A B Associates Ltd was again involved in several projects and would like to congratulate Hjaltland Hatcheries and North Ice on their successful applications.

The deadline for the next round of EFF applications is 10th December 2010.

Opinions and suggestions will be gathered from customers, visitors, businesses and members of staff to aid BID in creating a plan and strategy for the future development of the Lerwick Town Centre.

Anyone wishing to participate in the survey can request a copy from our office. Tel: 01595 880852

Over 800 questionnaires were sent out earlier in the year to all the main producers as well as a number of meeting and discussions held with individuals within the industry.

A DRAFT Strategy and Action Plan has now been prepared and is being issued for wide consultation within the industry.  The full report, which is over 100 pages long includes a great deal of background data on the sector and a summary report, around 25 pages, has also been prepared.

The DRAFT contains around 100 suggested actions. Not all of them will be able to be carried out and some will be more important than others.

The author of the report, Andrew Blackadder, is keen to hear from you,

“We need your help to identify the actions that will have the greatest beneficial impact on the industry and help it become more sustainable. What are your views on a possible restructuring of the industry? How can the industry cope with reducing support in coming years?

According to Andrew, “The main task now is to identify the main priorities and the actions that will have greatest impact”

Copies of both the draft report and summary documents are available from A B Associates by phone or email. The summary document can also be downloaded from our newly launched website at www.abassociates.com.

Public Meetings are being held in different locations to provide an opportunity to discuss the proposals and receive feedback and suggestions on the way forward.  Details of these meetings are as follows:

The industry needs your input so don’t miss the opportunity to influence the future of agriculture in Shetland. What action is needed to secure a sustainable future?

Those with an interest in the future of the industry are urged to attend these meetings as well as submit comments by email, phone or letter by 8^th October 2010.

Kirk Business Centre, Scalloway, ZE1 0TF

Telephone: 01595 880 852

E-mail: info@abassociates.com

28^th September 2010

Over 800 questionnaires were sent out earlier in the year to all the main producers and a number of meetings and discussions held with individuals within the industry.

Although it has taken a little longer than planned, a draft Strategy and Action Plan has now been prepared and is being issued for wide consultation within the industry. The full report, which is over 100 pages in length, includes a great deal of background data on the sector. A summary report of around 25 pages has also been prepared. Copies of either are available by calling our office on 01595 880852. Public Meetings are to be held in different locations throughout the isles to provide an opportunity to discuss the proposals and receive feedback and suggestions on the way forward. Details of these will be announced when they are confirmed.

Please click on the link below to view the executive summary report.

Shetland Agriculture Strategy DRAFT summary report

On 17 June, we are running a seminar which will provide an introduction to IA and will feature gueast speaker Gillian Ramsay who will speak about her own IA experience and recent successful battle with ASDA – The Puffin Poo affair.  The evening will be brought to a close with confidential one-to-one sessions to help identify areas where IA value can be maximised for participants’ own business or organisation.

Anyone who would like to learn more about IA, or anyone who thinks their business or organisation for potential to increase the value it derives from IA, are very welcome to come along to this free evening seminar.

If you are interested in attending the workshop, please contact us on 01595 880 852, or e-mail lizzie <at> abassociatesltd.com to register.  The workshop is scheduled to begin at 5.30 pm and a buffet dinner will be provided.

View the poster below for more details.

Poster

The project is to provide a new agricultural strategy for Shetland with the vision, “to promote and enhance a diverse, competitive and sustainable agricultural industry in Shetland”.

AB Associates Ltd was involved in a number of local projects and helped 5 local businesses secure over £1.5 million in EFF and Scottish Government Funding.

The deadline for the next round of EFF funding is the 18th December 2009, with a decision expected in early 2009.

We will be working in partnership with three other main groups: Grupo Albo, CPMR and AIDL on the following tasks:

• Setting up an EU wide network for Axis 4 Fisheries dependent areas
• Providing training and technical advice and support for local groups and national networks
• Promoting transnational co-operation
• Ensuring information and good practice exchange
• Analysing the socio-economic conditions in Axis 4 areas
• Setting up website and producing publications and reports
• Organising and running seminars and conferences and other thematic meetings each year

Winning this contract was excellent news for the company and is a welcome endorsement of our expertise.  It will also provide a steady income over several years and helps plan staff resources.  We are looking forward to working in and with the fish dependent communities around Europe.

The first event of the programme was held in Parnu, Estonia in June 2009.  The following are some photos Andrew took while he was there.