Trump International, Scotland provides the perfect blend of business and pleasure. As a Classic Corporate Member you and your guests will experience one of the best championship links golf courses in the world. Trump International Golf Links is the perfect place to entertain clients, and prospective clients enjoying many benefits associated with a world-class venue.
¾ Unlimited links golf for two card holders (Open 7 days)
¾ 52 guest-round allocations
¾ Five-star MacLeod Lodge accommodation with 10 bedroom allocations
¾ Full access to practise facilities
¾ Exclusive members-only events & activities
¾ Complimentary rounds of golf at Trump Turnberry
¾ Individual golf lesson with PGA Professional for two card holders
¾ 20% off food & beverage at The Dunes Restaurant & Bar
¾ 15% off retail items at the pro shop
¾ Trump Card Privileges Programme
¾ Special rates for other estate-wide leisure activitiesAway-days, clay pigeon shooting, whisky & wine tasting experiences, family fun days, beauty & wellness treatments
Trump International, Scotland, Menie Estate, Balmedie, Aberdeenshire AB23 8YE
+44 (0)1358 743300 | bookings@trumpgolfscotland.com ww.trumpgolfscotland.com
£10,500+VAT
This edition of Business Bulletin recognises the achievements of North-east Scotland’s industry-leading food and drink sector. Highlighting the successes of new and scaling businesses in product and process innovation, market development and growth, and the leadership they demonstrate.
It also looks ahead to transformational investment in the ONE SeedPod innovation hub that will make manufacturing and production businesses more productive, profitable and sustainable—a beacon for the regional growth ambition and a national asset.
Food and drink is a vitally important growth sector for this region. Providing more than 22,000 jobs in manufacturing and production and turning over more than £2.2billion a year. With a crucial role to play in the region’s future low-carbon economy and the national economy. The region accounts for over 20% of Scotland’s total sector output and is a significant manufacturing sector.
The sector is also ambitious, with an appetite to grow, increase exports and drive productivity.
The performance data shows that the sector has continued to grow yearly. This is a significant achievement, especially in the context of the challenges on costs, supply and labour that businesses have had to deal with in recent years.
What accounts for this growth? It is down to the ambition and drive of the people who lead and work in food and drink businesses. They are passionate about what they do.
They care about their companies and their products. And they keep looking ahead for new opportunities, markets and customers.
Because of these qualities, they are at the forefront of the food and drink industry and are a credit to this famously enterprising region.
The sector’s quality was highlighted in June when the 2023 North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards brought the industry together to celebrate excellence and innovation, delivered by Opportunity North East in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council.
Eleven businesses emerged as winners on the night across 12 categories from an impressive shortlist of 36 companies, from ambitious early-stage businesses to established global brands. The winners included Amity Fish Company Ltd, Barra Berries, Burnside Brewery, Cabezon Beverage, CocoCaramel, Dean’s of Huntly, Farmlay Eggs, Mackie’s of Scotland, Singularity Sauce Co, Summerhouse Drinks Ltd and Vertegrow. Businesses that have continued to grow, launch new products, connect with consumers in new ways and invest in digital transformation, automation and decarbonising their operations.
At Opportunity North East, our role is to support businesses in the sector and the people who lead them to develop new products and markets, innovate and grow, be more productive and create new jobs.
Over the last year, Opportunity North East – working with regional and national partners – has started major initiatives. To boost entrepreneurship, identify
investment to support rapid growth, provide access to insights and connect businesses to premium markets, and drive adoption and use of digital and advanced manufacturing technology to enable more profitable and sustainable operations.
And the great news is that the sector’s transformational project for a food and drink manufacturing innovation hub – ONE SeedPod – is breaking new ground. Construction started in May and it will open in late 2024.
David Kilshaw chairs the Board overseeing the project’s delivery. It is a unique £27million investment. It is led and co-funded by Opportunity North East, working with partners, including the Scottish Government, UK Government, Scottish Enterprise and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
The combination of commercial facilities, sector knowledge, insights and expert networks in ONE SeedPod will enable businesses to develop new ontrend products for premium markets, test and implement more efficient and sustainable production and manufacturing processes, and support high-potential new companies to scale their manufacturing and grow faster.
Food and drink is one of our economy’s most dynamic and enterprising industries. I am excited to see what it will achieve next.
Food and drink is one of our economy’s most dynamic and enterprising industries. I am excited to see what it will achieve next.Stanley Morrice MBE, Chair of Opportunity North East’s food , drink and agriculture board
As well as helping our member businesses to be better through a range of activities, the Chamber is committed to investing a significant amount of energy in moving forward the economic growth agenda and lobbying for change on key issues to create the conditions for success. Our regional renaissance.
Without the support of our Premier Partners, we would not be able to undertake much of the good work that we do. Their engagement is hugely valued and appreciated.
Integrity HSE provides efficient, effective, and sustainable solutions to the energy industry. They do this by delivering three services: outsourced HSE business partner, HSE consultancy and Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM) licensed training provider.
T 07908 458529
W www.integrityhse.co.uk
E enquiries@integrityhse.com
C Steven Harris, Managing Director
Award-winning Engage PR has worked with start-ups through to FTSE-listed firms to help raise their profile. By leveraging strategic communications, media relations and reputation management, Engage helps build trust, increase visibility and communicate value. Engage PR have delivered local, national and international projects across several sectors.
T 01224 914070
W www.engagepr.co.uk
E james@engagepr.co.uk
C James Donaldson, Communications Director
Based in Aberdeen, but operating globally, BME Services Ltd offer their Helideck Refurbishment Service to deliver a fully certified helideck with the endorsement of the HCA. BME Services Ltd are the only business operating in the UK that offer the full A-Z service in-house. Its team are trained to the latest edition of CAP437 and the delivery of friction testing by the HCA. The company also utilise its equipment and highly trained employees to carry out offshore walkway maintenance, passenger/vehicle deck maintenance, and aircraft carrier flight deck maintenance.
T 01224 825320
W www.bmeservicesltd.co.uk
E sales@bmeservicesltd.co.uk
C Kristoffer Borland and Scot Borland, Directors
RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company. At the forefront of the industry for over 40 years, RES has delivered more than 23GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and is active in 14 countries working across onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, transmission and distribution.
T 01414 045500
W www.res-group.com
E info@res-group.com
C Gavin Shirley
First Aid at Work equips people from all industries with the necessary skills to save lives and prevent accidents in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Clients leave the courses feeling confident in their ability to respond to any emergency situation, from CPR to first aid. First Aid at Work is committed to delivering training that is fun, engaging, and memorable.
T 07908 400345
W www.firstaidatwrkaberdeen.co.uk
E sarahphillips@firstaidatworkaberdeen.co.uk
C Sarah Phillips, Owner and Trainer
Wellahead Engineering Ltd offer Sub Contract Machining Services to include 3,4,& 5 Axis Machining Capabilities. The company is ISO 9001:2015 Accredited. Wellhead Engineering Ltd has been in operation since 1998 and is celebrating 25 years in business this year.
T 01224 724478
W www.wellaheadengineering.com
E mike@wellaheadengineering.co.uk
C Mike Coutts, Director
Pittodrie House is a 27 bedroom hotel located in the heart of Aberdeenshire. Offering exclusive views of Bennachie, its rural location offers the perfect getaway in the heart of the Shire. With event space for up to 100 delegates, all manner of corporate functions and events can be hosted within the venue.
T 01467 622437
W www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/pittodrie-house
E events@pittodrie-house.co.uk
C Andrew Leggat, Hotel Manager
Viper Innovations’ mission is to use current and future proprietary technology to provide intelligence from data. The company provides award-winning electrical monitoring and asset integrity solutions for critical global industries such as subsea oil and gas and rail, where failures have significant production, service and financial impacts.
T 01224 519944
W www.viperinnovations.com
E enquiries@viperinnovations.com
C James Carnegie, Sales (Subsea) and Delivery Director
Technical asset management consultants to the energy, industrial and maritime industries.
W www.Asset-ONE.org
E info@Asset-ONE.org
C Roy Milne, Managing Director & Principal Consultant
He added: “It’s a busy and fulfilling routine that keeps me on my toes.” But the chef said his biggest challenge is the difficulty in finding a balance between work and family time.
“While I am continuously improving, it can still be a struggle to switch off and prioritise personal time.”
So, what drives Kevin?
He explained: “My main drive in the business is ensuring that our customers have a great experience, not just in terms of the food but in every aspect.
“It comes naturally to me to focus on the culinary side, but I also make a conscious effort to be present outside the kitchen door, engaging with guests and ensuring their satisfaction with our restaurant.
“Word of mouth is incredibly significant, especially in Aberdeen, and knowing that our customers are enjoying their time at Amuse is what truly motivates me.”
But the chef conceded that – like most businesses across the country - the current cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on Amuse.
He said: “On one hand, people are cutting back on dining out as they have less disposable income.
“On the other hand, our costs have skyrocketed, from food and drink to utilities, VAT, tax rates, and more.
“Additionally, the outdated business rates system creates a considerable challenge, especially with the lack of support from the Scottish Government.
“It’s tough to run a restaurant just now.”
On the subject of new efforts to boost the fortunes of the heart of Aberdeen, Kevin feels the Our Union Street initiative led by Bob Keiller is a fantastic and much-needed move to revitalise the city centre.
The new community-led organisation has one mission - to bring businesses and people to the Granite Mile.
The chef commented: “This initiative holds great potential for breathing new life into the city and creating a vibrant atmosphere. It’s crucial to maintain the momentum and encourage participation from all individuals to ensure its success.
“Additionally, it’s even better to see someone like Bob, a fellow Borders native, taking the lead in this venture.
“His experience and passion will undoubtedly contribute to the positive transformation of Union Street and the overall rejuvenation of Aberdeen.”
So, what does the future hold for Kevin and Amuse?
He replied: “We are constantly exploring new opportunities, and the exposure from me being in the Great British Menu 2023 competition has opened up many exciting possibilities, and I have been asked to participate in many interesting projects.
“As for new ventures, while I can’t share specific details just yet, we are currently working on something truly exciting and hope to announce it in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates!”
Word of mouth is incredibly significant, especially in Aberdeen, and knowing that our customers are enjoying their time at Amuse is what truly motivates me.Kevin Dalgleish, Chef Director, Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish
Aberdeen’s foodie fortnight is set to make a return to the Granite City in August, with restaurants, bars and cafes being urged to sign-up to take part in the ever-popular Aberdeen Restaurant Week initiative.
Following a hugely successful event in January, which saw more than 50 venues taking part, Aberdeen Restaurant Week will return from August 7 to August 20.
The fortnight is the perfect opportunity for local eateries to highlight their offering. Delivering special offers to customers at several price points, the city’s cafés and restaurants can connect with new customers while also delighting their regulars.
More than 50 city centre cafés and restaurants took part in Aberdeen Restaurant Week in January, with the range of cuisine on offer including Scottish, Indian, Italian and Cuban.
All establishments signing up to Aberdeen Restaurant Week will be asked to create a unique set price dining offer which will be available throughout the fortnight. The range of experiences on offer will include lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and tasting menus.
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We are really looking forward to seeing the additional buzz that a summer restaurant week will bring to the city. Lighter nights will hopefully combine with better weather and provide the perfect conditions to enjoy food with friends and family during the summer, and before the school summer holidays end.
“Aberdeen Restaurant Week has become a firm favourite in the Aberdeen calendar. The variety of price points offered by the restaurants and cafés means there is something to suit every budget.”
Interested restaurants should complete the sign-up form on the Aberdeen Inspired website.
The Our Union Street Group has published details of the key themes which have emerged from the 10,000 ideas submitted to them by the public.
The community-led group has identified 17 key areas to investigate as it moves forward with attempts to revive the Granite Mile. They all fall under the five distinct challenges facing Union Street, which are: footfall, accessibility, the state of the street, empty shops and the narrative around it.
Over 1,000 volunteers have put their names forward to support the organisation, and 400 people joined a public meeting at the Music Hall at the beginning of June to hear more about the group’s next steps.
The meeting coincided with the launch of the group’s first whitepaper, which detailed all of the key themes the group will take forward, as well as the ones that it cannot.
To view the whitepaper and find out more, visit www.ourunionstreet.com.
Aberdeen-based creative marketing agency Mearns & Gill has reported a surge in turnover for the year to the end of January.
Turnover at the Carden Place agency has grown by over 70% compared to the previous year - reaching £2.9million in 2022-23.
To manage this growth, Mearns & Gill has recruited four new members to the team in the last 12 months, taking the agency headcount to 20.
The Aberdeen agency has taken on 38 clients over the last 12 months, bringing the total number of clients supported by the business in 2022/23 to 85.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party and why?
It was fun thinking about this. Below are my choices, in no particular order. The first person who comes to mind is Thomas Reid (1710-1796), a former Church of Scotland Minister and Professor at King’s College, Aberdeen, Founder of the Scottish School of Common Sense and who was held in the highest esteem at home and worldwide – some of his work made its way into the constitution of the US. Why would I want to meet him? It would be to discuss whether his approach of common-sense realism would benefit the people of modern Aberdeen to reach the consensus on the best way to approach building the future of the city as opposed to the bickering that gets us nowhere. Be positive about our city and get things done. Secondly, I would like to greet Nan Shepherd (1893-1981). She was a Scottish modernist writer and poet, known for her seminal mountain memoir, The Living Mountain, based on experiences of hill walking in the Cairngorms. She was also a lecturer in English at the Aberdeen College of Education. Shepherd’s work brought out the sharp conflict between the demands of tradition and the pull of modernity - particularly in the nature of women’s lives in changing times. The third person on my list is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869–1948), an anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women’s rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, and, above all, achieving swaraj or self-rule. He was imprisoned many times and for many years in both South Africa and India for leading non-violent protests across many causes.
