Building success through leadership

"Hugh Black recommended the rural leadership programme to me whilst we were picking up fish and chips. He said I would love it and I did.”

Since taking part, he’s grown his architecture and design business, Building Workshop, from a small base into an increasingly ambitious enterprise.

Working alongside his wife and business partner Rosemary Scrimegeour, theirs is a partnership with complementary strengths and endless ambition.

Drawing up a plan

Established in 2009, the company received initial support from the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust. With invaluable support provided from a mentor supplied through the programme, Ben was able to become the first person to qualify as an architect in the UK whilst working for himself – rather than for a practice, as is conventional.

Since then, Ben has designed close to 50 projects, ranging from converted steadings for commercial use through to a London townhouse.

The team are now building a drawing office for themselves, which they believe will attract young and talented architects as the business grows.

“We are inspired by architecture, the way buildings are designed and used all over the world. In 10 years I want to win a commission for something international, big and bold from our super-cool new drawing office in rural Angus” Ben says.

Building blocks

Our rural leadership programme supplied the guidance and networks that Building Workshop needed to extend their business reach and grow in confidence.

Meeting other business people from similar rural backgrounds, Ben has been exposed to a variety of different businesses and approaches – which, in turn, have inspired the way he runs his company.

“Rural Scotland is a great classroom because you work remotely” he says. “ I like to have an adaptive way of life; I enjoy making and fixing things. I’ve adopted this approach in my profession.”

“Scottish Enterprise has played a supporting role – it has been like a turbocharger for Building Workshop - supporting my young business to grow and develop, encouraging me to stand back and think big, and most importantly, giving me my lightbulb moment.”

Taking the next step

Discover our leadership support