TRI Cap People – Board Members
Robert Dick
Gavin Stevenson
John Burgon
Andy Purves
Stuart Richardson
Joe Scott Plummer
ROBERT DICK – Chairman
“I have a lifelong attachment to the Scottish Borders and to its business community. TRI Capital is a vehicle which melds my commitment to this part of the world while also providing tangible benefit to entrepreneurs.”
Rob Dick began farming on his own account in 1963, becoming one of the founders of a successful farming cooperative Glenteviot Farmers Ltd, of which he remains a Director. As a diversification from farming Rob became involved in the agricultural pesticide industry where he ran his own business for 20 years before merging it with his larger neighbours CSC Crop Protection Ltd, where he remained a Director until 2008. His countryside interests were further extended by involvement with the Heather Trust of which he was Chairman for several years.
However, Rob’s business interests extend to a range of other enterprises - including his family business, W Lucy, an Oxford based manufacturer of electrical switchgear and of specialist iron castings, combined with a large portfolio of residential property.
As Chairman of TRI Capital Rob contributes his wealth of experience in building successful enterprises in the Borders and beyond.
GAVIN STEVENSON – Vice Chairman
“I want to invest in people of quality with ideas of enterprise which will either attract such people to the Scottish Borders or prevent them leaving.”
Gavin Stevenson’s business interests are primarily in property, in Scotland and the West Indies, with projects valued at more than £20 million currently underway. At the same time, his investments range across the spectrum.
He also has a strong working relationship with the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise.
“I have a strong allegiance to the Scottish Borders and will support any initiative that has the objective of furthering the renaissance of this part of Scotland. I believe TRI Capital can assist that objective.”
JOHN BURGON – Director
“Through TRI Cap I have the opportunity to encourage development in the Borders together with the chance to be involved in, and share in, these projects.”
John Burgon’s current business interests span food manufacturing, property development, food technology and marketing, and he has a particular interest in investing in the food, manufacturing and IT sectors.
A borderer through and through, John has pursued his career from his borders base in Eyemouth.
He strongly believes in the future of the Borders, and hopes that, through TRI Cap, he can offer new and developing companies the opportunity to benefit from his 30 plus years of experience in starting, managing and running businesses.
While experience may not be the be all and end all, with it comes a lot of lessons which, when shared, can help a new venture through the minefield that is business development today.
“To work with TRI Cap is a great opportunity for new or developing projects, to access funding and also to be able to call on the wide range of business, financial and entrepreneurial expertise available.”
ANDY PURVES – Company Secretary
“I relish being part of an organisation where so many opportunities and innovative ideas are presented. It is particularly pleasing when it is a local source and the potential markets are worldwide.”
Andy is the founder and senior member of Purves Chartered Accountants www.purvesca.co.uk based in Melrose. He was probably always destined to run his own business: there have been owner managed businesses in his family since 1879. Over the years he has gained considerable exposure to a very wide range of business experiences having started his own practice, bought over another and been part of the demerger of his own substantial family business.
Andy was involved in the founding of TRI Capital Ltd and, as well as being an active investor himself, has over the years helped guide both investors and companies.
Having acted for and supported companies across a broad range of sectors, Andy knows the challenges of establishing, running and growing small and medium sized businesses and has a particular interest in family businesses. Andy is a director in Adam Purves Galashiels Ltd, a well established family business with multiple and diverse interests.
STUART RICHARDSON – Director
“Marketing, sales and strategic management in high growth businesses have been the three primary strands of my business career. Throughout, entrepreneurial drive has been key.”
Stuart Richardson’s career has been largely in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), working both within blue chip companies and building his own highly successful enterprises. Well known names on his CV include Brodie’s Tea and Coffee, Dawnfresh Seafoods, Mars Group and Beecham Toiletries.
For three years Stuart and colleagues built, and subsequently sold, the UK’s leading fresh pasta company with a turnover of £2 million. Since 2000, Stuart has run his own business management consultancy, developing business opportunities for high investment returns.
“I became involved with TRI Cap because the syndicate’s high levels of business expertise and financial skill complement my skills base, enhancing the investments opportunities open to me. I greatly enjoy the opportunity to be involved with both the syndicate and the businesses it invests in.”
JOE SCOTT PLUMMER – Director
“Throughout my career I have been steeped in the investment industry and involved as an investor in the private equity market for twenty five years.”
Joe Scott Plummer’s career has taken him from chartered accountancy to the chairmanship of Martin Currie Ltd - one of the largest independent investment management houses in Scotland - via a partnership in investment bank Cazenove & Co and various other directorships within the financial sector. For twenty years Joe was a director of Candover Investments plc.
Having now stepped down from his post at Martin Currie, Joe is applying his expertise and commitment to TRI Capital and a number of other Scottish based enterprises. As a Borderer, Joe brings both his professional expertise and emotional attachment to the table and looks forward to playing an active part in developing TRI Capital’s portfolio.