Marc Wilson, left, and sales director Jamie Young at the Gael Force stand at Aquaculture UK 2018 in Aviemore. Photo: FFE

Gael Force and fish farmers on awards shortlist

Aquaculture supplier Gael Force Group has been shortlisted for three honours at the annual Highland Business Awards.

Published Last updated
Stewart Graham: Shortlisted for Business Leader of the Year.

Salmon farmers Loch Duart and Wester Ross Fisheries have also made the finals. 

Inverness-based Gael Force is a finalist in both the Outstanding Performing Business for 25+ employees - which it won last year - and Inverness & Ross-shire Business of the Year categories. And managing director and founder Stewart Graham is on the shortlist for Business Leader of the Year.

Loch Duart is among the final three in contention to be named Caithness & Sutherland Business of the Year, and Wester Ross has been shortlisted for the Exporter of the Year award, which was won last year by Marine Harvest Scotland.

‘Fantastic recognition’

Gael Force marketing manager Marc Wilson said: “News of our nomination to three shortlists is fantastic recognition of the incredible growth and outstanding success that Gael Force Group continues to deliver to all our stakeholders.

“Behind the ongoing success is our constant drive to innovate and collaborate in the markets we serve, with a mission to be the trusted product and service supplier of choice to our customers.” 

He added: “We are extremely proud of our ability to listen to customers about their needs and the strong commitment we hold towards our core values. Being contenders in multiple award categories is a special acknowledgement of these strengths.”

Young workforce

MacGregor Industrial Supplies Ltd, which supplies the aquaculture industry among others, is in the final three of the Best Family Business category, and is competing with Gael Force in the Outstanding Performing Business for 25+ employees and Inverness & Ross-shire Business of the Year categories. It is also the Inverness and Ross-shire regional winner of the Developing the Young Workforce award.

Ferguson Transport & Shipping, which supplies both road and sea services for aquaculture, was highly commended in the West Highland region Developing the Young Workforce award.

Now in their sixth year, the awards present a platform upon which to celebrate the successes and excellence of businesses within the Highlands and Islands region.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Inverness on Friday, September 28.