James Donaldson Group Achieves ISO 50001 Energy Accreditation

Leading Fife-based timber expert, James Donaldson and Sons Ltd has confirmed their achievement of ISO 50001 certification at all 28 of their sites throughout the UK. ISO 50001 is the international standard for Energy Management Systems which helps organisations to manage and continually improve the efficiency of their energy use.

January 14, 2020
 

Leading Fife-based timber expert, James Donaldson and Sons Ltd has confirmed their achievement of ISO 50001 certification at all 28 of their sites throughout the UK. ISO 50001 is the international standard for Energy Management Systems which helps organisations to manage and continually improve the efficiency of their energy use.

Energy management has been a focus for the Group since 2016 when we registered for the Energy Saving Opportunities Scheme. Over the last year, the group has implemented ISO 50001 procedures to all sites, creating fluid and efficient processes to ensure all energy sources are measured and accounted for.  Every employee has been involved in identifying or supporting energy-saving ideas and opportunities. Achieving this international standard demonstrates that the JDS Group will work to continuously improve its energy management procedures and where possible, lower its carbon footprint.

Integrated Systems Manager at James Donaldson and Sons, Mark Murphy commented on the certification, “In a business where sustainability is at the heart of our core values, achieving this accreditation builds on our journey towards better energy management. ISO 50001 underpins our commitment to be a responsible and sustainable business.”

James Donaldson and Sons Climb Higher in Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250

James Donaldson and Sons (JDS) announced its ranking in the Sunday Times Top Track 250 Companies in the UK, for the third year running. Published this October, the list announced that the JDS Group had risen to number 147 this year.

November 21, 2019
 

James Donaldson and Sons (JDS) announced its ranking in the Sunday Times Top Track 250 Companies in the UK, for the third year running. Published this October, the list announced that the JDS Group had risen to number 147 this year.

Now in its 15th year, the annual Top Track 250 is a league table that ranks Britain’s private mid-market growth companies with the biggest sales. The list was published in the Sunday Times on Thursday 3rd October.

The JDS Group made its first appearance on the list in 2017 at number 207, then climbed to 198 in 2018 and now feature at number 147, a huge leap compared to previous years. This achievement reflects continued strong growth and performance for the Group over the last year.

Managing Director of James Donaldson and Sons, Scott Cairns said: “We’re honoured to be recognised as one of Britain’s leading mid-market companies and ranked among the most successful businesses in the UK. This year’s placing is recognition of our hard work and is another milestone in the growth of this unique business. Our success is fuelled by our clients and the principles of great service and trust that we always deliver, which means that we aren’t just a supplier; we are their partner. That partnership is the fuel that is allowing us to continue to grow. I am tremendously proud of all our teams, and their part played in the recognition by the Sunday Times in receiving this honour. Our group has doubled in size in the last 8 years, and we have done so ensuring that the customer remains firmly at the heart of all we do. The James Donaldson Group will continue to develop, and our plans for 2020 and beyond will see us continue to climb the Top Track 250.

The annual awards dinner took place in London on Tuesday, November 19th attended by the cream of the UK’s mid-cap businesses under £700m in yearly turnover.

Previous winners in this prestigious list have included McLaren, Dyson, Aston Martin, Cala Group and Peter Vardy just to name a few, and we are immensely proud to be recognised alongside these brands.

Double Shortlisting for James Donaldson and Sons in the Herald Family Business Awards

The Herald Family Business Awards have announced their finalists for the 2019 awards and James Donaldson and Sons has been announced among the list of shortlisted companies.

November 5, 2019
 

The Herald Family Business Awards have announced their finalists for the 2019 awards and James Donaldson and Sons has been announced among the list of shortlisted companies in the categories; Rural Family Business of the Year (Large) and Family Business of the Year (Large).

The Herald Family Business Awards in association with Business Gateway, now in its 8th year celebrates the diverse, innovative and dynamic family business sector. Today, almost two-thirds of businesses in Scotland are family-run enterprises, and the awards recognise these businesses that work tirelessly to ensure they succeed in the Scottish economy. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony held in Glasgow on Wednesday 4th December.

