MARK WILLIAMS had a telling observation to make about the Scottish psyche when discussing the possibility of floating NWH Group on the stock market.
Business growth advisers on the ELITE programme run by the London Stock Exchange have made him aware there is a perception of Scottish business owners being “more reserved” than their English counterparts when it comes to growing their companies. The impression in the City, Mr Williams said, is English business folk are much more open to floating their companies or engaging private equity backing to realise their growth ambitions.
That Scots are perceived as reserved or indeed conservative in their approach to business is not, in itself, a new observation. Scotland is a country, after all, where people seen to be getting ideas “above their station” can find themselves on the end of a waspish tongue.
But it is perhaps an area for Scots to work on. If someone has a great idea for a business, or is seeing rapid growth at their company, then why not examine every option to fulfil that potential?
That is certainly the view of Mr Williams and NWH.
Having charted an upward trajectory for the company since its management buyout in 2005, by diversifying and making astute acquisitions, Mr Williams believes the firm now needs more firepower if his goals for NWH are to be fully realised.
He appears open to either a stock market float or private equity investment to achieve his aims, and deserves praise for having the confidence to keep all options for the business on the table.
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