Every project is approached with a fresh perspective.

Andrew Ritchie - Partner For and on behalf of Campbell Dallas LLP

"I have known Alastair Donald for over 15 years. I acted for a business called A & A Slinger Alastair led a management buy-out of that business in 2003. Out of the buy-out Astute (Scotland) Ltd was formed. Within the first 5 years of trading the new management, led by Alastair, successfully repaid the finance for the MBO. During this period the company also designed, built and financed a new office and print factory. Astute (Scotland) Ltd has continued to grow and expand, both organically and by acquisition, and is now one of the largest suppliers of print and stationery in the North East. During this expansion Alastair has become very experienced in business acquisitions and implementing change. Around 18 months ago a succession plan was put in place, which included the buy-out of Alastair Donald for a good seven figure sum. Alastair is still very much part of the leadership of Astute and continuing board member.

I would recommend Alastair Donald to you as a mentor or consultant.

He would be very relevant to any businesses involved in a management buy-out, merger or in a high growth stage."

Kim Thurgood - Former Alliance Development Director - Spicers

"Alastair is an engaging and trustworthy person who I have known both personally and through business within the Office Services sector for the last 15 years. He has managed to combine entrepreneurial flair with integrity and financial pragmatism and has often therefore been invited to contribute to and work on various advisory committees and forums, where his insight has undoubtedly helped shape broader industry strategies and propositions. The Office Services sector has seen unprecedented change to both service proposition and profitability, with market contraction and consolidation at the fore, yet Alastair has bucked the trend with his own business and has delivered continued sales growth and profitability year after year.... A consummate networker with a keen eye to identify opportunities. Despite his many commitments he remains grounded, continues to make time for people and always delivers on his promises, which is a testament to his values, ethics and integrity. This is even more apparent when working on acquisitions and mergers, where he uniquely manages to combine a sympathetic, yet commercial approach for both the seller and acquirer? a rare talent indeed! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Alastair as a general business consultant and would be more than happy to put him forward as my preferred Management consultant to any of my clients."

Caryn Gibson – Former Depute Operations Manager – Elevator (Business Gateway)

Alastair has genuine care and compassion for every client he works with. He offers an open, honest approach that will challenge the business owners and take them out of their comfort zone in order to solve issues, create value, maximise growth and improve business performance. Alastair is sharp-eyed and has a unique ability to spot opportunities that most won’t see and find solutions to problems that most simply couldn’t; this skill has been genuinely life changing for some of our clients that he has supported.

His integrity is irrefutable and his genuine desire to see business owners succeed is admirable and I would have no hesitation on recommending him as a business consultant. 

Kevin Gaffney MSc MBA MRICS - Managing Director DDK Global Positioning

"Alastair Started to mentor DDK Position after our time on the Accelerator course. But we did have one formal meeting during the accelerator programme that was the most honest and real review of the business I had up to that point. All previous mentor and supporters from the programme reviewed the business, discussed how to move forward and grow to be a successful business. Alastair was the first and only person to look behind the scenes, check the company setup, find out how we were to protect ourselves legally before trading, and ensure the shareholders agreement and accountants and banking were in place, and if these simple elements were not at least considered, the question was raised, why not.

The simple approach of putting the foundations in place will enable the company to have a fighting chance of success. I cannot thank Alastair enough for the support and belief he provides DDK Positioning, and I cannot stress enough, we would not be on the path we are now without his mentorship and genuine care for the business, the only thing I can really note is that every business would benefit from the guidelines, structure and mentorship he provides, taken from the real-world experience

“Working with Alastair has been THE best move I have made so far, as without his valuable input my business would not be where it is at this present day, without a doubt. 

Alastairs extensive and thorough business experience and knowledge has added to my business in many different ways from business structure, shareholding, staffing to mentoring me to become a far better business woman that I would have ever been without his input. 

I now have a solid grasp on all the key numbers and performance indicators that allow me to successfully make better and more informed business decisions allowing my business to grow and change”.

Rebecca Stewart - CEO - NRG Collective Ltd

We have been lucky enough to work with Alastair since 2018 initially through the Elevator programme. Alastair’s structured, honest and no-nonsense guidance has been instrumental in the continued success of our business. As a small business, working with Alastair has meant we have had a supportive and experienced board level advisor as an extension of our team and his guidance has been invaluable. 

I have worked with Alastair for several years now.  His no nonsense, straight talking is a breath of fresh air.  He has challenged my thoughts and decisions at critical moments which have been invaluable to my business.  He has an uncanny knack of getting right to the heart of the problem, very quickly.  People with Alastair’s level of expertise and experience aren’t often available to small businesses, if you get the chance to work with him my advice is to grab it with both hands.

We have worked with Alastair for over 2 years and from the start were inspired by his knowledge, experience and motivation towards business.  Whilst keeping things straightforward, he has provided us with a better understanding of business analysis, finance and strategic thinking.  His wealth of knowledge, his experiences and wider connections have helped us to enhance our business and change our way of thinking.  We would highly recommend Alastair to anyone seeking to improve and advance their business.