Ringlink announced the launch of a new human resources support service to help its members, alongside reporting a year of strong growth and strategic expansion at its annual general meeting yesterday (Wednesday).
In his address to the 37th AGM, Managing Director Graham Bruce emphasised that the previous year had been all about people, not least with the growth of the Ringlink community following its successful merger with Highland Business Services (HBS).
This increased the co-operative’s membership by more than a third to over 4,000 and its annual throughput turnover to over £100million. It has also grown the Ringlink team to more than 55 members, with an additional office in Tore near Inverness.
“This will play a huge part in driving the co-operative forward in the Highland area,” said Mr Bruce.
Fresh blood and new talent
“The merger means new people are coming into the business and we’ve also been actively bringing in fresh blood and new talent.
“Grant Ireland joined us in the summer, filling the newly created role of general manager, and over the past 10 months, we’ve welcomed 16 new people to the Ringlink team.”
One of those new appointments is Head of HR Melanie Anderson (on right of image), who will be at the forefront of the new HR offering, along with intern Lucy Simpson.
At the AGM, Ms Anderson set out what the new HR Services would provide, including a range of specialist services to help members navigate the increasing complexity of employment law.
The new division will provide pay-as-you-go support for employment contracts, performance management, redundancy guidance, and specialist employment law advice. It will also introduce the Ringlink Healthcare Scheme to members.
“Our new HR Services aim to help members stay compliant, confident and cost-effective in managing their teams,” she said.
“We will be rolling out additional member-focused initiatives, including the introduction of outplacement support – helping individuals facing redundancy, seeking to update their CV or preparing for a new career. In addition, taster sessions on sexual harassment, workplace wellbeing, and ACAS disciplinary and grievance procedures will be delivered towards the end of this year and into 2026.”
The launch of a new Discussion Group was also on the agenda, with the group’s facilitator Robert Ramsay giving an overview of the first two meetings. The pilot project is member-led and aims to share knowledge and ideas across the network.
“It was great to see forward-thinking farmers pushing on with this initiative,” said Ringlink Chairman James Porter, having attended one of the meetings.
“The lack of fear and the willingness to share was inspirational.”
People first
Mr Bruce gave an update on the co-operative’s achievements in other areas in the previous year:
- The training division reported a hugely successful year, with over 11,000 attendees benefiting from its extensive range of courses, up from 9,500 in 2024.
- The Land-based Pre-apprenticeship programme continues its success. Mr Bruce confirmed that the £1.8million three-year funding commitment from the Scottish Government, announced earlier this year, will allow the programme to continue and expand its reach.
He also thanked Andrew Stirling, who is standing down from the board after 14 years of service.
