I started my career with Arthur Andersen in 2000, because what could be more secure than a training contract with a Big 5 firm, right? Most will know how that turned out but fortunately I made it through my exams and qualified as a CA with Deloitte in 2003. I enjoyed my training but knew I wanted to move into industry and after a brief stint in the motor trade with Reg Vardy, I had the opportunity to join John Menzies plc in Edinburgh. I spent almost a decade at Menzies and progressed through a number of roles across the Group. Looking back, it was an invaluable platform for what’s followed and I learned a lot about what ‘good’ looks like in a finance function and its interactions with the wider business and stakeholders. I’ve always had a real interest in the commercial and forward-looking aspects of finance - investment appraisal, strategic planning and contract modelling - and I really enjoyed the dynamic, fast-paced environment at Menzies.

Eventually it was time for a change though – on all fronts really. That led to a move North to Aberdeenshire and an exciting role with Stewart Milne Group. After 4 years, the Group FD role at Bancon came up. It was too good to pass up and a perfect ‘fit’ in the same sector (housebuilding, timberframe manufacture, and construction).

Seven years on, I consider myself very lucky. I work in a fantastic business, surrounded by extremely talented people who take huge pride in what they do. My commute is also just eight minutes along Deeside in what is one of the most stunning parts of the world. It could be worse.

The People. That sounds clichéd, but at Bancon I work with a team that genuinely puts the business first. Of course, everyone wants to be rewarded for their hard work, but there’s a shared understanding here - if the business thrives, so do its people. Combine that with the caliber of people we now have and their passion for what we do and it creates a great working environment.

What we do. Amongst other things, we build homes for people – how good is that?! Moving house is one of the biggest and most exciting things people ever do. Delivering high-quality new homes in great environments makes a real difference to the lives of the families that move into them. I’ve moved into two new build developments myself so have some first-hand experience of how positive this can be when done well.

The variety. My role has evolved recently and I’m now more involved in the likes of HR, HSQE, and Marketing. I’m constantly learning from people with expertise in different fields which keeps things interesting and helps me connect different aspects of the business more effectively. Of course, finance remains at the core!

No, it came a bit later.

I have a degree in Marine and Environmental Biology and I’m glad I did that. I always had a feeling I’d take a different path though – I just wasn’t sure what. I knew the CA qualification was held in high regard and gave a good grounding and overview of business. I’d also always liked and been pretty good with numbers so it became a natural choice.

Coming from a non-accounting background definitely made the training and exams tougher, but it also gave me a different perspective and the analytical, enquiring mindset has stood me in pretty good stead. I think that balance has definitely been beneficial throughout my career.

I think the tools we use will continue to evolve as will the pace of change on that front – as it has over the last 10 years. AI and technology advancements are undoubtedly set to have a significant impact on how we work.

That said, the fundamentals of providing sound governance and control along with meaningful reporting and counsel to inform decision-making have been around a long time, and I think will continue to be at the heart of what we do.

Not hugely to be honest. It clearly accelerated the shift towards the hybrid working model and that is here to stay. That’s been a positive for many which is great, but getting the balance right is crucial – particularly around aspects such as culture and supporting employee development.

I like coming into work and think that the interaction and a buzz in the office brings so many benefits and efficiencies in how we work - maybe I’m old-fashioned! What we do at Bancon is also all about our site and factory operations and that’s not something that can be done from home.

Get a feel for the people you’ll be working with. Fit is so important. Do you get on with them? Could you see yourself working with them? What values do they have and what type of culture are they likely to create? I’ve been fortunate to work with some great bosses and colleagues over the years - and also some that were less so. I know which times I enjoyed more. Let’s be honest, there are often push factors as well as pull but if it feels right (and you tend to know when it does), it probably is.

And don’t just chase the dollar. Some of my best career moves would be considered sideways steps on paper. If you find the right role in the right environment, you’ll do well, be a lot happier and the progression and financial side is likely to follow.

It will all work out okay. Worry less, relax a bit, and enjoy it more along the way.

I’ve never considered myself particularly ambitious in the traditional sense, and I don’t tend to set long-term career goals. I do have a competitive streak though and tend to go all-in on most things. I’ve always thought that if you make the most of what you’re doing and do it to the best of your ability, what comes next will largely take care of itself.

I really enjoy my current role and I’m very proud to work for Bancon Group. One of our Corporate Missions is to “Realise Our Potential” and I love that – it speaks to both the potential within the business and also the individuals within it. There’s always more that can be unlocked and that we can keep pushing and encouraging ourselves and each other to achieve.

Family, fishing and friends. I’m lucky to have two great kids, a very understanding wife (who’s also great – obviously!), and a dog that’s daft as a brush. They all make me laugh, I enjoy their company, and they’re just all-round decent people – especially the dog.

I’m also fishing daft and take every opportunity I can to do that. It’s a brilliant, all-absorbing switch-off and has taken me to some incredible places with some great friends. I’ve travelled to fish in places from Tasmania to the Faroe Islands and lots in between, but I have a real soft spot for the Scottish Islands particularly Shetland, Orkney, and the Uists. I make sure to get up there at least once a year.

Friends are important to me too – especially the ones that fish.

I spent a year in Australia after University and briefly dabbled at being a Marine Biologist. I was living on a coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef where I was working as a tour guide and turtle researcher. It was all sunshine, white sand, turquoise waters, coral and fish everywhere – proper picture postcard stuff.

It was while lying on a beach on that island that I made up my mind: I should go back to Scotland and become a Chartered Accountant. An unusual decision. Even more bizarrely, one that I’ve never regretted. What’s for you won’t go by you…