Member Article

Alastair MacColl, CEO of Business and Enterprise Group shares his expertise of running a successful and evolving organisation

Q How would you sum up the Business and Enterprise Group?

We’re an independent, national business services group with an exceptional track record in business improvement, enterprise and economic development. Our comprehensive portfolio of services is designed to help businesses to be more competitive, productive, efficient and innovative. Since our launch in 2007 we’ve supported over 75,000 businesses, and helped to create over 17,000 businesses and 21,000 jobs.

We have our headquarters in the North East at Seaham and offices in London, the Midlands, the North West and Newcastle.

Q. What is the biggest challenge for companies at the moment?

The biggest challenge is for companies to be not only in step with their markets, but one step ahead of their markets, always reviewing activities and being able to anticipate and adapt quickly to changing market conditions. The economy is volatile, so the key to success is recognising the need to refocus on new priorities and also not being reluctant to seek advice from external business specialists if need be. Standing still in this economic climate is dangerous.

Q. How have you as a business performed in the current climate?

We are no different to any other business and the last year has been challenging. We’ve undergone a restructure, implemented some major changes but emerged from it much stronger, leaner and more focused on the future. At the same time we have acquired two new businesses - NDI UK and BtoB - and expanded our network of offices to include London, the North West and the Midlands while also expanding our presence in the defence, aerospace and security markets and building our ability to provide “cutting edge” expertise on supply chain development, international trade, market development and procurement related opportunities.

We are now in a great position - our national profile is growing, we are spreading our geographical presence and the Group is winning some major contracts. Our client list now includes big household names like Marks and Spencer, Npower, United Utilities and Heathrow Airport. We’ve recently secured an important Government contract to work alongside contact centre operator Careline Services to provide the national Business Link Helpline.

Q. What difficult decisions have you had to make?

A big part of our activity was providing the regional Business Link service and we’ve done some formidable work through delivering this service over the past four years - helping SMEs across the North East to prosper and grow. However, the service in its current format will end on November 25ththis year. This decision has already forced us to review our business earlier this year and led to a major restructure. Sadly, it meant some of our staff had to leave us.

Q. How have your staff coped with the changes?

They handled it with great professionalism and dignity. Change can be unsettling, so it was important that we managed the restructuring process sensitively and with great care. Earlier this year, we were honoured with being listed by the Sunday Times as one of the top 100 firms to work for. We care about the people who work for us – they are our biggest asset - and we have a duty to protect their welfare.

Q. How would you describe the growth of your business?

We are in a very healthy position. Through a process of organic growth and acquisition, we have built a UK wide portfolio. Our recent acquisitions of Business-to-Business (BtoB) and NDI UK and our contract wins to deliver the Leadership and Management Advisory Service (LMAS) across the North West and the national Business Link Helpline contract are testament to our clear strategy for growth.

Q. How do you see the year ahead?

We’re all looking for the economy to pick up. At the Business and Enterprise Group, we’ll continue to strengthen our position as a leader in business improvement, enterprise and economic development, building our portfolio and working to help more businesses to be more competitive, productive, efficient and innovative.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Alastair MacColl .