Scotland’s Leading Business Podcast: Scottish Entrepreneurs Sir Tom Hunter & Lord Willie Haughey Discuss Business and Chat to Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI Group and MD of Intelligent land Investments Ltd

The Go Radio Business Show Highlights,

[00:01:00] - Planning Hub Announcement

• Discussion on Ivan McKee's announcement of a new planning hub to expedite planning approvals in Scotland.

[00:02:00] - Public Sector Efficiency

• Analysis of public sector spending and employment in Scotland, highlighting the need for efficiency.

[00:03:30] - Unemployment Figures

• Comparison of unemployment rates between Scotland and the UK, with a focus on public vs. private sector job growth.

[00:05:00] - Hospitality Sector Challenges

• Impact of new wage policies on the hospitality sector and potential business expansions.

[00:06:30] - Inheritance Tax Changes

• Potential effects of Rachel Reeves' budget on inheritance tax for businesses.

[00:08:00] - Trump's Appointments

• Speculation on the impact of Donald Trump's appointments, including Elon Musk, on government efficiency.

[00:09:30] - Public Sector Reform

• Discussion on attracting talent to public service and the need for accountability and incentives.

[00:11:00] - SSE Profits and Renewables

• Positive news on SSE's profits from renewables and the CEO's departure.

[00:12:00] - Glasgow Airport Sale

• Sale of Glasgow and Aberdeen airports and the potential for connecting Glasgow with Prestwick Airport.

[00:13:00] - Prestwick Airport's Turnaround

• The Scottish Government's role in saving Prestwick Airport and its current profitability.

 

Special Guest: Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI Group and MD of Intelligent Land Investments Ltd.

Mark has over 18 years of experience in the land property market and has successfully carried out fundraisings for property investment companies in this sector. Since the economic downturn in 2008, he diversified into the Renewable Energy sector replicating the same financial model.

This has proved a timely decision. From an original target of 100, ILI (RE) achieved 96 consents for onshore wind turbine projects. Mark is a highly motivated and entrepreneurial individual who brings creative solutions to the table. His personal, and client, successes are a consequence of his energy and knowledge, and above all his willingness to put his reputation on the line.

• Background: Grew up in Northern Ireland, moved to Scotland, and has a diverse background in farming, entrepreneurship, and accountancy.
• Mark's Journey:
  • Transitioned from farming to property investment.
  • Built a portfolio of 42 houses and flats, which he later sold as a package.

• Land Investment:
  • Innovatively raised funds through a form of syndication before crowdfunding was popular.
  • Successfully involved 183 investors in a land investment project.

• Renewable Energy:
  • Pivoted to renewable energy during the housing market crash.
  • Focused on onshore wind projects and later on energy storage solutions.

• Pumped Storage Hydro:
  • Identified a market need for energy storage to complement renewable energy sources.
  • Developed a pumped storage hydro project using Loch Ness as the bottom reservoir.

Key Insights:

• Energy Transition:
  • The importance of energy storage in achieving net zero emissions.
  • Pumped storage hydro as a proven and efficient technology for energy storage.
• Business Strategy:
  • The value of persistence and having a strong network in business success.
  • Adapting to market changes and identifying new opportunities.

 

Board You Can't Afford: Penny Steel Folkerton Mill

Question: Strategy For Growth?

• Business Overview:

  • Penny shares the story of her business which she operates with her husband, Scott.
  • They started the business in 2019 and have completed three full wedding seasons.

• Venue Details:

  • The venue is a historic grain and oatmeal mill with original features, a barn, a courtyard, and a garden.
  • It can accommodate around 100 guests during the day and up to 150 in the evening.

• Impact of Covid-19:

  • The pandemic halted their operations initially, but they managed to reschedule and adapt, leading to a busy first season post-lockdown.

• Business Growth:

  • Penny discusses the growth of their business, with bookings filled for the next few years.
  • They limit the number of weddings to 12 per season to maintain quality and manage their personal lives, as they live on-site.

• Challenges Faced:

  • The most significant challenge was a flood on the day of a wedding, which they managed to handle successfully before the event started.

• Additional Services:

  • They have expanded to host wellness retreats, which align with the venue's serene environment.

• Future Plans:

  • Penny seeks advice on growth strategies, particularly in the current economic climate, as they consider expanding their business.

• Advice:

  • Lord Haughey shares insights from their experience in the events industry, emphasising the hands-on nature of the business and the importance of being integral to the service delivery.

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