Neil is auctioneers’ group champion

THE Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) has appointed an
executive director to intensify its fight for the interests of members and the wider livestock industry.
Neil Wilson has started work with the highly-respected
organisation and brings with him more than 20 years of management and leadership experience, most of it in the agricultural financial sector.
With a farming family background, he has most recently run his own specialist agricultural business consultancy.
He has worked with enterprises to help them grow and was previously head of agriculture at HSBC Bank.
The appointment of Mr Wilson from Thornhill comes at a crucial time both for IAAS and the wider livestock sector amid a challenging climate for the entire rural economy.
He will champion the pivotal part that the IAAS and its members, who represent every livestock auction mart in Scotland, play in addressing those challenges to strengthen agriculture, the food sector, other rural businesses and the communities in which they operate.
Mr Wilson will spend time on the frontline with institute members to highlight the powerful role the organisation has in promoting the system as the only transparent way to secure the best price and guaranteed payment, while working as a key advocate at the highest levels of government.
He said: “I admire the auction system and the unique way in which it provides the best environment to realise the most transparent and real-time pricing for farmers.
“My father’s an auctioneer so I have seen all my life the vital business which is done in the auction ring.
“I have a strong knowledge of the sector and am delighted to have been given the opportunity to put that to use with IAAS to further strengthen its influence.
“I look forward to building on the tremendous work already underway to ensure the institute gives a powerful voice to the members it serves and the wider agricultural community.
“I see an important part of my role being to forge greater links with other stakeholders in the agricultural industry to see where we can join forces and share ideas to meet the challenges we face and seize the opportunities which emerge as the entire rural sector continues to evolve.”
Scott Donaldson, president and H&H Group managing
director, said: “Neil brings with him a real understanding of the entire agricultural sector and the challenges it faces.”