Sir Alex Ferguson Chats With Lord Willie Haughey on Scotland’s Leading Business Podcast, Plus Business Insights from Stuart Patrick CBE

This episode covers the introduction of new energy reduction systems, the importance of productivity, and the economic implications of the Commonwealth Games for Glasgow. The discussion also touches on local council services and budget challenges.  Plus, the Lord Haughey's exclusive interview with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Lord Haughey and Stuart Patrick delve into the potential of green hydrogen, the challenges of electricity pricing, and the future of renewable energy jobs. We also discuss the importance of battery storage and solar panels, and the impact of regional investments in renewable energy.

 

Key Highlights:

 

[00:01:10]

Commonwealth Games Discussion

Detailed discussion on the financial commitments and benefits of hosting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

 

[00:02:25]

Financial Implications

Further exploration of the financial aspects and the economic development benefits of the Commonwealth Games.

 

[00:03:23]

Local Council Services and Budget Challenges

Discussion on a recent survey showing dissatisfaction with local council services and the challenges faced by officials due to budget constraints.

Examination of various local taxes and levies, including the tourist tax, workplace parking levy, and residential parking permits.

Debate on the fairness and effectiveness of these measures in addressing budget shortfalls.

 

[00:09:12] Investment in Rental Housing

Discussion on the need for investment in rental housing and the impact of potential amendments to the Scottish housing bill.

Debate on rent controls and their effect on new builds and existing tenants.

Mention of the importance of affordable housing and the potential benefits of excluding new builds from rent controls.

 

[00:11:40]

Buchanan Galleries Restructuring

Discussion on the decision by Landsec to reconsider the restructuring of Buchanan Galleries due to changes in the retail market and construction costs.

Exploration of the potential investment in Glasgow’s city centre and the impact of retail recovery post-pandemic.

 

[00:13:01]

Planning Resources and Infrastructure Investment

Discussion on the need for more resources in planning departments to support large infrastructure projects.

Mention of the competition for talent between local authorities and private sector companies involved in climate change initiatives.

 

[00:14:29]

Apprenticeships and Job Creation

Announcement of significant investment in apprenticeships and job creation by BAE Systems, highlighting the positive impact on Glasgow’s economy.

 

[00:16:19] Renewable Energy Projects

Discussion on Scotland’s plans to build the largest hydrogen plant in Europe, with a £600 million project in Aberdeen.Mention of a German delegation exploring green hydrogen export opportunities.

 

[00:16:31] 

Green Hydrogen Opportunities

Discussion on the delegation from Germany and the plans for exporting hydrogen. The main challenge highlighted is the cost due to the current electricity pricing model.

 

[00:17:24] 

Battery Storage vs. Solar Panels

Insights into the effectiveness of battery storage compared to solar panels. Mention of a chart showing savings from sustainable housing, with a significant portion coming from battery storage.

 

[00:18:31] 

Investment in Glasgow: Discussion on a potential huge investment near Glasgow and the opportunities it presents. GB Energy and Regional Presence: The importance of having a regional presence in places like Aberdeen and the role of GB Energy. Retirement Announcement: Announcement of Professor John McDonald’s retirement and his contributions to Glasgow.

 

 [00:21:56]

Education and Airline Connections

The discussion highlights the critical role of the education industry and the importance of maintaining strong airline connections through the Middle East. These connections are vital for fostering international relationships and ensuring the flow of students and professionals.Emphasis is placed on the commitment to building and maintaining relationships with states in the Midwest and Middle East. This commitment is seen as essential for economic and cultural exchanges.

 

[00:22:13]

Financial Struggles of Football Clubs

The financial difficulties faced by Caledonian football club are discussed, highlighting the broader issue of financial instability in Scottish football. The need for substantial fundraising efforts to avoid bankruptcy is underscored. The unique challenges of running a football club as a business are explored. The discussion suggests that smaller clubs could benefit from mentoring by successful business personalities to improve their financial health and operational efficiency.

 

[00:23:30]

City and Football Club Success

The relationship between the success of a city and its football clubs is examined. Successful clubs are seen as enhancing the city’s reputation, attracting tourists, and contributing to the local economy.

 

[00:23:30]

Investments in Inverness and Glasgow

Concerns about the future of Inverness and the investments in Glasgow, including those in Rangers and Partick Thistle, are raised. The impact of these investments on the cities’ international standing is considered.

 

International Pitching

The role of football clubs in international city pitching efforts is discussed. Football clubs can significantly influence how cities are perceived globally, making them valuable assets in international relations and marketing.

 

Tourism and Reputation

Successful football clubs are credited with boosting tourism and enhancing the city’s reputation. Visitors are drawn to the city not only for the football matches but also for other attractions like museums and cultural sites.

