The Aberdeenshire firm saw turnover surge by 47% to £14.97m, up from £10.17m the previous year. This financial recovery follows a strategic decision by managing director Bill Dean to acquire rival firm Duncan’s of Deeside and consolidate operations to combat rising costs.

“It’s been absolute pandemonium,” Mr Dean told The Press and Journal, noting that expansion was essential to counter the “perfect storm” of post-pandemic economic pressures. The acquisition and subsequent integration of Duncan’s contributed to a gross profit increase of £1.76m. However, the consolidation resulted in the closure of Duncan’s Laurencekirk site, a move Mr Dean described as a necessary “logistical decision” to ensure long-term viability.

Key financial and operational highlights include:

• Profitability: The £1m profit contrasts sharply with a pre-tax loss of £345,430 in 2024.
• Dividends: The company declared dividends of £150,000, double the previous year’s payout.
• Workforce: Average staff numbers rose from 143 to 205 following the merger, with the wage bill increasing to nearly £4m.
• Exports: Non-UK sales reached £2.26m during the financial year, with Mr Dean targeting further growth of 25% in the current trading period.

Despite the positive results, the directors noted the challenging economic climate, specifically citing margin erosion caused by energy costs linked to the Ukraine war and the cost of living crisis reducing baseline volumes. Mr Dean highlighted the heavy burden of the “public purse”, stating that the business contributes approximately £1.4m annually through various taxes and levies, a sentiment supported by financial records showing substantial outlays on taxation and social security.

Founded in 1975 by Helen Dean to raise funds for a local pipe band, the company is now fully centred at its 55,000 sq ft Huntly facility. Mr Dean, the last family member in the business, credited the turnaround to a “strong, very competent team” and a strategy of diversifying into private label and new markets.

“We’ve got a more balanced business and we’re trading well above break-even,” Mr Dean concluded. “For once we’re getting a turn of lady luck – and we are embracing it.”