Central & South West Scotland & Ayrshire
Scott Mitchell MILSA
Scott Mitchell – Stocktaker Central & South West Scotland & Ayrshire
Based in Glasgow and covering Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, Central Scotland
I started my journey as a retail Stock Auditor with Safeway before the opportunity arose to join a family member’s Stockcheck Franchise in 2006. I worked as an employee of a Franchisee until 2014 when I purchased the Franchise from my employer.
Since taking over the Franchise in 2014, it has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. I’ve successfully maintained my client base, and currently, my work-life balance is heavily focused on the business due to the effects of the Covid pandemic, Brexit, and ever-changing cost prices. On a personal note, I enjoy having control over my own destiny, but it does mean sacrificing some time with my wife and family, even though they fully understand and support my dedication to my work.
My career journey began at the age of 16 in the Duty-Free shop at Glasgow Airport, where I had my first introduction to stocktaking. I then transitioned into retail management within the supermarket industry, where stocktaking played a significant role in daily operations. Later, I shifted to John Menzies retail as a Stock Auditor, traveling throughout Scotland and Northern England to various sites. Subsequently, I moved to Safeway in a similar role, covering the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. It was during this time that I decided to change my career direction by attending the ILTSA (Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors) intensive course with the aim of entering the Hospitality industry as a Stock Auditor. In 2006, I became an employee of a family member’s Franchise and officially became a member of ILTSA through examination in 2007, which bolstered my credibility in the sector.
In my view, self-motivation and daily focus are essential to provide the best service to my clients. Most of my work comes through word-of-mouth referrals within the industry, a testament to the quality of service and dedication I provide to each client. Having managed a team of Stocktakers in my retail Stock Auditing days, I set the standards for my operations, ensuring that they operate in a similar manner.
I take pride in my honesty and the information I provide to my clients during each visit. I hold keys to various client venues, allowing me early access to avoid disrupting their day-to-day operations. For instance, with hotels in my client base, I typically start on-site around 5 am to 6 am to complete areas before breakfast service begins. I maintain open communication with all members of the venue’s staff, working with the entire team to achieve the best results for the business.
A noteworthy experience occurred when I was approached by an employee of one of my clients, who inquired about my services for their local venue. The venue was struggling financially, but after conducting a stock count and identifying a theft issue on-site, the venue took my advice and made necessary changes. As a result, they underwent a full refurbishment without borrowing money, and the bank balance turned positive. The Treasurer of the venue attributes this success to my initial findings and ongoing advice, which has been a source of immense job satisfaction for me.
Outside of stocktaking, I spend most of my time with my wife. We enjoy dining out on Saturdays and occasionally attend the theatre, having recently seen “Pretty Woman” at The Savoy Theatre in London. Travel is another passion, with visits to Las Vegas last year and trips to Dubai and Majorca this year. On Sundays, I attend my local Church, Renfrew North, where I am a Member and Elder. This provides me with a weekly hour to reset and gain perspective on life and work. In the coming years, I hope to maintain good health and continue serving my clients at my current high standards.
Reflecting on my journey, the experience I gained from various roles before owning my own Franchise has prepared me well for my current stage in life. However, time is precious and irreplaceable, and I wish I had spent more time with loved ones, family, and friends, as life is short, regardless of one’s career path.
Becoming a Stockcheck Franchisee and a Stocktaker Central & South West Scotland & Ayrshire has been the best decision and opportunity I’ve taken. While there is a financial investment, hard work, self-motivation, and effective communication with people can lead to rewarding benefits not only for oneself but also for the businesses and lives of others, bringing daily satisfaction and purpose.
