How a ‘lightbulb moment’ has been transformed into success

Each week, we ask small businesses some key questions. Here we speak to Nicola Davidson, founding director of Turriff-based Optimul Business Solutions

How and why did you start in business?

I’ve always got a lot out of helping others and would often find myself doing bits and pieces for struggling colleagues or small businesses run by family and friends in my local area, along with holding down a full-time job running a systems, IT and facilities department.

But after my second child and having always had a desire to be my own boss, I decided it was time to make a business out of it. I started Optimul Business Solutions in July 2017.

How did you get to where you are today?

By pushing my limits continuously, working hard and taking the odd risk. I grew up on a farm and that background has given me a workaholic mentality.

After university I worked my way through the energy sector, which included roles in operations, systems and IT, facilities management and management

support. I attended numerous management and leadership training courses and met a number of managers and business owners who were overwhelmed and burnt out. It was at this point I had the lightbulb moment and identified that by working with people like this, I could enhance their business practices, reduce their workloads and help to improve their work-life balance.

Who helped you?

I have some fantastic

sounding boards to bounce my ideas off and a great big family to give me the nudge that is sometimes needed.

I’ve also had some fantastic services from Business Gateway and the Federation of Small Businesses, which have provided support and numerous materials that I’d be lost without.

What has been your biggest mistake?

Taking so long to take the plunge and start up the business. I worked on my business plan for

months out of the fear of it not being perfect. That was until my dad told me to get a grip and just go for it.

What is your greatest achievement?

Aside from establishing Optimul, setting up our Network NorthEast networking events in Turriff has also been a highlight as I am passionate about connecting with businesses that are looking for support or a friendly ear.

If you were in power in government, what would you change?

I’d like to see more money ploughed into helping our older generation. These people fought for our freedom and all we see are nursing home closures, poor standards and budget cuts where they need it most – it makes my blood boil.

What do you still hope to achieve?

I have an ever-evolving wish list and lots of exciting things in the pipeline. The dream is to get our business drop-in

centre up and running but we are a while away from that yet.

What do you do to relax?

I love to read so an ideal night would be bath, early to bed and a good book but that happens on a quarterly basis if I’m lucky. So a night in front of the telly is much appreciated too. That usually involves food of some sort. I also love catching up with friends over a gin – and more food.

What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?

I hardly watch TV so I am miles behind on box sets – I’ve only recently just started watching Game of Thrones – but my husband and I always make time for Strictly Come Dancing.

I always have music playing and, for the second time, I have just finished reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. It’s a fantastic read for changing your outlook on life.

What do you waste your money on?

I love to travel and would do more if I could, although it’s a bit difficult with my business and two kids – Ruby, five and Griff, three. My bucket list of places to visit is extensive but up top would be to see more of Italy or visit Hawaii.

How would your friends describe you?

Loyal with bundles of energy, full of mischief and freakishly organised.

What would your enemies say about you?

There would probably be some reference to my poor fashion sense.

What do you drive and dream of driving?

I drive a bog-standard Vauxhall Zafira for carting the kids around but I’d quite like a Mazda CX-5.

That or being chauffeured around would be very appealing.

“I grew up on a farm and that has given me a workaholic mentality”

Photographs by Jim Irvine HELPING HAND: Nicola Davidson, of business advisory firm Optimul, at Crudie, near Gardenstown.

Some of Nicola’s business literature and contact cards