Shore Porters Society

 

Shore Porters Society, Aberdeen

This evening, I am providing information one of Europe’s oldest continuing businesses, namely the Aberdeen Shore Porters Society which is believed to have roots going back to the 1100s but with firm records from 1498.

The business originated as a mutual self-help society for labourers (longshoremen) working at Aberdeen Harbour in N.E. Scotland. Over the subsequent centuries the businesses has grown and evolved into a quasi co-operative focused on haulage and removals with interests in warehousing and property operating from bases in Aberdeen and London.

Membership of the Society is by invitation only and persons so joining are required to contribute a cash investment and be subject to a probationary period of three years.

Clearly the business structure and employment practices are a far cry from the hurly-burly of the Stock Market and competitive employment interviews. However, based on past record, this business will probably outlast many of the world’s current top corporations.

Aberdeen is a major Scottish city located in the N.E.of the country. Following discovery of significant offshore oil reserves in the 1970s and subsequently the city has enjoyed rising prosperity based on local industries focused on servicing the oilfields.

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