Each week, we ask small businesses key questions.
Here we speak to Chris Ross, Harris An Clachan Community Shop chairman. He also runs Levenburgh’s Butty Bus.
How and why did you start in business?
On leaving school at 16, I stuck with family tradition and followed my master mariner father to sea as a galley boy on the ocean weather ship OWS Weather Monitor.
By the time I was 25, I had risen through the ranks to become a qualified merchant navy navigating officer and was also sailing as a first officer. The prospect of a lifetime at sea lost its appeal after I got married so, aged 27, I decided to leave and go into business for myself.
How did you get to where you are today?
Through hard work and not being afraid of change or seizing opportunities. Over the years, I’ve been a fish merchant trading in both home and overseas markets, and imported and exported goods to and from China for sale and resale in this country. My career has now gone full circle as I’ve spent the past six years slaving in a galley once more, only this time it’s my own business.
The Butty Bus, at Leverburgh ferry terminal in south Harris, provides sit-down and takeaway meals for locals, commuters and visitors alike. It boasts four Michelin tyres plus one spare, not surprising given that it’s a converted bus.
I also volunteer in two unpaid positions as lifeboat operations manager at the RNLI’s Leverburgh lifeboat station and as chairman of Co-Chomunn na Hearadh (CCNH), the community enterprise that manages An Clachan, the Harris community shop.
In 1979, the local village store was closing down without a buyer – a real loss to the community – so CCNH decided to convert what was then its workshop and exhibition centre into a new community-owned shop.
However, by the time I became chairman in 2013 its financial position wasn’t healthy.
To turn it around took careful planning by our management committee, hard work and, most importantly, staff who accept and embrace change. An Clachan sells groceries, crafts, hardware, petrol and diesel, and we provide free home delivery to those unable to come to the shop due to age, disability or illness.
We increased sales by 31% between 2013 and 2016, and turnover is now more than £1.3million. Our community shop is firmly back in the black and providing secure employment to seven full-time staff.
Who helped you?
It was Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government that got me going with a scheme that guaranteed income of £40 per week to unemployed people who set up their own businesses.
At that time, with a young family to support, the money was very welcome. Maggie wasn’t all bad. Today, it’s the Federation of Small Business that keeps me right on things like ever-changing legislation.
What has been your biggest mistake?
I’ve made lots of small ones but see them as lessons in disguise. Big ones I avoid at all costs.
What is your greatest achievement?
I don’t know yet – it’s waiting for me around the next corner.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I would insist that all Cabinet ministers have hands-on experience and knowledge of the departments and subjects that they are responsible for. What a change that would make.
I would also add a new super-tax rate (75%?) for those who kick or bat a ball for a living, or punch each other into oblivion for financial gain. The money raised would go to the NHS.
What do you still hope to achieve?
CCNH has made great strides forward, but I’m looking forward to seeing our longer-term ambitions fulfilled.
What do you do to relax?
Travel abroad. The more bizarre the location, within reason, the better.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
Cookery programmes, much to my son’s dismay.
What do you waste your money on?
I don’t.
How would your friends describe you?
Fair and honest but not suffering fools gladly.
What would your enemies say about you?
No idea. I get on with most people and steer well clear of the few that I don’t.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
A car is only a means of transportation. I’d be happy with Fred Flintstone’s car if it had an engine, preferably electric, and a valid MoT.