What was your reason and motivation to start Fairley Gunn Group?
Fairley Gunn Group was started to facilitate the acquisition of NDT Electronic Services Ltd, where Jonathan has worked since 2007. The acquisition gave Jonathan and I the break we had been searching for and allowed the previous owners to retire happy. During the acquisition process, we realised there was a much bigger opportunity to be had. It didn’t take long for my passion for engineering and British industry to strike the vision to Champion & Support British Manufacturing. With this burning vision, we are motivated to bring engineering-centric businesses into the Group.
What is special about Fairley Gunn Group and how does that set it apart from its competition?
Our biggest differentiators are our humility and being led by two engineers, with hands-on practical and technical abilities. Both Jonathan and I are from the tools, and our ambition, mindset, desire and ability to get things done has helped shape the Group thus far. I have worked at different levels within different engineering and manufacturing businesses, which has provided experience and a perspective which I am building the teams on. Although not easy, I do want the Fairley Gunn Group to be a place where people are queuing to join. My drive and vision for the Group provides a demanding yet exciting environment for both people and businesses. As we grow, I strive to maintain strong relationships with existing customers, suppliers, partners and affiliations, as we should all benefit from growth, together.
How do you see the business evolving from here?
The next stage of our evolution is to solidify local leadership at each of our business and group level functions. We are now at a turnover and profitability size where we can both invest in our current team to upskill, and bring in fresh talent to ensure our service to customers is only improved through growth. Coupled with a fundraise for further acquisitions and organic growth, we will be able to smoothly onboard new businesses to start making a positive impact on the newly acquired business from day one. All with the knowledge that the team is ready and able.
What business advice would you give to your younger self with the benefit of hindsight?
Start sooner, always be improving your communication skills and make the hard decision. There is rarely a perfect time for anything, and waiting too long or doing too much preparation creates friction. If there is a tough decision, get on and do it. You need to preserve your health and protect the business and procrastinating puts both in jeopardy. Having excellent communication skills greatly helps with everything in life, from your personal relationships to business, to delivering on uncomfortable decisions, so keep improving on them.
What has been your greatest achievement within the business to date?
Turning Gilligan Engineering Services Ltd around. We successfully rebuilt the teams, won confidence back with customers and secured the future by getting back into profit. It was an almighty turnaround, with a lot of hard lessons learnt, but we did it, we are still here, and we are stronger than ever.
What interests do you have outside of work?
Attending live events with family and friends… concerts, gigs, theatre, performances. I once attended a cosmology lecture by Professor Brian Cox, in Newcastle on a Saturday night, which was an experience, especially after a few beers! I’ve seen ACDC multiple times, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Pink Floyd, tribute bands, local bands, Les Misérables, Lion King, Matilda, Book of Mormon, Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre. The list goes on. I used to be a keen footballer, not that I was any good, and enjoy playing squash. I still get to the swimming pool and gym occasionally as I believe it’s important to look after your body and mind. Travel is a big part of my life; I enjoy discovering new places and exploring cultures and history. My wife and I have visited a good few places in Europe and beyond and love to sample the local food and wine.
If you could invite any 3 people to dinner, who would it be and why?
Richard Branson – his approach to business and his energy for life is something to admire. It would be great to listen to his stories of how he lives life to the max and continues to build his businesses and brand.
Winston Churchill – what a life! Someone who truly understands pressure and what it means to make tough decisions. But who didn’t scrimp on life either, finding time to write, paint, entertain, party, brick-lay and much more. Churchill was someone full of innovation, engineering capabilities, and ideas that he could execute.
Leonardo da Vinci – he pushed the boundaries of his time. Innovating, experimenting and engineering a lot of things we use and have today. It would be fascinating to listen to his stories and get a glimpse into how his mind works. Not that my Italian (or Latin) is any good.