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SAC in Sound Health, but Ready to React to Challenges Ahead

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N85
Published: 08 Oct 2010

“In good heart after another successful year, but in the knowledge that we must be ready to react to real challenges lying ahead”.

That was how SAC Chief Executive and Principal Professor Bill McKelvey described the present position of the business. Speaking to stakeholders and guests at the SAC Annual Dinner Professor McKelvey gave a wide ranging and upbeat review of SAC activities during the year, many of which are outlined in the Annual report for 2009/10.

Professor McKelvey explained that in the past year turnover had increased by 4.9% to £49.8m and that the SAC balance sheet was sound with very little borrowing. The Consultancy and Research Divisions both reported increased income and SAC Learning had also had a strong year with financial performance and student numbers, at undergraduate and post graduate level, above target.

However the SAC Principal regretted the fact that the capping point had been reached with no funding to expand student numbers further.

“I accept that this is a difficult climate for all involved in education but it is frustrating when Scotland and the world needs graduates with the qualifications to tackle key issues like food production and environmental protection”

Paying tribute to the hard work and commitment of SAC staff Bill McKelvey highlighted the recognition of SAC’s activities, with awards for educational excellence, research achievement and service to the rural industries. He stressed SAC’s conviction about partnership, citing developments with the rural FE colleges and research projects at national and international level.   Meanwhile SAC Consulting had increased staff numbers, introduced a number of new services for clients and was now firmly established in the north of England.

“SAC is well positioned to address many of the key challenges facing society just now”, said Professor McKelvey. “We operate effectively in areas of increasing public concern including food supply, the environment and climate change. We believe we are well positioned to secure additional research and attract more students in these areas. Our involvement with projects like the Farming for a Better Climate Initiative, Carbon Footprinting and advice on alternative energy means we can help rural businesses and communities find practical solutions”.

Professor McKelvey outlined a capital investment programme of £32m over the four years to 2013. That included the £9m spent on the new campus at Craigie in Ayr, shared with the University of West of Scotland which will open next summer. Also involved is the Easter Bush Consortium Building on the Pentland Science Park outside Edinburgh, due for completion this year and the proposed new Inverness Campus to which SAC’s Inverness staff will move along with staff from UHI and Inverness College. .
 
However Bill McKelvey was fully aware that the future would be challenging. Much had been done to position the business as favourably as possible, but the forthcoming cuts in public and private expenditure were bound to impact on SAC as they would on others.

“While I firmly believe we are well placed to face the uncertainties we at SAC will be ready to react positively to changing circumstances”.

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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