Get to know Ian Dormer, IoD North East (North) ambassador
Ian Dormer’s IoD journey began when he took on his father’s engineering business which was started in a spare bedroom of the family home.
“I had to grow the business as rapidly as I could, so I joined the IoD to learn a bit more about running a business and to get a bit of peer support,” said Ian.
That was 32 years ago and Ian, MD of Rosh Engineering, still has his original membership card.
His company is based on Tyneside, employs more than 40 people and operates across the UK and internationally. It specialises in the repair, refurbishment and installation of power transformers and high voltage equipment.
As well as a local branch ambassador, Ian is an IoD Fellow and Chartered Director. His IoD membership continues to deliver education, peer support and connections.
Ian said: “I have learned how to do my job better; I’m more skilled and able to tackle challenges. The peer group support is phenomenal. At IoD events I meet fellow directors with the same problems and challenges as I have.
“They have solved them or we can solve them together. It can be lonely at the top but you can stride forward with other people in the same position.”
Through his connections within the IoD, Ian has been offered non-executive roles. He was a board member of Regional Development Agency One North East for several years.
He currently sits on the audit committee of Gateshead Council as an independent member and is also on the board of a regional builders merchant.
“These roles enable me to give something back but also provide me with a fresh perspective on my job and role,” said Ian. “It’s also made me appreciate the value of good governance through which an organisation thrives and prospers.”
Ian plans to continue being an active member of the IoD, supporting his local branch.
“I’ll add value where I can to others on their IoD journey including young, aspiring directors setting out just as I was.”
Ian Dormer was national IoD chair 2012-2015.
