The Bigger Picture

After his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Edinburgh, Sam pursued a career with varied roles in the food and beverages industry.

How does it feel to be selected for the Alumni 100 list?

"I'm really honoured. I know so many graduates have gone on to achieve success in their fields and to be identified in this way is truly special."

What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?

"My undergraduate degree was from the University of Edinburgh and so it was an institution I trusted to deliver top-quality education and a peer group from a diverse background. University of Edinburgh staff offer an excellent service and I knew this would be the case at the Business School. It also helped that Edinburgh is, in my opinion, one, if not the most, beautiful city in the world."

What are your memories of studying at the Business School?

"There are hundreds. I think my classmates provided a lot of my fondest memories, we had a very supportive group and the best example of this was when we attended a football tournament down in Manchester. Unlike our academic prowess, our on-pitch performance was pretty poor. We scored one goal all tournament but the celebration (which lasted a good few minutes) from the team and large travelling support group were a testament to just how supportive and close-knit our class was. It still brings a smile to my face."

What's the one thing you think current students need to develop or learn before entering the modern workplace?

"Grasping the basics of business is vital for quick integration into any business. It helps you settle into a new role quickly and thus progress at a faster rate. All businesses need to sell and market their goods and services. They all have operational systems in place, collect data, have to employ people (HR) and crucially have to work within legal and financial systems that need to be understood. Learning the basics of these mechanisms makes you versatile and helps you see the bigger picture."

What key thing that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

"My dissertation was a business plan that led me to set up the company I now run so that was vital, however the negotiation course we did was and still is one of the best skills I've taken away with me. All the courses were great and even the subjects I was poorer at gave me a solid foundation in business. Having a wider knowledge of a whole range of topics and business activities helps me organise my team and engage with suppliers and customers on a more productive level."

Proudest work-related achievement to date?

"I recently completed the incorporation of the brand into a larger drinks manufacturer and it has had a massive benefit on how we operate as a business."