News
We work closely with J.W. Gray & Co. to source products and services in the Northern Isles of Scotland. We spoke to director Iain Johnston, to find out more about the company and how the team is working with our Infrastructure sector to maximise opportunities for local businesses.
Could you tell us a bit about J.W. Gray & Co.?
J.W. Gray & Co. is a family-run business operating from Orkney and Shetland. We were founded in 1912 in Lerwick, and we’re still wholly owned in the Northern Isles. Employing local folk and engaging with local producers is at the heart of our business ethos.
The organisation consists of a comprehensive food service operation and cash and carry, supporting local trades, larger contractual business and the on- and off-trade across the Northern Isles. We also offer a technical service division to give clients any ancillary support they may need.
We pride ourselves on our comprehensive range of products and services, and high standard of customer support, reflected in our excellent reputation throughout the Northern Isles.
What’s the history of your relationship with ESS?
We began working with ESS in 2012. We initially supported with their Total contract in Shetland, facilitating relationships with local businesses that provided great ingredients expertly grown and produced on the islands.
We’ve since partnered on remote projects across the North of Scotland, most recently in Orkney and Caithness where ESS is operating large construction camps aligned to key infrastructure projects. As part of this contract, we’ve worked with ESS to identify key food and non-food businesses from Orkney and bring these in as suppliers.
What makes your partnership with ESS work so well?
J.W. Gray and ESS share a commitment to sourcing products and services from the Northern Isles first, before transporting them in. As a local business, supporting our communities is important to us and it’s great to see a large company embracing our ethos.
In Orkney, the expansion from food into non-food means we can have an even greater impact on the island economy. While we’re working with a local dairy, butcher and baker, services such as laundry, transport and various trades are now also being delivered as part of the contract.
We have a joint objective to grow and evolve the partnership, both working in synergy to get the best possible outcomes for the companies we work with and the clients we serve.
What role is ESS playing for businesses in Orkney?
ESS is playing an important role supporting a variety of Orkney businesses. The workers' village contract has opened up a new source of income for many island-based suppliers, enabling them to grow and invest in their businesses. When local companies are successful, it benefits the island economy as a whole and we’re proud to be part of this.
How do you see your partnership with ESS developing in the future?
We hope to build on our partnership with ESS by expanding the number of small producers and service providers we work with, giving more local businesses the opportunity to get involved and ensuring we continue to deliver a great service to our clients. We’re also looking to grow the number of contracts we deliver with ESS, further enhancing the positive impact for the suppliers we work with.
