100% Employee Owned

Our Journey

Aquascot became fully employee-owned in 2016 – a process that initially began in 2008.

Employees here are shareholding partners' in a business with deep roots in the community, a nationwide reputation for quality seafood and a belief that doing things the right way doesn’t necessarily always mean the easiest or most common way.

We believe that employee ownership keeps Aquascot proudly local, while protecting the long-term interests of everyone involved with us – supply partners', employees, customers and those who enjoy our products each day.

Now established as one of the largest employee-owned companies in Scotland, we are enthusiastic advocates for it and welcome queries from other businesses who may be considering going on their own EO journey.

Aquascot Ltd is committed to playing its part in the Fair Work Convention’s vision that by 2025, people in Scotland will have a working life that drives success, wellbeing and prosperity for individuals, businesses, organisations and society. We are therefore developing a workplace that is in line with the five key dimensions of Fair Work: effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect.

Our Values

These set out clearly and earnestly what kind of company Aquascot are proud to be, how we approach new challenges and the qualities we embody in everything we do.

They were shaped and established by our partners' – and they reflect both the company we are and the one we will continue to grow into as we continue our employee-owned journey.

Our Story

Actively Ambitious

Innovative, ambitious, talented individuals with a shared hunger for the growth of our business.

Power of Partnership

Our people make all the difference to us being the best, and our inclusive culture helps us achieve better outcomes as individuals and as a team.

Naturally Kind

Open-minded partners working together – respecting, listening and empowering each other to achieve great things.

Integrity Matters

Fairness, honesty and transparency are everything to us. We always aim to do what is right and what fits with our values.

Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards Aquascot 2022

Award-Winning Aquascot

Since becoming 100% Employee Owned in 2016, we have been nominated for and won several awards, including:

• Rural Digitisation Award, The SHIREs 2021 — WINNER

• Rural COVID Resilience Award, The SHIREs 2021 — NOMINATED

• SCDI Award for Excellence in People Development, Highlands & Islands Business Excellence Awards 2021 — WINNER

• SME Enterprise of the Year, Highlands & Islands Business Excellence Awards 2021 — NOMINATED

PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL

The Partnership Council represents the interests of the partners' in all areas of the business, meeting regularly to address new issues and upcoming activities and always working closely with the Leadership Team.

It holds representation on the Aquascot Board and the Aquascot Trust, with partners' elected from the PC as non-executive directors to ensure there is a healthy flow of communication throughout.

Elections are held at a minimum every three years, in which new members replace the longest-serving members, ensuring that new partners' are given opportunities to take on this responsibility and represent their colleagues in a leadership role.

The Partnership Council strengthens our purpose as a business and ensures partners' are always represented, ensuring the long term sustainability of Aquascot.

Scotland for Employee Ownership

Our Managing Director and Chair of the Partnership Council sit on the board of Scotland for Employee Ownership.

This is an important industry leadership group established by the First Minister in 2018, with the simple aim of making Scotland the best country in the world for establishing and growing employee-owned businesses.

We are proud to represent the Highlands on this group and are happy to share our journey to 100% employee ownership with any like-minded businesses who might be considering it.