic downturn and in the unknown Azerbaijan market. Since then, Stuart hasn’t looked back.

Having sold his business in return for an equity stake in qedi, Stuart has gone on to be the major driving force in building the company into a global-leading company. Despite the latest recession, qedi has not only bolstered turnover from £20million to £60million – breaking its 2010 target forecast of £48million – but also accomplished its goal of a 35% growth rate.

Aberdeen-headquartered qedi is a market-leading oil and gas commissioning and technology specialist. The company, which is now part of international engineering and project management company AMEC, employs more than 350 people both in Aberdeen and internationally. In the past year alone, it has created more than 200 new jobs.

qedi’s success is underpinned by its proprietary GO Technology® which is not only fast becoming industry standard but integrates traditional oilfield skills with new computing technologies to help further internationalise Scotland’s world-class expertise for the future.
Industry uptake of the license for GO Technology® has increased by more than 150% over the last three years.

Stuart, a former Scottish chairman of the Energy Industry Council, further demonstrated his foresight for business intelligence and enterprise when he secured a deal earlier this year to ensure qedi consolidated its position for future global growth. The company was acquired earlier in 2011 in a £33m deal by AMEC whose cross sector expertise, global networks and customer relationships strengthen and support qedi’s offering to new and existing customers, in Aberdeen and globally.

Jim Boyle, head of entrepreneurial business at Deloitte and judge for the awards said: “Stuart’s focus and determination, combined with his refreshingly honest approach have seen him develop qedi from a small stable commissioning company into a successful, internationally acclaimed business, positioned as a high value, attractive target for acquisition. This is particularly impressive in an industry renowned for its reluctance to adopt new technologies and solutions.

“Stuart has achieved this through his ability to create strong teams, to manage complex individuals and to get those individuals and teams to perform at the highest level. The sale of the business to AMEC is a testament to Stuart’s energy, drive and ambition.”

Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist – Colin Robertson of Alexander Dennis

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Being asked to run an organisation with more than 400 employees at the age of 25 would be a daunting experience for most. For Colin Robertson, though, it was something he took in his stride.

Colin was 17 when he started his career as an engineering apprentice with Cummins Engine Company, climbing the ladder steadily before being put in charge of the entire machine shop, managing over 400 workers.

After a successful period at Cummins he took on a new challenge at JI Case, the tractor manufacturer, where for four years he was unit manager and responsible for facilities across the UK, Germany and France. After 13 years of service he moved on to Terex Corporation where he enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks, becoming President of their $2billion construction division and ultimately Executive Vice President of Global Operations, based at the company’s Connecticut headquarters in the USA.

In 2007 he returned to Scotland, this time as CEO of Falkirk-based bus and coach manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).

Since then ADL has seen its UK market share rise from 30% to over 50%. It leads the market in all four key sectors – midi bus, full-size single deck, double-deck and hybrid-electric sales – and has established itself as Europe’s leading supplier of low-carbon buses that reduce fuel and CO2 emissions by over 30%.

In parallel with this it has seen export sales grow rapidly from 20% to circa 35%, doubled turnover in the past three years to £360m, with a further 20% growth anticipated in 2012, and is on course to see profits increase significantly this year and next.

All of this has been achieved in the teeth of the toughest global recession in 40 years but, despite this, Colin is convinced there is much more to come on the back of new partnerships and ‘build alliances’ he has now secured in North America, Hong Kong, China and New Zealand, and with recent big business wins in Canada, Asia and the Southern Hemisphere.

Retaining almost 2,000 employees in the UK throughout the recession, ADL has cleverly introduced invaluable out-sourcing arrangements, enabling it to increase output by 60% while preserving its core workforce in facilities at Falkirk, Scarborough, Guildford and key overseas locations. Clearly, this is one Scottish manufacturing boss who sees adversity as opportunity – and has taken the opportunity to take his company into the big league of global players in his industry sector.

Jim Boyle, head of entrepreneurial business at Deloitte, and awards judge, said: “We were extremely impressed with Colin both as an individual and as a business person. He is clearly very passionate about ADL and is committed to expanding the business even further.

“From a young age Colin has demonstrated a nose for building successful businesses and has a very impressive track record both at home and abroad. On accepting the role at ADL he has shown a keen desire to challenge himself and those around him. With Colin at the helm ADL is a great example of a successful Scottish manufacturing business driving an export-led recovery.”

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist – Stuart Mitchell, Flexlife

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Stuart Mitchell established his entrepreneurial credentials when he set up Flexlife four years ago with co-founder John Marsden. An Aberdeen-headquartered business it supports companies with subsea interests inspect, maintain and repair their flexible piping.

Working as an engineer within the oil and gas sector, Stuart’s vision was for a consultancy which offered tried and tested industry solutions while radically changing the way consultancy projects were priced to ensure goals were aligned with those of the customer.

Flexlife opened for business as a two-man operation in April 2007. Word quickly spread throughout the industry, both in relation to the success of the innovative engineering solution and its approach to pricing.

