A look at 70 years: 3 big foundations (+ our podcast feature)

Our new downloadable 20-page supplement ties each and every decade feature as well as some new articles to commemorate 70 years. Open it by clicking here. From 50s rock and roll, the swinging 60s, 70s disco fever, and some significant tech movements from the 80s into today, if you have missed any decade specific blog posts, head over to our news page. In this blog post, we highlight the Joint Managing Director duo's roundup of what 70 years of Cairngorm Group mean to them. First up is Scott Dowling who refers to the three big things that really make Cairngorm Group special. Then, get access to tune into Chris Dowling's guest appearance on a local podcast!  

1. "The family element'

Cairngorm Group are a four-generation business, and even after his retirement, our grandfather (the founder of the company) ensures he is part of the daily operations:

"Grandfather is 91 and he still pops in at least one week, and dad is in too! I don't think you ever lose the interest. It's not like working for a national firm. We can still call on their expertise and experience which is healthy too."

2. "The longevity of staff"

As part of our supplement we have a dedicated feature on our longest-serving staff member, Graeme Smith who has seen great personal (and company) progression in his 42 years with us. He now manages the Elgin branch. Graeme's son, who has so far mirrored his father's early years as a 16 year old apprentice has so far been with us for 6 years. Scott's father, Alasdair (former Managing Director) also feels this is a strong foundation that Cairngorm Group are built upon:

"We've had many people who have started work with us, and never leave. To me that speaks volumes."

It is not just the staff's longevity but also staff progression that makes Cairngorm Group and a big part of that is shaped by our work around developing the young workforce:

"We've seen a lot of young people come in who haven't been particularly academic, and we've given them a chance and seen them progress and stay."

3. "Our customer base"

Scott alludes to having loyal customers in Orkney who have been coming back to our services since 1988 but the feeling throughout the team at Cairngorm Group is the strength of the customer base right across the region:

"The community of the Highlands have been so good to us, so it's only right that we put back into it to return."

Looking ahead, Cairngorm Group seek to be consistent in what they do, all the while putting out the best quality products, and improving customer service.

Catch our feature on the Good Business Podcast

To hear a strong summary of Cairngorm Group's captivating journey tune into Joint Managing Director, Chris Dowling's feature on the Good Business Podcast. The episode shares the story of our origins, our evolution across time and hints at some of unearthed thoughts for the future of the business. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or watch the footage on YouTube or the Good Business Podcast website.