New co-operative

UAP is now a co-operative, with each employee owning a share of the business and benefiting from its success.

The board of directors has allocated 20% of the share fund to be split between employees with the number of shares received dependent on a number of factors, including length of service and their position in the company. Shares are earned and cannot be purchased.

CEO David Jennings said: “I think this is the most powerful message that UAP has ever released. Myself and the directors of UAP are incredibly proud to have set this scheme up and it is humbling to hear comments from our employees; several have said that they’re ‘honoured’ to own a share of UAP.

“Those who work hard and make a difference will be offered a higher number of shares. We think it’s right that those employees who contribute the most to the success of the company receive a greater reward. This isn’t about how much money anyone has. This is about everyone having the same chance to earn more shares.”

On April 30 each year, more shares from the D share fund will be allocated to UAP staff members.

Following the reorganisation, the UAP board believes that the benefits will be felt right across the supply chain.

“If you are a customer, how can you fail not to be impressed that everybody is genuinely working to the same goal,” David said. “At all levels, no matter who you are, you must gain confidence knowing that you are dealing with a company that cares about its staff, wants its staff to succeed and who go that extra mile to ensure that service is second to none. Every stakeholder in UAP should be interested in this development.”