Background

The Glenturret is Scotland’s oldest working distillery, located in Crieff in central Scotland. At point of introduction, Glenturret was owned and operated by Edrington Group and in late 2018 a deal was agreed with Art & Terroir to purchase the brand and site, and a new entity ‘Glenturret Ltd’ was established. Gravitate was asked to support the HR function in various key priority areas and ensure ongoing support thereafter, which we have done ever since.

Challenges Faced

  • Immediate Need: Following the acquisition of the business, The Glenturret needed immediate support with the consultation process of staff who were affected by the changes in roles and responsibilities, to support with the set up and population of a new HR integrated system as well as bring some stability to the new entity in providing sound ongoing HR advice.
  • Transitioning from a Shared Service: We helped ensure steadiness across the organisation in relation to HR matters as HR had been previously a shared service (accessed through Edrington’s corporate support). This involved making sure the new partnership was embedded throughout the full organisation and staff knew who to contact should they have required HR support.

Gravitate’s Approach

  • Embedding & Supporting: Gravitate conducted onsite visits to establish a presence and build relationships, as well as helping to provide stability in a period of change.
  • Advice & Documentation: We provided comprehensive HR advice, drafted essential HR documentation, and delivered workshops on formal processes, attendance management, and workplace communication.
  • Pandemic Support: During COVID-19, we advised on the furlough scheme and provided documentation to navigate the changing landscape.

Benefits Delivered

  • Organisational Growth: Gravitate HR have remained a key support to Glenturret in supporting them with their HR needs which has allowed the business to focus on other areas to ensure continued growth, stability and profitability.
  • Retention Improvement: Staff retention has improved, misconduct issues are very rare across the organisation, plus the business has continued to grow which therefore has increased headcount.
  • Operational Excellence: There has been an improved culture and we’ve supported the transformation of the organisation from being “The Famous Grouse Experience” to becoming its own self-supported luxury brand. The success achieved has been demonstrated by fantastic results, e.g. Tourism Awards, Best Scotch Whisky Producer, Best Tourism Destination and a Two Michelin Star Restaurant.

Testimonial

 “Since 2019, Gravitate HR has been instrumental in supporting our significant growth and transformation. They’ve provided invaluable guidance, ensuring our HR processes align with best practices. Their support has been pivotal in the smooth transition of key roles and in fostering a supportive environment for our expanding team. Gravitate’s dedication to providing a sounding board to me as a “stand-alone” HR Manager ensures that all our HR decisions are made with added perspective, are sound and are effective for us. In recent years, Gravitate HR have supported us with us a range of HR activities, most notably ensuring the successful transition of key roles, supporting with ongoing HR advice and facilitating workshops for Mental Health Awareness to support our growing workforce.”

Sally Thompson, HR Manager.

What Next

  • Support of Internal HR: In 2023, The Glenturret recruited a HR Manager, to succeed the People Manager who was leaving after 16 years in post, & Gravitate HR was able to play a key role in ensuring the successful transition between these roles.
  • Future Plans: With a new Managing Director recently appointed to support the distillery’s substantial growth and ongoing recruitment plans, The Glenturret is poised for an exciting phase of development which Gravitate is delighted to be witnessing first-hand.