The first major contract came in the form of a well project in Tunisia, which provided the security of cash in the bank and allowed Stuart to start on his second vision for the business – to combine the engineering consultancy with patented products for the inspection, monitoring, repair and protection of flexible pipes.
This award-winning technology is now widely acknowledged as a step change for the industry.
Earlier this year, Stuart strengthened his Board with the appointment of two non-executive directors in David Cassie of Subsea 7 and Sandy Clark of Amec, both considered to be energy industry leaders.
The last 18 months have seen the company position itself to take advantage of international growth and it now has a presence in Brazil, the USA and Asia-Pacific and has secured a clutch of high profile contracts with Hess, Statoil, Total, Shell, Maersk Oil and CNR among others.
The recent injection of equity, long term contract wins and strengthening of the Board has meant Stuart is now well placed to continue the business’ impressive growth through the £20million turnover barrier and beyond.
Jim Boyle, partner and head of entrepreneurial business at Deloitte and judge for the awards said: “Stuart is a focused and determined individual who spotted the opportunity to address dissatisfaction in his industry and did something about it. In four years, he has created a business unlike almost any other in the industry and which has a relentless focus on adding value.
“He has executed on his strategy in an incredibly short space of time, managing the company’s rapid growth without compromising on the approach which has made Flexlife the success it has been to date.”

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist – Margaret Lang, Intelligent Office UK

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Margaret Lang first established herself as an emerging talent in 2001 when she used the experience she had gained from a number of years living and working in London and New York to successfully complete a management buy-in of Docuserve. Docuserve would subsequently become Intelligent Office UK, a firm that specialised in providing outsourced administration to the professional services sector.

Over a ten year period, Intelligent Office has transformed from a single service, regional provider of document handling services, to a business process outsourcing provider operating throughout the UK. Intelligent Office now also offers transcription and consulting services, providing clients with strategic advice and guidance on the optimum use of resources, systems and processes. This transformation has cemented Intelligent Office’s position as market leader with a particular strength in the legal sector.

During the credit crisis in 2008, Margaret was quick to recognise that the internal structure of the company needed to be streamlined in order to compete effectively in the new economic climate. Overseeing a radical restructure of the business in January 2009, Margaret ensured Intelligent Office was not dependent on external bank debt and was well-placed to capitalise on the budget cutbacks in the legal industry, which increased demand for outsourcing.

Margaret’s ambition continues to drive the business forward and she plans to extend Intelligent Office’s market reach through a combination of organic growth and acquisition.

Jim Boyle, partner and head of entrepreneurial business at Deloitte and judge for the awards said: “Margaret is a very impressive leader with a clear understanding of the market. Intelligent Office has a growing reputation as well as a strong and clear strategy for future expansion. A key factor in the company’s success is its ability to adapt and refine its commercial proposition in accordance with demands in the market. This is testament to Margaret’s forward planning and fundamental reorganisation of the business at a time of great economic uncertainty.”

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist – Keith Wight, SST Sensing

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Keith Wight has increased his customer base by more than 600% in two years by going against the grain and developing a customer-centric business strategy – something which has not always been high on the agenda in the electronic sensing industry.

Keith is the chief executive of sensor designers and manufacturers SST Sensing Ltd which he founded in 2002 after four years working as an operations manager with New Medical Technology. In the first three years Keith initially built SST, which has headquarters in Bellshill, by quietly winning work from local contacts in Scotland, however, his hard work paid dividends in 2005 when he had his first major business breakthrough.

Keith identified a gap in the market to supply standard and bespoke electronic sensors to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers, providing a unique selling point through excellent customer service and technical support. The value added business allowed SST to have a closer relationship with their customers, resulting in increased repeat business and new opportunities. These contracts averaged up to £500,000 per year. The market had historically been dominated by larger firms driven by high volume, low customisation and less emphasis on efficient client service, so Keith’s alternative approach proved effective. Combining high quality technical support with SST’s ability to customise products to meet specific customer requirements, Keith was able to corner the market.

This success allowed Keith to raise the required capital to position the business for future expansion. As the company continued to grow, Keith incentivised staff members with a percentage of shares in the business, encouraging them to take a vested interest in future success.

Perthshire-based Keith, who graduated from Napier University in Edinburgh in 1995 with a BSc & MSc in Engineering and Quality Management, now employs 47 staff and has consolidated SST’s position in the industry. He has boosted the customer base from 70 to 450 since 2009 and is planning the next stage of the firm’s development, with the ultimate goal being to list the business on AIM within three years. Other plans are afoot to expand SST’s successful growth in the export market, further exploit the oil and gas sector and research overseas acquisitions. SST also has many new sensing technologies in development and its new oxygen sensor is designed to offer a vastly improved solution over existing technologies currently available. The vision of the company is to be the market leader in gas and fluid sensing and control within five years.

Jim Boyle, partner and head of entrepreneurial business at Deloitte and judge for the awards said: “Keith should be applauded for the way he has turned SST Sensing into a successful and profitable organisation, with a loyal, committed and stable workforce. He has shown he has the vision and ability to provide customers with products and services which they both need and want, whilst also appreciating that it could not have been achieved without the continued support of his dedicated team.”