'Significant operational changes' are being implemented by the ANM Group – including the departure of John Gregor.

In a statement issued today (March 7) ANM announced a number of 'strategic plans to future proof its business in response to a changing agricultural environment' and cement its position as 'Scotland’s most progressive farming, food and finance business'.

As part of these changes, Mr Gregor, previously Executive Director, has left the business after 35 years service at Thainstone.

Conversely, a strengthening of the customer-facing stock procurement team will be a focus of the changes, with increased support for John Angus as Head of Livestock and Colin Slessor as Deputy Head of Livestock in their roles.

Improved technology also features heavily in ANM's future plans, with improvements planned to technology in and around the auction ring. These improvements are being introduced to better support customers, fieldsmen and auctioneers, said the statement, as well as ensuring the business is ready to adapt to, and establish new routes to markets.

ANM Group Chief Executive Grant Rogerson said: “It is critical that as a business we recognise the changing environment we’re operating in and take steps to ensure we are ready to adapt to future market trends. We are investing in our customer-facing livestock team, and will have an increased focus on livestock procurement, and especially in developing new routes to market.

“Significant changes to how we use technology are pivotal to this, however, as we make a number of investments in this area we will do so in a manner which is mindful of the importance of our people and the need to remain the people-centred business that has been the foundation of our success. These changes are part of an ambitious plan for the future, and are a central part of the Group Board’s strategic vision to grow our market share through an increased focus on procurement of stock and increasing investment in new processes and technology that are industry-leading in a changing agricultural sector.”

On the departure of John Gregor, Mr Rogerson added: “John has been a long-standing and loyal servant at Thainstone for 35 years, and he leaves with our appreciation and good wishes for the future”.