NEWS | MARCH 2016

Member News Converged is on the move CONVERGED Communication Solutions has marked its 10th anniversary by acquiring new headquarters and investing in its workforce. The Aberdeen company which provides internet connections, telephone systems and IT support services, has relocated from rented premises to its own new premises at the Spires Business Park. The 385sqm building in Mugiemoss Road represents a £500,000 investment. Converged has also invested in its 22-strong workforce. Each member of staff is now accredited by ITIL, which has become the best practice approach to IT Service Management adopted both in the UK and internationally, by public and private sector. It has also become an accredited Living Wage employer, committing it to paying each of its employees a minimum of £8.25 per hour and has employed its first ever apprentice. Neil Christie, technical director, Converged Communication Solutions

Over the past decade, Converged has employed five university graduates in a variety of technical roles but took the decision this year to employ a schoolleaver as an apprentice. Neil Christie, founder and technical director at Converged, said: “In the past decade we have witnessed huge advances in the ICT technology available to us and how we utilise it. Resilient and fast internet connections are crucial for business today, particularly due to the growth of cloud-based software, video conferencing and multimedia content. “Converged has grown consistently over the past 10 years and has evolved to meet the needs of our clients. To be in the position of having our own premises is testament to the hard work of our entire workforce.”

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Wind ace for ACE ACE Winches has installed a wind turbine at its global headquarters at Towie Barclay Works to help to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels to power the site. A turbine can generate electricity 70-85 per cent of the time depending on local wind speeds. To date ACE Winches has recorded a 58 per cent reduction in supply from the grid.

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Tourism conference looks to the future AN EVENT for tourism professionals in the North-east is offering a glimpse into the future of the industry. The Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Conference on March 15, at the Jurys Inn Aberdeen Airport hotel, will provide a wealth of information about the changing shape of tourism in the area, as well as detailing how advances in technology can be used to improve the customer experience. Steve Harris, chief executive of VisitAberdeen, will outline the remit of the North-east’s new destination organisation and how it will ensure that all areas of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are given top billing when marketing the region to potential visitors.

Claire Bruce,

chair, Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Partnership

The conference will also address the changes in digital technologies and social media that tourism operators can use to their advantage, driving sales and ensuring that customers have the best possible experience while visiting Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Claire Bruce, chair of the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Partnership, said: “The new destination organisation will allow tourism professionals to work closely together to maximise the impact of their businesses and delegates at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Conference will be among the first to hear all about it." Online booking is available at www.regonline.co.uk/aberdeentourism2016

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