Meet the Team: Greg Riddle
We're delighted to feature Greg Riddle, Founder & Director of Projects at Northern Light Consulting, in the first edition of our Team Q&A.
With extensive experience delivering complex aquaculture, infrastructure and development projects, Greg shares his thoughts on what makes projects successful, the importance of getting procurement and contract strategy right from the outset, and the innovations shaping the future of the aquaculture sector.
From his proudest achievement helping deliver the Scottish Sea Farms Smolt Unit at Barcaldine, to the lessons he's learned about risk, communication and building strong client relationships, Greg offers valuable insight into the realities of project delivery.
Outside of work, you'll find Greg mountain biking, travelling with his family, attending live music events, or walking the dog.
As part of our Meet the Team series, we sat down with Greg to learn more about his career, what motivates him, and some of the projects and experiences that have shaped his journey.
Make it stand out
“The most successful projects are usually those where the client has a clear idea of what they want to achieve. A big part of our role is helping clients define that vision, challenge assumptions and turn objectives into something that can realistically be delivered” - Greg Riddle, Director of Projects
Take a few minutes to read his Q&A and discover the person behind the projects.
What project are you most proud of being involved in?
Probably the Scottish Sea Farms Smolt Unit at Barcaldine. It was a complex project that brought together aquaculture, engineering, environmental and construction challenges, and it was very satisfying to see it develop from an idea into a facility that's now supporting the industry's future growth.
What makes a project practical and deliverable in the real world?
The most successful projects are usually those where the client has a clear idea of what they want to achieve. A big part of our role is helping clients define that vision, challenge assumptions and turn objectives into something that can realistically be delivered.
What do clients sometimes overlook during project development?
Clients often focus on finding the best consultant or contractor, but sometimes overlook the importance of the procurement and contractual strategy. A competitive tender process isn't just about appointing the strongest team, it's also about securing fair commercial terms and allocating risk appropriately. Choosing the right contract is equally important. A fixed-price lump-sum approach can work well where the design is well developed, while more complex projects may benefit from target cost or design-and-build arrangements.
What's the most valuable lesson you've learned working across aquaculture and infrastructure projects?
Good project management is transferable. The technical details change from project to project, but clear communication, managing risk and building strong relationships are always critical. I've also learned that while we often get called in when projects are already facing difficulties, it's usually far easier and more cost-effective to get the right advice and support in place from the outset.
What emerging technology or innovation interests you most?
I'm particularly interested in the development of post-smolt and full grow-out production in semi-closed and closed containment systems at sea. I'm also interested in technologies that help the industry recover value from waste streams. The best innovations are often those that improve environmental performance while also reducing operating costs.
What do you enjoy most about working with Northern Light Consulting clients?
The variety. There are so many innovators and entrepreneurs, so many good people. We work with fish farmers, processors, technology providers, developers, infrastructure owners, investors and public-sector organisations, and every project is different. I also enjoy solving problems and building trusted relationships with clients. It's especially rewarding when a client recognises that we've helped make a difficult project successful.
What's one piece of advice you would give to someone entering the aquaculture projects sector?
Focus on developing strong project management and problem-solving skills. The aquaculture-specific knowledge can be learned over time. It's still a relatively young and innovative sector, with lots of opportunity for people who are willing to learn and embrace change.
When you're not working, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy keeping active through fitness classes, mountain biking and walking the dog. I also love travelling with my family, exploring new places and going to live music events whenever I get the chance.