John Wigglesworth of Common Sense Coffee House and Bar
If I were to invite three people to my dream dinner party, it would be a really difficult choice. There are so many inspirational people from the worlds of politics, leadership, business, entertainment, science and sports that I’d love to share stories and to spend time with. But if I had to pick a few then these would be them. I’d love to meet David Attenborough. His ability to captivate audiences, both young and old, with his narratives is inspiring and his devotion to environmental causes is admirable. As a consumer and a business leader, he reminds me constantly of our responsibility to protect the fragile environment we live in for the generations to come. Brewing beer is an energy-intensive process and there are lots of things we can do to improve our environmental sustainability. I think David would make a great dinner party guest and would have everyone captivated with his stories. Nelson Mandela is another character I’d love to see. I’m fascinated by his commitment to fighting against inequality. His endurance, tenacity and devotion to peace, equality and justice is admirable. I remember him coming to Aberdeen to receive The Freedom of the City following his release from prison and even at my young age I understood the impact he had on global politics. If I could meet him now, I’d love to understand his psyche more. And I’m sure he had a good sense of humour that would entertain the table. Finally, I’d love to meet Michelle Obama. She’s a great positive role model for women and girls and has done such a lot to champion women’s rights and to support programmes that help provide children with quality education. Diversity and equality is such a big topic in modern business and I think she’d have some good insights. I think she’s got a great sense of style and I’m sure a wicked sense of humour. She’d be a great person to have at the dinner table.
Hazel Meehan, Operations Director, Fierce Beer
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has one last roll of the dice before the next General Election, so can he get the British economy roaring again?
Ahead of the 2023 Autumn Budget, we’re bringing former Treasury insider Thomas Pugh back to Aberdeen to provide some exclusive insight on the current state of the UK economy.
Renowned for his ability the distil complex economics into simple data that business owners can use to inform decision making, Tom will share the inside track on everything from energy markets and global trade, to the labour crisis and the constitution.
If your business is being challenged by what’s happening in the economy right now, this is a business breakfast you do not want to miss.
Tom is RSM UK’s economist. He provides economic insights from a middle market perspective, to both RSM and its clients. Tom works closely with RSM partners across the UK, as well as with colleagues in the US to monitor how changes across the pond could affect the local market.
After graduating from the University of Manchester in 2009, he went to work for HM Treasury. This was right in the middle of the financial crisis, so he was assigned to help redraft the banking regulations. He then spent eight years at Capital Economics, where he first covered commodities (mainly oil), then the UK economy in the wake of Brexit and the onset of the pandemic.
Date: October 5, 2023
Time: 7am-9am
Place: The Chester Hotel
Tickets on sale at www.agcc.co.uk/events
J G Ross, a well-known bakery located in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire and Craft Baker of the Year at the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards, is delighted to announce the launch of its new “Afternoon Tea” treats.
J G Ross is committed to improving its product range by identifying market needs and creating new products that its customers will love. After recognising the growing popularity of ‘Afternoon Tea’, they noticed a gap in its product range and decided to act.
Following extensive research and product development, J G Ross adapted some of their existing recipes and created new ones based on nostalgic childhood memories and contemporary tastes to create new afternoon tea treats. Their newly launched unique small cakes, half the size of their existing cakes, make the ideal addition to an ‘Afternoon Tea’ spread, providing guests with delightful cakes to share with loved ones. They have already launched six new product lines, with six more ready to launch, and are continuously developing new creations to meet the needs of their customers.
J G Ross started in business in October 1962 from a small cottage bakery in the village of Auchleven. Initially baking plain bread, bath buns and fruit buns, the Bakery has continued to expand and develop its range of baked goods over the decades. One of the Bakery’s mainstays has been its Buttery, or Rowie as it is known in Aberdeenshire. The Buttery is as popular today as ever, and J G Ross continues to make a staggering 185,000 handmade butteries weekly.
Earlier in the year, J G Ross was recognised for their delicious butteries, softies and seeded rolls and was also awarded the Retail Craft Baker of the Year prize.
J G Ross Commercial Director Graeme Ross expressed his joy over the company’s achievement, stating that winning this year’s award is a testament to their dedication to craft baking. He commended his team’s passion and craftsmanship, which they put into creating new products and delivering quality products and services to their customers daily.
Teams from across national law firm Aberdein Considine have raised more than £50,000 as part of its charity fundraising programme during the last 12 months.
To help mark its 40th anniversary, the firm aimed to raise at least £40,000 to support four children’s hospital charities.
The charities which will benefit include the Archie Foundation, Aberdeen.
Aspect: The Strategic Communication Experts has selected Aberdeen Cyrenians as its first Charity of the Year in what is the charity’s 55th year supporting vulnerable people in North-east Scotland.
This innovative partnership will see Aberdeen Cyrenians benefit from Aspect’s expertise, creativity and insights through a pro-bono communication campaign, as well as the Aspect team’s fundraising efforts and volunteering efforts.
Established by Aberdeen University students as a soup kitchen in 1968, Aberdeen Cyrenians aims to support the most vulnerable people in the North-east facing social exclusion, such as crisis, trauma, poverty, and isolation.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to have a profound impact on people across society, demand for the services offered by Aberdeen Cyrenians increased by 600% in 2022 from the previous year.
Aspect’s support will include a combination of in-kind contributions of the firm’s strategic communication services, employee volunteering, fundraising and materials targeting an overall value of £100,000 by June 2024.
The integrated communication campaign will raise awareness of deprivation and poverty in Aberdeen and tackle the stigma associated with social exclusion and vulnerability in society.
Member owned co-operative ANM Group has chosen Aberdeenshire North Foodbank as its charity of the year.
The target is to raise enough money to purchase two cows which is the equivalent of 2,000 meals.
When was your business established?
September 2009.
What does your business do?
Alto is a Premium Managed Services and Security Provider (MSSP) delivering increased productivity,
peace of mind and a platform for growth for our client base. Located in Aberdeen, we employ a team of IT and cybersecurity consultants whose combined experience totals more than 100 years.
What sort of companies do you do business with?
We work with a growing portfolio of clients throughout the UK and in overseas locations including Spain, France, Denmark, Canada, the USA and the Philippines. With teams ranging from 20 to over 100, our specialism lies in supporting fellow businesses who want to grow in their respective sectors including energy, healthcare and accountancy to hospitality, third sector and manufacturing.
And the biggest opportunity?
Our biggest opportunity relates to the managed services and cybersecurity part of what we do and that accounts for more and more of our workload. Businesses can no longer look at this as something a skilled employee does as an aside. Often, inexplicably, the finance manager takes on the role of IT
offices across Scotland.
What sort of companies do you do business with?
We do business with a vast number of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars plus contract caterers and offices. Our customers range from sole traders to those with hundreds of employees on-site.
Findlay
Leask,
Managing Director, Caber Coffee
When was your business established?
Caber was established in 1988 so we’re marking 35 years in business in 2023.
What does your business do?
We are wholesalers of coffee and coffee making equipment, specialising in bespoke equipment and supply packages for the hospitality sector and
What is the biggest challenge facing your business at the moment?
Our biggest challenge is centred on spiralling costs – from the cost-of-living crisis leaving consumers with a lower disposable income to the fact that all our customers are experiencing price increases from most corners.
And the biggest opportunity?
We’ve been working hard to offset price increases by renegotiating with suppliers, finding alternative products and doing our best to pass on each and every saving we’ve made. This, combined with an unwavering focus on
but you would never expect the finance manager to act as the company’s lawyer! The specialisms are very different and the role needs someone who is correctly trained to do the job.
I am most proud of the nature and depth of the relationships we have created, and these set us apart in the marketplace. I strongly believe that companies have to remember that they’re employing people, not just employees and it’s crucial to get a sense of the whole person. The only way to do that is to invest time in the relationship from the start. In everything we do, internally and externally, communication is priority – and the keystone is having a framework of job roles, not a hierarchy of people. My greatest passion lies in underlining and delivering on those relationships with excellent systems and processes which are thorough and all-encompassing, using a “measure twice, cut once” philosophy.
excellent customer care and aftersales means that the customer, and our community, always comes first.
We always go the extra mile and, while we never promise to be the cheapest on the market, we have a business-wide focus on delivering value for money and outstanding service, indeed we were 2019 Northern Star Business Award winners in the “Customer First” category. We never take our customers for granted. There’s always a friendly team at the end of the phone ready to ensure next day deliveries of the freshest, most consistently tasty coffee blends around. Our community is important to us – recently we launched our Spill the Beans coffee to support Mental Health Aberdeen and we’ve also provided brand-new strips to a community youth football team. It’s all continuing what has been written into the DNA of Caber Coffee throughout the past 35 years.
Bruce Skinner, CEO, ALTO MSSP LtdWhen was your business established?
We have been open since July 2022.
What does your business do?
Located on Queens Terrace in the heart of Aberdeen, Amuse is known for working with fantastic local and seasonal produce to create unique dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. We
also offer bespoke private dining, whisky tastings, networking events, and business parties. Our menus change every few weeks to celebrate the arrival of new seasonal produce and our venue can host anything from 80 people seating and 120 for a standing networking event.
What sort of companies do you do business with?
At Amuse, we are committed to doing business with local suppliers and supporting Scottish produce. We use a variety of local suppliers for the food and drinks we serve in our restaurant and bar. We also source a range of Scottish products from small-scale producers. By doing this, we are able to provide our customers with fresh, quality ingredients and an authentic experience. This attracts real foodies and local and international businesses who enjoy good food and entertaining clients.
What is the biggest challenge at the moment?
As for any business today, numerous challenges exist, from rising energy
What does your business do?
We’re a creative studio building brands, digital experiences and beyond. We help ambitious businesses and people shine, making sure that they’re being seen and heard by the right audience. We love thinking beyond what’s expected and keep this mindset always; when we’re developing strategies, brainstorming concepts and creating visual outcomes.
Colin Leonard,Founder, Fine Day
When was your business established?
Fine Day was established in May 2023...but our story goes all the way back to 2012 when we started out as Design and Code. Over that decade both our team and service offering has grown and developed so it felt like the right time for a change.
We partner with clients across a number sectors including arts and culture, energy, food and drink and technology. We work internationally with large global organisations right through to local businesses and social enterprises. Our mission is to build long-term client partnerships and that’s why collaboration is at the heart of how we work. We’re here to help our clients achieve their long-term goals and support them as they grow.
prices to increasing ingredient costs. It becomes even more difficult for businesses to remain profitable without compromising quality and increasing costs to our customers. With that in mind, we are extremely lucky to have a reliable, hard-working team in place, as we know that staffing is a big challenge for hospitality businesses right now.
Aberdeen is a city full of potential business opportunities, and the food scene is no exception. With access to fresh produce from the surrounding areas, we want to offer customers a unique experience that they won’t find anywhere else while raising the bar in Aberdeen. Special one-off nights like our seafood and spice evening and our special Brummie Burns Night with the fabulous Glynn Purnell teamed by Glenfiddich Distillery are great examples. By taking advantage of Aberdeen’s diverse range of cultures and tastes, businesses can create something truly special that will attract locals and tourists alike.
Read a full interview with Kevin on page 8
What is the biggest challenge at the moment?
I suppose the biggest challenge is getting ourselves out there. We’ve built up a name and reputation so starting over comes with an element of risk…so things like writing this column gives us a window to help get our message out!
And the biggest opportunity?
Repositioning the business and laying the foundations for the future will open up numerous new and wonderful opportunities.
What are you most passionate and proud of?
It has to be our team. We’ve brought together a talented and friendly group of people who offer so much more than their design and development expertise. The team has backgrounds working in art, music, product design, architecture and engineering. This all adds extra colour and energy to our overall offering.
When was your business established?
November 2010
What does your business do?
Based in Belfast and Aberdeen, Surface Corrosion Consultants Ltd specialise in comprehensive paint inspection, NDT inspection and corrosion prevention for several
industries including energy, subsea, renewables, marine, transport and infrastructure and the industrial sector.
What sort of companies do you do business with?
We work with an increasing number of operators, facilities management and access companies, both onshore and offshore.
What is the biggest challenge at the moment?
Like so many others across industries, red tape is a constant headache especially during the procurement process once a “proof of concept” has been met.
And the biggest opportunity?
So much of industry 4.0 and maximising the opportunities of the times we operate in focus on streamlining and maximising efficiency through digitisation. This holds true for the whole QA/QC experience for NDT/CUI and coatings surveying and inspection. This is the reason behind our
engineers are engineers first and foremost. They design, develop, re-engineer and enhance bespoke software systems which remain supported throughout their life cycle.
What sort of companies do you do business with?
innovative web and tablet-based SAM™ system which allows the complete management of assets from conditional surveying and specification to scope of works and inspection reporting.
The development of SAM™ to exceed expectations in our sector and, most recently, the development of our Degradation Forecasting Module (DFM) which enables better planning and cost efficiencies by forecasting when asset upgrading is required. This is proving to be pivotal in opening doors into new sectors and geographical territories for us.
