In Your Shoes - Michelin Development

Carri Cusick

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is the variety. I know it’s a cliché but really, no two days are ever the same and today was no different.

I’m a Manager within the Scottish Economic Development Team at Scottish Enterprise (SE), the Government’s lead economic development agency and my work involves managing projects and supporting ambitious companies that will contribute to growing Scotland’s economy.

After responding to emails that came in over the weekend, I check-in with one of my clients that has recently announced its intention to float on the stock market. It’s the first Scottish company to IPO in almost 2 years and so it’s not just a big deal for the technology business itself but for Scotland’s business community generally. SE has worked with the company since it was a start-up and it’s very rewarding to have supported the company, which should float with a market valuation of £40m+, on its journey.

Next, it’s a (virtual) Team Meeting with colleagues from Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP). SE, together with Michelin and Dundee City Council are shareholders of MSIP Ltd, the company created last year to transform the Michelin Dundee tyre manufacturing plant into a home for companies and academia innovating in sustainable mobility & low carbon technologies. It’s an incredibly exciting project and I feel privileged to be part of the project team delivering it. The interest in the Parc, and progress made, in a short amount of time is remarkable and I am in no doubt that the Parc will be buzzing with activity and jobs before very long. At this Monday morning meeting, each of the Project Team sets out its key priorities for the week – there’s always a lot to do!

Later in the day, I’ve been preparing information to help with the case for a major, global technology company setting up a facility at MSIP. This research is vital for the business case for the company and for SE’s economic case. There are lots of factors to consider ensuring the robustness of any investment decision for all parties.

Despite the very challenging economic conditions currently, it’s encouraging that there are still companies achieving and forecasting growth. Tomorrow could be very different; I could find myself ‘parachuted in’ to try to help a major company in financial distress but today, I am thankful for the commitment from these companies and from the Scottish Government to invest in Scotland’s future economies.

Carri Cusick
Scottish Economic Development Team, Scottish Enterprise

Brian Cairns

Tuesday morning like every morning starts with a 54 mile commute to work, which gives me a great opportunity to plan my day ahead.

On arrival at the plant I don my Hi-Viz vest, safety boots and hard hat for an early morning tour of the decommissioning works currently on-going at the site in preparation for handing over to Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, followed by the daily morning decommissioning meeting where we look at the daily workload identifying potential roadblocks and risks to the plan and in turn generate potential solutions reducing the risk of any delays. Then it’s back to the office for a coffee and a review of all my emails.

Suitably refreshed I join a Teams link-up with Key stakeholders of the My Future career support programme responding to requests for help and support from ex-employees in all aspect of career development and job search activities.

The rest of the day is set aside to prepare for the Michelin Development Steering Committee meeting which includes members from Michelin, Angus Council, Business Gateway, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, Dundee City Council, Scottish Enterprise and the Royal Bank of Scotland. A summary of all new and existing clients covering their business strategy and growth plans is created to present to the committee, looking at potential financial and non-financial avenues where we can offer support, the committees knowledge of commerce and industry means that what we offer by way of advice and solutions will help meet our clients’ needs today and help anticipate future risks, and on occasion look at better ways of doing things.

Then it’s the journey home and my time to reflect on the days successes.

Brian Cairns
Business Development Manager, Michelin Dundee

Mandy McKenzie

Today I logged on just before 7am to get through the emails before the Business Gateway Operational Network Meeting(BGON). This is a monthly meeting of Local Authority colleagues from across Scotland, who have responsibility for Business Gateway Operations in their region. This allows sharing of best practice, review of operations, looking at performance target and KPI's etc. Was a packed agenda with many areas reflecting on the significant rise in enquiries and requests for support from the business community at this time. We also covered marketing activities and the shift to digital delivery along with many other aspects of Business Gateway operations.

