Every Monday, we ask small businesses key questions. Here we speak to Jim Grimmer, chief-executive of Aberdeen-based P3 Business Care CIC.
How and why did you start in business?
In my 20 years as a police officer and 20 years in various management roles within the oil industry I saw that everything around people’s issues was reactive.
The uptake of an ’employee assistance programme’ (EAP) with an 0800 number, is very low, with an average of only 10%, I wanted to turn this on its head and thus P3 was born!
We provide personal and proactive support to employees working in partnership with the employer.
Our P3 Business partners visit our client sites twice weekly developing trust and relationships so we can proactively identify work and life issues which can be addressed before resulting in a crisis, absence or staff turnover.
This support is also available to immediate family (parent/partner/child) as we know this sphere impacts the employee at work.
One of my personal drivers was an incident a few years back in Aberdeen where a young guy, married with children and working for a major oil operator left his desk one lunchtime and committed suicide.
I’ve often thought if P3 would have stopped that happening.
How did you get to where you are today?
Hard work, faith and perseverance. Starting any business is a challenge but particularly when you are taking a new offering to the marketplace.
That said, in the early days a friend who was in a senior HR role said: “Once someone takes P3 they’ll all want it!” That was the encouragement to keep going!
Who helped you?
I’ve been blessed by many good friends and influencers who have helped me along the way.
I’ve much to be thankful for and in particular my wife Ashlyn who has been there through all the ups and downs.
Thane Lawrie was CEO of Scarf Ltd and had the vision to see the value of what P3 could bring to his team. He gave us the opportunity that we needed to prove our model of care worked and I am eternally grateful to him for that.
I’m also a member of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and I think the opportunity they provide for networking is outstanding.
Additionally, the various HR/health and safety templates are invaluable, particularly for small growing businesses or someone taking their first steps, requiring sound advice and looking to establish a solid foundation on which to build.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
I recall working for a friend in a business development role who had a large engineering business.
He said: “You find the work and I’ll find the people.” The two often go hand in hand but it’s a philosophy I’ve held onto in my journey.
What is your biggest mistake?
Employing someone who was recommended to me and against my instinct I went with it. It didn’t work out!
What is your greatest achievement?
Bringing a new service to the marketplace. Many folks will have a great idea or vision but making it a reality is a different ball game.
I’m delighted to say we can now demonstrate that the concept of P3 Business Care works!
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I’d make it easier for social enterprises to get financial support and grants. There are lots out there for charities but it’s more difficult for a social enterprise and/or community interest company.
We’ve supported companies in Aberdeen, Glenrothes, Sheffield, Cardiff and Poole, Dorset. I want to see P3 supporting employees in every major city across the UK.
What do you do to relax?
I’ve played golf with a group of six friends for over twenty years.
I also enjoy good food and frequent trips to Edinburgh.
My son Jack plays for Wycombe Wanderers in the English League One so I listen to his match every Saturday although often I’m not very relaxed!
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on TV?
My last book, which I’ve read several times! was ‘Unmerited Favour’ by Joseph Prince. I’m not much of a TV fan apart from sports, however I enjoy some of the box sets on Netflix.
What do you waste your money on?
I do have a penchant for anything golf! My wife would probably say I spend too much on Amazon too!
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
I have a strong Christian faith and I’m reading ‘The Bible in a Year’ via the YouVersion app closely followed by exercises from my physio to help with a bad back!
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I currently drive an Audi Q3. I’d love to drive a Range Rover, that said I’m pretty sure my next car will be electric so I will see what takes my fancy at that time!
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