Our AGCC membership allows us to be correctly positioned to engage with the business community in and around Aberdeen in a way which is proactive and mutually beneficial.
Irvine,
Business Executive,DevelopmentSword Group
When was your business established?
Codify was founded over two decades ago and joined the Sword family over three years ago.
What does your business do?
Sword Codify are part of the APPS division of Sword. Our software
At Sword, we primarily work with the energy industry. However, we have a range of clients from finance, manufacturing to logistics, sports recreation and catering organisations, offering tailored software solutions to meet their specific needs in modernising business processes.
And the biggest opportunity?
The biggest opportunity for our business right now lies in harnessing the power of data-driven decisions. By capturing the right data at the right time, we can unlock valuable insights. This enables us to make more informed and strategic business decisions, optimise processes, and deliver software solutions that provide real value.
We are always a solution-oriented team and are dedicated to understanding our partners’ unique needs and delivering solutions that drive their success. By operating side-by-side with our customers, our expertise in creating solutions using an agile approach means we are able to deliver iterative improvements in response to customer feedback through the development process. Our team of expert software engineers have created a collaborative working environment and together we provide high quality software systems.
There have been several benefits to joining the Chamber. Having the opportunity to connect with more local businesses and continuing our support to economic growth in the region which benefits us all.
Glentanar Brasserie & Bar in Westhill has had a £340,000 restaurant and garden refurbishment.
Situated in the Holiday Inn Aberdeen West, Glentanar Brasserie & Bar’s brand-new elegant interiors and refurbished space has been designed to be perfect for any occasion, from intimate dinners with a loved one, group celebrations with family, friends, or colleagues, or a cosy place to unwind as a hotel guest.
Natalie Anderson at Glentanar Brasserie & Bar said: “After a short break, we’re delighted to welcome our customers back to Glentanar Brasserie & Bar at Holiday Inn, Aberdeen West. From its brand-new interior design inspired by the area’s rich history to the new menu which gives Brasserie classics a modern Scottish twist.”
Exclusive offer for AGCC members: 20% discount on bookings of an Elevate Academy programme for up to 12 delegates.
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Exclusive offer for AGCC members: 20% discount on bookings of an Elevate Academy programme for up to 12 delegates.
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Your customised learning and development programme to elevate anyone into a more strategic business management role. Must be booked by the end of 2023. For more information, email craig.smith@stcinsiso.com or call 01224 937497
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Your customised learning and development programme to elevate anyone into a more strategic business management role. Must be booked by the end of 2023. For more information, email craig.smith@stcinsiso.com or call 01224 937497
Your customised learning and development programme to elevate anyone into a more strategic business management role.
Apache has confirmed that it is halting drilling in the North Sea due to the windfall tax being levied on operators.
The US firm - one of the top 10 operators in the UK Continental Shelf - also said it would be reducing its British workforce because the Energy Profits Levy has made it less competitive.
The announcement was made just hours after the UK Government’s new price floor on the tax - designed to renew confidence among companies and investors - was met with a lukewarm response from industry.
A new price trigger will cut the overall tax rate on energy firms from 75% to 40% if oil and gas prices fall to defined historic norms for two consecutive quarters.
But the tax rate will only return to 40% if both average oil and gas prices fall to or below $71.40 per barrel for oil and 54p per therm for gas.
Treasury papers show officials believe that the floor will never be triggered, based on current price projections. This means North Sea operators are likely to be left stuck on one of the highest tax rates in the world for several years.
Apache confirmed that this would lead to an unspecified number of job losses in its UK business.
“We are reassessing our investments, as we consider the challenging UK macro environment with its increasingly costly and burdensome tax and regulatory regime,” an Apache spokeswoman said.
“Given the business climate for the oil and gas industry in the UK, these assets have become less competitive in comparison to the rest of our portfolio,” she said.
Sir Ian Wood, one of the leading figures in the North Sea industry for 50 years, has joined a chorus of concern about the fiscal regime.
“The introduction of a price floor to the Energy Profits Levy is a modest step toward creating a somewhat more stable fiscal regime that will incentivise investment toward achieving greater domestic energy security,” he said.
“As prices return to normal and the windfall no longer exists, oil and gas producers are still experiencing one of the highest tax burdens of any sector in the world and the number of operators who have publicly announced plans to scale back or cancel operations in the North Sea with significant job losses linked directly to this policy is truly alarming.
“It remains to be seen whether or not this price floor will have any real impact in reversing these decisions and we urge the UK Government to monitor this closely and take further steps, as necessary, to protect the future of the industry.”
This year’s Nuart Aberdeen, the award-winning and internationally renowned street art festival, has been hailed the best yet, with thousands of people turning out to see the newest pieces on the city’s streets.
The June festival saw 13 acclaimed artists visit Aberdeen and create stunning new artwork in the city, ranging from large murals to smaller, more intricate installations.
The festival has attracted tens of thousands of visitors to the city since it first took place in 2017 and continues to draw crowds into the city centre, providing an ongoing boost to local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and bars.
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said Nuart had been another incredible success, with the public keen to see it return next year.
“Nuart Aberdeen is widely regarded as the best street art festival of its kind in the world, and rightly so,” he said.
“The works that have been added to the streets of the city for this year’s festival are vibrant, thought-provoking and evocative.”
Sometimes the best things are hiding in plain sight. As the North-east regional economy develops, we have become used to the agricultural landscape that knits our region together.
That landscape is world-renowned as the source of the very best in agricultural production. Using a combination of traditional methods and standards and globally respected technology, we are the engine room behind the creation of the very best livestock production. Sometimes, perhaps too often, we take that for granted. We shouldn’t, and we should be shouting about it from the rooftops!
ANM Group was a proud sponsor of the recent Taste of Grampian event in Aberdeen at P&J Live - an annual celebration of all that we produce, and the way that we produce it. It brought visitors from across the country to taste the very best that we bring from farm to fork, along with some of the country’s best chefs who were rightly keen to join us and make use of the best of the North-east.
Last year at ANM, we celebrated our 150th anniversary - as one of the UK’s largest and most successful co-operatives, and
a business owned by so many of those involved in local food production. Our auction ring is the weekly meeting point for the buyers and sellers, and our revolutionary online platform allows participation from so many others who recognise that the North-east of Scotland has a provenance and the built-in quality of food production that they want to be part of.
It seems so obvious when it’s part of our everyday experience at Thainstone that we should be more
vocal in promoting our credentials across the North-east and beyond. But for many, it’s hiding in plain sight. For too many, it hardly needs saying that our standards are higher than anywhere else on the planetbut they are. It hardly needs saying that our unique geography provides a peerless environment for rearing the best livestock in the worldbut it does. Our traceability and transparency across the food chain is like nowhere else, and we should be bursting with pride about that.
It’s time we started to be more on the front foot in promoting our unique regional offer. Taste of Grampian was a great start; but there’s a generational opportunity to promote ourselves to domestic consumers who have forgotten the quality offer we hold, and to the global audience who know we have the produce they need.
Quality, provenance and history
- an unbeatable North-east combination!
Grant Rogerson, Chief Executive, ANM GroupIt’s time we started to be more on the front foot in promoting our unique regional offer.
The Labour Party and companies in the energy sector have a shared goal – to get the UK to net zero as quickly and efficiently as possible.
This requires clear, wellcommunicated and informed policy decisions to be made.
So despite warm words in support of the sector and its workforce, we remain deeply concerned by Sir Keir Starmer’s proposed ban on new licences, which will place thousands of jobs, investment and energy security at risk.
The oil and gas sector directly supports 215,000 highly-skilled and highly-paid jobs in the UK at present, including 90,000 direct jobs in Scotland, half of which are in the Aberdeen region.
It also sustains a world-class supply chain, made up largely of SMEs, which will be crucial in delivering the infrastructure and operational expertise needed to realise Labour’s ambition of making the UK a green energy superpower.
The energy transition is an exciting opportunity for this region –as nobody is better placed to take advantage of the potential economic benefits on offer. However, we are also at greatest risk if our policy makers get it wrong.
To be clear, failure in this policy area could cost up to 17,000 jobs in the Aberdeen region alone by 2030, and that crucial supply chain could be lost as the commercial opportunities in new energy are simply not available at scale yet.
The path to net zero requires four things – and they span business, government and the public at large.
First, we need to reduce fossil fuel demand, and that involves everyone. Right now, three-quarters of the UK’s energy consumption is derived from oil and gas. That’s what is fuelling 24 million homes with gas boilers, 32 million vehicles fired by diesel and petrol, and the power stations generating more than 40% of our electricity.
Second, we need to develop new sources and ways of storing energy – such as hydrogen and offshore wind – to help us further diversify our energy mix.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, we need the public and government to understand and accept that this could easily take two, perhaps three decades, to deliver.
And fourth, it requires us to find the most efficient way to source the oil and gas we need to keep the lights on and the country moving in the meantime. Nobody is calling for unlimited extraction, but the UK’s own Climate Change Committee acknowledges that oil and gas will still meet a large share of our energy demand over the next decade. Even in 2050, it will still be in significant use at over 20% of our energy mix.
If we don’t invest in new North Sea fields – including many which are already accounted for in the UK’s carbon budgets – production levels could well fall by 80% over the next decade and we will be leaving British oil in the ground while importing tens of billions of pounds of higher carbon content from other parts of the world.
That does not tackle the climate crisis or contribute to net zero –quite the opposite. It makes little economic sense, and even less environmental sense. A policy which leaves us more reliant on other countries for our energy simply grows the market share of OPEC members, which will make us more, not less, vulnerable to energy shocks.
As the GMB Union puts it, “plans not bans” are the way ahead. It is an irrefutable fact that oil and gas will remain a key component of our energy mix into and beyond 2050,
If the alternative is importing oil and gas from overseas, at a greater carbon cost, then we must favour domestic production.
so an energy plan that is cognisant of that is essential.
We believe all parties, including Labour, should adopt an explicit position on hydrocarbons, which is that if the alternative is importing oil and gas from overseas, at a greater carbon cost, then we must favour domestic production. It’s simple, it’s measurable, and it ensures that the fossil fuels that we do use are extracted with minimum impact on our climate goals.
We urge politicians of all parties to work with us, with industry and with the unions, to make our energy strategy a prospectus for growth; a plan which will herald the beginning of a new era of global energy capital status for Scotland and the UK.
The alternative path – one with a cliff-edge end to oil and gas – will decree decades of decline upon the regions which have powered the UK through the toughest of times.
I do not believe for a second that this would be Sir Keir’s deliberate intention, but it is the unintended consequence staring us in the face if a more pragmatic approach, one that secures greater energy and economic security, is not adopted.
Ryan Crighton, Director of Policy and Marketing, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
High street bingo and adult gaming business Merkur has chosen Aberdeen as the location for its first casino in the UK.
Its purchase of Rainbow Casino on Summer Street has been hailed as a milestone for the group and will safeguard around 40 jobs in the city centre.
Mark Schertle, Chief Operating Officer for Merkur Casino UK, said: “We’re really excited to be opening our first casino venue in the UK and what better place to choose than Aberdeen.
“The city has a vibrant night-time economy, provides the perfect location to launch this new arm of our business and will successfully complement our portfolio of over 225 high street bingo and adult gaming centres across the UK.
“It will also be a welcome addition to our existing Merkur Slots venue on Union Street in Aberdeen, safeguard jobs and reinforce our continued investment in the local high street.
“Having already undergone a refresh and new layout of the casino, we now have some exciting plans to invest and develop the business further and look forward to welcoming new and existing customers.”
The new-look casino will include a selection of table games, including blackjack, poker and roulette, along with the latest slots products.
It will also offer a range of corporate packages to the local business community.
Northwood, which provides estate agency services across the North-east, has unveiled its newly branded personalised service – Bespoke by Northwood - for those looking to sell their property.
The family-run business offer clients a customised sales service based on their individual needs with the aim of achieving a premium price for their property.
Set up in 2009 by Laura Mearns and her husband Steven, Northwood has offices in Aberdeen and Inverurie. With an established presence in Aberdeen City and Shire, Northwood has grown its presence in surrounding areas including Banchory, Aboyne, Ballater, Ellon and Stonehaven.
Laura said that Bespoke by Northwood is all about working closely with the client to understand their priorities and devising a tailored marketing plan to find the right buyer for their property.
“There is never a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to selling property – it is a very individual and personal thing and choosing the right agent is essential in ensuring the right advice is given and marketing strategy adopted.
“We have been growing our business in the North-east over the past 15 years – it has been built on local knowledge, attention to detail and professionalism and we have become known as a trusted estate agent throughout the area.
“The shop front is an important part of our marketing, but we do more than just list a client’s property in a window – the Northwood team always goes over and above to ensure that we secure the best lifestyle marketing, as well as tailoring a bespoke marketing and social media plan, and we provide home styling and home improvement advice to ensure a property stands out above the rest.”
What was your first job?
My first full-time job was an Office Junior at Deloitte Haskins & Sells.
When would you like to retire?
When I stop enjoying what I’m doing.
What did you have for breakfast?
Greek yoghurt with banana washed down with Lavazza caramel coffee – I’m not usually that healthy!
Who, or what, inspires you?
My Father, nature and travel.
What’s the last book you read / film you saw?
Recently watched The Godfather again “For justice, we must go to Don Corleone”.
John Hannah, Managing Partner, SBP Accountants and Business Advisors
What does your company do that others don’t?
