Business Now Summer 2019

Issue 17 Summer 2019

Issue 17 Summer 2019

Putting the Now in Business

BUSINESS NOW

Putting the Now in Business

Carry on Investing Coffee with.. Professor Steven Gill Adaptation Key to Success for Skene House Businesses Pledge to Join Forces for This Is Me Scotland

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Speaking of time, our cover story in this issue features a well-known iconic store in the heart of the city, Jamieson & Carry. The team continue to invest in their premises and have just unveiled their new Patek Phillipe showroom.

I can’t overdramatise my respect for my ‘Coffee with’ guest in this edition – Professor Steven Gill who, supported by Funding Neuro, focuses his research on developing novel methods of delivering therapies directly to structures in the brain that are affected by disease. He is quite literally changing the face of neurological disease.

Staying with the health topic, we also delve into the work of ‘This is Me Scotland’, who aim to change perceptions of mental health by encouraging businesses to follow a set of guidelines which encourage discussion and support.

There are lots of other interesting features, and the usual mix of business and energy news, including a look forward to Offshore Europe in their new venue and exploring a hot topic at the moment – climate change.

Our next edition is out in October, so let’s hope before then we can enjoy a pleasant amount of sunshine!!

On the Cover Family firm expands and enhances store to offer unrivalled service to customers

Eric W. Farquharson - Editor

Great Reception for Croma PROception

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IT Weaknesses - The Barrier to Enterprises Becoming Security-First

Approach to service takes guest experience and lobby hosting to new level

By Justin Calmus, chief security officer at OneLogin

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Five Free Tools to Help Freelancers & SMEs Get Started

By Inna Kaushan, co-founder of Solna, a smart invoicing platform powered by credit score data

Editor

Advertising Enquiries

Design

Eric Farquharson editor@business-now.co.uk

Telephone: (01224) 865466

Jen McAdam - 479 Design, www.479design.co.uk

Assistant Editor Judy Marshall judy@business-now.co.ukk

Simon M Morgan simon@business-now.co.uk Loraine Ogilvie enquiries@business-now.co.uk

On the Cover Jamieson & Carry Photograph: Abermedia

Published by House of Morgan (Scotland) Ltd, 479 North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9TJ

(01224) 865466 www.business-now.co.uk Printed by Buxton Press UK

Business Now are grateful to all who have submitted articles and photographs for inclusion in this issue. Materials submitted are accepted in good faith. Adverts prepared on behalf of clients remain the copyright of House of Morgan (Scotland) Ltd, the publishers. Great care is taken to ensure accuracy of details but liability cannot be accepted for errors or omissions. Any views or opinions expressed by columnists or interviewees are their own and do not represent those of House of Morgan (Scotland) Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

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Adaptation Key to Success for Skene House Responding to market changes vital to reaching 40th anniversary milestone

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Businesses Pledge to Join Forces for This Is Me Scotland Tens of thousands stand up to break down mental health stigma in workplace

Coffee with…

Professor Steven Gill BUSINESS NOW’s editor learns about the pioneering work of Funding Neuro…

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Index Business.................... 8-10, 12-13 City Fibre Feature......................11 Marketing..................................14 Energy, inc. OE19................. 16-21 I. T. & Digital........................ 22-24 SureVoIP Feature.......................25 Award Winners..........................28 Elevator....................................29 Financial............................. 33-35 Property.............................. 38-39 Coffee with.......................... 40-41 Food & Drink....................... 44-47 Business Community........... 48-50 Networking................................51 Business Travel.........................52 Sport........................................53 Personnel............................ 54-55 Appointments...................... 56-57 Events Calendar.........................58

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Carry on Investing

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From left to right: Christopher, Angus & Philip Carry

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When Jamieson & Carry relocated to their current premises in Union Street in 1925, they had already established themselves as a leading jeweller.

Under the watchful eye of Christopher, Philip and Angus Carry, this highly acclaimed business is regarded as Union Street’s flagship store. The name has always been synonymous with quality and great service and the team are intent on keeping this accolade with continued investment.

Last year the company completed an expansion to the Rolex area of the store. As the only authorised Rolex retailer in the north-east of Scotland, customers are encouraged to visit this dedicated showroom, where you can enjoy a coffee or champagne in the luxurious surroundings and seek advice from their highly trained team, who can help you make a choice that will last a lifetime.

In early June this year Jamieson & Carry unveiled their new Patek Philippe showroom with an exhibition of the new 2019 models. Patek Philippe, established in 1839, are the last independent family-owned manufacturer of watches in Geneva and the showroom further enhances their commitment to the finest high-quality products.

