That this House congratulates United Auctions on becoming the first employee-owned livestock auctioneering business in the UK; notes that this landmark transition to employee ownership marks an exciting new chapter for the company, which has been at the heart of Scotland’s agricultural community for generations; pays tribute to George Purves, Managing Director, on the occasion of his retirement after almost 50 years of outstanding service to the industry, including eight years as Managing Director; recognises his pivotal role in delivering the company’s strategic succession plan and preparing it for employee ownership, ensuring that the business remains rooted in the communities it serves; acknowledges Mr Purves’s leadership in expanding United Auctions to nine centres, increasing turnover to £250 million, supporting the revitalisation of Oban Livestock Centre, and creating the Lamb for St Andrew’s Day campaign, which has reached over 600 schools and 160,000 pupils; welcomes Mr Purves’s continued involvement as Chairman of the Trustee Board; and wishes the company and its employee-owners every success in the future.
