Inverness man on surviving double lung collapse to start his own business

Declan Ramsey has ambitions for his company to become a "household name".

By Alex Banks

October 21 2024, 6:00 am

Declan Ramsey is the latest to feature in our small business focus series. Image: DCT Media

Declan Ramsey left school at 16 with no idea what he wanted to do.

Now, the Inverness man runs his own business management and services firm, DramCo_ on Druid Temple Road.

Declan answered our questions on his biggest struggles, achievements and more.

How and why did you start in business?

I’ve always loved solving problems, even from a young age.

I would stand at theme parks and prefer to look at how the rides worked, asking questions of the operators.

I left school at 16 with no idea of what I wanted to do, so I went to college and studied mechanics and horticulture.

After studying business and project management, I realised the difficulties faced by young people looking to get into management.

Declan Ramsey founded the business on Druid Temple Road. Image: Declan Ramsey

I was originally employed as a block sharpener in a timber factory.

During this time, I also co-founded my first business with my friends and supported my mother’s business working from home when she became ill.

15 years later I started DramCo_, combining my love of mechanics and problem solving with my experience and passion for teamwork. I now work for my clients as a fractional executive.

How did you get to where you are today?

I decided to move to the Highlands because I was looking for fun and adventure. I felt I could continue building my career here rather than setting off to “sunnier climates”.

Shortly after arriving I suffered a double lung collapse (spontaneous pneumothorax), one after the other.

Like, that makes it sound less fun.

After being transported to Glasgow, I recovered thanks to the NHS then returned to the Highlands and got my first job here, selling cars.

Declan Ramsey in Inverness. Image: Declan Ramsey

After honing my sales skills, Covid came along and I found myself looking for the next opportunity.

I became operations manager for a small IT consultancy company, but this highlighted to me the lack of management experience in some businesses.

This got me thinking – did I have the skills to provide high level business support on a more flexible basis?

Leaving my 9-5 job and setting out on my own has been the best decision I’ve ever made.

Who helped you?

My Partner, Joanne, and other family members have always supported me. John Jones, my old manager, also deserves a mention – he was the man who pushed me towards gaining my management qualifications and started the ball rolling.

Massive thanks to all.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?

Just get back on the bike. Rejection is a fact of life; you have to be in it to win it. This advice made me comfortable with risk and, so far, it’s done me good.

What is your biggest mistake?

I used to be a lone ranger, happy with my own company and became very isolated. Since realising my mistake I’ve done a sky dive and danced in front of 600 people for charity.

What is your greatest achievement?

I played rugby for many years. My school team was undefeated for almost three years and later I played for York Rowntree’s, and scored a try.

How are you managing rapidly rising costs, and how could the government help?

Watching the pennies, the same as most, I’m sure.

If I knew how the government could help, I’d be in politics, but as a member of the Federation of Small Businesses, I know they’re speaking to decision makers all the time to support independent businesses, like mine.

What do you still hope to achieve?

I still have big plans for DramCo_ and in my personal life. You should watch this space.

My goal is to build DramCo_ into a household name for entrepreneurs and business investors looking to create, overhaul or improve their business, existing operations and processes.

Later, I’ll provide a space where young aspiring managers and consultants can gain experience working with various companies to get them on the ladder.