The Hebridean Seaweed Company Ltd won The Crown Estate Marine Business Award 2010

The winner of The Crown Estate Marine Business Award is the Hebridean Seaweed Company Ltd, based near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.

The Hebridean Seaweed Company was formed in 2006 and is already one of the UK’s largest processors of seaweed for uses including soil enhancement and animal feed supplements.

The company takes a sustainable approach in its year-round harvest and consistently aims to leave an adequate base on all seaweed plants, which will encourage future growth and regeneration. It has worked closely with Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency in its delivery of sustainable harvesting practices.

The judges felt that the Hebridean Seaweed Company is a true model of sustainability that has created much needed non-seasonal jobs on the Isle of Lewis.

Now running for the fifth year, The Crown Estate Business Awards are designed to recognise excellence in business performance and innovation as well as environmental care and sustainability. These areas complement The Crown Estate’s core values of commercialism, integrity and stewardship.

The awards operate in each of The Crown Estate’s business areas – marine, rural and urban. They demonstrate the ongoing commitment to encouraging the development of successful, innovative and sustainable business.

The winners were presented with their awards at a lunchtime reception at Lancaster House, London on Thursday 15 July 2010, when The Crown Estate’s annual results were also announced.