Chairman's message

Since establishment in 1987, ESG has developed into one of the leading suppliers of fresh and frozen Brassicas in the UK.  Operating collectively has created scale and diversity, pushed innovation and efficiencies that has allowed each members’ farming businesses to reach markets and customers not easily accessible as individual businesses.    This is achieved through allowing members to concentrate on the growing aspect of the business in the knowledge that they will be supported by ESG staff in all other areas of production including planning, logistics, research and development, as well as agronomy, technical and marketing advice.  Going forward, the ESG team continue to seek new opportunities for its members. 

 

Meet the Team

Fraser McDonald

Fraser McDonald

CHAIRMAN

 

 

Fraser returned to the family farming business in 2010 having spent 12 years working in finance.  The farm specialises in fruit and vegetable production, focusing on broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, potatoes, strawberries and blueberries.  Fraser enjoys the fast-pace nature of the fresh produce sector and takes pride in seeing the Groups produce on leading retailers’ shelves.

Andrew Faichney

Managing Director

Andrew started with ESG during a summer work placement in 2003. It couldn’t have been all that bad, as following completion of his degree full time employment begun. Andrew has worked up from a trainee graduate, fieldsman, crop manager, harvest manger, operations manager and then managing director. In 2011 Andrew returned to part time education where he successfully completed his MBA at Robert Gordon University.

Andrew Faichney
Shirley Hutchison

Shirley Hutchison

Office Manager

Shirley returned to ESG in 2012 following a 11 year period working as a property manager, previously Shirley had been with ESG from 1987– 2001. As office manager Shirley is responsible making sure all administration runs smoothly. When not chasing up lorry drivers, Shirley has been known to enjoy a good day out at the races enjoying some of the hospitality on offer.

James Rome

Crop Manager

James joined ESG in 2018 having previously worked for 5 years on the south coast of Hampshire where his main crops were asparagus, green beans and Tenderstem Broccoli. He enjoys the fast moving nature of the job and is looking forward to gaining experience with new varieties of crops and facing new challenges. When not in the field he can be found enjoying time with his young family and either playing or watching sport.

James Rome
Duncan MacLachlan

Duncan MacLachlan

Crop Manager

Duncan originates from a small farm on the West Coast of Scotland. On completion of an honours degree in Environmental Science, he decided to pursue a career in agronomy and gained FACTS qualified status in 2016. A short time after that, he moved to Fife and began advising on crops such as wheat, barley, oats, oilseed rape and potatoes. Duncan is always looking to expand his knowledge and explore different sectors of agriculture, so he was delighted to take on the role with ESG in early 2019. When not at work he enjoys watching football or rugby, hillwalking and socialising.

 

Erin Cox

ADMINISTRATOR

Having previously worked with Growers Garden, Erin joined ESG in November 2020 working in reception/admin. Erin will be your first point of contact for all technical queries. Erin has just completed her first year of study at Dundee University where she is working towards her Business Degree. When not working Erin enjoys socialising with her friends.

 

Erin Cox