Exploring the remarkable growth of Hutcheon Mearns and its innovative future
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Craig Hutcheon, the dynamic leader of Hutcheon Mearns, has always embodied an entrepreneurial spirit. His journey began at the age of 15 when he took on a job as a kitchen porter at the Palm Court Hotel in Aberdeen. Fast forward 30 years, and he now helms a thriving professional services advisory firm that boasts a remarkable turnover of £8.5 million and a dedicated team of 70 employees.
This month marks the 10th anniversary of Hutcheon Mearns, a milestone that Craig celebrates with pride, noting that the firm has never experienced a loss-making month.
From humble beginnings to business success
Craig’s early experiences shaped his work ethic and ambition.
He recalls washing dishes at the Palm Court, eager to finish his tasks quickly so he could enjoy the rest of his shift. This drive to accomplish tasks efficiently has remained with him throughout his career. After completing his education at Cults Academy, Craig pursued a degree in accountancy and management at Aberdeen University, where he discovered his aptitude for numbers and business.
Upon graduating, Craig joined KPMG as an audit assistant, where he honed his skills over six years. His career progressed as he took on roles with Reservoir Group and AL Oil & Gas, but he soon realized that he craved the freedom and creativity that come with being his own boss. In 2015, he took the leap and co-founded Hutcheon Mearns with Steven Mearns, starting with a modest investment and a vision to provide finance recruitment and consultancy services.
Building a resilient business model
In its first year, Hutcheon Mearns generated £340,000 in turnover, a promising start for a company that began with zero clients and processes. Craig’s determination to succeed was evident as he navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship. After Steven moved on to another opportunity, Craig decided to continue building the firm, eventually bringing in new partners to expand its capabilities.
Today, Hutcheon Mearns operates across three key pillars: Deals, People, and Digital, with offices in Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Craig’s vision for the company extends beyond its current success; he aims to add at least ten more staff members by the end of the year, reflecting his commitment to growth and innovation.
Embracing innovation and future growth
As Hutcheon Mearns celebrates its decade of success, Craig is keenly aware of the need to adapt to changing market demands. One area he is particularly excited about is the integration of artificial intelligence into their service offerings. By providing AI consultancy, the firm aims to help businesses solve complex problems through tailored AI solutions. Craig’s desire to help others, rooted in his early aspirations to become a psychotherapist, continues to drive his approach to business.
Reflecting on the past ten years, Craig attributes much of the firm’s success to the exceptional talent he has attracted to the team. He believes that building a business with skilled individuals is key to achieving remarkable results. As Hutcheon Mearns looks to the future, Craig emphasizes the importance of aligning their services with the evolving needs of clients, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the industry.
