The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Insights takes full control of its global operations
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Dundee-based firm makes 10 deals in 18 months to buy out joint venture partners
Dundee-based personal development company Insights is set to close its tenth and final deal to wholly own all its operations worldwide.
Over the past 18 months the group has completed deals with joint venture partners in several territories as it sought to take back complete control of its global operations.
It has been a key part of a strategy to increase the value of the firm and also provide a more consistent customer experience worldwide.
Recently appointed chief executive Fiona Logan explained: “Our customers can’t speak highly enough of our people and suite of products.
“What was happening in our joint ventures and wholly owned businesses was everybody had their own interpretation of how to service customers.
“On the odd occasion our large global customers would notice that from a pricing or a service perspective there were different shades of grey across the world.
“We have really focused on was the acquisition of those co-owned businesses over the past 18 months.
“We’ve been surprised at how straightforward it’s been from the purchase and acquisition point of view.
“We now have the process of integration to go through with those offices.”
Ms Logan joined Insights three years ago from her previous role as chief executive of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
She worked as chief operating officer for Insights Learning and Development before succeeding co-founder Andy Lothian in the chief executive role earlier this year.
Mr Lothian, who formed the company with his father Andi more than 20 years ago, has moved to a new strategic post as chief executive of Insights Group, the parent company.
Insights is hoping to record sales of around £55 million in this financial year and Ms Logan is optimistic that an ambitious goal of doubling the value of the company over the past three years has been achieved.
She is ready to take forward the next set of targets, which she calls “big hairy audacious goals”.
“We are holding a global leadership meeting in Toronto at the end of April where we are launching the next fiveyear strategic plan,” she said.
“Big hairy audacious goals really empower creativity and innovation because you don’t know how you’re going to achieve them.
“You have to think about different markets, different business models, the opportunity that lies with the digitisation of learning and of our products and how we use technology to enhance learning.
“There are all sorts of areas that we could look at and there is some really powerful research work going on in the company which is very exciting.”
Insights has more than 150 staff at two large buildings in Dundee Technology Park and around 500 employees worldwide.
It is focusing on America and Asia as key areas for growth although is continuing to grow in the UK and Europe.
To date around 4.5 million people have been through an Insights personal development programme.