Following the meeting I had many requests from the local Business Gateway team to approve support for their clients, which is so wide ranging now. There was requests for businesses looking for support with digitising their business, HR, procurement, Growth and International strategy support and so on. Still amazes me just how much expertise we have to tap into to support businesses, along with all the partner support available which we can referrals to, including Michelin Development Ltd, which not only provides loan funding but can offer access to expertise from Michelin's own internal teams.

Couple other shorter meetings, many more emails and calls and the day has gone by in a flash.

Fajita's for tea, a family favourite, so should be no moans tonight, then its quick dash to the supermarket, home and feet up!

Mandy McKenzie
Enterprise Co-ordination Officer, Dundee City Council

Mike Cole

The last Thursday of the month is always an interesting morning as I join the Dundee Michelin Development Steering Committee for their monthly discussion. This used to be a physical affair and gave me an opportunity outside of the meeting to catch up with potential new clients and entrepreneurs in the Dundee/Angus area, but today it is a virtual link up as is the new normal.

Following our recent press release reminding businesses of our Michelin Development support offer to growing SMEs we have lots of new contacts to discuss and others which are progressing through the system. It always amazes me how resilient small businesses are and how open and flexible they are to new opportunities! The impartial advice from the committee members is invaluable and it means that we as a group can make applicants aware of not only our own offer but that of other agencies as well, all pulling together to support local businesses and the greater good of the sub region economy.

It’s great that we can continue to do our work with the help of the digital office but I do miss the interaction and the infectious positive attitude of my colleagues on the Dundee Committee!

Mike Cole
Head of Public Affairs UK & ROI, Michelin Tyre PLC

Rami Zaatari

Another busy day, working from home for many months now.

For today, I’m dealing with urgent work and joining my colleagues in assessing our local business applications in hospitality and its supply chain for the new Scottish Government’s Business Hardship Fund. This fund is meant to provide hardship relief to those who have impacted due to the recent restrictions applied on 9 October.

Today is Friday and the end of October, I look forward to my weekend. I don’t have any Halloween plans, but I’ll do some outdoor running and play tennis which is thankfully still possible although we are in tight restrictions.

Rami Zaatari
Sector Officer
Economic Development - Angus Council

Caryn Gibson

After a full on week of meetings I was really looking forward to some well needed down time this weekend. I started my day off the way I do everyday – At the beach with my lovely wee dog. It was slightly wild and the wind was creating huge waves but it was so nice to see the surfers out and get some fresh air in my lungs.

I then headed down to one of my favourite brunch spots with my friend – WeeCook in Barry. (Their pies are quite simply the best pies you will ever eat, If you haven’t been…you must go!)

After brunch I met my bestie for some well needed girl time – we got our nails done (my nails had got me through a house move and decorating so they were REALLY needing done) We put the world to right, went for some food shopping and then I finished my Saturday night with some homemade Thai Curry, a glass of prosecco and Strictly Come Dancing… for me, the ideal day!

Caryn Gibson

Depute Operations Manager - Business Gateway Tayside

Lois McLeod

I just love Sundays as it’s the one day of the week when I can wake up when I like and pretty much spend the day as I want. The world of Banking has always been fast paced and never more so – I have found out – than during a Pandemic. Being there for my customers is key and the relationship I have with them is so important to me. After working hours, as with most folks, my family takes priority and Covid has meant that caring for my elderly parents has been more focussed.

So today, I took Mum and Dad for a run to Anstruther for some different scenery and we treated ourselves to a legendary fish supper from the Award Winning takeaway on the Shore. My Dad has mid-stage Dementia and every day is precious now – the pic here is us going for his flu jab, he’s still amused with having to wear a mask!

We get back in time to meet up with my son to hear how he got on playing football and I give my Dad a haircut (another new skill I have obtained during Covid) then we enjoy what has become a regular Sunday evening chilling out watching Tipping Point & Family Fortunes.

My son and I head for home when my older sibling calls from London to catch up with Mum.

Time for bed and rest, ready for what no doubt will be a busy week supporting my self employed customers to the best of my ability.

Lois McLeod
Business Banking Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland