HBS Ring Ltd Celebrates 30 years by donating £3000 to the agricultural charity RSABI

To celebrate and mark over 30 years in operation, the HBS Board of Directors decided to donate £100 for every year of operation, making a total of £3000. From humble beginnings in 1989, HBS Ring Ltd has now over 1200 members and a turnover of around £7,500,000 providing services for farmers throughout the Highlands.HBS Ring Ltd originated from the amalgamation of three companies, Highland Farmers, Highland Agricultural Labour Services and Highland Machinery Ring, one of the first Machinery Rings in Scotland.

Image shows (l to r): Alan McLean HBS Ring Ltd Managing Director, Nina Clancy RSABI CEO and Henry Sleigh Chairman HBS RingHenry Sleigh, Chairman of HBS Ring said:“We are proud that HBS is 30 years old this year. We appreciate that there are some people in farming and crofting who are struggling for many reasons. HBS is delighted to be in a position to assist RSABI in supporting people to get them back on track again.”Alan McLean, HBS Managing Director added:“It is fitting that HBS marks it's 30th anniversary this way, after all, HBS wouldn’t be there without its farmers and crofters. It’s good to put something back”Nina Clancy, who accepted the cheque from HBS said“RSABI has seen an increase in demand for our support services. Many people in the agricultural sector are struggling to cope and our helpline and welfare teams are busier than ever. The combination of practical, emotional and financial support helps people move on from their difficulties.This donation from HBS will make a real difference to people’s lives.”HBS Ring Ltd

• A small friendly Co-op based near Inverness in the Highlands
• Turning over circa £7.5m
• Circa 1200 members
• Huge catchment area throughout the Highlands, the West and down to Argyll
• Employing a staff of 7/8 full-time equivalents.
• Huge diversity of commodities and services available through HBS Ring. PK sheep and cattle drench, seeds, limes, fertilisers, wood pellets, fuel additives and much more
• Lowers costs – Fuels, Tractor rebate through Case/IH, vehicle rebates, crop packaging, grass and forage seeds
• Provider of Training and Assessment through Lantra. i.e legislatively driven courses – Safe handling and application of chemicals – PA1, PA2, PA6 etc, Manual handling, Chainsaw maintenance and operation, 1st Aid, safe operation of Telescopic and Counterbalance forklifts, Transport of livestock etc etc
• Go on – Ring the Ring!!

RSABI

• RSABI supports people from Scottish agriculture emotionally, practically and financially in times of need. The service is available to those previously and currently involved in farming and crofting. This is a comprehensive service to clients who are experiencing difficult times to enable them to move forward.

• Emotional support is available through our helpline, case officers and volunteers, all of whom are mental health first aid trained. We listen, keep people safe and access professional support when required. Our helpline is open from 7am to 11pm 365 days of the year and offers a call out service for the lonely and vulnerable.

• RSABI can access practical support such as, but not limited to, welfare benefits, business reviews, debt signposting, counselling and mediation services. We are happy to liaise with statutory agencies when required.

• Our financial support can be monthly payments and/or single grants for essential items including food, heating, counselling, disability aids, funerals, retraining and items for the home. Business costs will be considered to help overcome a short term crisis.