Tuesday 22nd April 2008

Inverness-based company, H & I Livestock Ltd is set to undergo a change in its operational activities.

After many years at the helm of the highland livestock production company, general manager Bill Souter will retire in June.

Further to this, news that the company will no longer have access to premises in Moray – due to on-site development – has resulted in a decision to no longer farm sheep.  HILL will however continue to enhance its cattle and sheep procurement and trading business.

Aberdeen & Northern Marts employees, Graeme Gibb and Ian MacLeay, who both operate in the traditional area of H & I, will now offer the full range of H & I services, with the whole operation being co-ordinated by livestock procurement co-ordinator Angela Sutherland from H & I’s new office in Dornoch.

In addition accountant Malcolm Evason will continue in his role looking after the financial wellbeing of H & I, also at Dornoch while the services of Rod McKenzie have been retained to procure livestock.

ANM Group chief executive Brian Pack said: “As Bill takes well earned retirement as general manager, I am delighted to see both Angela and Malcolm progress in their respective roles at HILL.

“As a group, we look forward to positive times ahead for both HILL and our many loyal clients.”

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Tuesday 2nd April 2008

An oak sideboard led the prices at a sale of antiques and collectables at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie this week.

The carved oak mirror-back sideboard with three drawers and four base cupboards fetched £780 during TSA’s March sale.

Speaking after the sale Scott Naismith of TSA said: “Our first antique sale of the year was very well attended and it was particularly pleasing to see such strong interest from buyers country-wide.”

The auction, which included more than 700 lots, featured a wide range of items, with everything from a jelly dish to a foot warmer on offer.

Other leading prices included £620 for an arts and crafts oak mirror back sideboard with two drawers and two base cupboards, £500 for a set of six mahogany Chippendale-style dining room chairs with ball and claw feet, by John Alexander, Aberdeen and £480 for an inlaid mahogany drop leaf sofa table.

The extensive selection of collectables included the £520 sale of a brass half bushel measure, £360 for a gilt framed oil painting on canvas entitled “Hunting Scene” signed by E Lloyd dated 1874 and £250 for an oak canteen of cutlery;

Although the date of the next antiques sale is still to be set, TSA is now accepting entries and further information or advice is available on (01467) 623770.

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Tuesday 2nd April 2008

At the annual general meeting of the ANM Group Ltd yesterday (Tuesday), shareholders heard how Scotland’s largest farmer-owned business had more than held its own during a tough back end of the year.

The meeting at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie gave shareholders the chance to hear about the recently published 2007 annual accounts and included presentations from ANM Group Ltd chairman John McIntosh and chief executive Brian Pack.

Also addressing the meeting were Aberdeen & Northern Marts’ general manager John Gregor, Scotch Premier Meat Ltd managing director Raymond Wight and Thainstone Specialist Auctions (TSA) general manager Grant Rogerson.

“Last year at this time I was highlighting the many challenges that the Group was facing and, had faced, in the 2006 financial year which was a very difficult one for the Group,” John McIntosh told the assembled audience.

“Whilst 2007 turned out to be just as challenging, and in some respects, even more so, we have turned in a very credible financial result for the year, allowing us to add to our reserves and face the vagaries of our various market places.”

During his address Mr McIntosh spoke about the unfortunate phase of foot-and-mouth which struck during August and September 2007.

Empathising with livestock producers, he said he too felt the same financial pain and anger as a result of FMD but hoped the forthcoming Scudamore report – which details the Government’s retired chief veterinarian’s findings – would suggest alternative ways of handling any future outbreak, with minimum disruption to the industry.

Presenting the financial results for 2007, Brian Pack said he was pleased to report that the 2007 trading profit was almost a million pounds up on 2006 – which was a difficult year financially for the Group.

“2007 is one of the best years we’ve had for a long time in terms of profitability, turnover has increased by £3.3 million – an increase almost entirely due to Scotch Premier Meat.

“Meanwhile the 1.7 million trading profit is realised after allocating £170,000 to shares for staff who were employed by us throughout 2007. I am sure you will agree that it is right that staff who put in so much effort during the year can share in our improved financial results.”

He continued: “To date 2008 has been a particularly challenging time, especially for our food businesses as they and their customers come to terms with the much needed rise in cattle and sheep prices which look set to continue. It is inevitable that we will experience change and as a Group, we are up for these challenges.”

Looking to the future Mr Pack concluded: “Whilst the 2007 results are very welcome, we are not complacent and I am sure the Group will experience future ups and downs but I look forward to the opportunities of 2008 with enthusiasm knowing that with the support of the board, management, staff, customers and members we will rise to the challenges that are now, undoubtedly part of our trading environment.”

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