Managing Director

Leads the team, and brings over 25 years’ experience in senior commercial, sales and operational roles, gained with leading aquaculture companies, fish processors (dedicated to retail), manufacturers and wholesalers.

Sarah has in-depth knowledge of industry practice and processes up and down the entire value chain, and of new innovations in the sector, as well as extensive industry contacts. Before joining Northern Light Consulting in 2015, Sarah worked in various senior commercial and sales positions within the aquaculture industry and before that within the food production and processing sector.

Alongside her work for Northern Light Consulting, Sarah is currently President of the Local Chamber of Commerce and Director of Innovation and Engagement for the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre. She is also an ISO9001 Lead Auditor. Sarah visits many different aquaculture and fish processing facilities across the value chain in Scotland, Norway, Iceland and the Faroes, and works hard to be up to date with best farming practice, practical innovation solutions and processing methods.

Sarah loves to run, volunteer in the local community and recently helped to create and train up a Northern Division Under 16s girls football team.

Favourite part of your role
I enjoy most working with people.

Managing, supporting, and challenging a team to work well together and ultimately deliver a needed output that is of value to a sector I enjoy working in. Also having the opportunity to develop further working with clients.

PLUS I love eating fish – super healthy, tasty, and nutritious fast food!

Favourite quotes
“Keep the faith, don’t lose your perseverance and always trust your gut extinct.” – Paula Abdul

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!” – Audrey Hepburn.

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot

Director of Projects

Director of Projects Greg Riddle is responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of all capital projects through the design, procurement and construction phases.

Originally a civil engineer, Greg gained 20 years’ experience working within and managing large teams on multi-disciplinary construction projects, primarily in the water sector.

He founded NLC in 2013 and following an early decision to focus on the Aquaculture sector has grown the business year-on-year to 5 permanent staff, over 80+ satisfied clients, and over 150+ projects completed.

This includes leading the development of the largest land-based aquaculture facility in the UK, Scottish Sea Farms £50m+ Barcaldine hatchery, which produces over 12 million smolts per annum.

In his spare time Greg enjoys throwing himself down mountains (on skis or a bike) and volunteering within the community and for the local Scout group.

Greg’s favourite projects are the ones where NLC are involved from initial concept to completion, as we are in a stronger position to deliver on time and budget when we are in control of the whole process.

Favourite part of your role
The projects where NLC are involved from initial concept to completion, as we are in a stronger position to deliver on time and budget when we are in control of the whole process.

Favourite quote
"Dominate your niche." — Stuart Reid

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." — Peter Drucker

Project Manager and Design Engineer

Has a degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering with 15 years in maintenance, design and project management, with the last 8 working for a leading aquaculture supplier developing new products and innovations, as well as managing project delivery on site. Neil joined NLC in April 2022 and brings invaluable experience of marine aquaculture systems.

Prior, to this Neil worked as a mechanical engineer and maintenance engineer. Since joining the team Neil leads on a number of design projects as well as project management responsibility.

Neil has in-depth knowledge of MEP systems, including practical and design experience in both mechanical and electrical systems in aquaculture and manufacturing environments., utilising this knowledge and experience for the benefit of clients across Scotland. Since joining NLC, Neil has assisted customers with a variety of projects including on-site support for new equipment installations for a food processing site, managing the installation of new systems into land-based aquaculture sites and assisting clients with successfully integrating new systems through grant funding support.

In his spare time, Neil can be found either pedalling or paddling his way around Scotland, with keen interests in mountain biking, canoeing and both sea and river kayaking. He regularly supports members of Inverness Canoe Club, where he is a leader and coach. Neil also keeps up to date with progresses in technology, as a member of the Institute of Engineering Technology Inverness Area Committee.

Favourite part of the job is finding solutions for customers to achieve their goals. This could be swiftly resolving a problem on-site or evaluating the options open to a customer and giving them an appraisal so that they can confidently move forwards, i.e. taking the various options in front of them and clearing up the muddy waters… In precis: offering the correct, reliable support to achieve a successful conclusion for the customer!

Favourite quote
As far as favourite quote, it has to come from Winnie the Pooh, a constant source of jewels of inspiration! How about:

“It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine.” — Eeyore

“If the string breaks, then we try another piece of string.” — Owl.

Project Manager

Graduated with a BA (Hons) in Business with Marketing 8 years ago. Prior to joining NLC she worked in marketing for an SME logistics company in Lochaber who are very much part of the aquaculture supply chain. Through this she developed an understanding of the sector, with the company providing several services to the industry.

Since joining Northern Light Consulting in late 2019, Mairi has led on a multitude of projects and has developed her project management, research and reporting skills. Mairi is responsible for marketing for both ourselves and some of our clients.

Mairi manages many of our innovation and community projects delivering aspects such as strategic management of the project, managing consultants and securing funding and stakeholder engagement. Mairi also administers our internal business functions on a day-to-day basis.

Lately, notable projects for Mairi have included leading on the West highland Museum project to define their expansion goals and secure all important funding! Mairi has also been overseeing the Pulcea SIF funded project and secured 8 million for a number of clients in the Blue Economy.

In her spare time she enjoys travelling with Bali and South Africa a firm fave, conquering a pb in the gym and spending time with her kitten Ron (a ginger tabby – obviously a Weasley)! Mairi can also be found at the Crofter Bar of a weekend… supporting the local business community of course. In the next year Mairi hopes to commence her Project Management Masters.

Favourite part of your role
Working on community projects and seeing real value and change from my output. Or building a new innovations brand and the client seeing it for the first time – never gets old.

Favourite quote
“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try” — John F. Kennedy