Redundancies as chocolate factory closes 10/3/14
Stornoway-
Staff at its production unit and shop in the town’s Westview Terrace are set to be made redundant.
Many of the about eight strong workforce were upset when told that the factory was shutting.
Since it launched in 2009, Hebridean Chocolates – run under the wing of Third Sector
Hebrides -
Before joining the workforce, some staff faced low expectations and were told they would never work or live independently.
But through the confectionary factory, employees were able to undertake Scottish Vocational Qualifications, become fully fledged chocolatiers and get paid jobs.
The produce was sold locally and through an internet shop as well as pop-
The social enterprise project won the Start Up of the Year Award at the Social Enterprise Scotland Awards 2011.
It is the only chocolate making social enterprise in the UK and possibly in Europe.
Hebridean Chocolates’ premises at Westview Terrace in Stornoway is now closed.
The firm’s e-
A message on its Facebook site, written by employees reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I've decided to delete this page today.
“Hebridean Chocolates has sadly ceased trading.
“From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank everyone for their support over
the last five years -
A Third Sector Hebrides spokesperson said ongoing trading difficulties and losses forced the closure.
They added: “Every possible alternative to closure has been explored, but the unfortunate fact of the matter is that the trading model is not sustainable and the company cannot continue to accrue the level of losses it has been.
“At this point in the process, our main priority is to support and assist the employees through this difficult time.”
The community interest company has apparently never made a profit and has been bailed out by its parent firm, Third Sector Hebrides.