Meet The Team – Paul Shields – Finance Director

Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? I am responsible for the company’s long-term financial health and growth.  I also look to establish strategies that will earn profits, oversee accounting operations, and produce accurate income and expenditure reports for the other Directors.

What is your proudest business achievement? Helping steady our business after the financial crisis in 2008.  The property sector went through a very turbulent time back then, but we managed to steer through the difficulty and come out the other side stronger than ever.

How has your industry changed in the last decade? The Property industry has changed dramatically over the last 10 years.  For letting there has been numerous new letting legislation changes introduced which in the main have been good and have taken most of the rogue landlords and agents out the market. For Sales, with soaring house prices over the last decade, it has made it almost impossible for first time buyers to get on the property ladder. 

Give us an interesting fact about yourself? Before my hectic family life, I used to write short fictional stories.  Hopefully one day I’ll get back to it once family life settles down.

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?  When business opportunities come your way, always say yes!  Then worry about how to do it later.

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?  Always remember that there is no failure. There are just ways you’ve figured out how not to do something so stop being so hard on yourself and keep moving forward.

Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business?  In business, I admire anyone who puts everything on the line and comes through the other side a success. Outside of business, anyone who dedicates their time to giving back or helping others.  Selfless people.

What qualities do you most admire in others?  Qualities I look for in a person are loyalty, accountability, humility, and anyone who welcomes change.

How do you unwind out of work? Long walks with the dog and red wine!

Favourite book/CD/DVD? A Christmas Carol (Dickens) / Any 80’s CD / Schindler’s List

Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Anywhere in the East Coast.  If I had to choose one, then Elie with St. Andrews a close second.