Associated Seafoods win Moray Business Award at Chamber's of Commerce's annual Business Awards Dinner as £10,000 is raised for Moray Reach Out
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A RECORD crowd of 400 witnessed Associated Seafoods pick up The Moray Business Award at Moray Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Awards Dinner on Friday night.
The Buckie-based firm, founded in 2010, picked up the prestigious award at the 17th annual awards dinner, which took place at Gordon Castle in Fochabers.
Perhaps the biggest winners on the night, though, were Moray Reach Out – the charity of the year – with the auction raising £10,000 to boost their funds.
Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive of Moray Chamber, said: “We are operating in a tough business climate with so many uncertainties and yet businesses here in Moray are proving time and time again that they can thrive.
"I am delighted Associated Seafoods have been recognised and are true example of one of the region’s great businesses.
"We are delighted that the auction raised a total of £10,000 for Moray Reach Out, which will go a long way in supporting adults with learning difficulties.
"In addition, £4600 raised in the raffle will contribute towards running the Chamber for the next year."
After its 2010 founding, Associated Seafoods made its first two acquisitions in July 2011 – Moray Seafoods and Lossie Seafoods.
Since then, they have increased their annual turnover from £8m to £90m and now employ 550 staff.
Henry Angus, export manager at Associated Seafoods, accepted the copper pagoda, donated by Forsyths, on the company's behalf.
He said: "It's a fantastic accolade on behalf of our staff, who are the strength and stay of our business.
"They make everything that we do possible so this is really on their behalf."
Victor West, managing director, added: “We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award.
"This highlights our core values of dedication to producing the highest quality seafood, along with excellent customer service, care for our workforce, and being an integral part of the local communities we represent.
“This award is a direct reflection of the hard work of our employees and their commitment to the business."
Equally as delighted was Shona Radojkovic, general and business development manager of Moray Reach Out, who benefitted from the night to the tune of £10,000.
Moray Reach Out is a social enterprise which supports vulnerable Moray adults, developing their skills and confidence in a variety of work placements.
One of the charity's latest developments has seen trainees help weave items – and there there was a special moment when charity user Matthew Milner's rug sold for £600 in the auction.
Shona added: "We are absolutely delighted with the amazing amount from the auction and would like to thank all who made this possible.
"The Moray Chamber of Commerce directors for nominating us as this year’s charity, the organisations who donated items for the auction, donations from Don Ledingham from Ceannas Group and David Douglass from North of Scotland Marquees and to all those who participated in the auction, bidding and purchasing.
"One of our trainees, Matthew Milner, made the rug we donated, supported by our MRO Art Yarn team. He's not yet aware how much his rug sold for! He is going to be delighted, in his own quiet and humble way.”
Keynote speaker on the night was Don Ledingham Chief Executive of Ceannas, a family-owned, international leadership development company. The principal sponsor of the event was North of Scotland Marquees, with a lively auction run by Stuart Cassells.
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead added: "It was really encouraging to see many businesses attending for the first time. That’s a sign of health and resilience in the Moray economy despite all the pressures facing firms at the moment.”
Plans have now begun for the Annual Awards Lunch in the spring, where Moray Chamber recognises and celebrates businesses of all sizes.
