Encouragement – Bill Scott OBE opens the Best New Business Awards .
AWARDS 2021
“ You are the lifeblood ”
Business leader ’ s words at Best New Business Awards launch
New firms were given key tips on how to succeed in a speech from one of Teesside ’ s most successful business leaders , Bill Scott OBE .
Wilton Universal Group ’ s chief executive told 240 attendees at the Best New Tees Business Awards how his business grew from “ an idea ” in 1994 to the major international player it is today .
Bill was speaking at the inaugural event organised by Tees Business in association with headline sponsor PD Ports .
And by recounting his business journey , he hoped it might “ inspire the next generation ”. He also urged those fledgling new businesses present to “ step up to the mark ” and prosper .
He told guests at the awards ceremony in Redcar ’ s Kirkleatham Walled Garden pavilion : “ I ’ m so proud you have started your businesses and made it here . Yes , there will be winners , but you are all winners in my eyes because you ’ ve actually got here .”
Bill recounted how , 27 years ago , he thought about starting his own business , even though he “ didn ’ t really have much of a clue ”.
“ Where do you start ?” he said . “ I was 32 years old , but I decided to have a go .”
He recalled teaming up with business partner Steve Glenn and both agreeing to some ground rules .
“ We ’ re all human beings , we ’ re all different ,” he said . “ Some of us work well on a morning , some work until midnight , we ’ re all different . But if you ever get to a point where you feel he or she isn ’ t doing something , say so – clear the air because otherwise , it will go down fast .”
Mr Scott , who was awarded an OBE in 2019 for his services to the engineering and offshore wind sector , went from employing two people in 1994 to 800 in 2013 .
He also told how , when oil prices plummeted just as the company was on the crest of a wave , he went “ fishing for jobs ” – and diversifying into areas such as offshore wind was the result , while Wilton has now moved into the defence sector .
He told the awards finalists : “ You ’ ve started your businesses and there are some amazing companies here – you are the lifeblood .”
Celebration – winners enjoy their moment on stage .
Team – Resolution staff enjoying the evening .
84 | Tees Business