Scotland’s Ex-Forces Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner!
Scotland’s Ex-Forces Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner! Last week, amidst a gathering of distinguished individuals and esteemed veterans, Lyall Colvin, the Managing Director of Q Electrical, was honoured with the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards. This recognition not only celebrates Lyall’s remarkable achievements but also underscores the invaluable contributions of ex-military personnel to the business world.
The Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards stands as a beacon of acknowledgment, spotlighting the remarkable transition of veterans into the corporate landscape. With over 300 nominations and six contenders in his category, Lyall’s triumph is a testament to his exceptional leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Of his award Lyall said ‘I was shocked just to be nominated; I wasn’t at all expecting to come away with this award. I was deeply honoured to receive this recognition. My journey to this moment has been shaped by my time in the Parachute Regiment, where I learned the values of camaraderie, respect, and the importance of a strong work ethic. These principles have guided me throughout my career in the electrical industry, a field that I have found both challenging and immensely rewarding. In entrepreneurship, as in military service, motivation is key. It is the driving force behind every decision, every action taken. And while the path may be tough, the rewards are plentiful.’
Lyall’s journey to entrepreneurial success is as inspiring as it is commendable. Following his tenure in the military, Lyall seamlessly transitioned into the realm of business by joining forces with his father, Robert Colvin, in their Electrical Engineering family business. Robert’s legacy in the electrotechnical industry, rooted in the local Midlothian Coal Mining sector, laid the foundation for Lyall’s entrepreneurial aspirations.
In 1995, Robert took the bold step of establishing his own electrical company, laying the groundwork for what would evolve into Q Electrical. Through dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of quality, the company flourished, expanding its reach across industrial, commercial, and domestic sectors. In 2020, Q Electrical joined forces with the Quanah Group, alongside fellow award winners, Quantum Controls, marking a pivotal moment in its trajectory. Under Lyall’s stewardship as Managing Director, the company has experienced exponential growth, diversifying its services and welcoming new team members into its fold.
What truly sets Lyall apart is his unwavering commitment to his fellow servicemen and women. As an ex-serviceman himself, Lyall understands the unique challenges and unparalleled skills that veterans bring to the table. His dedication to recruiting and supporting ex-service personnel within his business not only reflects his ethos of giving back but also underscores his belief in the transformative power of opportunity. ‘It can be difficult as an ex-forces person to transition back into the workplace after leaving the forces, that’s why I think it’s important to give back to the community and offer engineers a role in a place which can help with that transition. Being around like-minded people can often help with that transition. It’s important to say that we don’t just want to recruit ex-forces people, we want to offer roles to anyone who shares the values of dedication, hard work, passion, and respect. My aim is to offer the best engineers the opportunity to come and work with the best Electrical Engineering organisation so we can create a focus point of great engineering which benefits everyone.’
Lyall’s accolade as Entrepreneur of the Year serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and veterans alike. His story is a testament to the dedication, passion and hard work Lyall puts into Q Electrical. Through their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication, veterans like Lyall continue to enrich our communities and inspire generations to come.