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Glencraft Eyes Hospitality Market

First Minister endorses charity’s commercial ambitions.

LOCAL businessmen and women from Aberdeen’s hospitality sector today (June 28, 2011) heard from an Aberdeen bed making factory employing blind and disabled people, about opportunities to do ‘better’ business.

Representatives from local hotels, guest houses, offshore supply companies, accommodation management specialists and interior design companies heard from Glencraft this afternoon about its ambition and capability to become a commercial supplier to the North East hospitality industry.

This message, and the importance of supporting social enterprise, was endorsed by Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, who also attended the meeting of business people at the factory’s Wellington Road premises.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “I’m delighted to visit Glencraft to view the newly-refurbished showroom where their high-quality products are on display.

“Since Glencraft (Aberdeen) Ltd was launched last April, productivity has increased and overheads reduced substantially, while staff numbers have actually increased and the organisation has created 7 new job opportunities just recently. This is testament to the early success in identifying and expanding key markets, as well as the quality of workmanship.

“Glencraft has successfully engaged a range of local businesses and is developing commercial agreements with companies in the north east and further afield. With its skilled workforce, the strategic leadership of the Board and management and the continued and growing commitment of local businesses, I’m confident this social enterprise will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

Adding to this, Carl Hodson newly appointed sales and marketing development manager for Glencraft said:

“Glencraft may be a charity in terms of status but we operate as a business and trade, both commercial and retail, are vitally important in order that we can continue our work in the community.

“In order to be successful in a competitive market, we need to expand into new sectors, continue developing our products and engage with the business community. This is the first in a series of business events whereby we will be inviting members of the local business community into our showroom and talking to them about the benefits of doing business with Glencraft and supporting social enterprise businesses in Scotland.”

Glencraft (Aberdeen) Limited employs 42 staff, 70% of whom are disabled or visually impaired.

As part of a Glencraft support package put together by Wood Group PSN last year, a £500,000 fundraising campaign to ‘Help Find Glencraft a New Home’ was launched after it was realised that more suitable premises were required to help the business become sustainable long term. This campaign is ongoing with more than £250,000 raised to date. Anyone wishing to donate online or find out further information about Glencraft can do so at http://www.glencraft.co.uk

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