Electra Learning provides training and change management services for corporate clients who are upgrading or implementing an IT business system. GlobalScot advice helped them to set up an office in Canada circa 2013 and in Houston, USA in June 2022. 

Established in the UK 26 years ago, Electra Learning has provided training and change management services to giants such as Shell and Harbour Energy. Working primarily in the energy industry, but also in manufacturing, transport and utilities, Electra collaborates with companies to plan and implement the rollout of new or upgraded software, delivering comprehensive change management and learning strategies to support the client’s business goals.

Founder Skerry Read ran the business alone from Aberdeen for the first 12 years, before Donna McWilliams joined as her first employee, an IT trainer, in 2009. Four years later, Skerry found and reached out to GlobalScots who could provide advice and assistance in expanding Electra to Canada.
By this time, Neil Summers had joined the team and he migrated to Canada to run the operation there. Both Donna and Neil were involved in the management buy out in 2016 and with a strategy to grow, expanded into the North American market opening up an office in Toronto before moving into the USA.

“When we were opening our Canada office, Skerry was introduced to GlobalScot through SDI (Scottish Development International). She signed up and had some really good meetings that helped us open up in Canada. So, about 18 months ago, when we wanted to set up our US office, GlobalScot was our first port of call.”

Houston, we have a solution
Remembering how instructive GlobalScots had been for Skerry when expanding to Canada, Donna had little hesitation in registering as a business member when it was time for an Electra office in the US.
She was introduced to a group of fantastic people who were extremely helpful and more than willing to give their time. Donna communicated with about 12 GlobalScots on the site before meeting at least 10 of them when she initially went over to Houston. Each one of them, she said, were helpful, supportive and informative.

Starting up in the States, Electra Learning discovered it wasn’t as simple as expected. For one, the tax and legal systems are very different. This meant it was vital that Donna and her team get the necessary introductions to understand how business differed in the US from both the UK and Canada.

“When I first went over to Houston, it was an exploratory trip. I had calls with GlobalScots first, then went over and met them. They made recommendations for lawyers, tax advisors, insurance companies etc, which saved us a lot of time.”

Breaking North America
A good number of GlobalScots assisted Donna and her Electra Learning team in acclimatising to the US way of working. Derek Blackwood, an experienced GlobalScot, helped put doing business in Scotland and Houston in context.

Stuart Spence also made some useful introductions and helped the company understand how to do business in Houston. Norman Ritchie helped with office space and even offered a location in his own offices. While Justin Hoffman offered various recommendations about starting up – including information on banking, tax and insurance. He also introduced Electra Learning to the BABC network, which they have now joined.  

It wasn’t just GlobalScots that Electra received help from. Other businesses who are part of the GlobalScot community also gave support. For instance, Paul Goonan from Arnlea assisted with office space, helping Electra secure its current location in the same building as them. This then led to Electra running joint webinars with Arnlea.

Finding and making business connections
Other than the advice, introductions and recommendations she’s received, Donna said that the GlobalScot portal is an invaluable tool. Being able to go online, sign in and look for specific skill sets in specific areas was of great use for Donna. The filters allowed her to tailor her search results for exactly what she was looking for. Another perk, according to Donna, is that through the wider GlobalScot community, businesses can be introduced to many other relevant connections too.

“I’ve kept in touch with many of the GlobalScots I met in Houston and have a good network to reach out to if we need anything now that we are set up in the States.”

Want to reach out to the GlobalScot community for advice and support? Don’t be afraid about taking up people’s time, says Donna. GlobalScots want to help – so join the community and get in touch with one today. Sign up here