At SBP we take a genuine interest in our clients and staff. We are currently working our way through a staff wellness program as we believe happy, motivated staff will assist us in providing an excellent service to our clients. We aim to have long-term employees who form lasting business relationships with our clients, providing proactive advice that allows our clients to achieve both their business and personal goals. We also have associated wealth management, financial services, and mortgage advisers to hand as well as being able to offer our clients expert lending advice.
What are the most pressing challenges that your industry sector faces today, and why?
We are all working our way through the post pandemic era where we have seen many businesses borrow money to try and navigate through the pandemic. Inflation and interest rates are extremely high and there is a severe lack of labour resources in many sectors. It is basically the perfect storm. The fight for talent
in accountancy SMEs is particularly hard. This is making the industry as a whole have to think more deeply about culture and values and invest more in training and development.
What is the hardest lesson you have learned in your career to date?
Assuming everyone I worked with, had the same morals as I do. I have fortunately, over the years, managed to cut ties with those who do not.
What is the most valuable piece of business advice you have ever received?
Be good at what you do, work hard and don’t be scared to borrow money to make money.
What’s been your proudest career achievement to date, and why?
Managing to keep the business afloat and then achieve growth, following the retiral of the original Partner and early passing of another Partner in 2009, within a very short space of time. These events resulted in me having to borrow a significant amount of money as well as work
a silly amount of hours for quite some time. It was basically “sink or swim” so coming out the other end and managing to build a successful, growing accountancy practice is very pleasing.
If you could make one thing happen tomorrow that would benefit North-east Scotland, what would that be?
Move industry from our inner harbours to the outskirts of our towns and cities and build luxury accommodation, exquisite restaurants with organic farm to table produce and other amenities on our waterfronts. Create quality jobs and opportunities for all and of course, improve the North-east weather!
Mackie’s of Scotland emerged as the double winner at a major awards ceremony, landing accolades for its green innovation and the quality of a new popular ice cream flavour.
The family-owned firm was recognised at the North-east Scotland Food & Drink Awards, which saw more than 250 industry professionals descend on The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen to celebrate the 36 companies nominated across 12 categories.
Westertown Farm based Mackie’s secured the Sustainability Award, in recognition for its innovation, reflected most recently by the installation of one of Europe’s most efficient low carbon refrigeration systems, which now enables it to export even more renewable energy to the grid.
It also took home Best New Product (Large Business) for its Strawberry Swirl, which uses fruit from Aberdeenshire’s Castleton Farm, with sauces created in-house by Mackie’s and folded through strawberry ice cream.
The River Dee Trust conservation charity and their partners are nearing their halfway milestone of planting a million trees to save endangered salmon and other wildlife.
The river’s ecosystem is facing the threat of dangerously rising water temperatures.
The huge community campaign to create cooling shade is well ahead of schedule, but river managers warn they are in a race against time.
Over 460,000 native trees have now been planted along the banks of the River Dee and its tributaries, as part of ambitious plans to plant a million native trees launched in spring 2020.
The £5.5milion campaign led by the River Dee Trust with the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board is part of efforts to deliver landscape-scale conservation across the eastern Cairngorms.
The number of trees planted brings the project well ahead of the target date of 2035 for getting the first million trees in the ground, with the main species being alder, willow, birch, aspen and Scots pine.
The autumn menu for the Signature Food Festival 2023 in Aberdeen will delight diners as renowned chefs from across the UK raise money for The JEllie Foundation in Aberdeen this September and November.
Tom Aikens, hailed as one of the most creative and talented chefs the country has ever seen and holder of two Michelin stars, will make his first Signature appearance.
He’ll be joined by Tom Brown and Lisa Goodwin-Allen cooking for the festival once again after their outstanding debuts at the 2022 event, and the ever-popular Phil Howard and Glynn Purnell who will be marking their third and fourth visits respectively to the pass at The Chester Hotel.
Between them the chefs – all regular faces on the Great British Menu and Saturday Morning Kitchen – hold seven Michelin stars and 17 AA Red Rosettes.
The festival, the only one of its kind in Scotland, is the creation of Gillian and Graham Wood, owners of The Chester Hotel and trustees of The JEllie Foundation.
Graham says: “The Signature Food Festival is growing in awareness amongst the UK chef fraternity and we’re able each year to attract new, very high-profile names to cook for our diners. The fact that so many much-loved faces like Glynn Purnell, Phil Howard and Atul Kochhar are returning too, year on year, shows we must be doing something right with our approach of inviting the culinary elite to Aberdeen to cook with the finest local, seasonal produce to raise money for good causes.”
Robert Gordon University (RGU) has been placed in the top three institutions in Scotland and the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction in the latest Complete University Guide league table.
The 2024 rankings also saw RGU rise 11 places overall to be named as one of the guide’s major climbers and the biggest increase of any Scottish institution.
Professor Lynn Kilbride, Vice Principal for Academic Development & Student Experience, said: “I’m delighted to see that our student satisfaction ranking remains among the very best institutions across the UK.
“These results are a testament to our entire staff community who work hard and in partnership with our stakeholders to ensure that our students have an excellent experience as they gain knowledge for their chosen career path and the skills to become global citizens.
“RGU’s strategic aim includes transforming people and communities by offering high-quality education that provides students with the skills to thrive throughout their lives. This continues to bear fruit and we will continue to work together to keep delivering excellence going forward.”
IoD Scotland has revealed the winners of its 2023 Director of the Year Awards during a ceremony in Edinburgh.
Bob Keiller, Non-executive Chair at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, was named Director of the Year 2023 for the Non-Executive category, as well as Regional Director for Aberdeen.
Judges were particularly impressed by his ability to use practical board-level skills to lead strategic work and implement change. Examples of this practice include using a strategic review to deliver clarification on the chamber’s purpose, direction, and longer-term targets - shifting it from a culture of “can we survive?” to “we can grow”.
Acumen Financial Planning has seen continued expansion across their Scottish offices, with the addition of five new members of staff across the country and promotions within their Aberdeen and Glasgow teams.
The team expansion is said to have come as a result of extensive client demand and growth across all areas of the business.
The Chief Executive of Ellon-based brewery and bar group BrewDog has announced a £1million cash injection to be shared by five firms with big plans for the future.
James Watt is investing in the businesses which took part in the Next Unicorn project and made it through to the final in Las Vegas.
Unicorn refers to a start-up company which reaches a value of more than $1billion. BrewDog - one of the biggest business success stories in the North-east in recent yearsbegan in a small way in a Fraserburgh garage in 2007 but is now a multinational operation valued not far off £2billion.
The BrewDog’s boss is putting up £5million of his own money up in search of the next $1billion company.
He partnered with equity crowdfunding platform Crowdcube to receive pitches from entrepreneurs.
Mr Watt said: “We had 780 fantastic businesses apply and narrowing this down to the final 20 and then the final five was incredibly difficult.
“I am delighted to announce that I have invested an initial £1million across all five of the finalists.
“I had intended to only invest in three of the businesses, but all five finalists were so brilliant that I felt I simply had to back them all.”
After the initial £1million investment, a further £4million will be unlocked as the winning companies reach certain milestones.
The CEO said: “Building and growing businesses is a real passion point for me, and I have learnt so much on my journey getting BrewDog to unicorn status.”
The winners and their initial investments:
• Basket - an app allowing shoppers to bookmark potential purchases from any site (£250,000)
• Mous - protective cases and accessories for phones, headphones and other consumer tech (£150,000)
• Tallow & Ash - a range of environmentally-friendly laundry shampoos and conditioners (£250,000)
• Uncouth - personalised and prescribed skincare treatments (£150,000)
• Yum Bug - edible, bug-based recipe boxes and snacks (£200,000)
The Ellon CEO said: “I am so excited to work with these entrepreneurs and do all I can to help them to build worldclass businesses.
“What’s really exciting is that members of the public will be able to invest in these outstanding businesses too.
“Each of the winning companies is available on Crowdcube, where people can invest pound-for-pound on the same terms as me. Let’s build the next billion-dollar company.”
A quarter of Scottish farmers will be contacted about their plans for the next five years as part of the largest and longest running survey of its kind.
The Scottish Government-funded Farmer Intentions Survey, organised by The James Hutton Institute and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), is conducted every five years to inform agricultural policy across all types of farms.
Farmers will be asked to outline how their plans have changed since the last survey in 2018 and what their plans are for the next five years, to help gauge what is driving their decision making.
It comes as Scottish farmers face ongoing concerns over fertiliser and energy costs, as well as the cost of living crisis, pressure around climate change and biodiversity, and upcoming changes in regulations and funding.
As well as broader questions around farm management and investment activities, this year’s survey will also look at farm diversification, bioenergy, attitudes towards regulation and risk, resistance to change, and uptake of best practise.
From home life to businesses, everyone needs to be cyber aware and resilient in a growing digital world. That’s why SQA offers a wide range of qualifications in the cyber and computing sector.
Learners who use SQA’s cyber portfolio have a clear pathway into the cyber security workforce. These qualifications have been developed in partnership with leading employers, college lecturers and experts from across the cyber sector. They include:
• National Unit Cyber Security (SCQF Level 3) – A new stand-alone unit covering the foundations of cyber security for young learners, developed in partnership with Education Scotland.
• NPA Cyber Security (SCQF levels 4, 5 & 6) – These were the first schoolbased National Qualifications in cyber security developed in Europe, preparing learners for further studies and future employment in this sector.
• HNC Cyber Security (SCQF level 7)
– SQA’s entry level Higher National qualification develops learners’ knowledge, understanding, and skills in topics such as data security, and ethical hacking.
• Diploma in Digital Technology: Cyber Security (SCQF level 8) – New in 2022, this qualification covers areas such as digital business transformation, contributing to cyber security risk assessment and risk management, and maintaining security operations.
Martin Meszaros recently completed a HND in Cyber Security at North East College Scotland, allowing him to progress to the third year of a degree in Cyber Security at Robert Gordon University.
Receiving A grades in both his first and second-year graded units, Martin went on to compete in the World Skills IT Support Technician Competition, receiving a silver medal in the final. At his graduation ceremony in late 2022, Martin won the SQA Student Award for his achievements and passion for his studies and learning.
Martin explains, “I came to Scotland from Hungary just over 10 years ago with the hope of continuing my studies, but I became very anxious about my English level. I applied to study Level 5 Computing at college. I still remember the day my interview happened as I was very anxious about my English skills, but I had nothing to worry about. The lecturer was extremely polite and as we started talking about computing, he advised Level 6 would be a better fit
for me. This is where my college journey began.
“It’s crazy to think I came from a small town of less than 1,500 people in Hungary, to winning a medal at a national competition, all while progressing through college doing a HNC and then a HND.
He continues, “I would recommend a cyber course to anyone looking to study computing in general. They teach all the fundamentals of computing and security, and I found myself interested in everything we covered. It really felt like I was learning every day, which is an amazing feeling to have.
“I’m sure my HND will provide exciting opportunities for the future after graduating. I’m especially interested in mobile device security and my longstanding dream is to one day work for Google. I hope one day I can support them in making millions of users’ lives more secure.”
Alistair McKay, SQA Regional Manager for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, says that learners like Martin who use SQA’s cyber portfolio have a clear pathway into the cyber security workforce. He explains: “We developed these qualifications in partnership with leading employers and experts from across the cyber sector. Learners can be confident the skills, knowledge and understanding they will develop was prescribed by the leading voices from across the industry and will equip them to thrive in an area which increasingly impacts on every aspect of society.”
To stay up to date with latest developments and view all Computing, IT and Software qualifications, visit https://www.sqa.org.uk/computing.
As the Regional Manager for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Alistair McKay has extensive knowledge of SQA qualifications, from those delivered in schools and colleges, to workplace-based qualifications. He supports and engages with organisations delivering SQA qualifications in his area and aids the development of new qualifications to meet the changing needs of learners and employers. If you’d like advice on delivering SQA qualifications, please contact Alistair at alistair.mckay@sqa.org.uk.
Two young North-east businessmen have big expansion plans for their popular fast-food takeaway brand.
Mike Robertson and Dave Griffiths, both aged 32, want to see around 100 ABERDAM Dutch Fries outlets up and running across the UK in the next five years.
Such an achievement would represent major growth for a venture which was only born during the CV19 pandemic and recently
plus a mobile unit operating in Aberdeenshire. There is a team of nearly 30 staff.
The two entrepreneurs see the Shire as presenting a big opportunity - and they are currently looking at three new opportunities in the area.
The plan is to open the first of these outlets this year, with the other two to follow soon after.
Different types of food from around the world are increasingly
He explained: “No one was doing Dutch food across here.
“Dave and I have a fascination with Amsterdam – there are a lot of cool snacks there from the street-food scene that no one was selling in the UK.
“And we also decided to give our offering a Scottish twist, by marrying Dutch street food with the best products from our local worldclass larder.”
ABERDAM specialises in triplecooked Dutch style fries, sauces, and fried snacks, as well as its Aberdeen-Angus smash burgers
The operation started out as a fries stall manned by Mike and Dave at an outdoor street food event in the city in April 2021 that they co-organised, and its business potential immediately became
He explained: “The first week we did the stall, the queue of customers was round the block - and I said to Dave: ‘We are onto something
“We quickly realised that our food offering appeals to everyone – it is not a niche, so the potential market is huge.
“After four months with the stall, we realised things were going so well we needed a permanent-home – so we found premises in Aberdeen’s
The businessmen then added an outlet in Glasgow last October and the mobile unit in February this year, but this is still early days for the
The enterprise’s major potential has already been recognised at a North-east and national level.
