I am Robin Aitken, the founder of Bellevue Partners. I can’t remember the number of times I’ve been told: “you don’t seem like a finance guy”. I am sure that this is meant as a compliment and I think it comes from my interest in creativity and the people behind the numbers - talking to them, learning about their lives and thinking about ways that they can co-operate to achieve things.
I’ve worked in management and finance functions for nearly 40 years, operating as a finance director and business consultant for over half that time. I have also been a visiting lecturer at the University of Bath for over 10 years, where I specialise in Finance and Entrepreneurship.
I started my career as a trainee chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen, before joining the BBC in 1991 where I reached senior management before leaving in 1998 to join the world of growing businesses and entrepreneurship where I have largely operated since. I have been lucky enough to have a very diverse career which has combined my enjoyment of creativity as well as analysis. Amongst many different assignments, I was Finance Director of a sports start-up that was floated on AIM, taken a data business through a private-equity backed MBO and joined a gang of amazing musicians on a crazy train trip around the UK with the musical collective, Africa Express.
I live in Scotland, although with my skill-set and modern communications technology, location is not important, meaning that I can work as effectively with clients in London as Edinburgh, or Bristol.
I like working with people in organisations that have a clear social purpose. Their business models can be “for profit” or “not for profit”. It doesn’t matter to me, as it’s not all about the money. I prefer to work with clients that are doing something meaningful for our world or our society.
I enjoy helping individuals clarify where they and their organisations are now and find ways to bring balance and strength that builds resilience while taking things forward. In so doing, I provide mentoring and coaching. I recently developed these skills with ICF-accredited training in coaching.
I bring professional rigour to my work with a strong dose of humanity and some humour. I believe in life-long learning and regularly attend talks and seminars on topics ranging from finance, the environment and coaching to philosophy, psychology and politics.
When not working I like walking in nature, especially in the Scottish mountains, reading books, cooking and generally embracing life, the arts, music, food and culture while spending time with family and friends.
P.S. I should point out that I am not Robin Aitken, the journalist who also worked at the BBC in the 1990’s. He shows up if you Google my name, being far more famous than me.