14/06/2017
By John Ross Jr

Aberdeen-based smoked salmon producer, John Ross Jr, which this year celebrates its 30^th anniversary, has won the coveted People’s Choice Family Business of the Year Award at this year’s Family Business of the Year (FBOTY) Awards.

Beating 122 shortlisted family businesses throughout the UK, Royal Warrant Holder John Ross Jr received the most nominations from the public who showed their support for the artisan smokehouse by voting online.

The award was presented to John Ross Jr’s Sales Director, Vicky Leigh-Pearson, at a ceremony at London’s exclusive Mayfair Hotel, which took place on 8 June.

On accepting the award Vicky comments: “I’ve always been proud to be a part of my family’s business. Being voted by the public for this nationally recognised award, for being a family business, has only reinforced that feeling, particularly as we were up against so many highly regarded family run firms. These awards really are a lovely way in which to recognise and celebrate the commitment of families who work together and their spirit of entrepreneurship. Whilst we are a family business we couldn’t do it without the support of our wonderful team so it’s important for us to share this award win with them, too.”

The FBOTY awards are organised by Family Business United (FBU), an organisation that aims to champion the family business sector and recognise the contribution it makes to the global economy. Now in its fifth year, the awards recognise the diversity, strength and depth of family firms across the UK.

Paul Andrews, Founder and Managing Director of FBU, adds: "John Ross Jr ran a fantastic campaign that saw the votes come flooding in and they were clear winners in the eyes of the public this year and deserving winners of the top prize. Not only do they represent a great Scottish family firm but they have grown into a worldwide exporter that’s now recognised as a household name and a brand synonymous with quality and best-in-class smoked salmon and other smoked meat, fresh fish and meat products.  A great family business, worthy winners of the title and great ambassadors for the sector too.”

The smokehouse, which first opened its doors in 1987 and has since grown into an international business, won the Queen’s Award for International Trade last year. It was the second time it was awarded the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the company’s 30-year history.

Traditional brick kilns used by the company’s namesake, John Ross, a chemist who developed his own method of producing Finnan Haddie, are still used to produce world-class smoked salmon on Sinclair Road, Aberdeen. Its smoked salmon products are now sold in 33 countries worldwide.