JAMIE SMITH - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 

Jamie Smith is approaching 5 years working at James Hutton Limited as Agri-Business Development Manager. Jamie seeks to take advancement across all areas of research and development and translate that to direct industry application which can provide added value or income streams for both James Hutton Limited and customers. 

An Introduction 

Hi, I’m Jamie, the Commercial Business Development Manager at Europe's largest Agri-Tech and R&D facility, The James Hutton Institute. 

What was your background before James Hutton?

7 years achieving an Architecture and Architectural Design degree before a career change led me in to the world of fresh produce. 7 years in the UK potato industry at the Scottish seeds site for a major UK packer and exporter. 

How does the work you do support commercial organisations?

My work has a clear and obvious commercial focus. I seek to take advancement across all areas of research and development and translate that to direct industry application. With care, and a bit of luck, this can provide added value or income streams for both our customers and for JHL

Fun Facts

Who is your hero?

Someone, far smarter that myself once said, “ live in a way that makes yourself proud, and be your own hero,”. Corny, but I do like this idea. Whist I am far from perfect, I try to follow these principles. That said, there are some people who I do admire, not celebrities or athletes, just normal people who seem to have their whole life ‘dialled in’. Their health, wealth, family, skill set etc. I aspire to be like them. Maybe I will be someday.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Never one to care for big city living so therefore somewhere with lots of open space yet heaps of good weather. Sunshine is a must. By that description, Australia ticks a lot of boxes for me. I could see myself in sunny Australia and taking the kids to the beach at every opportunity. 

What is your biggest fear?

Not seeing or doing some of the things that on my bucket list. So much to do, so little time. 

What is your favourite thing about your career?

I have a genuine thirst for learning, and I am also a real people person. My work gives me an abundance of both. I am fortunate to work on, and be at liberty to develop, some really innovative projects. Furthermore, I get to meet an array of truly interesting and dynamic people from a dozen industries and from all over the globe.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

A fan of planes and jets as a child, I would love to spend a day rolling around in some fighter planes. Maybe starting with the oldies, the allied aircraft of WW2 and then perhaps through to some modern jet fighters of the US Navy. Everyone’s seen TopGun right, man and woman, who wouldn’t want to do that for a day! 

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

Very simple. I have one party piece, and that’s it. A tried and tested routine that suits my rather “poor vocal range”. Look no further than… Frank Sinatra, Under My Skin.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

To this day, my gran, ‘Nana’ as she was known, made the best steak pie this side of Hadrian’s Wall. I thought so anyway. Thick, undercooked slabs of pastry with rich homemade gravy. Throw in buttery mashed potatoes and peas and I wouldn’t say no in a million years. 

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?

The ancient sites of Matchu Pitchu, Chichen Itza and The Valley of the Kings fascinate me greatly. To this day the means to move 6 million, 2 tonne blocks of stone, to build Egypt’s Great Pyramid is a mystery. So, a sneaky peak three or four thousand years ago would be great!

What’s your favourite animal?

For some reason, I am quite drawn to Rhino’s? No rational reason why. A leathery tank with giant horns. They seem a bit like a living dinosaur. Now having kids they are first on the list and Blair Drummond Safari.

What’s your favourite movie?

So many! My wife and I watch a movie every Sunday. If I had to pick a single one… Russell Crowe, in Gladiator. Massive in scope, well written and superbly performed. It a classic that will stand the test of time.