Anna Massie

Initially established following the firm’s move from Glasgow to Glenbervie in 1973, the scheme’s aim is to financially assist and improve the lives of both present and retired staff members. The employee trust currently owns 12% of the company’s shares and funds numerous initiatives.

Head of marketing and communications at Macphie and trust member Anna Massie said: “The dedication and commitment of our staff across the company is reflected in their work – and this deserves more than just praise.

“We try to support current and retired employees in any way we can, from payments to our retired employees, which we put in place over winter when fuel costs tend to be high, to making contributions to funeral costs.

“Our trustees stay connected with our retired employees by visiting them annually or making calls to those further afield and we keep everyone up-to-date with a quarterly newsletter which contains business updates and news from our Macphie family.”

Ms Massie further highlighted the trust’s role in promoting industry jobs and supporting future professionals. The trust offers a student bursary for the children or grandchildren of Macphie employees, providing financial assistance to those facing university costs. It also partners with Abertay University on a scholarship programme, recently welcoming Jamie McDonald, a Dundee local, who subsequently secured a Product Designer role with Macphie.

In collaboration with the trust, Macphie provides opportunities for pupils from local academies to gain work experience, most recently in the commercial development of dessert sauces. The trust contributes to work-life balance by funding staff events and a leisure subsidy scheme for employee hobbies, with over £60,000 paid out since its inception in 2018.

After 90 years of operation, Macphie has maintained a focus on community engagement, reflected through its employee trust and charitable work. The firm recently pledged £50,000 to various Scottish charities and community groups, acknowledging their role in its sustained growth.

Ms Massie asserted: “We as a company owe a lot to the local communities that have supported us since our move. The employee trust is one of the ways we can express this gratitude and establish Macphie’s values as a company. Our mission is to achieve a growth that provides more jobs in the local area and be a powerful force for good.”