The Invest Plymouth team popped down to Oceansgate for a catch-up meeting as part of our business relationship programme, with Daniel Henson, Operations Manager - UK, at the very impressive W.H. SCOTT & SON (ENGINEERS) LIMITED.
Founded in 1897 WH Scott & Son Engineers have been supplying lifting equipment and associated services for over 125 years and are a trusted name with numerous sites across Ireland and the UK. Growing significantly in Plymouth, this amazing business who have recently acquired RHC Lifting Ltd have made five acquisitions in recent years and this one will make the combined group the largest independent lift solutions provider in the UK and Ireland. All happening right here in Britain’s Ocean City.
What is the name of the company ?
WH Scott and Sons Engineering Ltd.
What is the sector that you specialise in?
Engineering within the lifting industry.
In 20 words, how would you describe the business?
WH Scott Group is made up of five businesses that offer a full range of services and products to support UK engineering and lifting.
Do you supply to Plymouth/SW/UK-wide/overseas?
Our UK headquarters are in Plymouth and we offer our services locally, nationally and internationally.
What would you say was your best-selling product/service?
Inspections and maintenance of lifting equipment and plant.
What would you say is the best thing about doing business in Plymouth?
We have close relationships with multiple local businesses both large and small. Our community of like minded businesses gives us the opportunity to provide a large range of services to our customers.
And what of the future, you’ve made some brilliant acquisitions! … so where do you see W H Scott in 10 years’ time?
Over the next five years our plan is to double the size of the business in terms of FTE. In 10 years time we would hope to be the number one lifting and craneage company in the UK and Ireland.
And how about yourself … how long have you been at W H Scott and what is your role?
I started here in September 2020, originally I was taken on as a contracts manager to look after our crane maintenance contract with Babcock, since then my role has grown to UK Operations Manager managing everything WH Scott carry out in the UK.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I’m a Dad, a stepdad and a fiancé so my main focus away from work is my family. I also practice Brazilian jiujitsu and wrestling roughly 10 hours a week alongside training in the gym and sleeping as much as possible.
If you could have a business lunch with anyone who could significantly influence you/the business, who would that be and why?
My Favourite businessman is Chael Sonnen, he’s a former wrestler/fighter that turned to social commentating and built a successful brand following the end of his combat career. He has massed a net worth of $10milllion and is one of the best talkers I have ever witnessed. I would love to learn some of his public speaking and promotional abilities.