INVERCLYDE MSP Stuart McMillan visited one of the longest-standing businesses in Greenock town centre to learn how it has has moved into employee-ownership.

Mr McMillan went on a fact-finding visit to Smiths on West Blackhall Street and met staff at the busy shop.

He said: “This stalwart of the high street in Greenock is regarded highly by young and old in our town.

"They will have supplied Morton strips to fans for generations and embroidered school blazers and PE tops for many local pupils.

"I don’t think it is a stretch to say that Smiths have probably supplied an item of clothing to most people who have grown up in Inverclyde.

"I was really impressed with the investment they have made in our town by stocking so many school products with lines for every school.

“The concept of employee ownership might be new to most people, but there are a growing number of firms taking this approach in Scotland. I really welcome the fact that such a prominent business in the heart of our community is taking this step.

"I’d encourage any other local businesses keen to know more about this model to visit the Scottish Enterprise website for more details.”

Glen Dott, employee ownership specialist at Scottish Enterprise, says that Smiths move to employee ownership has 'secured its future as an important supplier to the community and helped safeguard local jobs'.

He added: "It was great to visit this long-established business and speak to many of the new employee-owners – who are clearly very engaged, motivated and excited for the future, including exploring new products and markets.”

Smiths manager Keith Wilson said: "‘We are really delighted to have recently become an employee-owned business. This is something our staff have fully embraced from the outset, and we hope this decision will secure the future of Smiths for many years to come."