A NORTH Berwick campervan converter has been presented an award by Nicola Sturgeon for its efforts in employee engagement and welfare.
Jerba Campervans accepted the First Minister’s Award for Manufacturing Leadership from Sturgeon at Bute House in Edinburgh after showcasing its 100% employee-owned status.
The accolade celebrates innovative manufacturing companies in Scotland that champion fair work and inclusivity while investing in the skills and wellbeing of its employees and contributing positively to the planet.
Co-founders of the firm, Simon Poole and Catherine Brookes, along with trustee, David Miller, discussed the company’s long-term goals and ambitions with the First Minister when they went to collect the prize.
Sturgeon said: “I am very pleased to announce Jerba Campervans has won the First Minister’s Award for Manufacturing Leadership.
“All of the applications received for the award were of a very high standard. However, with their responsive employee-driven approach, Jerba Campervans best exemplified the ethos of the award.
“In demonstrating how a productive and growing company can at the same time offer real benefits to staff, community and the environment, they clearly demonstrated the principle that business for good is good for business.”
During the application process, Jerba Campervans showed how the company is measurably strengthened by employee ownership, how its staff have benefitted from the scheme and how employees have provided support in other aspects of the business, including eco-friendly initiatives.
Commenting, Poole said that it is a "great privilege" for Jerba Campervans to have been recognised in "such a high-profile way".
He continued: “To be rewarded for the work we are doing is very humbling and this achievement marks a really fantastic opportunity for both the company and employee ownership as a whole.
“We believe that staff are at the heart of any business and we hope that winning this award will open even more doors for us as we continue to highlight the advantages of employee ownership."
He added: “Since its inception in 2006, Jerba Campervans has focused on an ethical approach to business and an inclusive approach to working with staff. We were guided through our transition into employee ownership by Co-operative Development Scotland, a core part of Scottish Enterprise – their experience and insight has certainly underpinned our continued growth and success.
“Employee ownership makes our workplace a fulfilling and positive experience that enables employees to have a real voice.”
