Case Studies

Bob Dalgarno, PSYBT Highland Volunteer

Bob Dalgarno became self employed over 30 years ago and remembers how important it was when a couple of local business people were willing to share their experiences with him. Back then, he was a management and customer services trainer with the then Scottish Tourist Board among his clients. Highlands and Island Enterprise was also a client and it was through this contact that he learnt about PSYBT, eventually becoming a volunteer with the Trust.

“I did a lot of start up training for Highlands and Islands and got to know David Knight, the PSYBT Regional Manager at the time. He asked if I would like to mentor some PSYBT-backed businesses and I was very happy to do so.”

Bob’s long-standing involvement as an aftercare adviser earned him the accolade of 2009 Highland Regional Volunteer of the Year. “It would have been great had there been an organisation like PSYBT when I started up in business, but I was fortunate that a couple of local business people were prepared to share a lot of really useful advice. I will always be grateful for what they did,” says Bob.

Bob took a break from training to run two guesthouses, but when his son, Liam, bought his own fast food franchise in Inverness he asked his dad to go in with him. They now have five outlets across Inverness and Moray, and the family also owns Inverness restaurant Madisons.

Bob is as enthusiastic by PSYBT now as he was ten years ago. “I really enjoy volunteering and meeting the young people. I spark off their enthusiasm – they go into business with such energy. Every time it is a learning experience for me. “It has always been hard for young entrepreneurs to source funding and it’s probably harder now than it has been for a long time. So, I am happy to be in a position to offer direct advice on sourcing funds or at least making available my network of contacts. Obviously, with still being in business myself, I am in contact with banks and other funding organisations all the time.”