The Aberdeen chef on Sir Alex's global success and inspiration

The company generates about half its turnover overseas and won a King’s Prize for international business, which Mr Anderson said ultimately proved to be a springboard to even greater success outside its country of origin.

Here he explains why he would like to be a Formula 1 boss and looks to Sir Alex Ferguson for his leadership inspiration.

What is your company called and when was it founded?

Load Monitoring Systems (LMS) was created by myself and Millar Kennedy in 2016.

Where is he based?

Aberdeen, Scotland

What does he produce/do?

Our award-winning company specializes in the design, manufacturing, sales, rental, repair and calibration of superior intelligent lifting equipment and load monitoring products, including load cells, load monitoring winches, pneumatic skids, digital eyelet systems, data logging and crane safety instruments. LMS also has a full range of testing, calibration and repair facilities at its Aberdeen headquarters. The portfolio is delivered by a dedicated team of industry experts with a combined experience that spans over 200 years.

Who is he selling to?

LMS products are used across a wide range of industry sectors, including energy, renewable energy, subsea, decommissioning, aquaculture, entertainment and construction. Overseas trading currently accounts for around half of the company’s turnover, with the company providing global support to more than 50 countries and across most continents.

What is its turnover?

£4 million

How many employees?

Why did you take the plunge?

Millar and I both worked for large companies for many years and we both got to the stage where we felt like we were just a number. We formed a joint venture with a US company that was quickly acquired, and then created LMS to put us at the forefront of our field, establishing a strong reputation as the go-to source.

Wireless smart lifting technology is the main feature of our range. We have created a business that has a reputation for being extremely responsive to customer needs in the UK or anywhere else in the world, by focusing our attention on understanding customer needs and then evaluating how we support them with a positive attitude.

What do you like least?

The uncertainty of our governments, the bureaucracy and the red tape that exists causes volatile fluctuations in the markets. The consequences of this include challenges with supplier pricing, delivery times and transportation issues, all of which can have a knock-on effect on outcomes for our customers. What I like least is disappointing customers because of things beyond our control. What are your ambitions for the firm?

We want to be one of the world’s leading suppliers of intelligent lifting equipment that makes working environments safer. We continually strive to maintain high standards, both in terms of the quality of our products and in the support of our customers, and do so tirelessly.

The international business scene offers us many opportunities, and international expansion that replicates the sector diversity we have achieved in the UK is crucial to our future success. Our drive and ambition to achieve further global success remains as strong as ever – watch this space.

What thing would be most useful?

A crystal ball. Because we operate in the UK and overseas, we often have a lot of things happening to us at the same time and sometimes it would be helpful to be able to see them arriving sooner. We all know that change is inevitable, but when dealing with many international markets simultaneously, there are many factors to consider, and the global market is constantly changing.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

In 2023, LMS was fortunate to be the winner of the King’s Award for Enterprise in the field of international trade. While I am humbled and humbled to receive this recognition, one of the most important aspects of the process was the opportunity the entry process provided for introspection.

As part of this introspection, LMS set out to look at customer relationships holistically, but also sought to delve deeper into the “why” factor in as many areas as possible. The result was an in-depth review of processes and procedures that significantly raised the bar for customer service. This was rewarded again in April this year when we won the top client category in the Northern Star Business Awards.

Where do you feel most comfortable?

I love traveling with my wife, going and exploring new places.

If you weren’t in your current job, what job would you prefer?

I would love to be a Formula 1 team boss (for any team). Their attention to detail and focus on small margins is something I really admire.

What phrase or quote inspired you the most?

My father used to say, “Never venture, never win.” » He worked in the fire service for 35 years, most recently as a station officer, then he and my mother ran a hotel together. My parents taught me a lot about leadership and people management.

What is the best book you have ever read? Why is it the best?

Alex Ferguson’s autobiography inspired me because of all the stories and examples of striving for success and managing people.

What was your most difficult moment in life or business?

Dealing with the deaths of my father and brother-in-law at the same time and having to make arrangements while trying to stay strong and supportive of those around me was without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever had to do. From a business perspective, the Covid pandemic has been the biggest challenge we have faced at LMS.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?

I wish I knew the benefit of making early decisions about people. It’s important to quickly determine who wants to be part of the team and address any potential negative forces that could impact the overall dynamics of the company.