Farming duo win NFU award for second year running
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NFU Scotland members in Thurso and Dingwall have won the union's Membership Flame Award – the second year running that they have both received accolades for their work.
Jonathan Hogg and Graham Laing won the honour, which recognises "outstanding efforts" in recruiting and retaining members.
They ended the year surpassing their targeted subscription income set for 2022 and excelling in all the competition criteria to beat stiff competition from other agencies across the country.
It marks a second consecutive year of success for the pair. Last year Jonathan and Graham were named joint winners of the 2021 Flame Award having been tied in all areas of performance with the Keith and Turriff office.
Related: Jamie Stone highlights 'huge contribution' by farmers to local economy
Looking after the interests of 575 members across three branches – Inverness West and Ross, Caithness and Sutherland – Jonathan and Graham are two of the busiest group secretaries, now being ably assisted by Lynn Sinclair. The Dingwall and Thurso agencies finished 2022 having recruited 32 new members surpassing their subscription target set for the year.
Presenting the award at the Union’s annual conference and AGM in Glasgow, NFU Scotland president, Martin Kennedy said: “Determining the winners of the 2022 Membership Flame Award was not an easy task.
“There are three criteria that are used to determine recipients of the Flame Award each year – member engagement, recruitment, and achievement of subscription income target and it is clear that this agency has worked tirelessly for their members.
"They recruited 32 members this year and finished the year ahead of target. Jonathan and Graham have done a marvellous job and are deserved winners. I congratulate them for their superb performance.”
Ian Wilson, Highland regional manager, added: “This is a great achievement for Jonathan and Graham who have sustained a very impressive recruitment drive and service throughout some of the most challenging years for farmers and crofters. It’s a boost and credit to them to be sole recipients of this highly sought after award after sharing the award last year.
“After not being presented immediately with the award last year due to the last-minute change to an online only event, it’s great that Jonathan is able to collect the award on the pair’s behalf and rightly be applauded by many of the Union’s members gathered here in Glasgow. Congratulations.”
