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Tilhill Forestry and BSW Timber together hosted the latest session of ‘Dragon’s Den’ at Smiths at Gretna Green Hotel on 17th July 2019 as part of the ‘Unlocking Potential’ Management Development Programme facilitated by Explore Training.
The joint BSW/Tilhill Forestry ‘Unlocking Potential’ programme was designed specifically to stretch and harness the talent and potential within the Company and help us all to focus on our strategic aspirations for the future. It was launched initially for Tilhill Forestry in November 2008. Since then over 160 delegates have taken part in the programme.
The Unlocking Potential course takes place over a two year period covering three modules and concludes in a ‘Dragons Den’ style experience where the delegates pitch their business idea to a panel of ‘dragons’. The ideas are then carefully considered by the panel and a winner is chosen.
We are delighted therefore to be able to announce this year’s winners:
Winner: Rob Coltman, Tilhill Forestry Assistant Forest Manager, Southern England
Runner Up: Heather Fraser, Assistant Forest Manager, Central Scotland
Second Runner Up: Matthew Chaplin, BSW, Leading Hand Engineer, Wales
From left to right, Heather Fraser, Rob Coltman, Matthew Chaplin
Winner Rob Coltman took home the biggest dragon trophy of them all. Rob said: “The Unlocking Potential training programme has been of exceptional valuable to me. The skills and knowledge I’ve learned have enhanced my capability to undertake my role, and ultimately helped me become a better forest manager. Winning the Dragon’s Den prize to top it off is the ideal way to finish this chapter! I’m grateful that the Dragon’s and Company as a whole are so responsive and supportive of new recruits and new ideas. The programme allows those of us at the start of our journey a chance to be part of the wider BSW group, and to take part in shaping its present and future.”
The Dragon’s (judges) included Tilhill Forestry’s Eddie Addis, District Manager for Central Borders, Peter Whitfield, Business Development Director and Gavin Adkins, Commercial Director.
Peter Whitfield Business Development Director said: “Another brilliant Dragons’ Den session with a group of inspiring and motivated managers from both Tilhill Forestry and BSW. It was a privilege to be a Dragon and the standard of presentations made our job tough, to say the least. Well done to the winner Rob Coltman, who pitched a great idea on how we can better manage mental health within the organisation to improve employee wellbeing.”
Gavin Adkins, Commercial Director said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the inspiring presentations from all our Dragon’s Den participants, with three particularly thought-provoking submissions from our winners. The range of ideas and the confidence with which they were delivered demonstrate qualities which I am certain will bring them continued success in their ongoing career with the BSW Group.”
Tony Lockey, Learning and Development Manager at BSW said “The Dragon’s Den events have allowed fantastic ideas to be put into practice improving communication, efficiency, costs and quality right across the Group. The winning of one of the 3 magnificent dragon sculptures holds kudos for any entrant and their office where they are proudly exhibited to all.”
