An Update on what I do in Scotland:
Like so many people these days I seem to struggle for time to write anything for Linked-In, after spending so many years travelling and doing business overseas I thought I would spend my latter years writing a book and publishing articles on a wide range of subjects, where did I go wrong. 😛
I seem to have become embroiled in a number of charitable ventures and organisations who for some reason think I am suited to the role of Chairman, I am not even sure how it came about but currently I Chair a charity called Livingston Community Shed, if you have heard of the international Men's Shed organisation you will know what I am talking about, if not then take a look at https://lnkd.in/eYTstK-i to get a flavour of what we do. In little over a year we have raised money to fund a woodwork shop, procure a suite of garden tools, expand a gardening service to renovate 5 public owned garden areas, been commissioned to design and manufacture special aids for those living with Dementia in care homes plus open up a photography section.
So from a business perspective we raised investment, set up a venture, got it established plus expanded into other sectors. Sounds familiar 🤷♂️
I have to be honest and say that when we started this off I was under pressure from people who adopted the old kamikaze rule of get some cash then spend it immediately and "go for it" in terms of business, being of a canny Scottish nature I adopted the normal business procedure of living tight and keeping a tight rein on spending which has resulted in our charity now being very well funded, resourced and in a solid position for future steady growth.
Now I understand why so many organisations in the third sector seek experienced businessmen to come onboard as unpaid trustees, it makes sense.