Who are we?

HBS Ring Ltd is a member owned cooperative operating in the Highlands for more than 30 years. We exist to serve our members providing products and services that meet the needs of a broad base of local farmers, crofters, business, and domestic customers.

The Ring concept is simple. Work required of a demander is organised by the Ring, which contacts the most appropriate and nearest supplier. Once the work is completed, we arrange payment from the demander through to the supplier via our billing system, whilst charging a modest commission to cover our overheads.

HALS Ltd is a subsidiary company of HBS, whereby the Ring acts as an agent only. Commodities, training courses and non-member to member activities are invoiced through HALS Ltd.

Why work with us?

Our members, customers and local communities are at the heart of everything we stand for. We strive to deliver the best customer service and work to provide economic, social and environmental benefit.

Economic/financial:

• Achieve savings on products from the buying and sourcing on a bigger scale than that achieved by an individual business.
• Improve productivity and efficiency by letting us take the administrative burden. One direct debit account with HBS reduces the number of bills that you deal with, saving you time and money.
• Helping you to manage risk in volatile markets and uncertain times.

Social:

• Placing product and service business through HBS keeps spending local to the Highlands and helps to keep markets honest and competitive. In turn this helps our local farming and rural communities to survive and thrive.
• HBS is a local not for profit business providing local jobs for local people.
• Promoting collaboration between local businesses.

Environmental:

• A focus on collective purchasing and local sourcing improves the carbon footprint of individual businesses.
• Provide access to businesses delivering advice and support to address ‘green’ agenda matters.

HBS Ring Member Newsletter August 2021