Latest news with #PaulSteele
STV News
01-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Council to work with island distillery after 'regrettable' job cuts
A council has said it will work with a whisky distillery in the Outer Hebrides after it announced job cuts as part of a restructuring programme. The Isle of Harris Distillery announced on Tuesday that restructuring was needed to 'safeguard the future' of the business. Best known for being the maker of the Isle of Harris Gin, the distillery was established a decade ago with just ten employees. Now employing 50 people, the company will commence with a round of voluntary and potentially compulsory redundancies. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has said it will engage with the distillery in an effort to raise any solutions to retain employees following the announcement. In a statement, the distillery's managing director Simon Erlanger said challenging headwinds in the spirits industry had led to 'incredibly difficult decisions'. He said: 'In a move to safeguard the future of our business, today we are introducing a restructuring programme which will see reduced production and workforce at the distillery. 'Much like our colleagues in the wider spirits industry, we are facing challenging headwinds which have led to some incredibly difficult decisions. 'Following a number of cost-cutting measures, voluntary redundancy is being offered to staff in the first instance, with compulsory to follow thereafter if we do not fulfil our cost reduction target. It is deeply regrettable we find ourselves in this situation and would like to take the opportunity to thank our entire team, particularly those affected by the changes, for their dedication and contribution to the business. 'To date, Isle of Harris Distillery represents a £20m+ investment in the island economy. We remain true to our founding purpose as a sustainable, multi-generational firm built to support the community for many years to come. The regrettable measures now being taken are necessary to help fulfil that long term vision.' The news comes after The Scottish Whisky Association warned that tariffs imposed by the US – its most important overseas market – would be a 'huge blow' to the spirits industry. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar described The Isle of Harris Distillery as a 'world-renowned brand' and said they will reach out to the UK and Scottish Governments in an effort to gain an understanding into any external factors affecting the restructuring. Cllr Paul Steele, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: 'Our primary concern following this announcement is the wellbeing of the employees impacted by this decision and their families. 'It is incredibly disappointing that one of the islands most recognisable brands has made the clearly difficult decision to make staff redundant. The Comhairle will engage with the distillery to discuss this matter and support any solutions to retain employees and strengthen the business. 'It is important that we gain an understanding of external factors that may have contributed to this situation. The Comhairle will make representation to UK and Scottish Government on these factors where appropriate.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grassroots Leicester football club Nirvana FC to feature in documentary
A new documentary, exhibition and digital archive are to be created to celebrate the history and heritage of Leicester grassroots football club Nirvana FC. The Highfields-based club was born from the activism of the Red Star youth group in the 1980s, which was set up to provide a safe space for young people, predominantly those from black and Asian backgrounds, but not exclusively, during a time of economic challenges and racial tensions. The club has since become a beacon of multiculturalism, advocacy and community development. Cultural arts charity Art Reach said the project had received a £43,420 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to make the project, called Passing It On: Framing the Stories of Football in Our Community, a reality. A spokesperson for the project said: "Through a variety of community workshops, oral history sessions, photography and film, the project will connect past and present members of the club, uncovering stories that reflect Leicester's evolution as the most diverse city in the UK." The project will also highlight its ambition to become the UK's first carbon-neutral football club. READ MORE: Customers flock to say emotional farewell to couple who ran neighbourhood shop for 24 years Leicester Nirvana FC trustee Ivan Liburd said: "This project means so much to Nirvana and the communities we serve. Our roots in Highfields tell a powerful story of social action, and of what can be achieved through unity and determination." Art Reach and Nirvana FC are working with local arts and heritage organisation Opal 22 to call on players past and present, fans of the club and local history enthusiasts to come together and create the documentary, archive and exhibition. Paul Steele, creative director of Art Reach, said: "We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project allows us to celebrate Nirvana's story, which is one of resilience, activism, and unity. "The voices and experiences of those who have been involved with Nirvana FC is such a crucial part of this project, and we are really looking forward to shining a light on those very personal and unique stories. We can't wait to hear what stories the community has to share. 'The project will also explore the role of grassroots football in shaping Leicester's communities and highlight the club's leadership in climate action.' Anyone who has photographs, stories, memories or memorabilia from the club's history is asked to email info@ and put 'Nirvana FC' in the subject line. We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first
