Business lessons I’ve learned

What was your first job?

Working with Teddy Scott, the kit man at Aberdeen Football Club.

When would you like to retire?

I like to think I have a few years left, so it’s not something I am thinking about at the moment.

What did you have for breakfast?

Black coffee… I’m not a breakfast person.

Who, or what, inspires you?

My dad for his work ethic, and my mum, as she taught me to always follow my gut instinct.

Greg Taggart, Region Business Development Manager, Hunting Energy Services

What does your company do that others don’t?

Hunting is a key supplier in the energy industry, specialising in the global manufacture, sale and rental of high-quality equipment to service and operator groups. Our manufacturing capabilities enable us to participate in a diverse range of sectors other than oil and gas. Hunting’s expertise continues to support other industries including aviation, medical, power generation and space. Our strong focus on quality assured products and intellectual property ensures we can deliver energy projects quickly, more efficiently and with minimal impact on the environment.

What are the most pressing challenges that your industry sector faces today, and why?

The biggest challenge we face as an industry is the oil and gas companies cutting back on investments in the UK due to the challenges posed by the windfall tax. This could have a massive negative impact which will drive investment out of the UK to more financially attractive and less volatile regions, leaving the UK more reliant on imports to meet its energy needs.

What is the hardest lesson you have learned in your career to date?

Don’t take rejection personally. I have learned through my experience working in sales that no matter how big your company is or how good a product you have, there will always be customers that will say no. Stay positive, be professional, don’t fear rejection, and most importantly never give up.

What is the most valuable piece of business advice you have ever received?

Build a strong network. Invest time in developing your communication and networking skills, as strong relationships are key to expanding your brand, unlocking business opportunities and ultimately being successful.

What’s been your proudest career achievement to date, and why?

I wouldn’t single out any one specific achievement as being my proudest. There have been various periods throughout my career that have led me to where I am today, and I look back on them all with pride.

What’s the last book you read / film you saw? The Gentlemen with Matthew McConaughey. Really enjoyable film and I thought Hugh Grant and Colin Farrell were fantastic.

Achieving career satisfaction, in a role that I enjoy and where I feel I can make a difference on a daily basis is an achievement I am extremely proud of. Success should not be measured on material things like salary or job title but should be based on having a balance between a fulfilling career, happy and stable family life, peace of mind and your health.

If you could make one thing happen tomorrow that would benefit North-east Scotland, what would that be?

The regeneration of Union Street. I think it’s safe to say that Aberdeen city centre needs an injection of life, as Union Street has been on the decline for several years now. The pandemic obviously hit local businesses hard, and it’s time that we all got behind the plans that are in place and do our bit to help rejuvenate our city centre.

J G Ross (Bakers) Ltd of Inverurie are on a roll after picking up three product awards and being crowned Retail Baker of the Year in the prestigious Scottish Baker of the Year Awards following a gala celebration in Glasgow.

In the morning roll category, the company won the Best in Region Gold Award for its softie, a bronze award for its seeded softies, and a national bronze award for its buttery. The pinnacle of the evening was being crowned Retail Baker of the Year.

“We were absolutely delighted at winning these awards which reflect our commitment to staff development, emphasis on craft skills, investment in premium ingredients and continual reinvestment in our business,” said Cameron Ross, Product Director.

“Despite the economic challenges we have purchased additional larger shops in Mastrick and Banchory and completely refurbished them to offer a wider range of products. We have achieved growth by extending opening hours and making a range of our products available via online delivery partners,” added Graeme Ross Commercial Director.

First Bus has invested £2.5million in solar power with the installation of over 6,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels across 20 depot sites as part of its net zero emissions strategy.

This investment is the latest step in First Bus’ pledge to reduce the overall emissions generated by its bus operations, as it looks to achieve the ultimate goal of net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. This sits alongside its goal of achieving a zero emission bus fleet by 2035.

As one of the UK’s largest bus companies, First Bus is on a mission to make its depots self-sustaining with the solar PV panels enabling the 20 sites to generate their own renewable power for lighting, heating, office equipment and the engineering bays.

