Each week, we ask small businesses key questions.
Here we speak to David Birkett, owner and managing director of Peterhead-based offshore services firm Aberdeenshire Safety Management (ASM)
How and why did you start in business?
Good HSE ( health, safety and environment) management has never been more vital.
Tthe UK is, unfortunately, becoming a “claims culture” and our experience has shown this is heavily biased against the small business owner. We know we can help them, but after an accident is too late.
How did you get to where you were today?
I spent 14 years at sea and five in shore-based HSE management with Craig Group. This was followed by five years offshore HSE coaching on subsea projects, and I set up ASM two years ago.
Who helped you?
Craig Group really supported my career from day one, which I’m very grateful for. I wouldn’t be where I am without its support.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Not getting help with marketing and networking sooner. Eileen Cooper at Limetree Consultancy and Emma Williams at Business Intros have both been of great assistance. I’m also a new Federation of Small Businesses Member and have been really impressed so far.
What is your greatest achievement?
I am very proud of my involvement with a group which challenged the Aberdeen offshore windfarm. We all felt the original plan posed too many safety questions, to which we demanded answers. As a result, it was moved and I understand some famous guy (Donald Trump) is a bit upset about that now.
If you were in Power in government, what would you change?
I would like to see a fairer voting system and would also make voting compulsory.
What do you still hope to achieve?
We want to educate businesses in all things HSE. We have a philosophy of “empowering business to work safely” and look forward to helping more businesses achieve this.
What do you do to relax?
As a business owner and dad to a three-year-old, I don’t get much time to relax. I’m a fun dad and try to make sure my daughter, Priya, has fun every day.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
I’m a heavy metal fan but can listen to almost anything not manufactured. I am hooked on The Walking Dead on TV – not for the gore but the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
What do you waste your money on?
Watches, sunglasses and multi-tools. It used to be iPod docks but that has abated since Bluetooth speakers were invented.
How would your friends describe you?
Reliable. I’ve always been there for my friends and they have always been there for me too. I want to carry that over into my business relationships.
What would your enemies say about you?
I hope I don’t have any but if we succeed in our drive to make HSE simple, manageable and affordable, we might make a few.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I drive a Volkswagen Touareg. My dream car is a Beacham Mk2, a modified Mk2 Jaguar with classic 1960s looks and modern performance.