Ross-shire fish processor Aquascot enjoyed record-breaking 2020, despite Covid-19 pandemic lockdown
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A RECORD-breaking year for a Ross-shire business has seen it issue bonuses to staff in recognition of their efforts.
The employee-owned Aquascot, which is based at Alness and is a major processor of Atlantic salmon, saw "unprecedented demand" for its fish during the Covid-19 pandemic – breaking yearly, weekly and daily production records.
The company, which dates back to 1987 and has been the primary supplier for Waitrose for many years, saw its production rocket due to increased demand from the supermarket's customers who were stuck at home in lockdown.
Demand rose by 16 per cent, year-on-year, during 2020 as a result.
To meet the increase, and to help provide Covid safety systems, new layout changes were introduced at its sites. It also invested in new equipment at its primary, secondary and ‘value added’ processing facilities – including machinery to fillet, trim, freeze and package greater quantities of fresh fish than ever before.
And the firm later issued bonuses to its staff through its "Recognition and Reward" system to thank them for their efforts in meeting this surge in demand while working within the new Covid controls.
Craig Douglas, operations director at Aquascot: “There is no single answer to how we managed record volumes while controlling Covid-19. We could consider the volume and Covid-19 impact separately, but they were intrinsically linked during 2020 and were influenced by three main factors – sound investment in new equipment and processes; strong leadership across the business; and the great response of our partners in following guidance, working hard and showing flexibility.
"We have never been complacent, and will continue to focus on keeping all partners safe and well while we strive to meet the increasing demands of Waitrose and their customers.”
During the 12 months of Covid-19 restrictions and this spike in demand, Aquascot recorded their highest volumes for a year-long period — but also broke records for weekly and daily output. As the second quarter of 2021 begins, the firm continues to operate at a high level.
John Housego, Managing Director at Aquascot: “The main purpose of ‘Recognition and Reward’ is to reinforce the expectation of living our core values and recognise the top contributors that make a difference to our business.
"There’s a mechanism there: it has to be internally fair and consistent, and it needs to be externally competitive in all aspects of what’s competitive – it’s not just about how much money you get paid, it’s also about opportunity to grow and develop.
"One of my mindsets is to remove any barriers that prevent individual partners following a passion or a desire to contribute. What we need to do as a whole group is to help each other grow and be more capable; and if we could all grow and do a little bit more, then not only do we get more done and more value added, but we’re all growing and developing each other.”
At time of writing, Aquascot is recruiting more staff for immediate start at its Alness facilities at Fyrish and Riverside. Interested candidates should email craig.douglas@aquascot.com for more information.
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