Perthshire firm delivers innovation aspirations

INSPIRE: Kirsty McIntosh challenges assumptions to boost businesses

Q. How and why did you start in business?

I have always been interested in company culture and the link with innovation. People often associate innovation with either new inventions or technology, but at the basic level, innovation is about doing the right things really well. I did some market research and found a gap in the market for some uncomplicated, simple innovation thinking.

Q. How did you get to where you are today?

Although I left school at 16, I have always loved learning new skills, trying new things and being open to new ideas.

I’ve learned to follow my instincts and back them up with good research.

Q. Who has helped you along the way?

I have built a good network over the years and am fortunate that I can call on that network for help and advice.

In particular, it’s great being able to turn to other professional women for advice. Joining Perthshire Chamber of Commerce was a smart move, because it offers both fantastic support and an opportunity to share experiences with other businesses, especially at the moment.

Q. What was your biggest mistake?

I don’t like looking back with regret, but I wish I had started my own business sooner.

Q. What is your greatest achievement to date?

I don’t know about “great” achievements, but finally taking the leap and registering as a limited company feels like a big deal. At a personal level, I am part of the BBC’s Expert Women project, which aims to ensure better gender balance on TV and radio. I’ve contributed to BBC Scotland The Nine and Radio Scotland programmes, providing business and technology perspectives on Scottish issues. I think that the more visible professional, successful women in any field are can only be a good thing.

Q. What do you hope to achieve in the future?

I have wide and varied interests and I hope that having started one business I have the self-belief to start and build others. We were experiencing a slow industrial revolution driven by technology until this virus hit. We’re now having to evolve at breakneck speed.

Q. Do you want to recruit in the future?

Yes.

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

Running your own show is tough. You need to be disciplined and thickskinned, but for me the hardest part is juggling the many hats you have to wear.

Q. Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?

Do it. Don’t wait. Yes, the possibility of failure exists, but so does the potential for huge success.

Q. How has coronavirus impacted your business?

The virus has stopped the consultancy side of my business as my customers switched to survival mode but as we move into economic recovery I know that I can help these businesses think differently about what they do and how they deliver for their customers.

It has been an unexpected opportunity for an early stage business like mine to review progress to date.

Kirsty McIntosh helps business owners define their role and promotes innovation culture.