Clear vision is key to success for Aberdeen AV man Adam Wilson

Every Monday, we ask small businesses key questions. Here we speak to Adam Wilson, director of Aberdeen-based audio-visual company PCL Live.

He told us his greatest achievement – so far – was taking the leap and setting up his own business.

How and why did you start in business?

I had worked for an AV company for 16 years, starting with no experience and working my way up into a director role within the business. I felt at this point I had hit my ceiling in the environment I was in.

I decided to start by myself and create my vision of an AV company that focuses on new and future technology that helps our clients to empower their workforce with the best tools available.

I continue to push down the path of professional growth and we have now added a new member to the team and expanded our service offerings.

How did you get to where you are today?

Hard work, a clear vision and the drive and determination to succeed.

I believed in myself and my ability and had a clear vision of where I wanted to invest money, where the technology was going and how we could align our visions for the future with other industries.

Left to right: Adam Wilson with business development & technical manager, Alex Sherman. Image: FSB

At PCL Live we feel by helping our clients to invest in the latest technology and solutions, they are not only increasing their functionality but helping the planet too by reducing energy consumptions and sourcing from carbon neutral locations.

I wanted to invest in not only the company but mine and my family’s future, as they are a key component in me being where I am today with PCL Live.

Who helped you?

My wife and family were and are a huge support to me, especially throughout the initial period of starting my own business. They have helped drive me and encourage me to push the boundaries of what I can achieve.

I have also received great support from local business groups such as the Federation of Small Businesses, who have been a fantastic resource in helping to get more eyes and introductions to the business.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?

There’s always room for improvement. I was once given the advice that no matter how much you think you know, there are always new things to learn in this industry.

Every day is a school day.

What is your biggest mistake?

I’m not sure I can recall a big mistake, but I have found that any mistakes are experiences you can learn from, and without mistakes you won’t get better.

What is your greatest achievement?

Taking the leap to set up on my own and build a business I am proud of.

With PCL Live I feel we have built a culture that embraces new technology and looks to use that to save customers money and reduce their energy consumption, all whilst increasing their equipment’s functionality and helping them to further empower their workforce.

How are you managing rapidly rising costs, and how could the government help?

We have looked to run an efficient and streamlined operation to give ourselves minimum power consumption at our warehouses, whilst also using equipment that uses less energy. We want to adopt the same technologies that we give to our clients.

The government could assist with implementation of incentive schemes in the AV sector that are aimed at helping companies that are looking to transition into the newer greener equipment. This would help businesses to invest in replacing legacy technology, thus aligning with how the world is looking to invest in a greener future.

What do you still hope to achieve?

I will always continue to push for growth both within the company, its employees and myself, hopefully encouraging more people to come into the industry along the way.

PCL Live director Adam Wilson is always looking for growth

I want to continue to reinvest in new technologies and further develop our cloud based digital signage system. Hopefully by doing all this, I can bring these and all of our services to a wider audience.