Goal7 is an Aberdeen-based company that now enjoys a US presence. After successfully developing their business across the UK and Europe, Goal7 reached out to GlobalScots, connecting with experienced professionals who could help them expand into the US.

James Paton(pictured above) and James Robinson started Goal7 in 2020 to challenge global energy inequality while helping companies transition more quickly towards cleaner energy sources. Their name comes from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 – dedicated to clean and affordable energy – and their purpose is to accelerate the energy transition.

After a long, distinguished career in the oil and gas service-side of investment banking, James Robinson retired with his family to a small sheep farm where he adopted sustainable technologies such as windmills and solar panels.

He received a call from an old client, James Paton, who wanted to establish a new consultancy creating positive change in energy production and stop the damage being done to the planet. And he wanted the budding farmer to be his partner.

Keen to understand the energy transition better, Robinson left the call to go and do some research and assessment.

“Thinking about my experience on the farm, it suddenly started to make sense... Build a business focused on reducing emissions across the O&G industry.”
James Robinson, Co-Founder.

Growing the business and connecting with GlobalScot
Enthused by his findings, Robinson climbed onboard and the pair began discussing and challenging possible business models. They kept arriving back at the same values – people, working together, science and technology, quality and sustainability.

With their values in place, they set out their business premise: ‘leveraging our expertise and understanding from the oil & gas world to help companies accelerate their energy transition and reduce their emissions.’

Three years later, the company remains committed to the belief that all solutions must be well-engineered, built on a sound scientific and economic basis and focused on positive impact.

The team has grown considerably in that time, too. Multi-disciplinary engineers, as well as people with strategy, economics and commercial backgrounds are on the team, meaning that Goal7 can cover the whole value chain of various energy transition projects.

Their global footprint has also increased – with the important help of the GlobalScot community. With a fully-fledged model in place, the team turned to the GlobalScot network for help with their international expansion ambitions.

“The first GlobalScot we met with was Derek Blackwood in early 2021. Based in Texas, he’s been instrumental in our American expansion – in the first instance, by inviting us to present to a panel of GlobalScots at one of their Energy Showcases.”
Raphael Macdonald, VP North America.

GlobalScot making introductions across the Atlantic
It became clear when they started talking with the GlobalScot community that Goal7 would have to do things differently in the US.

The GlobalScots they talked to understood how the energy industry operated in Scotland, as well as how to convey some of the differences Goal7 would experience across the Atlantic.

One of their main challenges when expanding to the States was getting face-time with US clients and winning work from them despite having no track record in America. Thankfully, the GlobalScot network was able to make the necessary introductions.

“The GlobalScot community has been able to help us build trust and make connections in the States. Through the network, we’ve been introduced to companies who are interested in our services. Having these warm introductions has been hugely valuable.”
Raphael Macdonald, VP North America.

GlobalScots who understand starting up in the US Market
By plugging into the GlobalScot network, Goal7 have met other Scottish entrepreneurs in the energy space who have also started businesses in the States.

GlobalScots like Nina Spencer and Fraser McDowell have been immensely helpful in sharing their knowledge of the US market, as well as their understanding of the challenges of starting up in the US. These insights have been invaluable and enabled Goal7 to gain a secure footing in a previously unknown territory.

Having access to this highly experienced group has allowed the young business to dramatically expand its network, get introductions and find out the right events to attend. Raphael says that initial and subsequent introductions have led to a point where a large part of his US network was started by a GlobalScot in one way or another.

He also commented on how GlobalScots are always ready and willing to give a good amount of their time to help. Over the years, he’s had meetings with GlobalScots who have taken time out of their busy days just to share their wisdom and input with no benefit to themselves at all.

Continuing the connection
The Goal7 team say that their experience with the GlobalScot community has far exceeded their expectations. Without doubt, they say, the relationship will continue indefinitely and the network that’s evolved from their engagement with the network goes well beyond the initial contact.

“I’m always delighted to see other GlobalScots at the events I attend. Once you know people in the network, there’s a sense of camaraderie that links back to coming from Scotland. This small country with a global reach.”
Raphael Macdonald, VP North America.

Ready to power-up your business with expert support?

“If you want to get in touch with GlobalScot, don’t hesitate. Just go for it – get on the website and talk to as many people as you can. Why think twice? It’s probably best to try and find someone in your industry in the first instance, and invariably, they will put you in touch with other GlobalScots.”
Raphael Macdonald, VP North America.

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