Begg Shoes in Inverness recognised as Best Newcomer at Living Wage Scotland Awards
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A family-run footwear business based in Inverness was among the winners at this year's Living Wage Scotland Awards.
Begg Shoes was recognised as Best Newcomer in the awards which were presented at a ceremony in Edinburgh.
It concluded the celebrations of Living Wage Week, bringing together a range of organisations flying the flag for the progressive movement in employee pay.
Beggs Shoes awarded pay rises exceeding the new Real Living Wage rate in September to help protect living standards for staff. It came as the hourly rate of the Real Living Wage was increased by £1 from £9.90 to £10.90.
Cost of living crisis: Footwear retailer commits to Real Living Wage movement
Director Gaven Begg attended the awards ceremony at The Scotch Whisky Experience. The event was led by writer, broadcaster and comedian Susan Morrison and supported by insight and inspiration from a range of speakers including Minister for Just Transition, Richard Lochhead, and Alison Edgar.
"We are delighted to be recognised for our efforts by Living Wage Scotland, among a shortlist of very impressive Scottish businesses," Mr Begg said.
"With the current cost of living pressures, we feel that now more than ever our commitment to the Real Living Wage is having a positive impact on our hard-working teams in stores.
"Customer service has always been key to our success and Begg Shoes is delighted to be leading the way towards improved pay and recognition within the retail industry, where the real living wage represents an important step-change in pay and recognition.
"Attracting and retaining the best employees in the retail industry helps us to continue to offer the first-class customer service our customers enjoy."
Eilidh Crombie, a staff member at Begg Shoes on the Real Living Wage, said: "Working for a Real Living Wage employer like Begg Shoes has provided me with the opportunity to support my family further and in particular my two young children.
"It has also allowed me to remain more relaxed throughout the current cost of living crisis when seeing the increase in my monthly bills, and this has given me the security to continually develop in my role."
