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How to get the most out of Scottish Enterprise support

Hear from Peter McAllister, Managing Director at Falcon Foodservice Equipment, the UK’s leading manufacturer of commercial catering equipment. He shares what to expect when working with our business development experts.

How did you start working with our organisation?

"For many years, I worked closely with the team at Scottish Enterprise in my previous roles at companies like Alexander Dennis. I knew the benefits, so I was keen to do the same when I joined Falcon Foodservice Equipment seven years ago.

"We arranged meetings with several of Scottish Enterprise's experts – not just our account manager. We met with specialists in areas such as technology and innovation, sustainability, IT, people, and culture.

"This helped us understand the different areas where the organisation could support us." 

What were your expectations?

"Having worked with the organisation in previous roles, I had high expectations. I hoped that the Falcon team would be able to build strong working relationships with Scottish Enterprise who would, as always, deliver a high level of support.

"The key to making the most from any kind of relationship is to investing the time – both sides did this."

How have we supported Falcon's growth?

"Scottish Enterprise has connected us with capital expenditure for new energy efficient lasers, funding for green jobs, research and development grants for (now patented) products, the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS), leadership and strategy support – the list goes on and on. 

"The Leading with Change programme was particularly insightful, especially how it empowers individuals by shifting their mindset."

What were the main challenges and wins?

"The last three years have been the most successful period in our 205-year history, by far. This wouldn’t have been possible without our partnership with the experts at Scottish Enterprise."

What advice would you give to a business leader about working with us?

"Don’t try and engage with Scottish Enterprise in a transactional way. It can't be just occasional emails or meetings – you need the team to be immersed in your business."

"The key to our successful relationship is that the team at Scottish Enterprise know our business inside out. They understand who we are and what we do. This meant we could develop a holistic strategy that has greatly improved our business and way of working."

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