“Hello, I’m Charlie Maclean-Bristol, I’m the Director of Training and a tutor for BC Training, as well as the founder of PlanB Consulting.”
What interested you to get into the world of BC?
“I served in the military in my youth. I believe serving as a Captain in the British Army helped me develop my strategic skills. My responsibilities involved planning and implementing patrols and anti-terrorist operations. When I finished in the army, I was looking for an exciting new job. After searching all avenues there didn’t seem to be any around until I noticed a job advertised with Anglian Water as an Emergency Planning Manager. From this position I transitioned into business continuity; it was better paid than emergency planning. This position was with Scottish Power, from there I built my experience working for a couple of consultancies before starting my own consultancy 17 years ago. This was when I founded PlanB Consulting.”
What was your first job in BC?
“My first job in business continuity was with Scottish Power. Like I mentioned earlier the role was in their BC department and it was a step up the career ladder from my previous job. My BC journey started with this role, during this time I began to gather my knowledge and experience in this sector. It was an excellent experience which has helped me to become the director I am today.”
How many years have you worked in this industry?
“I have worked in this industry for twenty-eight years now (ouch)!”
How did you get into your tutor role at BC Training?
“Just after BC Training was founded, I was asked to be one of the first tutors to join the company. I was thrilled to be a member of the team and be one of the first to teach the Good Practice Guideline Courses.”
Have you attended any big events since entering the world of BC?
“I have attended most of the BCI Events and CRJ Conferences all over the world, including the USA. With my years of experience and knowledge, I am now kindly asked to speak at a lot of these great conferences. It’s an honour being able to share what I have learnt over the years.”
Have you won any awards?
“Yes, I have been involved with many awards:
- CIR Business Continuity 2020 – Lifetime achievement – (Winner)
- Business Continuity Lifetime Achievement Award 2018 – Finalist
- BCI European Awards – Business Continuity Consultant of the Year 2016 – Highly Commended
- BCI European Awards – Business Continuity Consultant of the Year 2015 – Finalist
- BCI European Awards Business Continuity Personality of the Year 2015 – Finalist
- BCI Global Awards – Business Continuity Consultant of the Year 2011 – Finalist 2011- Winner
- CIR Awards – Business Continuity Consultant of the Year 2009 – Finalist
- CIR Awards – Business Continuity Manager of the Year 2005 – Finalist
- BCI European Awards 2023 – Business Continuity and resilience volunteer – Winner”.
What are your hobbies?
“I have several hobbies, but my favourite is rugby! I love both playing and watching. I also enjoy playing squash in my spare time.”
What do you think are the positives and negatives of working in BC?
“These can vary but I have cut them down. I believe the positives are that no two days are the same. One day I will be working with big organisations helping them prepare their business continuity plans, the next I will be delivering a course teaching students who might just be starting their BC journey. Another positive is I feel like I’m doing something worthwhile for the greater good. BC plans to an outsider might not mean much but if something does go wrong within an organisation these plans could help save a company which then means saving jobs, finances and even lives! The only negative, which is really a good thing is that we often never see our training or plans put into the process.”
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in BC?
“I wouldn’t even think about it, just do it! You will never regret learning, even if you complete the learning but don’t want to enter the world of BC, your knowledge will benefit you in any job and day to day life.”
If you were a delegate, which BC Training course would you enrol onto, and why?
“I would recommend the CBCI Certification Course. This is a course I would recommend to anyone, whether you’re just starting your BC journey or have worked in the industry for years. It covers all areas of BC and will benefit you no matter what you move onto next.”