ABERDAM picked up two top industry awards in recent weeks.
It received the Start-up Business of the Year award at the 2023 Northern Star Business Awards.
The Aberdeen venture feels a great responsibility to support and promote fellow local businesses as much as possible.
In just one year, it used more than 50 local suppliers for its staple menu items, packaging, signage, merchandise and more.
Suppliers include G McWilliams for meat, Vegan Bay Baker for buns, Fat Batch for desserts, Angus and Oink for seasonings, Amity Fish Co for fish and Fierce Beer.
ABERDAM was also honoured at the UK grand final of the Federation of Small Businesses Celebrating Small Business Awards in Birmingham.
The Aberdeen operation came first in the Start-up Business of the Year category.
The two Scottish winners - the other being Yellow Hare from Tiree
- triumphed over more than 4,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs from across the UK who entered this year’s awards.
ABERDAM’s Dave Griffiths said of the honour: “It’s unbelievable to have been recognised.
“Looking around at all of the other entrants who managed to get their successful businesses off the ground despite all of the challenges of the last few years was really inspirational.
“Knowing that we’ve been recognised for our hard work is a real boost as we prepare to expand.”
In its first 12 months of trading to April 2022, ABERDAM achieved sales of £440,000, which jumped to just over £1million in the year to April 2023 and is expected to reach the £2million mark in the current year.
What is most remarkable about this surge in growth is that the venture has managed to thrive with no backing from outside investors.
Mike said: “We put £5,000 on our credit cards to get started and that was it.”
The two businessmen see massive potential for expansion in the next five years.
Mike added: “We could have 100 ABERDAM outlets by 2028.
“The opportunity is huge, as we can’t see many direct competitors.
We could have 100 ABERDAM outlets by 2028. The opportunity is huge, as we can’t see many direct competitors.
“The company’s estate down the line would be a mix of sites owned by us, plus other locations franchised out.
“For example, we could see four or five outlets in the Birmingham area alone.”
Mike conceded that, to achieve such a rapid rate of growth, ABERDAM would need outside finance.
The entrepreneur felt this was inevitable, though Dave and he would still be in control.
Asked about the secret of ABERDAM’s success, Mike said resilience was a big factor.
But the businessman also commented that success for the venture did come at a personal price.
He added: “Commitment is constantly needed, seven days a
get enough of my time, due to my work. But that’s the price you pay for success - sacrifice.”
Asked about moves to boost the fortunes of Aberdeen city centre, Mike welcomed the recentlylaunched Our Union Street organisation led by Bob Keiller.
But he said: “There is a big problem in the city centre with the high levels of rent and business rates.
“We previously looked at a site in Union Street, but it had a rent double that of the premises we occupy in Shiprow, not to mention the rates we would have had to pay.”
However, future potential success for ABERDAM would not all be about the founders making money.
Mike, who hails from Torry, has a
I have three children aged 12 or under and a fantastic, supporting partner - unfortunately they don’t get enough of my time, due to my work. But that’s the price you pay for
Area of expertise?
Design and build engineer who created the first ever, completely off grid holiday development. Least, I believe it to be the “first ever” because when I was trying to do it, I tried to find someone to copy, but couldn’t. I therefore had to invent how to do it.
What should people know?
We offer short breaks to help folks recharge in self-catering lodges and bothies set in a 100 year old Scots pine forest. We are close enough to home that you can get home easily enough if you need, but far enough away to enjoy the spectaculars of our natural capital and its flora and fauna. You can bring the dug, too.
What’s the biggest mistakes companies make?
Companies strive to grow, but as they do they generally put more controls and measures in place which make them less efficient and agile. There is absolutely a place for control regimes and they are in the areas of high risk exposure be that financial risks or health and safety risks, but are not necessary for everything. Overly oppressive controls stifle creativity and therefore growth and innovation.
What’s your top tip?
Personally, I wish I could adhere to this more myself, but I am getting better at it. Work is becoming increasingly blended into life in general. The WFH movement is certainly blurring the edges. When you work, schedule a period for “deep work”, a period of intense concentration, no distractions (phone, email, OFF) and get on with the stuff you really must do.
Area of expertise?
With core capabilities in engineering and project management, asset integrity and asset management, Penspen provide companies across the oil and gas industry, and gas distribution networks with expertise across the full asset lifecycle. In recent years, we have been working in the energy transition space, providing services for hydrogen, carbon capture, and electrification. We also offer a variety of digital services, such as digital pipeline integrity management solutions.
What should people know?
Over the past 70 years, Penspen has delivered over 10,000 projects across more than 100 countries. Pairing the company’s extensive experience in the North Sea region with expertise in onshore and offshore engineering, gas processing, and pipeline design; our team of engineers have the knowledge required to help the energy sector in Aberdeen navigate industry challenges and balance the need to operate profitably with the responsibility to operate safely, sustainably, and in compliance with regulations.
What’s the biggest mistakes companies make?
Not using data to guide their strategy. We live in an increasingly digital world where data is more readily available than ever, but many businesses fail to capitalise on this when creating their strategy. You need to build your strategy using as many facts as you can get your hands on, not assumptions or gut feelings. Companies should consider investing in the tools and mechanisms to capture and analyse the very best data for them, and using the insights derived from that data to shape their business plan .
What’s your top tip?
Adequately plan how the strategy will be delivered and ensure that you can deliver on that business plan. This means the business must be assessed to evaluate the core skills and capabilities within. The business plan must then evolve to consider how to fill any gaps in the skill and capabilities. This can then bring up a range of questions, such as is there a need to hire new talent or build further on relationships with suppliers or distributors?
Area of expertise?
With an understanding of what drives consumer behaviour and key industry challenges, I provide strategic advice to a range of businesses, organisations, and industry groups. More recently I have focussed on local food and drink, food tourism and rural enterprise, and co-founded THRIVE - a weekend school for food and drink, and rural enterprise entrepreneurs.
What should people know?
The Food & Enterprise team’s portfolio coalesces around three key areas of operation: business growth and support, sustainability and net zero, and rural economics and policy. Already working with food and drink, food tourism, diversified rural businesses and key sector stakeholders, this growing team is expanding its client base.
What’s the biggest mistakes companies make?
It’s important to have a strategic long-term view co-created with colleagues. To have credible leaders who inspire others with shared goals. Most importantly the work delivered should grow the business profitably and at the same time grow the individuals who are recognised as the future of that business.
What’s your top tip?
Do a job you love and work smart. Don’t be afraid to have an opinion. Respect your colleagues and those around you and ensure you have a good work-life balance. Always look at the market and environment around you to build you future direction. Take time to reflect, review and revitalise yourself, your role and your life.
Area of expertise?
ZLX Business Solutions is a leading research and development (R&D) tax credit specialist. We offer expert advice around complex issues such as tax compliance, land remediation tax relief, raising finance, restructuring, and market repositioning. With offices in Aberdeen and Glasgow, the company’s experienced management team, including experts in legal, accountancy and technical disciplines, identify projects eligible for R&D tax credits and then navigate clients through the claims process.
What should people know?
If your company is developing new products, systems, or processes – for example, to reduce carbon emissions – R&D tax credits could help release vital funds for business growth. With ZLX’s assistance, customers in the food and drink and manufacturing sectors have reclaimed funds from £10,000 to £1.5million through their innovation investments. Since April 1, the regulations surrounding R&D tax credits have tightened significantly. These could penalise firms that claim tax relief due to a five-fold increase in the number of HMRC compliance reviews.
What’s the biggest mistakes companies make?
We regularly encounter submissions where the wrong items have been included or projects have been overclaimed for. In our experience, HMRC may reject a claim and issue a penalty to the company – up to 100% of the original amount – if the claim has been put together in a reckless manner or doesn’t adhere to BEIS guidelines. It can be difficult for businesses to keep up to date with the latest requirements and produce a comprehensive qualifying report containing all necessary supporting evidence.
What’s your top tip?
Stop and think whether you have the resources to defend your claim against a compliance review or HMRC investigation. Before making a claim, you should seek independent advice from a trusted professional who has specific legal, financial and technical expertise.
Breast screening technology developed using Artificial Intelligence (AI) can detect abnormalities that would have been missed using current screening procedures.
From research to delivery in clinical settings, this groundbreaking work undertaken by the University of Aberdeen, NHS Grampian and Kheiron Medical Technologies has included the analysis of 220 thousand mammograms from more than 55 thousand people to determine how well an AI tool could detect breast cancers.
The AI software, named ‘Mia’, created by Kheiron Medical Technologies Ltd., was assessed by a research team led by Professor Lesley Anderson, Chair in Health Data Science at the University of Aberdeen, as part of the Industrial Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research in Digital Diagnostics (iCAIRD) programme. Dr Clarisse de Vries, Radiology Imaging Researcher, at the University of Aberdeen led the data analysis.
The analysis found that Mia was successful at identifying potentially missed cancers, known as ‘interval’ cancers which are detected between screening visits. The team found that Mia would have suggested recalling 34.1% of the women who went on to develop cancer in between screenings. Using current screening measures these cancers remained undetected until the women developed symptoms.
Dr De Vries explains: “Currently, two experts examine each mammogram and decide whether the person should be invited back for additional investigations. If the two experts disagree, a third expert makes the final decision.
“Similar to a human expert, Mia can examine a screening mammogram and give an opinion as to whether that person should be invited back for additional investigations.
“Mia has previously been developed and tested on some groups, but until now had not yet been used on data from the NHS in Scotland.
“Our finding is a massive step forward in using AI technology in diagnostic medicine – we showed that once ‘tuned’ to the local environment, AI can be of enormous benefit to clinicians and importantly, people who may be at risk of developing cancer.”
Leighton Clarkson has signed a four year-deal with Aberdeen FC after completing a move from English Premiership side Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.
The creative midfielder, who made a lasting impression during his loan spell at Pittodrie last season, becomes Manager Barry Robson’s second signing of the summer.
And more new faces are expected to be announced in the coming days as The Dons step up preparations for their European campaign next season.
A highly sought after young player, the return of Leighton further reinforces the Dons’ vision to be the best developer of talent in Scotland and was made possible by the AberDNA programme, which uses fan contributions to bolster our first team and development strategy.
A team of work colleagues from Quensh Specialists Limited swapped the corporate life for the beach as part of an environmental awareness campaign to support a local beauty spot.
The group from Ellon-based Quensh joined forces with another local business, J+S Subsea, to take part in a cleanup effort at Newburgh Beach, where they collected 138kg (or just over 300lbs) of plastic and other waste.
The brand-new Fierce Beer taproom, opened in April 2023, is one of the key outcomes of Fierce Beer’s 2021 Crowdfunder. Fierce’s community - known as its Fierce Family - helped them to build a brand-new retail space onsite at their brewery in Dyce, on the outskirts of Aberdeen.
Dotted with plants and lit naturally with large windows, the taproom is spacious and has a relaxed vibe with outdoors picnic bench seating, space for kitchen pop-up vendors, and ample parking. Fierce Beer’s expertise in alcohol free beers means drivers don’t miss out on delicious beer brewed on site.
There are plans to develop the outdoor area further – as the brewery and taproom is located in a non-residential area there is opportunity to host outdoor events with live music and DJ sets. The venue’s capacity is 115 – large enough for beer launches and events, but with the flexibility to host smaller, more intimate events.
A brewery-staffed shuttle bus runs on weekends, making it easier for customers to access the taproom from the nearby train station, demonstrating the personal touch Fierce Beer are known for within the beer industry.
What was your first job?
After University I joined Coca-Cola on a manufacturing and distribution training programme.
When would you like to retire?
Oh, that’s a tricky one! Some days I think I would fancy retiring tomorrow but as an old boss used to say ‘Louise, you’d be bored!’
What did you have for breakfast?
I am guilty of skipping breakfast but normally a piece of fruit.
Who, or what, inspires you?
Growing up, my parents were a real inspiration to me. Today, my family continues to be my inspiration.
What’s the last book you read / film you saw?
Louise Smith , Director of Operations & People, Zero Waste Scotland
What does your company do that others don’t?
Zero Waste Scotland exists to lead Scotland to use products and resources responsibly, focusing on where we can have the greatest impact on climate change. Using evidence and insight, our goal is to inform policy, and motivate individuals and businesses to embrace the environmental, economic, and social benefits of a circular economy.
What are the most pressing challenges that your industry sector faces today, and why?
The transition from a linear economy to a circular economy cannot be done in isolation - it requires systemic change and to do that everyone has a role to play. From government to businesses, individuals, and communities – we need everyone to play their part. By working together, we have a huge opportunity to accelerate our circularity and to change not only Aberdeen and Grampian but Scotland – and the rest of the world - for the better, creating a resilient, vibrant economy that supports a just transition where no one is left behind.
What is the hardest lesson you have learned in your career to date?
Perhaps it’s a reflection or a learning as opposed to a lesson - I really wish I had known at 20 what I do now. My lived experience has given me a level of empathy that I didn’t have as much of in my earlier career and that I really benefit from now.
What is the most valuable piece of business advice you have ever received?
Choose your battles wisely. Save your time, energy and efforts for the things that really matter most.
What’s been your proudest career achievement to date, and why?
In Zero Waste Scotland, we are truly people focussed. It’s not lip service or a hiring gimmick, we really mean it. I feel immensely proud to be a leader in an organisation that genuinely cares about colleagues and puts people first.
