Mutual Business Structure Vital to ANM
Mutuality plays a vital role in maintaining the livestock marketing infrastructure on which north east Scotland farmers depend, according to Brian Pack OBE, Chief Executive of the ANM Group.
In a wide ranging address at the SAOS annual conference, Mr Pack described ANM’s rationalisation in the number of livestock marts from about 30 in the 1970s, to the present day 2. He commented that investment on the scale that had been undertaken at Thainstone was only justifiable because the business is a mutual co-operative, and did not need to generate returns for external investors. The mission of ANM’s Aberdeen and Northern Marts subsidiary was to maintain an auction mart system of price discovery in the interests of members.
Another subsidiary of ANM, Scotch Premier Meat, reinforced the group’s marketing strength and made an important financial contribution, by providing a competitive outlet for top quality stock, and by selling meat at premium values bearing the Scotch Premier brand.
Faced with declining livestock production, the key challenge for ANM was adapting as the industry changed, to continue delivering value for its 7500 members. Lobbying for members’ interests was an important role for ANM.