On the back of the restructure, we spoke with Stephen, Clare and Michael about their journey and achievements in R&W Scott.

Stephen Currie, Managing Director

- Can you please start by explaining a little bit about what you do now?

I have recently been appointed Managing Director, a role which oversees the day-to-day operations of our organisation, while developing ways to help the business grow for the longer term. Reporting to the board of directors, I have the responsibility for directing and controlling the resources of the company; preparing business plans and reports; supporting the senior team in negotiations with customers and suppliers; developing and maintaining appropriate policies and procedures. Overall, I need to provide strong leadership and direction for the whole business, to build on the fantastic success of recent years as our journey continues.

- How long have you worked at R&W Scott? What other jobs have you held?

I initially worked for R&W Scott on an interim basis back in 2011/2012. Our Executive Chairman, John Easton, brought me back to the business over 6 years ago, in 2016, to help deliver his ambitious growth plans. I held the role of Commercial Director for that period and am really proud of the results we delivered as a broader team.

- What is the biggest change you have seen in the business since joining?

I think the teamwork and collaboration between departments is absolutely fantastic now. We genuinely share the same objectives and are working together as a very strong team. This has gradually improved over several years, to the point where we are rightly recognised as an agile and customer-driven supplier who consistently deliver on our commitments.

- What’s your favourite product – past or present, and why?

I really enjoy Scotts Yoghurt Drops, either as a confectionery coating on raisins or as a layer on an oat bar or flapjack.

Clare McNeil, Commercial Director

- Can you please start by explaining a little bit about what you do now?

I have recently moved into the Commercial Director role here at R&W Scott. This involves overseeing, and supporting our Sales, NPD & Supply Chain teams. Reporting to our Managing Director, I am responsible for developing and implementing Commercial objectives in line with our overall business goals and strategy. In my role it is important to understand the current and future needs of our customers and markets so we can continue to grow within our core categories.

- How long have you worked at R&W Scott? What other jobs have you held?

I started at R&W Scott almost 5 years ago in July 2017 as Head of NPD. Within a few months I took on responsibility of our Sales team and became Head of Sales & NPD. Combining the two departments complimented each other and provided an even stronger working culture between teams.

- What is the biggest change you have seen in the business since joining?

The biggest change was when the Management team took part in the MBO.  It was fantastic to see how all of the team embraced this change and worked together to implement and embed new procedures and processes.

- What’s your favourite product – past or present, and why?

Our Scott’s Dark Soft filling has got to be my favourite product, it is relatively new in our product portfolio and I can’t wait to show it to more customers!  It has a luxurious mouthfeel and flavour and is extremely moreish!  It is also very versatile so can be used in a whole variety of different applications.

Michael Hewitt, Finance Director

- Can you please start by explaining a little bit about what you do now?

I’m the Finance Director at R&W Scott. My role is to oversee all financial aspects of the company and to ensure it continues to be as profitable and sustainable as it can be. The business has a long, rich history having been around since 1880 and is an integral part of the local community. One of my key responsibilities is to make sure it remains that way for many years to come.

- How long have you worked at R&W Scott? What other jobs have you held?

I’ve been with R&W Scott now for 8 years. I started as Finance Manager in 2014 and was promoted to the role of Finance Director in 2017 at the initial stage of our growth plan.

- What is the biggest change you have seen in the business since joining?

There has been a number of changes in the past 8 years, but a couple stick out. The business used to be owned by a publicly traded food company, and we operated as a non-core subsidiary business. In 2016, R&W Scott established our internal functions so that we could operate as a stand-alone business, while still part of a larger group. Then at the end of 2018, we completed a management buyout to start us on our turnaround as a successful, independently owned company.

- What’s your favourite product – past or present, and why?

My favourite product has to be Scotbloc cooking chocolate, as it holds fond memories for me. I remember as a child climbing up to reach the kitchen cupboard to steal and eat Scotbloc. I never knew at that point I’d work for the company that makes it.