Aberdeen-based RAM Tubulars has unveiled a dynamic partnership with local charity Sport Aberdeen to sponsor a new ‘Learn to Ski School Programme’ at its dry slope, Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre.

The exciting new sponsorship will provide local children in Primary 5 the chance to take part in free ski lessons at the snowsports centre in Garthdee.

RAM Tubulars’ Managing Director Jim Stewart chose to sponsor the programme having learned to ski himself as a pupil at Woodside School and understanding first-hand the benefits of the sport.

Jim said: “Putting something back into the community is really important to me, and RAM Tubulars has supported a variety of worthy sporting causes over the years. We’ve built up a business based on identifying new opportunities, and I like to apply this ethos to community projects too, opening doors to new opportunities for personal development.”

Graeme Dale, Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “We are delighted that RAM Tubulars has chosen to sponsor our new ‘Learn to Ski School Programme’, providing local children with the opportunity to take part in free ski lessons.

“Skiing is a great sport for improving balance and coordination as well as a means to have fun in a social environment and gain more confidence along the way.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for local children and we are hugely grateful to RAM Tubulars for the sponsorship.”

Port of Aberdeen welcomed the first cruise ship into the transformational £400million Aberdeen South Harbour expansion.

The 202-metre-long AIDAaura, with capacity for more than 1,200 guests, is the longest vessel to visit Port of Aberdeen to date. The vessel arrived from Hamburg, Germany for a full day visit as part of a Scottish cruise.

The AIDAaura berthed on Castlegate Quay and the guests were greeted by a 50-strong pipe band and Highland dancers from Robert Gordon’s College and ‘Welcome to Aberdeenshire’ volunteers.

Aberdeen will welcome 39 cruise calls between May and October this year, with up to 31,000 guests visiting the region which could boost the local economy by £4.2million.

Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive, Port of Aberdeen, said: “It is fantastic to see the first cruise call arrive at South Harbour, which marks a new dawn for tourism in the North-east of Scotland. While the tourism industry is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic, we’re very encouraged with the number of calls to the port secured for this year and next.

“Port of Aberdeen is a gateway to the amazing attractions of North-east Scotland. We look forward to growing our work with the international cruise industry in the coming years, as tens of thousands guests experience the incredible scenery and culture that the region has to offer.”

The new Milltimber Primary School has won a prestigious architectural award.

The £16.4million facility, located within the Oldfold Farm development, has won the Aberdeen Society of Architects (ASA) Education Design Award 2023.

The school was completed as a replacement by Robertson Construction – part of a £100million investment by Aberdeen City Council in four new schools.

The state-of-the-art facilities will offer enhanced outdoor play spaces and PE facilities to promote health, fitness and wellbeing as well as improved opportunities for outdoor curricular learning and social interaction. With an increased capacity to 434 pupils and an additional 60 Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) places this can ensure that pupils in the growing catchment area can continue to attend their local primary school.

Over the past two years, W M Donald has been focused on and leading the development of a two-year Apprenticeship Scheme for the construction and civil engineering sector in the north of Scotland.

The company’s goal of ensuring the sustainability of the industry for future generations motivated its HR and operations teams to “make it happen!” Through effective stakeholder engagement, W M Donald completed the development of the two-year Apprenticeship Scheme and successfully recruited eleven apprentices for the first intake.

The apprentices were, and continue to be, supported with everything from getting to Glasgow College for their block release to addressing any literacy, numeracy, or financial issues they may have. After the first block release, W M Donald’s HR Manager attended the course in person and provided the college with feedback to improve the quality of training being offered. She also met with North East Scotland College (NESCol) and was instrumental in the reintroduction of a Civil Engineering foundation course.

Now, just two years later, W M Donald has twenty-six Civil Engineering Apprentices, one Plant mechanic Apprentice, and four Graduate Civil Engineering Apprentices in the business, with only one of the apprentices leaving the programme to date. This achievement is a testament to everyone’s commitment to supporting these fantastic young people who are suited to their roles and passionate about their careers in construction.