Scott Cairns, Group Managing Director of James Donaldson and Sons said: “It’s great to be recognised as part of such a wide network of family businesses, who all come together at events like this to celebrate and share their successes.  Best of luck to all the finalists.”

Triple Victory for James Donaldson and Sons at the Courier Business Awards

James Donaldson and Sons Group (JDS) were crowned winners in three categories at the seventh annual Courier Business Awards on Saturday 26th October in Dundee.

October 28, 2019
 

James Donaldson and Sons Group (JDS) were crowned winners in three categories at the seventh annual Courier Business Awards on Saturday 26th October in Dundee. The categories were Fife Family Business of the Year, Overall Family Business of the Year and the main award of the event, Business of the Year. The business of the Year was chosen from all entries by the judging panel and awarded to JDS for its sound and flexible business model, turnover growth, plans to expand and supportive attitude towards its workforce.

The Courier Business Awards celebrated the successes of local businesses that call Courier Country home. The ceremony held at the Apex Hotel in Dundee City Centre hosted over 820 attendees with 24 awards presented in various categories across a wide range of sectors and industries. JDS was among a record number of businesses to enter the awards this year for the first time, showing that the landscape across Tayside and Fife is stronger than ever.

Scott Cairns, Group Managing Director at James Donaldson and Sons, commented on the victory, “We are honoured to be recognised, not once but three times among the strong and extremely diverse line up of companies at the Courier Awards this year. As a family business, we are here to support the 900 families that work for us, and we all understand the importance of the JDS Group’s vision and values, so to be presented with these awards is a real testament to the hard work of the whole team.”

See the full list of winners here.

The Courier Business Awards 2019 winner graphic

James Donaldson and Sons Invest in AED Defibrillators for Sites Throughout the UK

James Donaldson and Sons (JDS) announced today Wednesday, 14th August, their recent investment in Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for all 30 of their sites throughout the UK.

August 14, 2019
 

James Donaldson and Sons (JDS) announced today Wednesday, 14th August, their recent investment in Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for all 30 of their sites throughout the UK.

An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can potentially stop an irregular heart beat and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest, (SCA). The British Heart Foundation and Resuscitation Council, (UK) have stated that the chances of surviving a SCA diminish by 10% every minute and the likelihood of survival after 10 minutes is almost zero.

Mark Murphy, Integrated Systems Manager at James Donaldson & Sons, said

“Most people can only imagine the impact a cardiac arrest can have, but, speaking from personal experience, I understand the devastating impact on the person’s family and work colleagues. We spend a significant time with our work colleagues, we talk to them, we know their families, we socialise with them, and in line with our proud family business ethos, they become our extended family.  The defibrillators mean that we are now able to provide assistance in the event of a first aid emergency, which could ultimately be the difference between life and death. The investment further demonstrates our commitment to putting health and safety first in everything we do.”

This personal experience combined with the fact that statistically SCA’s are most likely to affect middle aged and older men (42% of JDS employees are aged 45 and over), has driven the decision to invest in AEDs at all sites.

JDS have also registered their on-site AEDs on The Scottish Ambulance and Emergency Service website, as well as Heart Safe, the UK’s leading public access defibrillator website. The AEDs are now publicly available for people located close to sites to use during working hours.

Victory for James Donaldson and Sons at Family Business of the Year Awards

James Donaldson and Sons took home the award for Scotland Family Business of the Year at the 2019 Family Business of the Year Awards.

June 7, 2019
 

James Donaldson and Sons took home the award for Scotland Family Business of the Year at the 2019 Family Business of the Year Awards. The group also secured runners-up titles in both the Supreme Champions Family Business of the Year and Manufacturing Family Business of the Year categories.

The awards ceremony which took place on Thursday 6th June, saw diverse family businesses of all sizes and industry sectors come together at the event in London, to celebrate their successes and to crown the winners for this year’s awards.

Michael Donaldson, Deputy Chairman and 6th generation Donaldson family member, accepted the award on behalf of the group. He said, “It’s great to be part of such a wide network of family businesses, who all come together at events like this to celebrate and share their successes. Our family values are at the heart of the way we do business and receiving such a prestigious family accolade as recognition for this is very special to us. Our congratulations go out to all the winners and the finalists.”

