BUSINESS CLASS LECTURES Scott Fletcher MBE we now have more than 60 apprentices.” An established entrepreneur, Scott has since invested in other companies including software development company, Godel Technologies, which employs over 200 people in Belarus and Manchester, and Westlab Salts, which manufactures bath salts. Westlab has secured contracts with major retailers in the UK, is doubling its turnover every 6 months and is in advanced discussions to start exporting to the USA.
Scott Fletcher, Chairman of IT company ANS Group, predicted that Manchester will secure its position as one of the top five European destinations for technology start-ups over the few years. Interviewed by OM Nigel Collier, Managing Director at Skylab, Scott, 41, talked about the transformation of Manchester into a world-leading technology hub. After enrolling on a Youth Training Scheme, Scott started his business career at the age of 22. He has since grown his biggest business, ANS Group, to over 250 staff based in Manchester and London with a turnover of circa £50 million. He sits on the steering group for the recently announced Forward project in the Northern Quarter, a scheme which secured
£4 million of Government funding in the last budget and has attracted significant private sector investment to support and help accelerate tech start-ups.
Scott continued, “Regardless of the business, the principles remain the same. I would advise pupils that if they find an idea they think will work, then just do it and don't take no for an answer. If you fail, you’ll still learn.”
Speaking about Manchester’s technology sector, Scott, who also sits on the Greater Manchester Local Economic Partnership board, said, “There is a huge amount of technological knowledge and expertise in the City, but to capitalise on this, it’s crucial that we create a hub where organisations can communicate, share ideas and thrive. We need to equip young people with the right skills and give them opportunities such as enrolling on apprenticeships; similar to the in-house scheme we have created at ANS, where
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