Each week, we ask small businesses some key questions. Here we speak to Angus Dixon, the owner of Groves Forestry at Pluscarden, near Elgin
How and why did you start in business?
I had worked for a national forestry company, Tilhill, for seven years and wanted to do the same work but independently and in a more hands on way.
I have always preferred planting a tree to filling in a form. Also, my family had bought woodland and I wanted to work in it without using up all my annual holidays, which I was then free to do.
How did you get to where you are today?
By working away and meeting people, and then doing jobs for their friends and neighbours.
Who helped you?
I have been helped by many local businesses, including the tree nurseries; Christie-Elite and Christies of Fochabers, James Jones’s sawmill, Ringlink, Allathan Associates of Turriff, the Forestry Commission and the Federation of Small Businesses, which has given advice over many years and provided useful networking.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Buying a photocopier for a fortune, just as printers came in costing almost nothing.
What is your greatest achievement?
In my 22 years of working with farmers and estates, I have made changes to the landscape of north-east Scotland by planting new woodlands and hedges, which gives me great pleasure to see on my travels. I was once introduced to a man who said he was a hedge fund manager; I said that, in a way, I was as well.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I would increase defence spending to the 2% agreed with NATO because I think the (UK) Government, with the silent agreement of the opposition parties, is taking a great risk reducing the armed forces of the UK in these dangerous times. It reminds me of Neville Chamberlain. Business and people need the stability of a secure Europe.
What do you still hope to achieve?
I would like to do more housebuilding – perhaps a timber forest house of some sort.
What do you do to relax?
Walking on the east beach at Lossiemouth, with family and dogs, and going for hot chocolate afterwards at the Harbour Lights Cafe and Restaurant. There is nothing nicer.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
Wolf Hall (TV drama series), which is good for tips for dealing with Highland Council.
What do you waste your money on?
Too many garden plants and bottles of wine.
How would your friends describe you?
As often being late for meals and as a poor trainer of dogs.
What would your enemies say about you?
I am not aware I have any, except for the large pine weevils who eat the young trees and who say each spring: “Oh no, he is going to spray us again.”
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I am driving my seventh Vauxhall Astra and wondering what should be next. All suggestions welcome.