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Moray firm awarded for HR excellence


By Staff Reporter

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A WOOLLEN mill founded in Elgin more than 220 years ago has been hailed for its HR, training and recruitment.

Johnstons of Elgin was named as Exemplary Employer of Choice at the prestigious industry awards, The cHeRries.

Representatives of the family business were among hundreds of human resources (HR) professionals and business leaders gathered at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on Thursday for a night of glitz and glamour.

HR director Willie Wood said: “To be named Exemplary Employer of Choice means the world to us and I can't thank my team enough for their drive and commitment to making Johnstons of Elgin one of the best places in the country to work.

"The success of a business is always down to its people and at Johnstons we are blessed to have a talented workforce dedicated to driving the business forward. This award is for them."

Receiving the Exemplary Employer of Choice Award are Johnstons of Elgin's Willie Wood (left) and Simon Cotton. Picture by Kath Flannery.
Receiving the Exemplary Employer of Choice Award are Johnstons of Elgin's Willie Wood (left) and Simon Cotton. Picture by Kath Flannery.

The company's CEO Simon Cotton praised Willie and the team for their "truly outstanding work".

He added: "We invest heavily in learning and development, our schools programme, employee engagement and internal communication. This award is recognition that creating a great work environment is a whole company effort and part of our ongoing commitment to our communities in Moray and The Borders."

Established in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is one of the last remaining vertical mills in the UK still carrying out all the processes from raw cashmere and fine woollen fibres right through to the finished product. The family-run firm pioneered the Scottish wool industry and was the first to introduce the weaving of vicuna and cashmere to the country.

The company has two mills - in Elgin and Hawick - as well as five stores in the UK and design teams in showrooms in London, New York, Paris, Dusseldorf and Tokyo. Over 100 of the 1000 staff employed by Johnstons of Elgin have more than 20 years’ experience, reflecting the dedication and expertise of the business.


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