DIAGEO PROFITS UP BY 10%

DIAGEO ANNOUNCEMENT

It was with utter dismay that we heard of Diageo’s decision this morning. On 3 September, day 65 of the 90-day consultation, the Cabinet Secretary presented our alternative business proposals to Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock to Diageo. Today, on day 71, Diageo have confirmed their decision. Did they really give our proposals due consideration in only four working days?

We do recognise that a decision has been taken, but we believe that the decision taken is a wrong one. Our supporters obviously agree, as our campaign has demonstrated, with more than 100,000 people signing our petition, support flooding in from around the globe, 15,000 people have written personally to Paul Walsh and almost half a million people have written to Diageo shareholders.

Johnnie Walker is synonymous with Kilmarnock and the brand has been associated with the town since 1820. It is recognised in every corner of the world as the leading brand name for Scotch whisky, and generations of local families have shown tremendous commitment and loyalty to the company over the past two hundred years. Now they will witness the very heart and soul being ripped out of their community.

Today we find ourselves in a position where we must move forward and try to secure the best possible outcome for Johnnie Walker employees and the town of Kilmarnock.

The Cabinet Secretary has convened a meeting of the Task Force on Monday and we will present a package of proposals designed to support the growth of new jobs in Kilmarnock. We want to secure Scottish Government support for the town and our attention will now turn to developing an action plan which will seek to create 700 sustainable jobs for Kilmarnock.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: “I welcome the continued commitment from Cabinet Secretary John Swinney, and as he himself stated, he will work unstintingly with partners to mitigate the serious impacts and assist the people and communities affected by Diageo’s decision-making.”

Councillor Maureen McKay, Leader of Main Labour Opposition said: “It is hard to describe the true extent of our feelings today. However, we remain resolute as we turn our attention to securing a positive future for the town, by applying the same energy, enthusiasm and strength as witnessed throughout the campaign.”

Councillor Tom Cook, Leader of Conservative Opposition said: “We are truly disappointed at today’s outcome, which will undoubtedly have a devastating effect of the town and the wider local community. We must now look towards the future as we prepare to work with the Scottish Government on plans to help secure 700 sustainable jobs for the town.”

We are proud of what this campaign has achieved. The facts speak for themselves.

Throughout the 71 days of this campaign we gained the support of the entire local community; local businesses, residents, workers, trades union representatives, Kilmarnock Football Club and politicians from all parties have united to keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock. People have given their all in support of this campaign and we could have asked for nothing more.

News

By JWCampaign ⋅ August 27, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

Diageo Plc today announced that their pre tax profits for the year end 30 June 2009 are up by 10% from 2008 to £2.4billion. The company has ridden the storm and despite a downward trend in their deluxe products, people are sticking with the Johnnie Walker brand and still hold it in high esteem.

To coincide with Diageo’s profit announcement day, the Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock Campaign is striding through London to persuade the drinks giant to maintain their historic links with Kilmarnock, symbolically visiting Diageo’s Headquarters this morning.

East Ayrshire’s Cross Party Working Group which comprises politicians from all parties and all levels of government together with Trades Unions said: “We are delighted to see that Diageo remains a highly profitable company and that they have worked through the recent international economic crisis and continue to make substantial profits. We brought to Diageo’s door today, our continuing pledge to support the company’s most famous brand, keeping it at home in Kilmarnock and we will continue to promote that powerful and iconic image of the Stridin Man.

“We believe that Paul Walsh, Diageo’s Chief Executive is a man of his word and that he will respond positively to the negotiations; the company has confirmed that these have been instigated by the Scottish Government and are now underway. We trust that the Diageo Board will accept our alternative business case and that the profits which Diageo continues to enjoy, rooted in the strong and lasting heritage and provenance which Kilmarnock ensures for the Johnnie Walker brands, will as a result go from strength to strength. We know that a huge number of people agree – 450,000 and rising – given that they have emailed shareholders pledging support for our campaign. This adds to the ever-growing number of people who have signed our campaign petition and to the many messages of support on our website all from over 60 countries around the world.

“In London today we have received an enormously generous reception from everyone that we have met, all of whom are supportive and believe that our campaign will succeed. Our international support is overwhelming and energising, visiting as we did the Indian and Australian High Commissions and the Irish Embassy. We remain resolute in our determination and our belief that we can change Diageo’s mind and keep Johnnie Walker and the Stridin Man where they belong in Kilmarnock.”

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