Business lessons I’ve learned

What was your first job?

After University I joined Coca-Cola on a manufacturing and distribution training programme.

When would you like to retire?

Oh, that’s a tricky one! Some days I think I would fancy retiring tomorrow but as an old boss used to say ‘Louise, you’d be bored!’

What did you have for breakfast?

I am guilty of skipping breakfast but normally a piece of fruit.

Who, or what, inspires you?

Growing up, my parents were a real inspiration to me. Today, my family continues to be my inspiration.

What’s the last book you read / film you saw?

Louise Smith , Director of Operations & People, Zero Waste Scotland

What does your company do that others don’t?

Zero Waste Scotland exists to lead Scotland to use products and resources responsibly, focusing on where we can have the greatest impact on climate change. Using evidence and insight, our goal is to inform policy, and motivate individuals and businesses to embrace the environmental, economic, and social benefits of a circular economy.

What are the most pressing challenges that your industry sector faces today, and why?

The transition from a linear economy to a circular economy cannot be done in isolation - it requires systemic change and to do that everyone has a role to play. From government to businesses, individuals, and communities – we need everyone to play their part. By working together, we have a huge opportunity to accelerate our circularity and to change not only Aberdeen and Grampian but Scotland – and the rest of the world - for the better, creating a resilient, vibrant economy that supports a just transition where no one is left behind.

What is the hardest lesson you have learned in your career to date?

Perhaps it’s a reflection or a learning as opposed to a lesson - I really wish I had known at 20 what I do now. My lived experience has given me a level of empathy that I didn’t have as much of in my earlier career and that I really benefit from now.

What is the most valuable piece of business advice you have ever received?

Choose your battles wisely. Save your time, energy and efforts for the things that really matter most.

What’s been your proudest career achievement to date, and why?

In Zero Waste Scotland, we are truly people focussed. It’s not lip service or a hiring gimmick, we really mean it. I feel immensely proud to be a leader in an organisation that genuinely cares about colleagues and puts people first.

Most recently it was The Match by Harlan Coben.

If you could make one thing happen tomorrow that would benefit North-east Scotland, what would that be?

The circular economy! Business, communities, industry adopting circular economy principles, meaning using products and resources responsibly to bring about significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. For example, by taking a planned circular approach to the decommissioning of our offshore energy infrastructure, we will make considerable carbon savings but also improve our resilience through material recovery - safe guarding future potential resource shortages and strengthening our supply chain. In moving towards circular approaches, we can also boost our economy through job-creation and development of new skills and allowing people to be ready for the next phase of the energy transition.

North Star, the UK’s leading vessel infrastructure support operator, has successfully crewed up the first of its offshore wind fleet with 42 experienced seafarers, 60% of which have moved across from its existing North Sea workforce, transitioning core skills and company culture into the new vessel and its operations.

This completes the crew for the firm’s new hybrid-electric service operations vessel (SOV), the Grampian Tyne, alongside the catering specialist team from Aramark.

The new North Star ship is the first of four which will support ongoing operations and maintenance work at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm over the next decade for joint development partners Equinor, SSE Renewables and Vårgrønn.

Chief Operating Officer, Robert Catchpole, said: “Our successful expansion into the offshore wind market has opened up many exciting new opportunities for existing crew members and has also allowed us to attract new talent into the business. Those transitioning across from our emergency response and rescue vessels have in some cases successfully upgraded their certification with our support to allow them to diversify into manning our offshore wind fleet of vessels in support of The Dogger Bank Wind Farm.

Ben Gardner, Anna Przydatek and Keith Sutherland

“Being able to leverage our existing fleet’s skill pool is a unique capability for North Star and it gives us a real edge in terms of the safety culture and standards onboard. When we complement this knowledge and seamanship with external experience, we find ourselves very well positioned for successful operations moving forward.

“We are also thrilled that we have a 2nd officer and 3rd engineer in the line-up who have progressed their careers within the business since joining as cadets.”