 

[00:24:23]

Business Guidance for Football Clubs

The need for business guidance and mentoring for smaller football clubs is emphasized. This support is seen as crucial for strengthening Scottish football and ensuring the sustainability of smaller clubs. Collaborations with Rangers and Celtic on overseas trips for youth development are highlighted. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to foster international relations and promote the city’s image abroad.

 

Special Guest Sir Alex Ferguson

 

This week’s special guest is Alex Ferguson, one of Glasgow’s most famous sons. Sir Alex is a winner and enjoyed unparalleled success with his winning mentality at Aberdeen and Manchester United, and he shares his insights on leadership, resilience, and the business of football.

 

[00:28:26]

Early Leadership Qualities

Alex Ferguson discusses his early realisation of leadership qualities during his school years and apprenticeship. He shares how joining the union and becoming a shop steward at 19 helped him develop his leadership skills.

 

[00:28:26]

Union Involvement and Apprenticeship

Sir Alex Ferguson talks about his involvement in the engineering union and the challenges he faced as a young apprentice. He recounts the experience of balancing his apprenticeship with part-time football and the support he received from union leaders.

 

[00:30:27]

Transition to Full-Time Football After completing his apprenticeship, Sir Alex Ferguson decided to pursue football full-time. He reflects on his decision to leave engineering behind and focus on a career in football.

 

[00:30:47]:

Developing Coaching Skills

Sir Alex shares his journey of obtaining coaching badges in England and Germany. He emphasises the importance of continuous learning and preparation in his path to becoming a football manager.

 

Impact of Leadership in Football

The discussion highlights how Sir Alex Ferguson’s leadership qualities translated into his football career. He talks about the influence he had on teams and his determination to succeed in football management.

 

[00:31:49]

Life-Changing Moments

Sir Alex Ferguson recounts a pivotal moment in his life when he scored a hat trick against Rangers, which changed his career trajectory. He emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and making decisive choices.

 

[00:33:21]

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Sir Alex discusses his venture into entrepreneurship by owning a pub. He explains how this experience, combined with his part-time football career, shaped his managerial ambitions.

 

[00:34:36]

First Managerial Experience

Shares his first experience as a manager, dealing with limited resources and building a team from free transfers. He highlights the importance of strategic thinking and resourcefulness in management.

 

[00:35:58]

Transition to Aberdeen

The conversation touches on the move to Aberdeen and his thoughts on the importance of perseverance and long-term vision for young players and managers. Sir Alex reflects on key moments that influenced his career, such as deciding not to emigrate to Canada and scoring a hat trick against Rangers. These moments reinforced his commitment to football and leadership.

 

Building a Football Club

Discusses the importance of bringing out the best in oneself. Reflects on his career as a player and the challenges faced. Emphasises building a football club, not just a team. Highlights the success of young players he coached, such as Peter Weir and Frank McAvennie. Stresses the value of giving opportunities to young players and the different personality required to manage them.

 

[00:38:27]

Coaching and Managing

Acknowledges the shift in the role of a manager in modern football. Notes the commercial aspects of the modern game and the difficulty of managing large clubs.

 

[00:38:51]

Managing Manchester United

Reflection on his time as a manager at Manchester United. Emphasis on the importance of personality and communication skills in managing a large club. Discusses the global fan base of Manchester United and the responsibility to deliver for them. Mentions the influence of Sir Matt Busby and the tradition of giving young players a chance.

 

[00:40:20]

Changing the Culture

Highlights the challenges of changing the existing culture and the dedication required. Describes the work culture and the need to instil discipline and dedication in players. Reflects on the long process of changing the culture at the club.

 

[00:43:39]

Importance of a Strong Captain

The significance of having a strong captain on the field, with examples of influential captains.

 

[00:45:02]

Role of Assistants

The importance of surrounding oneself with good people and the impact of assistant managers throughout the guest’s career.

 

[00:47:49]

Career Reflections

Reflections on the careers of former assistants and their paths in football management.

Sir Alex expresses pride in the success of young players he managed. Highlights winning the European Cup in Barcelona as the pinnacle of his career, describing it as the “Holy Grail” and a moment he will never forget.

 

Keywords: Education Industry, Airline Connections, Middle East Relationships, Football Club Financial Struggles, Business Mentoring, Tourism, Youth , Rangers, Celtic, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Development, International Relations, Green Hydrogen, Renewable Energy Jobs, Battery Storage, Solar Panels, Electricity Pricing, GB Energy, Sustainable Housing, Lord Willie Haughey, Sir Tom Hunter, Stuart Patrick CBE, Sir Alex Ferguson.