The Family Business of the Year Awards, in association with Family Business United, celebrate the UK family business sector and recognise the contribution these diverse businesses make to the broader economy.

James Donaldson and Sons are Finalists in the National Family Business Awards 2019

The National Family Business Awards has revealed the finalists for the 2019 awards after another year of record-breaking entries from family-owned businesses across the UK and Ireland.

May 16, 2019
 

The National Family Business Awards has revealed the finalists for the 2019 awards after another year of record-breaking entries from family-owned businesses across the UK and Ireland. From a wide range of industries, JDS has made the shortlist in the Construction and Property category.

The awards ceremony will be held at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday 13th July, where the winners will be announced.

The National Family Business Awards, now in its 10th year recognises and celebrates family businesses from all sectors and industries for their extraordinary contribution to the British economy. We have been shortlisted partly due to our strong family values and business performance over the past 150 years.

Michael Donaldson, Deputy Chairman for the James Donaldson Group, and 6th generation Donaldson family member said, “James Donaldson and Sons has been operating as a family business for almost 160 years and being shortlisted for this award at a national level is a great tribute to our employees, who have given their support and dedication to get us to where we are today.”

James Donaldson and Sons Group wins at Fife Business Awards 2019

We are delighted to announce that we have won the “Excellence in People Development (over 20 employees) Award” in this year’s Fife Business Awards.

April 1, 2019
 

We are delighted to announce that we have won the “Excellence in People Development (over 20 employees) Award” in this year’s Fife Business Awards. We were awarded for our commitment to the training and development of our people.

The annual Fife Business Awards recognise those companies that demonstrate their commitment to delivering excellence. From small start-ups to long-established companies, the awards celebrate the most successful and forward-thinking businesses in Fife.

Rowena McBlane, HR Director of James Donaldson and Sons accepted the award on behalf of the group. Speaking on the win, Rowena said: “It’s always a great honour to be recognised for our training and development programmes. Our people are our greatest asset and are at the heart of our core values, and winning this award is the recognition they deserve for their hard work and achievements.”

The winners were announced at the awards ceremony on Friday 29th March, at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes.

James Donaldson and Sons Shortlisted for Fife Business Awards

James Donaldson and Sons is delighted to be shortlisted for the 2019 Fife Business Awards for the following categories; ‘Best Performing Business’ and ‘Excellence in People Development.’

November 23, 2018
 

James Donaldson and Sons is delighted to be shortlisted for the 2019 Fife Business Awards for the following categories; ‘Best Performing Business’ and ‘Excellence in People Development.’

The annual Fife Business awards recognises excellence and celebrates the most successful and forward-thinking businesses in Fife from across all sectors of trade, commerce and not-for-profit. James Donaldson and Sons has been shortlisted for its continued commitment to delivering excellence in Fife, where the business began in 1860.

Scott Cairns, Group Managing Director commented on the shortlistings, “James Donaldson and Sons has been operating in Fife for 158 years, and it is a fantastic achievement to be recognised for a local award. After being awarded ‘Outstanding Business Performance’ at last year’s awards, we are excited to have been shortlisted for not one but two categories this year.”

The winners will be announced at the awards evening on Friday 29th March 2019.

James Donaldson Group Rises in Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250

James Donaldson Group announced its ranking in the Sunday Times Top Track 250 Companies in the UK, for the second year running.

November 21, 2018
 

James Donaldson Group announced its ranking in the Sunday Times Top Track 250 Companies in the UK, for the second year running. JDS Group has risen from number 207 last year, to number 198 in the rankings this year. To be credited on the list for the second year running is a huge achievement for the James Donaldson Group.

Now in its 14th year, the annual Top Track 250 is a league table that ranks Britain’s private mid-market growth companies with the biggest sales. The full list was published in the Sunday Times on Sunday 7th October.

Scott Cairns, Group Managing Director commented on the ranking, “To be ranked alongside some of most successful and prestigious companies in Britain is a fantastic achievement for us as a group. The ranking not only recognises our growth and strong financial performance in the past year, but also our commitment to our customers.”

The 14th annual Top Track 250 awards dinner was held on Tuesday 20 November – at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.