Building the right team, creating a strong company culture and maintaining customer trust as a business grows were among the key themes explored by Aberdeen business leader Graeme McGuire at a Peer Works event this week.
Graeme, founder and Managing Director of AV One Solutions, was the guest speaker at Wake Up & Learn - AV One: A Growth Story, hosted by Prosper as part of its Peer Works programme at the Copthorne Hotel in Aberdeen on Wednesday 28 October.
The event brought together representatives from the North East business community, including established business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals interested in the challenges and opportunities associated with business growth.
As AV One celebrates its 10th anniversary, Graeme reflected on the company's journey from a one-man start-up in 2016 to an award-winning audiovisual, technology and creative solutions provider now employing a team of 14.
Sharing both the successes and challenges experienced along the way, he explored the decisions that have shaped the business, from surrounding himself with people whose expertise complements his own to developing a company culture built on trust, accountability and a shared commitment to customer service.
A central message was that sustainable growth requires more than winning new business. Graeme highlighted the importance of understanding customer expectations, being clear about what has been promised and ensuring the business has the people, resources and capabilities to deliver consistently.
He also shared a principle that has remained central to AV One's approach: “you're only as good as your last job.” Regardless of past achievements, every customer and every project deserves the same level of commitment and attention. Graeme acknowledged that things don't always go to plan but stressed that taking responsibility and putting things right is fundamental to maintaining trust and protecting a business's reputation.
The session prompted discussion around several practical challenges faced by growing businesses, with attendees exploring how AV One's culture has developed over time and how the company maintains high standards as the team expands. Questions also explored how businesses can embrace new technologies while ensuring that change delivers genuine value for customers.
Drawing on AV One's consultative approach, Graeme emphasised the importance of understanding each customer's requirements before recommending the most appropriate technology solution. This might involve investing in new equipment, making better use of existing systems or combining the two to deliver the best possible outcome.
The discussions highlighted the wider relevance of AV One's experiences, offering attendees practical perspectives on leadership, building effective teams, managing growth and balancing innovation with customer expectations.
Reflecting on the event, Graeme said: “Reaching 10 years in business has given me an opportunity to reflect on how far we've come, but also on the things we've learned along the way. There have been challenges and decisions that haven't always worked out as planned, but those experiences are just as important as the successes.
"One of the biggest lessons is that you can't do everything yourself. I've always been commercially focused rather than technical and I've built a team of talented technical specialists who bring the expertise our customers need. Trusting those people, playing to our individual strengths and creating an environment where everyone can thrive has been fundamental to our growth.”
Graeme concluded the session with three principles that have helped guide AV One's growth: understand the need, be clear about the promise and deliver on it.
As AV One enters its second decade, the company continues to expand its audiovisual, technology and creative solutions, building on the people, values and customer relationships that have underpinned its success.