update
Autumn ‘23 - News from, and for, Scotland’s farmer co-ops
New Appointments Further Strengthen SAOS Team We have made several appointments over the summer to broaden SAOS’s strength and expertise in the wider food and farming industry. As well as additions to the team and Board, there have also been internal promotions, recognising the importance of staff progression and enhancing and developing our key workstreams. Chief Executive, Tim Bailey, said: “SAOS has continually evolved, for nearly 120 years, to identify and meet the ever-changing needs of our rural co-op members, and to rise to challenges facing the wider food and farming sector. Taking stock regularly is vital for any business, particularly in such challenging times, and these appointments will help deliver SAOS’s ambitious plans to help shape the future of farming and food. “Although senior team members Jim Booth and Alan Stevenson are taking a step back, we’re delighted that, as part of the succession plan, those in new more senior roles will still have the benefit of their valued support and extensive knowledge. Working together effectively is at the core of everything SAOS does, so it’s particularly pleasing to be able to manage the transitions in this way. We’re also gratified to realise our investment in SAOS’s future by appointing and developing the best people and enabling their career progression within the organisation.” The changes to the team include a promotion for Patrick Hughes (top right) to the new cross-team, senior management role of Strategic Services Director. Patrick joined the team in 2021 to lead on the establishment of the Scottish Agri Export Hub in collaboration with NFU Scotland, and he has a wealth of experience from various other senior roles in the food and agri sector. Helen Glass (centre right), who joined SAOS in 2018, has been promoted to the newly-created position of Head of Supply Chain Innovation, emphasising and responding to the need for greater focus on innovation, and building on Helen’s experience of developing such partnerships at every stage from farm to fork. Robert Logan (bottom right) has taken over the role of Head of Co-op Development. Since joining SAOS in 2019, Robert has qualified with a Certificate in Co-operative Management from St Mary’s in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and added further extensive knowledge of co-operation in practice to his many years’ experience of project management and knowledge exchange across the supply chain. Our new faces are Douglas Bowden-Smith (top left) who joined the SAOS team in mid-July as a Project Development Executive in the Supply Chain team. His family has two farms, north and south of the border, and Douglas also brings wide-ranging work experience from roles in other rural organisations and initiatives which will provide valuable new insights for the team. David Michie (above left) joins the team as we go to press in September as Co-op Development Manager. Most recently, David was Policy Manager for Crops at NFU Scotland. He has also held positions with SASA, SOPA, SAC Consulting and the Soil Association, meaning he is already well-known to many of our members and networks. David already has a keen interest in co-operative and working (read more on p2)! Marion MacCormick (above left) and Euan Warnock (bottom left) joined the SAOS Board in early summer as Independent Directors, each bringing a wealth of experience to help further strengthen the Board. Independent food industry consultant Marion was Advertising Director and then Buying Director at Aldi for many years and is currently a Non-Executive Director of Scotland Food & Drink, and also of the RHET. Euan, who farms at Armaddy in Argyll, is well known as a senior Agent and Group Secretary of NFU Mutual, and he is also involved with the RHET, as a Regional Committee Chairman. Welcome all!
DATES FOR THE DIARY! • Wed 22nd Nov ‘23 - we’re running an AgriScot seminar ‘Why Co-ops?’ - come along to find out more about co-ops or to give your views and support! • Thurs 18th Jan ‘24 - SAOS Conference at Dunblane Hydro - lots more on this in the next issue!