Geoff Runcie

Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce

Returned the business to profitability and sustained this through the development of a range of new services and a stronger membership proposition including more dynamic events and expanded training and survey activity all supported by substantial new sponsorship funding. Re-invigorated and re-built the staff team and developed a number of new revenue streams raising turnover by 50% in 4 years and generating a record surplus of over £125k in 2007. Latterly grew the membership to over 1,250 members and continued the growth in income and range of service delivery despite more challanging economic conditions.

Successfully sold the Chamber’s dated building and moved the business to modern premises and implemented a complete IT upgrade. Raised the profile of the organisation and the business community agenda through extensive media activity on key regional business issues. Secured British Chambers of Commerce and IiP re-accreditation and won outright the Innovative Networking Award and achieved finalist position in both International Trade and Chamber of the Year categories in the British Chamber national awards, positioning the Aberdeen organisation as one of the leading Chambers in the UK. Conceived and developed the largest Business Awards event in Scotland – the Northern Star event – which sold out at 1000 guests in both 2008 and 09.

Integrated Sensor Systems Ltd

Invested in this technology fledgling and helped iSS secure additional equity and loan funding of £250k alongside my own investment. Contributed to sales growth from £200k to £1m  through winning of a number of valuable export contracts and helped with management and production procedures development and implementation. Developed a number of international OEM arrangements for the sole supply of our technology on prime equipment installations. Negotiated the successful sale of the company to a major competitor and achieved a competitive return on my investment.

Wallmaster Technologies Ltd

Successfully integrated 7 operating companies and divisions with a total turnover of £16m, which had been making losses of £500k, into a new coherent lower overhead company with a fresh new brand returning the reshaped business to breakeven in just 12 months. Managed and implemented the total £1.5m re-development of the main manufacturing facility in N Ireland. Despite the company having no real value other than fixed assets and some aged brand names at the outset my efforts allowed shareholders to sell the business for £8.5m 18 months later.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce

Totally reshaped and redirected the loss making Chamber of Commerce and halted the steep decline in membership. Implemented new management systems and achieved both ISO9001 and IiP status, becoming the first and only accredited British Chamber in Scotland at that time. Developed a strong business proposition and grew membership from 1200 to over 2000 members, taking turnover from £475k to over £1m and achieved breakeven (target) 3 years in a row. Planned and delivered the £350k re-development of our city centre listed building including securing a free temporary home and relocating the business during the 6 month project.

Biwater Valves

Restructured both the field and office selling operations and created a new export agents structure and successfully re-positioned the company as a key supplier to other companies within the group. Competitively bid and won the largest multi-year supply contract in the UK valued at £500k p.a. from arch competitor and secured a number of large and profitable export contracts.

Terex Equipment Ltd

Following the sale of the TEREX by General Motors to an American entrepreneur, took on key responsibility for the development and implementation of new company product & marketing strategy, reporting directly for the UK Managing Director. Created a product range development planning process and defined and re-shaped the entire product range. Re-developed the TEREX brand and re-launched the company to its international Dealers following closure of the US plants. Conceived and launched a range of ADT products that achieved UK market leadership and considerable worldwide success. Devised and launched a major Parts marketing campaign to the Dealer network.

Caterpillar Tractor Company Inc.

Following the purchase of DJB Engineering by Caterpillar I transferred to the Caterpillar HQ staff and spent 12 months in Peoria, Ill. US, transitioning and integrating the DJB product into the Caterpillar range. This included substantial performance analysis and training material development and delivery. Spearheaded a concerted and active direct marketing, public relations and product promotional campaign to senior Caterpillar staff and the N. and S. American Caterpillar Dealer network.

Stonefield Vehicles Ltd

Strongly established the innovative Scottish vehicle manufacturer through development and implementation of an extensive marketing campaign and media programme, positioning the company as a mainstream supplier of specialist cross-country vehicles both in the UK and abroad.