An Evening With Bill Scott OBE, Wilton Group

Aged just 17, Bill Scott had an inkling to set up his own company but had the foresight to go out and get some experience first. Starting out as an apprentice, he worked his way up, gaining experience in a number of senior production, quality and offshore installation positions until, in 1994, he teamed up with business partner Steve Glenn to set up Wilton Engineering Services.

From small beginnings the company grew year on year and in their 12th year they negotiated the purchase of a 54-acre site former Swan Hunter shipyard. Bill launched the company, using the lessons learned during his apprenticeship to shape its growth. Through national and international strategic planning, acquisition of a design engineering company and a £16m private equity deal, the group grew to employ more than 800 people at its peak.

Under his leadership, Wilton has become the ‘go-to company’ for world-class fabrications, specialising in designing, manufacturing, coating and loading out large complicated structures for the offshore oil and gas, subsea, marine, decommissioning and offshore wind industries.

It's a champion of collaboration within Teesside’s business landscape – and will continue to grow, with plans to create new jobs after securing a £750,000 CBILS loan.

In recognition of his business success, Bill was crowned our 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year, EY Entrepreneur of the Year (North of England), IOD Investor Director NE and North East Business Executive of the Year; not to mention being made an honorary doctor of business administration at Teesside University, and the receiver of an OBE in 2019.

This is your opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine, in the company of your fellow entrepreneurs whilst learning more about Bill’s journey to date, his future plans for Wilton and the business trends he believes will emerge in 2021.

The Small Print – This event is exclusively for entrepreneurial members and is either free to attend or has an optional cost of £25+VAT, payable in advance of the evening. Your £25+VAT includes one bottle of specially selected wine supplied by ItalyAbroad and delivery to an address of your choice. A wine list will be provided to you upon confirmation of your booking.

Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse the cost of your ticket after the wine has been dispatched.