Most recently it was The Match by Harlan Coben.
If you could make one thing happen tomorrow that would benefit North-east Scotland, what would that be?
The circular economy! Business, communities, industry adopting circular economy principles, meaning using products and resources responsibly to bring about significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. For example, by taking a planned circular approach to the decommissioning of our offshore energy infrastructure, we will make considerable carbon savings but also improve our resilience through material recovery - safe guarding future potential resource shortages and strengthening our supply chain. In moving towards circular approaches, we can also boost our economy through job-creation and development of new skills and allowing people to be ready for the next phase of the energy transition.
This completes the crew for the firm’s new hybrid-electric service operations vessel (SOV), the Grampian Tyne, alongside the catering specialist team from Aramark.
The new North Star ship is the first of four which will support ongoing operations and maintenance work at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm over the next decade for joint development partners Equinor, SSE Renewables and Vårgrønn.
Chief Operating Officer, Robert Catchpole, said: “Our successful expansion into the offshore wind market has opened up many exciting new opportunities for existing crew members and has also allowed us to attract new talent into the business. Those transitioning across from our emergency response and rescue vessels have in some cases successfully upgraded their certification with our support to allow them to diversify into manning our offshore wind fleet of vessels in support of The Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
Ben Gardner, Anna Przydatek and Keith Sutherland
“Being able to leverage our existing fleet’s skill pool is a unique capability for North Star and it gives us a real edge in terms of the safety culture and standards onboard. When we complement this knowledge and seamanship with external experience, we find ourselves very well positioned for successful operations moving forward.
“We are also thrilled that we have a 2nd officer and 3rd engineer in the line-up who have progressed their careers within the business since joining as cadets.”
The James Hutton Institute is your gateway to the forefront of agricultural research and innovation this year. We invite you to join us at the following events:
June 22-25 | Royal Highland Show (Edinburgh): Join us at our stand and learn about the key science challenges we’re addressing while enjoying free samples from our tasting station!
June 30- July 2 | Scottish Game Fair (Scone Palace):
A chance to speak with some of our scientists about their work on biodiversity and land use.
July 4 | Arable Scotland (Balruddery Farm, Angus):
Talks, trade stands, exhibits and demonstration plots at Scotland’s top arable event focussed on knowledge exchange and solutions for the arable industry.
July 27 | Fruit for the Future (Invergowrie):
Our annual showcase of soft fruit research for industry including scientific presentations, outdoor demonstrations, walks through experimental plots, followed by a cream tea and tasters.
August 10 | Potatoes in Practice (Balruddery Farm, Angus):
The largest field-based potato event in the UK and the essential date in the potato industry calendar.
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July 10
Create a motivational environment and use effective delegation.
August 7
Learn to communicate your point of view without causing conflict.
Understand responsibilities and techniques in relation to HR requirements.
August 28
Understand how to develop a happy, harmonious and committed workforce.
August 9
Learn how to increase brand awareness and sales through social media.
August 30
Feel confident whilst developing and presenting different types of training.
July
Finance – The basics
August 21
Bridge the gap between doing and supervising and become confident in delegating tasks.
Understand how an ISO 27001 Information Security Management System can protect your business and customers.
days)
Grow as a manager and improve the performance of your team.
The Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour is coming to Aberdeen’s P&J Live on Friday, February 16, 2024.
As the Harlem Globetrotters near their 100th anniversary, they have contributed to the growth of basketball at an immeasurable magnitude across the world. Through their artful athleticism and unparalleled moves, this team shares the game through an inclusive game day experience that cannot be beat.
The World Famous Globetrotters welcome fans in the UK next spring to join them for an interactive game day packed with one-of-a-kind premium offerings.
Louise Stewart, Interim Managing Director at P&J Live says: “It’s incredible to welcome the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters back to Aberdeen for the sixth time. We last saw the Globetrotters amaze us with their elite skills back in 2017. This one will be fun for all the family; their magical basketball skills will have us on the edge of our seats for sure. We can’t wait to see do what they do best - put on an epic basketball show like no other!”
The University of Aberdeen’s social and economic impact has seen it ranked 70th in the world and 18th in the UK in an influential league table.
In the fifth annual edition of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which recognises universities for their work under the United Nations’ 17 sustainable-development goals, the university has risen significantly from its previous place in the 100-200 range globally and outside the UK top 20 in 2022.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has announced the formation of a new Business Council.
The body, which involves prominent UK business leaders, aims to design and drive the future of the country’s economy.
Heathrow, Drax, IHG Hotels & Resorts and BP have joined the Council as the first founding partners.
BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland said: ”Over the past few months, working closely with the Chamber Network, we have been talking to the nation’s largest corporates and it has become clear to us that they are looking for a different kind of representation.
“These businesses want to be part of a framework that’s rooted in their local communities, but with the ability to shape the national and international debate.
“In response we have developed a new offer, the Business Council.
“The Council is a long-term project and will bring together leaders from across UK industry to consider the key policy issues faced by British businesses, and work on the Future of the Economy initiative, convened by our President, Baroness Martha Lane Fox.
“This initiative will focus on five challenges: digital revolution, people and work, net zero, global Britain and the high street.
“These challenges will form the backdrop to the next general election, which we know will come before the end of next year, and which everyone in Westminster is already gearing up for. The voice of business needs to be heard loud and clear, and now is the right time for us to speak up.”
CLR Service and Sales Ltd is one of the largest independently owned catering engineering companies in Scotland covering Grampian, Tayside and the Highland regions.
• Service and repair all catering, laundry and refrigeration equipment, both gas and electric
• Project design, supply, install and commission of equipment to your requirements
• Provide professional asset management and maintenance services including CP42 gas certification, electrical certification, PPM reporting and round the clock technical assistance
• Service Packages designed to suit your individual needs
• Manufacturer warranty cover.
Trading from 2017, CLR provides a full range of service, sales and installation solutions for all:
We have an excellent track record for client satisfaction and pride ourselves in providing an unrivalled, high quality service to our extensive portfolio of high profile contract customers.
In only 6 years of trading, CLR have grown exponentially from 2 employees to 19 full-time members of staff and have built up a loyal and diverse customer base serving public and private educational facilities, prisons, blue chip oil companies as well as the Royal Family’s Balmoral Estate.
CLR supports various local charities and sporting groups and run bi-yearly apprentice schemes in both our Grampian Division in Aberdeen and Highland Division in Inverness, employing and retaining local talent for full time careers.
CLR’s attention to detail and high level of service from both office staff and engineers has put the company in a privileged position for growth year on year and with our growing customer base, this is set to continue.
Explore a wide variety of discounts and offers available to your business and colleagues as part of your Chamber membership
New company Asset ONE has launched to support global safety critical operations in the energy, industrial and maritime industries.
The newly established technical asset management consultancy, with headquarters at Neo Space in Aberdeen and a regional office in Dubai, has been formed to help organisations operate and maintain their technical assets safely, efficiently, and sustainably – a ‘critical friend’ service for asset operators.
Roy Milne, Managing Director of Asset ONE, says: “We have set up Asset ONE with the primary goal of helping our customers maximise asset uptime and safeguard against major incidents. By harnessing extensive cross-industry knowledge, abundant resources, and intelligent asset management software our specialist team of experts are focussed on driving operational excellence and minimising downtime, ensuring our customers stay ahead of the competition.
“We are excited to enter the market with an agreement to provide asset management audit and optimisation services to a globally recognised oil and gas operator and to provide maintenance and reliability instructors for an international training provider in the UK and Middle East. It’s fantastic to be able to launch and hit the ground running with these initial projects. We are grateful to these customers for putting faith in us as we begin our journey.”
Asset ONE provides asset management health check and improvement services to enable lean operations which fit today’s business needs. They work with operators and manufacturers to ensure assets are ready for operations through adequate asset management governance, fit-forpurpose maintenance systems and suitable training and coaching of people.
There is now less than a year to go until enforcement of a new low-emission zone (LEZ) in Aberdeen city centre.
Cameras are to start to be installed on the boundary of the LEZ in the coming months although people will not be fined until June 1, 2024.
Motorists driving non-compliant vehicles in the area from that date will be given a fine, although there are exemptions including blue-badge holders.
As part of a Scotland-wide programme, LEZs are being introduced in Scotland’s four biggest cities - Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and Aberdeen.
The objective of introducing these LEZs is to tackle air pollution in city centres, mainly nitrogen dioxide, caused by road traffic.
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “LEZs are being introduced across Scotland to help improve air quality in the city centres of the four biggest cities which contributes to the protection of public health and wellbeing.
“The LEZ in Aberdeen will also help the city reach its climate-change targets by reducing our road transport’s contribution to emissions and prioritising active and sustainable transport movement.
“All of these benefits helps to create a vibrant, accessible, and safe city centre for everyone.”
People can now enter their vehicle registration number on the official website for Scotland’s Low-Emission Zones to confirm if their vehicle will comply.
Aberdeen has retained its Purple Flag status for a 10th year, recognising both the safety and vibrancy of the city centre at night.
The Granite City is the only city in Scotland to hold the status, which is similar to the Blue Flag for beaches.
The latest national safety accreditation was awarded after inspectors visited the city in March to carry out an assessment, which was overseen by Aberdeen Inspired on behalf of its city centre partners.
The judges highlighted the co-location of CCTV, the clear and dynamic partnership working and the city’s “robust and strong” licensing system as particularly strong points.
Managed by the Association of Town & City Management, the accreditation aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am.
Plans are moving ahead for a major wind project in the North Sea off Aberdeen.
BP and German energy company EnBW were last year awarded a ScotWind lease option for the Morven development.
The fixed-bottom project will have a total generating capacity of around 2.9 gigawatts - sufficient to power more than three million homes.
BP said last year that the success of the Morven bid was expected to unlock a number of investments as part of its integrated energy company approach, leveraging its existing North Sea infrastructure, skills and relationships and EnBW’s experience in offshore wind.
Along with the offshore wind development, these investments include significant expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Scotland and green hydrogen production.
These represent up to £10billion of investment in support of offshore wind and Scotland’s energy transition.
BP and EnBW have taken taking premises in Edinburgh which will become a base for Morven.
The partners will also bring a remote operating control centre to Aberdeen for their joint UK wind projects, of which there are three in development.
These are Morgan and Mona in the Irish Sea, and Morven.
The office in central Edinburgh will bring the team behind Morven closer to key stakeholders such as the Port of Leith.
Last year, BP and EnBW signed a reservation agreement for Leith to be the marshalling port for Morven, which will be nearly 40 miles offshore.
Richard Haydock, Project Director, Offshore Wind BP, said: “BP has a long and proud history in Scotland through our oil and gas business headquartered in Aberdeen.
“We continue to see huge potential for Aberdeen which will become BP’s global operations and maintenance centre of excellence for offshore wind.
“The expansion of our footprint to Edinburgh for our Morven project not only reaffirms our commitment to Scotland where we’re investing in ports, shipbuilding, and skills, but provides another hub for BP and EnBW to build and strengthen our partnership.”
The facilities in Edinburgh and Aberdeen are expected to create up to 120 new direct jobs.
Alex Schneeweiss, Project Director for Morven with EnBW, added: “The opening of the Morven joint-venture office marks a ‘first’ for EnBW in Scotland.
“We are delighted to come to Edinburgh. It is the ideal place with proximity to key stakeholders and partners, as well as a strong talent pool to further grow the BP and EnBW team to successfully deliver our Morven project.”
Laeso Fish Ltd are proud to announce that they have received an IFS – International Featured Standards certificate this year, this is considered the most prestigious in Europe. After a thorough inspection of their procedures, hygienic standards, and site premises, they received the IFS certificate with a score of 95.65% at the Higher level.
This recognition helps the company continue working to always offer the highest quality product to all our costumers all over the world.
The £40million ONE BioHub is the new location for life sciences in Aberdeen.
The aim is to inspire ambition, giving scientists and innovators skills and knowledge to turn research and innovation into businesses, and supporting them on the entrepreneurial journey.
An Aberdeen City Region Deal innovation project, ONE BioHub is led and co-funded by Opportunity North East (ONE) with funding from the UK Government, Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.
The University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian are strategic partners and have provided the site for ONE BioHub, in the heart of Aberdeen’s Foresterhill Health Campus.
Sir Ian Wood Chair of ONE, said: “ONE BioHub will be the transformational place in the North-east of Scotland for the entrepreneurial life sciences community and growth sector to meet, share, learn, start up, innovate and grow.
“It will be a new game-changing technology and business cluster in Aberdeen, accelerating life sciences commercialisation, translating research into solutions in the market, improving health and wellbeing, creating highgrowth businesses and high-value jobs, and harnessing the potential of science, technology and innovation to diversify the economy.
“This adds an exciting new business dimension to our economy.”
Laeso Fish Ltd is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year as a processor of crustaceans based in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.
Supplier of langoustines to markets in the United Kingdom, the Far East and Europe.
Proudly contributing to Aberdeenshire’s stellar reputation for high-quality seafood in the North-east of Scotland.
Real estate advisor CBRE has announced it has taken full occupation of its new Aberdeen office in Marischal Square.
The Aberdeen team has relocated from West End premises on Albyn Terrace.
The office is home to the firm’s 15 advisory team employees and also a drop in point for the 75-strong Global Workplace Solutions team based throughout Aberdeen looking after clients’ facilities.
