Alness Business Forges Links With Local Schools
An Alness firm which employs 120 people and has an annual turnover of over £10 million has been working with pupils at three local primary schools in a project linking the business world with education.
Staff from the fish processing company Aquascot Ltd, have been visiting pupils from Bridgend, Coulhill and Obsdale schools to hold workshops on their company values ; trust, teamworking, respect and commitment and to talk about the skills required to run and work for a successful company.
Staff from Aquascot have been working with the pupils to challenge them to design promotional posters to advertise the values of the company. One design for each value will be chosen to be printed and used by Aquascot. Winning pupils and staff from each school will be invited for a tour of the company’s premises and to pack their own fish.
The Highland Council’s Vice Chairman of Education, Culture and Sport Councillor Bren Gormley said: “This project is a great way for a local business to form links with schools in the area. Pupils have had the chance to learn first hand about the wide variety of skills required. Developing such relationships and encouraging businesses to share their knowledge and experience with young people can broader their understanding of the wide world and the role s people play.”
Robert Gray from Aquascot said: “We are very grateful to be given the opportunity to work with the children and hope they have learned from the experience, I know that this has certainly been the case for all our staff that took part. We are all looking forward to the possibility of developing this initiative further and taking it out to a wider audience.”
Lesley McPherson from “emit&”, a company based in Kiltarlity which organises school liaison said: “Taking on the challenges and benefits of corporate responsibility can be tough for small to medium businesses. The Aquascot team and the schools have gained a great deal from working together. It’s great to help make these win win situations happen.”