Scotland’s leading independent food ingredient manufacturer Macphie was named as one of the top rural employers in the country at the Scottish Rural Awards.
Based south of Stonehaven in Glenbervie, Macphie received runner-up in the Rural Employer of the Year award for its achievements in promoting itself as an employer of choice, through its focus on its workforce and the strong links it enjoys with the local community.
The company was up against strong competition in the category, with Walkers Shortbread announced as the ultimate winner and Baxters Food Group receiving a mention as highly commended.
The judges particularly liked the fact that each employee at Macphie can take time off for charity work, as they said in doing so the company is encouraging its employees to become better people.
Their contribution to the local community was also praised, including the provision of defibrillators in surrounding villages.
Heather Hannam, head of HR at Macphie, said, “We are absolutely thrilled by this recognition of what Macphie stands for.
“We take our responsibilities as a rural employer very seriously and our employees are a central focus of our business strategy, with a number of initiatives to attract, develop and reward our teams.
“We believe the recognition reflects Macphie’s firmly held values of fostering a true sense of belonging and community.”
The awards, partnered by Scottish Field magazine and the Scottish Countryside Alliance, in association with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), celebrate the industry, innovation, dedication and community spirit of those who live and work in the Scottish countryside.
Compered by Fred MacAulay, the awards ceremony was held at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh in front of 400 guests from rural-based businesses.
The judging panel was made up of Richard Bath, Editor of Scottish Field; Jamie Stewart, Director of the Scottish Countryside Alliance; Shirley Spear OBE, chairperson of the Scottish Food Commission and founder of the Three Chimneys restaurant; Charlie Shentall, hospitality consultant and Director of The Lodge at Perth Racecourse, and Sarah Milne of Think Local Scotland.
Macphie began business in 1928 under Alister Macphie who founded a small bakery in Glasgow.
Today, the company is the UK’s leading independent manufacturer of added value, food ingredients, producing dessert toppings, bread mixes, sweet and savoury toppings and cream alternatives.
The company employs more than 300 people over its two sites in Aberdeenshire and Glasgow.