CBRE joins other prestigious businesses at the office, hotel, and restaurant complex including Royal Bank of Scotland, Chevron, KPMG, EY, Tenaris, Aberdeen Journals, North Sea Transition Authority, Maggie’s Grill, Resident X, Mackie’s 19.2, All Bar One, Costa and Residence Inn by Marriott.
Derren McRae, Head of CBRE’s Aberdeen office, said: “We are genuinely delighted to have moved into our new office in Marischal Square in the heart of Aberdeen city centre. The feedback from staff to date on their new surroundings has been excellent and it is a pleasure to work with the stunning granite backdrop of Marischal College on a daily basis.”
The new Aberdeen Market is due to open its doors in just two years’ time.
Excitement is mounting locally regarding the £50million development, which is expected to give a massive boost to the fortunes of Union Street and the surrounding area.
The council says the market will be a destination venue featuring international-style food and drink outlets.
The facility is a key part of the local authority’s £150million City Centre Regeneration Masterplan.
An updated planning application for the project has just been made.
The refreshed drawings reflect public demand for some open space on The Green to be retained following the demolition of the old BHS store.
The latest proposals will incorporate an expanded outdoor space to host major events and pop-up activities attracting additional footfall into the heart of the city and acting as a catalyst for the further regeneration of The Green and Merchant Quarter area.
At the end of April, UK Government minister Michael Gove visited the location, which is benefiting from a £20million Levelling-Up grant.
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities was shown around the market site.
The development will also create pedestrian routes between Union Street and the bus and railway stations, including an escalator, enliven Hadden Street and Market Street, and also provide streetscape improvements in and around The Green.
The site is to be developed with market-style floorspace promoting local produce and goods alongside continental-style delicatessen, cafes, and food outlets.
North-east artisan food and drink producers who have enjoyed success at
the annual Taste of Grampian event could see the new Aberdeen Market as a perfect opportunity to take their next step by renting space.
There are hopes that the Granite City facility could follow in the footsteps of successful retail town markets south of the border, such as in Altrincham and Borough.
The design of the Aberdeen venue will feature a mixture of fixed indoor units of various sizes alongside space for temporary and pop-up facilities.
There would also be a flexible-use outside space.
The UK Government cash will be used towards the development of the new market and improvements to Union Street Central.
Mr Gove, who is from Aberdeen, said: “I am delighted to be back in my home town to see first-hand how Levelling-Up funding is transforming the city.
“Our investment will ensure Aberdeen continues to prosper with the creation of a vibrant new market space and upgraded transport links turbo-charging Levelling-Up.
Council Co-leader Ian Yuill said: “The UK Government’s Levelling Up fund grant has been a tremendous boost for this city centre development.
“The market development will create jobs, bring a vibrant and exciting new destination for people to visit, and provide an important escalator link between Union Street and the bus and train stations.”
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce was among those backing the city centre to get Levelling-Up cash.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of“Adopting this approach, phase one of the Aberdeen City Centre Masterplan has delivered strongly against these objectives resulting in a number of hugely-exciting additions to our public realm.
“But this was just the start. Now it’s time for the next set of projects and the international market development will be at the vanguard of this.
“It will provide an opportunity for independent retailers to fill the void being left by the majors, supporting jobs in our food, drink and agriculture sector. It will provide a focal point to generate footfall in our city. It
ambitious projects within the next phase of the masterplan.”
The former BHS building had been vacant for approximately seven years before it was bought by the council.
Demolition work has taken place on the former BHS structure, and legal work is now going on in preparation for the next stage of the work.
Planning permission was granted by the council in May 2022 to create the new Aberdeen Market.
A year previously, the council’s growth and resources committee agreed to the purchase of the former
Aberdeen Market was once the Granite City’s go-to shopping mall, but it finally shut its doors in March 2020.
With brand names tending to dominate the high street, the market had provided space for smaller, quirky businesses.
As the face of shopping changed across the city centre over the years, Aberdeen Market was a constant part of the story of the city’s retail development.
The original New Market was designed by architect Archibald Simpson in 1842 and gave Market Street its name.
The classical granite facade on Market Street led into a magnificent vaulted hall.
However, exactly 40 years to the day after it first opened, it was destroyed by a fire in 1882.
More than 2,000 people were inside the busy market at the time of the fateful fire, which started at basket maker Robert Ogg’s stall.
Some willow baskets were accidently set alight.
The fire spread quickly and reached the roof, eventually gutting the building.
It was rebuilt and reopened in 1883.
However, by the end of the 1960s, the market was on the wane.
A controversial decision was made to demolish the building and start again.
The Victorian arcades and galleries were swept away in 1971 to make room for modern concrete and steel.
This New Market was opened in 1974 by Scottish brewer and political activist Sir William McEwan Younger.
The opening of the £1million building was delayed because the three-day working week affected the various firms connected with fitting out the centre.
It became a Mecca for shoppers, but people started to turn their back on its small stores in favour of High Street chains.
The facility struggled to retain the popularity of its predecessor with many of the stalls and shop units falling empty, despite a £500,000 facelift in 1992.
The refreshed drawings reflect public demand for some open space on the Green to be retained following the demolition of the old BHS store.
Work to create ONE SeedPod – the transformational industry innovation hub for Scotland’s food and drink industry – has started in Aberdeen, following the completion of the capital funding package and award of the construction contract.
Opportunity North East (ONE) is leading and delivering the Aberdeen City Region Deal innovation project to create the new space, facilities, programmes and entrepreneurial environment for a key growth sector of the economy on Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Craibstone Campus.
ONE SeedPod is a £27million investment to enable manufacturing and production businesses to lead in innovation, productivity, sustainability, and developing foods of the future. To increase premium exports and create high-value jobs.
Robertson Construction is the main contractor, and ONE SeedPod is scheduled to open in late 2024.
The project includes £10million of capital funding from the UK Government and Scottish Government via the Aberdeen City Region Deal (ACRD) – a partnership between the governments, ONE, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council. ONE has committed £5.4million and set up Food Hub (NES) Limited to take the capital project forward. ONE secured £3.1million for ONE SeedPod from the Just Transition Fund in 2022, and Scottish Enterprise has now confirmed £2million. Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is a strategic partner and providing the site for ONE SeedPod.
Food and drink businesses and partners hailed the project as game-changing for the sector, which employs more than 22.000 people in North-east Scotland with an annual turnover of £2.2billion.
David Kilshaw OBE, who chairs the Food Hub (NES) Board, said: “The ONE SeedPod industry innovation hub will put food and drink businesses at the forefront of product and process innovation, low-carbon high-value manufacturing,
as well as the development of premium markets for consumer-led foods of the future.
“The unique combination of commercial facilities, sector knowledge, insights and expert networks in ONE SeedPod will stimulate ambition, nurture the next generation of highgrowth start-ups, and accelerate scale-up. The hub sits at the heart of this significant food-producing region and will be a national asset for the sector,” said Mr Kilshaw.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said: “It’s great news that construction is starting on ONE SeedPod. This fantastic new facility will boost Scotland’s world-leading food and drinks exports and bring new jobs and investment to Aberdeen and the wider region. The UK Government is supporting ONE SeedPod with £5million in funding as part of £125million investment in the Aberdeen City Region Deal.”
Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said: “The start of ONE SeedPod’s construction is a major milestone in the Aberdeen City Region Deal. SeedPod will support a just transition to net zero in the north east, helping food and drinks businesses grow, innovate and succeed.
“It is the result of strong regional partnership working, which draws on the strengths of different sectors, and aligns with the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
“This is why we are making an £8.1million investment in SeedPod - £5million through the Deal and £3.1million from the Just Transition Fund - supporting innovation, enterprise and prosperity for an important industry in the region,” said Mr Gray.
When was your business established?
2021.
What does your business do?
We provide packaging supplies and warehouse consumables along with offering a full procurement service which helps customers manage their
When was your business established?
I started i-Protech in October 2015, after more than 20 years working in the oil industry, onshore/offshore and abroad. I always thought I would have my own business one day so, when the opportunity arose, I decided to go for it.
spend and drive efficiencies into their supply chain. This really helps them focus on more strategic capital expenditures.
What sort of companies do you do business with?
The great thing about packaging is that almost everyone uses it! The core of our customer base is oil and gas companies, and we have a focus on working with local businesses. The range of customer we deal with daily is vast though, from providing coffee cups and burger boxes to football clubs in England to hazardous goods drums and labels to a transport company heading to Asia.
What is the biggest challenge at the moment?
There are obvious economic factors at the moment with rising costs of goods. Legal factors are also coming into play with things like plastic taxes being introduced by the government. We have introduced recycled products as standard to avoid this being an issue for the most part though, therefore creating more sustainable products in the process.
What does your business do?
i-Protech is one of the North-east Scotland’s leading specialist designers and installers of green energy products - solar energy, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points. We also offer a range of other services including electrical, security and fire systems.
What sort of companies do you do business with?
We provide solutions for domestic and commercial clients in a range of sectors including energy, agriculture, and utilities. We work mainly in the Northeast but also have customers across the country. We recently completed a solar panel install on a house in Skye, which was challenging but a great success.
What is the biggest challenge at the moment?
The past couple of years have been challenging for two main reasons: recruitment of trained, experienced electricians is an ongoing issue, and the sourcing and supply of materials. Brexit, the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine have all contributed to a shortage
And the biggest opportunity?
Green regulations are driving change and as a result significant emphasis has been placed on sustainable packaging options in recent times. More natural products are being used as packaging solutions and we can offer products such as burger boxes made from sugarcane and airbags made of potato peelings. Also, with such an increase in ecommerce, we can offer many innovative solutions to help businesses keep shipping costs to a minimum.
What are you most
I am so proud of the team we have built and the culture within the organisation. Every single member brings their own unique qualities and the hard work is clear to see in the results of the first two years. On a personal note, I am also incredibly proud of how I have coped with having a young family whilst starting a new business during such an uncertain time. They have been my rock throughout some turbulent times that every business owner will have experienced and I am so thankful for the support they have given me every single day.
of materials and rising costs. This is improving thankfully.
Our current focus is on picking up more commercial work, helping businesses to reduce costs. Recently, we have been doing a lot of work with the agriculture sector. Farms tend to have large areas of ground and building roof space which are conducive to the erection of large solar panel systems.
I am passionate about offering clients a cleaner, greener way of living. It is always interesting to hear about the newest technologies on the market and how they can benefit our customers to live a safer, greener life, as well as save money.
When was your business established?
Highland Fayre Ltd was established by my father in 1985. Back then it was a small business selling only wild smoked salmon. It has since blossomed into a leading corporate hamper company
selling luxury food and wine hampers throughout the UK. We launched online in 1997.
What does your business do?
We provide a wide range of gift hampers suitable for all kinds of occasions. Our specialist area is bespoke hampers for employees and clients, providing branding in various creative ways. We can work to nearly any unit budget and delivery requirement. Where possible we support local Scottish suppliers and champion those whose focus is on sustainability and social enterprise.
We cater for everyone, be it small companies keen to reward a handful of office staff with individual hampers, or large blue-chip companies wishing to gift hampers on a larger scale. For example, supplying our largest customer necessitates us delivering 16,300 hampers to home addresses in time for Christmas!
One of the greatest challenges is pricing when there are long lead times involved. We sometimes quote as early as February for Christmas hampers, yet still honour the price six months later when the goods are ordered from suppliers. Inflation and higher running costs made 2022 unusually difficult and we predict this year to be similar. I’m proud of the fact that in 33 years of business we have always been able to hold the original price quoted, even for orders placed right at the start of the year.
Gift hampers that cater for specialist dietary requirements are an important growth area. We want to do our part in promoting broad food types and have sustainability as a priority. We are also strongly focussed on sourcing ecological products for our hampers, and establishing a reputation for producing social enterprise gifts that endorse social and environmental causes and have a positive community impact.
facilities management services and refurbishments services to oil and gas clients in the UK and North Sea.
What sort of companies do you do business with?
We have a diverse portfolio of clients across the energy sector. Our clients include refineries, oil terminals, gas plants, corporate offices and offshore installations.
Ed Morrow, Managing Director, Sodexo Energy & ResourcesWhen was your business established?
Sodexo was originally founded in 1966 in Marseille, France. Sodexo Energy & Resources has been present in Aberdeen since 1976.
What does your business do?
Our Energy & Resources team delivers catering, hospitality, welfare,
What is the biggest challenge at the moment?
The food and facilities management industry is evolving. We are working on attracting a younger and more diverse workforce, transforming the way we deliver our services through technological enablers and sustainable solutions; and this business transformation is merged with the energy industry challenge of transitioning to renewable energies. As a result, our challenge is to transform our services to be not only more sustainable, but to be able to accompany our clients in new renewable projects as offshore wind, carbon capture and storage and hydrogen.
The energy sector is experiencing an important wave of change as it transitions from historic oil and gas operations to environmentally sustainable solutions with renewable energy. Our ambition is to be world leader in sustainable food and facility management services for our offshore and onshore clients, so this transition offers us a huge opportunity.
I am delighted when we hear examples of where our teams have gone the extra mile in delivering services, particularly in the area of safety, our number one priority within this industry. For instance, we have a number of sites with nearly 15 years of no safety incidents. Excelling at service delivery and support is at the heart of all the activities we do for our clients and we strive to create a working environment where our colleagues, clients and customers are free from harm.
Neptune Energy has announced it has been awarded Young Person’s Guarantee employer status, in recognition of its support for local communities through the development of Scotland’s future workforce.
