Fred Wilson
BEng Chemical Engineering (1986), Diploma in Industrial Engineering (1988), MSc Chemical Engineering (1990)
Fred launched his health safety and environmental consultancy over 10 years ago and has assisted in the implementation of HS&E legislation for his regular client base. As Managing Director he has improved the HS&E performance of over 50 SMEs.
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What made you decide to set up your own business?
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Redundancy in May 2000 from a large chemical manufacturer and reluctance to continue in HS&E Management with large organisations or to go back into Chemical Engineering. |
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What has been your biggest challenge so far?
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Finding clients! Up until May 2000 , I did not have to worry about looking for clients however once I realised that doing so is a bit like looking for a job and being able to sell yourself, it became easier. |
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What has been your biggest success or triumph so far?
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Being able to survive 10 years, most companies go under within 3 years of business. Getting a large government department as a client. Being able to have kept a number of clients for over 5 years. |
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How do you feel your time at Queen's prepared you for this venture?
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My Chemical Engineering degree gave me a good start with a major chemical multinational where later on I cut my teeth in Process Safety which opened doors elsewhere. Having participated in the European Technology Entrepreneurs Programme during 1987 gave me a good grounding on the principles of starting ones owns company. |
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What advice would you give someone considering starting a business?
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Get experience in large organisations. Volunteer to go on all the training courses that the employer can offer (it is more difficult to do this once you have to pay the training yourself). Get a variety of jobs within the organisation to gain a wide range of expertise. Start to look at your employer as a client; start preparing for setting up on your own well before you leave the stability of an employment; learn about marketing, finance, etc. Make sure you have a market before you set out on your own. Finally, ''once you set your hand to the plough, don’t look back'' in other words, perseverance is key, do not give up easily. Only the brave survive. |
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What is your next ambition?
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Having recently moved back to Northern Ireland, it is to establish Safety Choice in Ireland as a whole. |
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Any other comments you would like to make?
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Would be keen to hear from former Queen's University colleagues. |
20/10/2010
