Each week, we ask small businesses some key questions. Here we speak to Bill Anderson, who runs specialist second-hand bookshop Highflight in Dingwall
How and why did you start in business?
I am an army brat, having spent the first 20 years of my life following my father to wherever he was stationed. We were in Germany, Malaya, Singapore and the UK.
I qualified as a youth and community worker and have spent most of my working life in the public and voluntary sectors. This culminated in 15 years as Highlands and islands manager for Prince’s Trust Scotland, which helps disadvantaged young people stabilise their lives and acquire the skills needed to progress into employment.
My career path has always been unconventional and, at the age of 55, I decided to take the plunge and become self-employed. The voluntary sector was becoming ever more business-like and I fancied giving business a go in Dingwall, where I have lived for the past 25 years.
I have a passion for books and all things aviation, and am also a fully-qualified glider pilot. I combined these interests when I established Highflight in 2011, a second-hand bookshop specialising in aviation but also stocking travel, biographies, maritime, railway, art, history, natural and Scottish history and antiquarian books.
How did you get to where you are today?
By ignoring advice. There were many naysayers but I had ambition and a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve, and I had the bit between my teeth. Hard work and adaptability, while sticking to core principles, also count for much.
Who helped you?
I have enjoyed overwhelming support from family and friends, and especially from my wife, Susan, and my two grown-up children, Jennifer and Will.
I have also found other local business owners to be very helpful, particularly William Powrie of Objet d’Art (Dingwall antique dealer) who, having provided me with initial inspiration, has continued to mentor me.
Small businesses must stand together in their communities to compete successfully against the retail giants and internet. Finally, the Federation of Small Businesses is an asset to anyone starting out in business – joining was a no-brainer for me.
What has been your biggest mistake?
No big mistakes but a few small ones, from which one always learns. I love being self-employed and really should have started out on my own sooner. Then again, I would have missed out on some wonderful experiences.
What is your greatest achievement?
Running my own business, having a happy marriage and bringing up two great children. Jennifer has produced two grandchildren and, at 25, Will has already won two Scottish Baftas and a British Academy Award for his short animations.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I would make it compulsory for MPs and MSPs to spend at least a year running their own businesses in the real world before going into politics.
In my experience, individuals have the biggest impact on society so I would provide more encouragement and support for people to engage in enterprise, education, community and sport.
What do you still hope to achieve?
My main focus is on the shop and I have identified a number of exciting ways in which I can improve and grow.
I want to create the world’s best second-hand bookshop specialising in aviation, and I already have some interesting international customers. These include the Italian Army Air Corps’ chief of accident investigation, and the headquarters of Portugal’s air force. I also want to develop online sales.
What do you do to relax?
I love flying over the Cairngorms in my sailplane, which I keep at Cairngorm Gliding Club at Feshiebridge – possibly the best gliding club in the country. You can achieve astonishing flights over some amazing landscapes.
Even after 20 years and more than 600 hours of flying, I find it breathtaking and can’t wait to get back in the air.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
I am reading Highest Duty: My Search For What Really Matters. It is the inspiring autobiography of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the US pilot who, in 2009, successfully ditched his passenger plane on the Hudson River after it struck a flock of Canada Geese. His actions saved all 155 people on board.
What do you waste your money on?
I try not to waste money, although it happens. It’s much more important not to waste time.
How would your friends describe you?
A jolly good bloke. What else?
What would your enemies say about you?
What enemies?
What do you drive and dream of driving?
In both cases, a Smart car.