By supporting the Young Person’s Guarantee initiative, employers work with 16-24 year olds to provide direct employment, apprenticeships, further and higher education support, training and volunteering opportunities.
Neptune works with schools throughout the region, showcasing a variety of career paths, as well as highlighting exciting opportunities available within the energy industry. The company has hosted skills workshops, run mock interviews, developed video content and helped develop students’ presentations skills.
Neptune Energy’s UK Country Director, Alan Muirhead, said: “It’s so important we support and mentor all young people as they prepare to enter the world of work. This is particularly important in the energy industry to make sure we’re bringing forward the next generation of scientists, engineers and energy professionals that will drive the transition forward.
“We need a talented, diverse workforce to be able to continue providing secure, low carbon and affordable energy. The young people we have been supporting continue to impress us with their innovative thinking, and I look forward to welcoming more fresh minds and ideas in the years ahead. It’s an exciting time.”
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) plays a key role in the delivery of the Young Person’s Guarantee initiative. DYW regional groups help employers use the Young Person’s Guarantee scheme effectively to plan, structure and deliver their activities.
Margo Milne, Director, Developing the Young Workforce North East said: “Congratulations to Neptune Energy for cementing their commitment to the next generation.
“Our team has been delighted to support Neptune’s partnership activities with Oldmachar Academy and Alford Academy, in addition to their ongoing work to promote STEM learning and careers to young people, showcasing the different roles that young people can have in the energy industry.”
From Scotland to Australia, Entier has traversed continents and cultures to grow and expand operations across the globe.
Since our founding day in 2008, we recognised that there was an opportunity to reimagine the food, hospitality services and experiences provided across the energy and natural resources sector.
Initially starting with five employees and one offshore catering contract, we have expanded and grown our operations to now employing a thousand people and have registered offices in six countries. Each day our worldwide team are actively managing 50 offshore contracts which sees us providing our services to nearly 6,000 people, with our culinary chefs freshly preparing nearly 18,000 meals a day.
To recognise our international accomplishments, we were humbled and honoured to have received ‘The Queens Award for Enterprise’ in 2016.
With extensive operational experience on a wide range of oil, gas, and renewable projects across the world, our personnel have worked in some of the world’s remotest and harshest environments. Whether it’s a project in Antarctica, Canada, America or Australia through to high-risk zones such as Israel, Nigeria, or navigating the Suez Canal; our professional and experienced team of offshore
culinary and steward experts harness their experience and professional knowledge to ensure continuity in the delivery of Entier’s high culinary and professional hospitality standards.
Working internationally has had its challenges over the years and each country that we operate in is unique. To deliver our principle of using fresh local quality produce, we have worked hard to establish a global network of country specific supply chains so that we can deliver fresh food produce and consumables that meet the Entier mark of quality. Our quality assurance team will undertake country specific visits to build relationships direct with suppliers and will undertake annual audits to ensure all our suppliers continue to meet our quality and value standards. All the food products we use can be fully traced to its point of origin.
Local content is important to us, as we firmly believe in creating circular economies in the countries, we operate in. For example, oil and gas exploration in Mozambique is still a relatively new industry to the country. As the industry is still in the infancy stages of development, recruiting local Mozambique people with the culinary/steward knowledge, experience and skills is difficult. To help overcome this we invested in sending people from the region to South Africa to undertake the necessary training and offshore certificates to enable them to work with us and our clients.
In each country we work in, we teach and share our knowledge and experience with local people. This enhances food safety standards in country and helps to instil an understanding of the high benchmarks we set to define ‘quality and value’. No matter where we operate in the world each Entier employee is skills tested.
It is a privilege to care and cater for people across the world, and for us at Entier people and relationships are at the heart of our business.
Entier also provides catering solutions for a number of corporate onshore clients, and we also provide catering solutions for private nurseries and schools across Aberdeen.
Through our luxury events business, Wilde Thyme, we have the immense honour of catering for A-list celebrity private events/weddings, world dignitaries, royalty and catering for some of the world’s most luxurious world-renowned brands product launches as well as VIP hospitality at sporting events.
Unique Group, a global innovator in subsea technologies and engineering, has announced the appointment of Sahil Gandhi as CEO, succeeding Harry Gandhi, who becomes Chairman. Sahil was Chief Operating Officer since 2017.
VSA, the social care charity supporting the people of Aberdeen and North-east, has named a new Chief Executive. Sue Freeth has had a 40-year-long career serving in UK historic social-care charities and held both executive and non-executive positions in small, medium and large service-providing charities working in Scotland and the wider UK.
Global visualisation software and capture services company ZynQ 360 has announced the internal promotion of Austa McKendrick as Head of Sales. She joined the firm in May 2022.
ROVOP, a supplier of subsea remotely-operated vehicles to the energy industry, has appointed Roland Reid as its new Training and Competency Manager. He brings significant experience to ROVOP, having worked in the energy sector for more than 30 years in both traditional energy, such as oil and gas, as well as various renewable-energy projects.
Samantha Csorba is retiring as Director of HR at TEXO. She has been with the company since it was formed in 2019. Prior to her role at TEXO, she worked on projects for numerous blue-chip clients across multiple sectors.
Step Change in Safety has announced that Executive Director Steve Rae is to step down from the memberled safety organisation. Mr Rae has been at the helm of Step Change in Safety since 2019.
The OEG Offshore group has announced the appointment of David Currie as Non-executive Chairman. Mr Currie has more than 30 years’ experience in the energy services industry with past appointments at Proserv as group CEO and since July 2022 as chairman of both Proserv and Gilmore.
Charlie House has recently promoted Kirsty Jarvie to Marketing and Communications Team Lead and welcomed Rachel Davidson, Bradley Marr and Jill Cameron as Marketing and Communications Coordinators. With a marketing background spanning property, transport and now third sector, Kirsty first worked for Charlie House as a Digital Marketing Specialist. Rachel joins Charlie House from e-commerce company Fairwayrock, whilst Jill joins from Citymoves Dance Agency SCIO, where she worked as a Marketing Coordinator. Bradley first started with the team during a 12-week placement but now joins as an official member of the team.
CRC Evans has announced the appointment of Duncan Holland as Corporate Development Director. He previously held the position of Legal and Commercial Director for Capricorn Energy.
Aberdeenshire-based PR and marketing consultancy
Bold St Media has appointed an additional Account Manager to join the team following several client wins. Mark’s appointment brings the company’s headcount to eight – double the number of staff since the start of 2022.
Sureclean has announced several new appointments to its senior management team. Steve Murray joins the company as Business Development Manager having spent 25 years in the oil and gas industry. Joining the company as Head of Projects is Gary Broadley, he has a strong operational background coupled to 20 years of proven history in Specialist Cleaning and Decommissioning Services. James Hunter joins as Group Financial Controller, with over 20 years working in accountancy across a variety of industries including oil and gas, petroleum, and finance. Strengthening the company’s emergency response arm of the business is Bruce Pillar who is joining the company as Emergency Response Manager.
Two new procurement development officers have been appointed to support North-east firms. Julie Maclean and Nadine Jebali will help local businesses in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen respectively which could supply the councils through direct or sub-contracting opportunities to bid for public-sector contracts.
Global completions specialist Tendeka has appointed Paul Clark as Global Advisor for Production Enhancement. He will oversee the sales, business development, marketing and commercialisation areas of the business to enhance the production portfolio of the company where there is a strong chemical supply element.
Fraser Kerr has joined Katoni as Head of Consulting. He has experience in senior technical roles at operators, duty holders and most recently an engineering, procurement and construction company.
Scottish commercial law firm MacRoberts has strengthened its corporate finance and employment practices with the promotion of two new Partners. Bonar Mercer specialises in corporate law, focusing on transactional work including mergers, acquisitions and investments. Kenny Scott is a Law Society of Scotland accredited specialist in employment law.
E-learning provider Sensei has named Paul Greene its new Marketing Manager. With over a decade of marketing experience, Paul will take the lead on Sensei’s digital marketing strategy following the recent launch of the company’s new learning experience platform.
TMM Recruitment has appointed Cammy Keith to lead the company’s next phase of growth, centred around the energy transition. In his new position, Cammy will raise awareness of its renewables recruitment capabilities while continuing to be a hands-on recruiter for his energy industry clients.
Hardies Property & Construction Consultants has appointed Ewan Wyllie as Head of Principal Designer Services. He has worked in construction health and safety for more than 18 years and has a track record spanning a variety of sectors, project size and complexity.
Sustainability must be embedded in the business, says the new Head of ESG at housebuilder and buildto-rent operator Dandara Group. Lesley Treacy has been appointed to the new role for the company as it strives to meet net zero targets.
Legal firm Gilson Gray has appointed Findlay Anderson as a Partner, strengthening its fastgrowing corporate practice in Aberdeen. He brings a wealth of experience, having spent the past two decades in senior leadership roles across the energy industry. Most recently, he was a Vice President and General Ccounsel for oilfield equipment at Baker Hughes.
Eserv has named Josh Goolnik as Technology Director. This comes as eserv aims to expand its business domestically and internationally. With his extensive expertise in developing and commercialising innovative digital solutions, the firm says his appointment will contribute significantly to growth.
Two top scientists have been appointed to head up flagship initiatives being carried out at the James Hutton Institute. Professor Ian Toth is the first Director of its National Potato Innovation Centre being planned to accelerate potato breeding and discovery, resilient production systems and innovative products and create high-skilled jobs in new industries. Dr Tim George has been named Deputy Director of the International Barley Hub, which aims to bolster barley growing worldwide by researching new varieties and techniques to increase yield, resilience and the climatechange credentials of Scotland’s biggest grain crop.
OPITO, the global safety and skills body for the energy industry, has announced the appointment of Lisa McKay as Director of People and Corporate Services in a new role designed to provide strategic direction for all people-related initiatives. She joined OPITO in 2021 following a 20-year career in operational human resources management and organisational development.
Aberdeen Foyer has announced that Charles Wardman is a new addition to its Board of Trustees. As the founder of tech agency Yopla, he is said to bring a wealth of digital expertise and a deep commitment to driving social impact through technology.
A leading cancer charity’s supporters are being urged to sport a splash of orange to celebrate a decade of lifechanging support.
Maggie’s Aberdeen is hosting a glamorous fundraising ball later this year to mark 10 years since the Granite City centre opened in the grounds of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
And organisers announced they want guests at the event, which will be held at the Chester Hotel on Saturday, September 9, to turn on the style to mark the occasion. And to drive the message home, centre staff and volunteers brought a bit of colour to the hotel to promote the event.
Maggie’s Aberdeen Centre Manager Kevin Mathieson said: “Cancer touches everyone in a different way, and while it is a disease that can bring so much sadness to people’s lives, events like this are also an occasion where we can celebrate the incredible impact we have made to so many lives across the North-east.
“Orange is a colour that for many people brings a feeling of warmth, kindness and joy, and while it is still a few months away, we are already very much looking forward to seeing people’s outfits. Whether they turn up in an orange dress or suit or don something with a bit more subtlety, it is sure to be a fantastic evening. The brighter the better!”
Leading Scottish optician and hearing care provider, Duncan and Todd Group has launched an all-in-one hearing care appointment in direct response to the rapid growth of demand for ear and hearing healthcare services.
Having first launched its audiology service in 2018, the new service, branded Hearsmart, includes an advanced all-inone ear health check and ear wax removal using Tympa technology.
Duncan and Todd’s new service, which costs £65, comes after reports that a significant proportion of the UK population may have declining hearing.
Research from KPMG UK has found that, while some Scots would use artificial intelligence (AI) to support everyday tasks, 82% have concerns or challenges that prevent them from using it.
The survey found that one of the biggest barriers to AI adoption amongst Scottish consumers is that they prefer interacting with a human (47%).
Across the UK, more than half of the 55-to-64 and over-65 age groups said they wouldn’t use AI because they prefer to interact with a human. However, this dropped to less than a third for consumers aged 18-to-24.
Over a third of Scots (36%) surveyed reported that they have data privacy concerns which stop them from using AI
While 18-24-year-olds, part of the Gen Z population, were more likely to be open to using AI, almost half (45%) reported cost as the biggest barrier for adoption, citing that AI-enabled technologies were too expensive.
Voice assistants was the most popular answer (47%) when Scots were asked which tasks and activities they’d be open to using AI for, with self-driving vehicles the least popular answer (23%).
Saving time was the most popular primary motivation chosen by Scots for why they’d use AI, with 37% of respondents choosing the answer.
Ian West, Head of Technology and Alliances at KPMG UK, said: “AI is incredible technology with huge potential, but there is much for businesses to think about when it comes to consumers’ views of AI. There are several barriers to adoption that need to be addressed by tech companies and by businesses who are rolling out the technology. Businesses need to be clear about the benefits of the technology and how it is transforming the proposition available to consumers for it to become accepted.”
OEG Renewables, the newly established offshore wind focused division of the wider OEG Offshore group (OEG) has announced the acquisition of 23 Degrees Renewables (23D).
23D is a nearshore and onshore power installation contractor, specialising in HVDC / HVAC and telecom submarine cable projects, often operating in difficult and remote locations, across a range of industry sectors including power transmission, renewable energy, and telecommunications.
The acquisition adds further capabilities to the newly launched OEG Renewables division and provides a key link to its existing subsea engineering capabilities to further enhance OEG Renewables’ integrated service offering in the subsea cable market.
