Job title: CEO
What is your business called? Cairn Group, comprising Cairn Letting & Estate Agency and Factors Direct.
Where is it based?
Glasgow and Edinburgh.
What does it produce/do?
Cairn Letting & Estate Agency offers a wide range of property investment services, including HMO (house in multiple occupation) services, Airbnb, licensing and development. Factors Direct is a new company established in response to interest from clients to reproduce the quality of customer service we offer within the factoring sector.
To whom does it sell?
We sell mainly to the property investor or speculator, though we have a number of clients who are accidental landlords out of circumstance and some tenants who are also landlords.
What is its turnover?
Cairn’s turnover is £1.7m and Factors Direct is £100k (in its first year).
How many employees?
Cairn has a staff of 23 and Factors Direct has four employees.
What attracted you to your current role?
I started both businesses from scratch and in the early days I did just about everything from the ground up. That gave me a real understanding to the business. Initially Cairn was a development company, but as it has grown, we have added each new area to our overall offering.
What were you doing before?
I have been working in property since the age of 21, so over 30 years in various Glasgow estate agencies and property investment firms.
What do you least enjoy?
Accounts and paperwork surrounding compliance. It takes up a huge amount of my time and, although it’s a necessity, it isn’t what I started the business to do.
What do you consider to be the main successes of the business?
Our people. I know many business owners have said this, but it’s the people that make our business tick. We offer a personal service to our clients to ensure service levels are maintained – and that’s why we have retained clients who have been with us for 25 years.
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What are your ambitions for the firm?
I want it to be seen as the best property investment hub in Scotland. I also love hearing feedback on our customer service. So, our ambition is to be the best but not necessarily the biggest.
What are the challenges facing the sector and market, and what could be done to overcome or address these?
Government policy and licensing is a real challenge. It doesn’t matter what political party is in power, property is now front and centre on regulatory changes. Most of these changes I consider welcome when it comes to licensing, but they are not addressing the shortage of housing stock, which is the real issue.
What single thing would most help?
Building more homes. A significant increase in housing supply is required urgently as this has always been an issue. We need to find a way to build or convert more homes while being kind to the planet.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Always be kind, no matter what you may think. You have no idea how someone else is feeling and how they might react to your views.
What was your best moment?
In 2008 the banking crisis hit, and I took control of the business on my own. While that was a very tough period, I look back knowing that I now had full control, something I am very proud of. I have since given away shares in both businesses as the people running them deserve it.
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What has been your most challenging moment in life or business?
I had a blood clot removed from my head when I was 14 and still have times when I think, ‘Why am I still alive?’.
How do you relax? I love walking the dogs and golfing.
What phrase or quotation has inspired you the most?
I don’t have a particular quote or phrase that motivates me. My family keeps me motivated: there’s nothing like having four other adults in the house with a viewpoint!
What is the best book (fiction or non-fiction) you have ever read? Why is it the best?
Humankind by Rutger Bergman – it made me feel optimistic and inspired.
Where do you find yourself most at ease?
I like spending time in Dumfries and Galloway. It’s so quiet and relaxing with few people in the area.
If you weren’t in your current role, what job would you most fancy?
I have always thought I would want to run a bar or restaurant, although I’m not sure I fancy the tough trading conditions facing that industry right now.
What countries have you most enjoyed travelling to, for business or leisure, and why?
I have always loved France. We used to take our three kids camping there when they were young. I love the language, scenery and of course the food. I am now lucky enough to travel to watch Glasgow Warriors play and have managed to see them play in Montpellier, Lyon, Bayonne, Perpignan and, most recently, in Toulon.