Arran produce a mouthwatering example of quality, says MSP Tory candidate
‘Arran Fine Foods is a shining example of the breadth and quality of produce that Scotland has to offer the world.’ That was the verdict of Jamie Greene, Scottish Conservative MSP candidate for Cunninghame North after a factory tour of the Lamlash plant.
The business, now owned by Paterson Arran, has evolved both its product lines and business models over the years in the face of competition and challenging conditions. And while being known for its ‘wet’ foods such as its famous jams, chutneys, sauces and mustards, it packs it punch in volume of produce compared to its sister factory in Livingston, he said.
Jamie met with Lesley Jameson who oversees the administration of the site and was given a tour of the production line by Charles MacVicar, who heads up engineering and the day-to-day management of the line.
Jamie said: ‘Not only did it satisfy my personal interest in seeing how a high quality food production line operates, from raw ingredients through to jarring and labelling, it was fascinating to learn how the business has adapted to stay competitive.
‘Its client range has gone full circle from boutique ‘gourmet’ gift market to wholesale and ‘budget supermarket’ clients. Their ability to adapt the production process to cater for different types of clients, volumes and products has been vital to their ongoing success.’
He added: ‘This wasn’t just a selfish visit to steal their red onion chutney recipe, I wanted to talk to them about the issues they face as a small Scottish business in the highly competitive world of worldwide food distribution.
‘We spoke at great length about how the potential for paying the living wage might affect their business.
‘Like most employers, they want to pay as much as they can afford to their employees, but shared the reservations that many small business had on being forced to pay a higher amount. It is clear that if we take the politics out of the issue and look at it from a purely commercial sense, higher wages inevitably requires higher productivity, reduced costs or the ability to trade with reduced red tape as a small business.’
He continued: ‘They also expressed concerns to me that many young people were leaving Arran to pursue careers and education on the mainland making it difficult to replace staff who leave.
‘This is a problem common to many of our rural and island communities though. How do we attract career-driven young people to stay?
‘One example is the potential for apprenticeships and they expressed an interest in looking at the potential to offer this.
‘They will be talking to their parent company and relevant government bodies to see what help is available.
‘Personally, I think this is a great idea and both Westminster and the Scottish governments should do everything they can to help SMEs offer apprenticeships to local young people.
‘I am committed to helping small businesses across Ayrshire through practical measures.’
The trip concluded with Jamie leaving with a sample of produce from the factory to take home and try.