Each week, we ask small businesses key questions. Here we speak to Richard Glanville, owner of Inverness-based rescue equipment firm MacInnes Stretchers.
How and why did you start in business?
I grew up in South Africa, and studied architecture at Cape Town University.
It was there, in 1972, that I first learned of a comparatively new and very exciting material – carbon fibre.
I started to add carbon fibre reinforcement to the yachts that my parents and I built commercially and in January 1980 launched the world’s first all-carbon fibre reinforced offshore racing yacht.
It was this work with advanced composites that resulted in my invitation to do research and development work for RK Carbon Fibres, of Muir of Ord, and I moved to Inverness in 1987.
I spent the next 11 years working for RK but when they were taken over by SGL I left.
My parents moved over from South Africa and we established Freewing Masts in an old workshop at Clachnaharry Lock on the edge of Inverness.
I had to work longer hours for less money but enjoyed developing my unstayed wing mast.
How did you get to where you are today?
A tall man walked into my workshop and introduced himself as Hamish MacInnes. I was ignorant about his mountaineering fame but that soon changed.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise had suggested he ask for my help in developing a new mountain rescue stretcher.
Little did I know then how meeting Hamish and getting involved with his stretchers would change my life. By the time production of the MacInnes Mk7 stretcher ended we had made more than 350 composite tubs.
Who helped you?
My parents, who started their own building business soon after the end of the Second World War.
I joined them after leaving university and we worked together as a close-knit team – so close that we were described as being like a three-legged stool. Our shared love of sailing and my interest in composites led to our move into designing and constructing ocean-going yachts and, ultimately, to Freewing Masts.
The help, advice and support provided by the Federation of Small Businesses has been of immense value. They really do make a big difference.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Not having a PSA (prostate cancer) blood test sooner. I was busy and had no symptoms, so when I eventually got round to having the test my prostate cancer was discovered late – a lesson for all men.
What is your greatest achievement?
Apart from talking my wife, Shiona, into marrying me? It has to be my designs.
I’m really proud that my work with Hamish cut the weight of his folding Mk7 stretcher in half, with the result that it has become the stretcher of choice for many rescue teams.
I am even more proud that when Hamish wanted to retire from stretcher design he asked me to continue his work.
The new MacInnes Mk8 is designed and ready to go into production. All I need now is a financial backer, with vision and commitment.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
Apart from introducing PSA testing for men over 45, I would propose laws to protect small businesses from late payment. On a more general note, I would insist that all media give a diversity of views.
What do you still hope to achieve?
My first priority is to get the new Mk8 stretcher into production. I believe it will be the best stretcher on the market, making the difficult and dangerous work of mountain rescue teams easier and safer. I then want to launch my new yacht mast design.
What do you do to relax?
I’ll have plenty of time to relax when I’m dead.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
Natural history and travel programmes.
What do you waste your money on?
I don’t have much to waste but I do love dark chocolate.
How would your friends describe you?
I hope as a good friend, ready to help where I can.
What would your enemies say about you?
That I have strong opinions and am not always politically correct.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I love my old Rover 75 but I’ll be happy when I can switch to an electric car.