David Coughtrie became a Trustee of CET in 2011, and served as Chairman from October 2014 until September 2020. This award recognises his leadership of CET and his strong belief in the need to demonstrate leadership to effect change and improvement.
The CET are searching for a super talented individual who has used their exceptional leadership skills to promote Commercial Ability.
Following the successful launch in 2023, this annual award once again aims to celebrate the excellent leadership skills of an individual whose actions have resulted in notably increased understanding of (and the need for) Commercial Ability and improved these within an organisation or the wider community.
CET invites nominations from organisations that it acknowledges to be proponents of strong Commercial Ability. All qualifying nominations received will be considered.
Nominations should be of individuals working in or on behalf of one of these organisations and will have demonstrated strong and effective leadership skills, together with a commitment to the understanding of Commercial Ability, its inherent values within the organisation, and its development potential.
A candidate's leadership should be shown to have motivated, guided and developed others who, in turn, have facilitated (or evidence shows will facilitate) the development of Commercial Ability and related initiatives which result in wider understanding. In some cases, the leadership qualities of the nominee will have already brought about these changes in a recognisable and beneficial manner; in others, the ability to bring about these changes will have been demonstrated.
Dissemination of an understanding of the benefits of Commercial Ability and its development may have been undertaken within an organisation, or more widely in an ambassadorial, leadership context. It may have resulted from a personal initiative or from collaboration with others.
For this award CET aim to celebrate our young people, aged between 16-24, who have either excelled in a traditional leadership role or have taken the initiative, in any capacity, to inspire others.
This could have been demonstrated within a professional setting, or a less formal environment. For example, they may be an employee, volunteer, apprentice, student or on work experience, or may have participated in your organisation’s careers programme. However it may be, if they have shown excellent leadership skills we would like to recognise them.
The winner of the award will have motivated and inspired others, and shown the drive, self discipline and eagerness to learn and enhance their Commercial Ability skills in order to benefit them in their early career or entry to the world of work. They will be an example of someone embracing the concept of Commercial Ability as a whole, understanding its importance in the development of young people and the advantages it brings.
They will have guided, motivated and encouraged others, whilst demonstrating their leadership skillset including communication, decision making, adaptability, problem solving, relationship building, creativity and integrity. They will understand the value of Commercial Ability, and actively seek out opportunities to develop their skills in this context.
If you know someone who fits the bill we would love to hear from you!
David Coughtrie became a CET Trustee in 2011 and Chairman in October 2014. He retired as a Trustee in September 2020 and was appointed Chairman Emeritus and Honorary Fellow. During his term, he led the Trust in refocussing on a proactive path, promoting an understanding of the need and breadth of commercial education and ability, raising its profile through annual lectures by prominent speakers and regular gatherings of like-minded organisations.
Born in Ayrshire, educated at Ayr Academy and Strathclyde University, where he studied architecture, David practised in Scotland before moving to London to work in the transport sector. An aptitude for project management led to high profile appointments in the UK and overseas, becoming a director of London Transport and Managing Director of international consultancy companies. He set up DCA Ltd management consultancy advising the World Bank, governments and corporate clients on strategic options for public transport in Europe, Africa, Middle and Far East and the Americas. Appointed Claims Director of Eurotunnel, he led a multidisciplinary team winning a significant multi-million-pound award against TransManche Link, the consortium of ten Anglo-French contractors.
A Member of the Union Internationale des Transports Publics, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, as well as a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, he has served on various government and trade committees. David was appointed a Freeman of the City of London in 2016.
A long-term member of the London Scottish Diaspora, he has served as President of the Caledonian Society of London, Chairman of The Caledonian Club and now Vice President. He is a former Trustee of ScotsCare, chairing the property committee, now a Life Guardian. David lives in Dulwich and is active in local activities, while maintaining close links with Scotland, retaining property in Ayrshire, where he is a Patron of Dalmellington Silver Band.
