Friends engineer business success

Friends Alan Ramsay and Chris Mckellican set up Dundee-based A&C Precision Engineering in 2014, and the firm has grown strongly since. Alan shares the story behind their business.

Q Why did you start in business?

A I was working for a company in Aberdeen as a manufacturing engineer but very quickly realised I didn’t enjoy the travelling and wanted to return to Dundee.

Roughly 15 months later we decided we wanted to work for ourselves.

I had looked into starting a business with Chris around 10 years ago but the timing wasn’t right.

I spoke to Chris again in 2013 and we felt we had gained the right amount of experience, skills and contacts to go out on our own. A&C Precision Engineering was then set up in 2014.

Q How did you get to where you are? A We met while we were both

CNC (computer numerical control) sliding-head machinists at Bonspiel Engineering in Dundee.

When we set up A&C Precision we wanted to make the most of our experience by specialising in the machining of precision-turned and milled components using state-of-theart CNC machinery.

We started with two machines and now have six, due to our rapid growth.

Working with high-profile contractors in the oil and gas, marine, telecom and defence industries has resulted in us moving into new premises three times the size of our first unit.

Q Who has helped you along the way? A Business Gateway, from the start – beginning with our adviser Mike’s guidance, which gave us the confidence to push on with our vision.

In the early days we attended the business start-up courses that Business Gateway host, which allowed us to create a business plan.

Mike pointed us in the direction of possible funding avenues and through the Dundee Development grant we received some money, which was small but really helped in that first year.

We have also had a referral to Scottish Enterprise regarding renewable support, and are in discussions with the Green Business Fund for help with LED lighting.

We can’t forget the invaluable support from family members which was crucial in the early days.

Q What was your biggest mistake? A Probably not setting up the business a little bit sooner.

Q Your greatest achievement to date? A We’re both extremely proud of our customer base, which gives us repeat business. It’s a real indication that we’re doing a good job. Q What do you hope to achieve?

A To continue providing the service we do and make sure we keep attracting new customers. Growth so far has exceeded our expectations and forecasts each year. Q Do you want to recruit in the future? A Due to our growth we have been able to provide jobs in the area, and employ 10 members of staff. If we continue to grow, we expect this to rise.

Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?

A Trying to switch off. As a business owner it’s hard not to think about work outwith the usual 9 to 5 hours.

Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?

A Follow your gut instinct. If you believe in your product or service, go for it.

Also, get advice from Business Gateway. They can help you get your idea off the ground.

Chris Mckellican and Alan Ramsay of A&C Precision Engineering of Dundee.