The Patek Philippe Collection was available to view instore from 4-8 June and offered customers the opportunity to view the new pieces from Patek Philippe that were launched during the Baselworld show in March 2019.

Philip Carry explained: “The internal expansion and redevelopment has really added to the customer experience that we can offer. Working in partnership with the leading independent Swiss watch manufacturers – Rolex & Patek Philippe – we are proud to offer one of the finest selections of watches and jewellery in the UK, right in the heart of Aberdeen.”

Next month the company will embark on the third stage of a five-stage investment plan with the redevelopment of their workshop to maintain the very highest standards. The workshop consists of a team of jewellers and watchmakers and is an important part of the business. The jewellers combine traditional skills mixed with the latest technology to ensure your treasured possessions are looked after to the highest level and the final result is sparkling.

Philip continued: “In the past 10 years we have seen a rise in the demand for unique and bespoke pieces, and having the skills and experience of the workshop right to hand within our own building allows us to make the dreams of our customers turn into reality.”

The watchmakers strive for the highest standards, regularly trained by Rolex to ensure they are Rolex accredited. This gives Jamieson & Carry the option of carrying out services and maintenance of your watch within the building rather than sending them off to the UK service centre and reducing the time that your watch is away.

The partners will continue to invest in the building and the business, and welcome the Union Street regeneration programme as their success is reliant on being in the heart of the city.

Philip said: “We are delighted to be investing in our building in the heart of Aberdeen’s Union Street. Our location has been key to our success over four generations and we plan to be here for a long time to come.”

However, it is not just the building that Jamieson & Carry are investing in, but also the people. The team are continually developing, with internal training which complements the external educational programmes from the Swiss Watch brands and diamond training courses to ensure that all diamond ring customers get the right advice for that important purchase.

A proud Philip announced: “One of the most rewarding parts of our business is to see members of our team flourish with their confidence through knowledge and develop their passion for our business”.

Whatever your choice, this amazing shop – which has evolved with its customers over the years – will be at the hub of north-east retailing for years to come.

Their unrivalled, knowledgeable staff and welcoming atmosphere will ensure it remains a gem in the heart of the city. 

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Family firm expands and enhances store to offer unrivalled service to customers

BUSINESS NEWS

New Painting & Decorating Specialist to Provide ‘Bespoke’ Finish Firm established to offer quality workmanship to commercial sector

Director Brian Kerr (pictured) has 20 years’ industry experience. Since moving from his native Dundee to the North East in 2008, Brian has spent the past decade in management roles, most recently as senior contracts manager for a large independent contractor.

Within its first weeks of trading, Bespoke Decorators has already secured several commercial contracts – including a year-long deal with a leading northeast housebuilder to prepare 40 homes for entry – and completed new-build and building extension projects across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Tayside.

As a result, the business has hired two painters and an AMES taper, as well as investing in new equipment, vehicles and livery. It anticipates that this level of demand will require an increase in the size of the team to nine by the end of 2019, while Brian is also exploring sourcing a small office with store facilities.

Brian Kerr said: “I firmly believe that there are opportunities in the current market for proactive companies that can demonstrate the right approach to work and deliver value for money and excellent customer service within the agreed timescales.

A new painting and decorating firm expects to create eight jobs this year following a successful launch period.

Bespoke Decorators, which specialises in all aspects of painting and decorating, has been established to meet demand for quality workmanship within the North East’s commercial and industrial sectors.

“We are already receiving positive feedback from existing clients, which has resulted in additional projects and given us the confidence to grow the team and tender for larger contracts for housebuilders and facilities management companies, among others.” 

Brexit Uncertainty Leaves Businesses in Limbo Important decisions on hold for many firms, especially new tech investment Chris Labrey, managing director of Econocom UK & Ireland, comments: “As the Brexit uncertainty continues, many businesses remain in limbo when it comes to making important decisions that will affect their future. This is especially true when it comes to investing in new technology – a critical part of business survival, whether that is devices for staff or servers to host data.

“Many businesses see this as a compromise between mitigating risk and being able to carry on as usual, with our latest data demonstrating that over a third (38%) of UK businesses are reluctant to invest in technology due to Brexit.

“But it shouldn’t be this way. Looking specifically at technology, there are approaches businesses can use that aren’t affected by the uncertain Brexit position we are currently held in. Subscription or ‘as-

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a-service’ models are effective in enabling organisations to get the technology they need to support them and drive them forward, when they need it – all while ensuring they don’t need CAPEX to pay for it.

“This is a prime example of why businesses need to maintain important areas of investment. Whilst government might be happy to remain in limbo and ponder on uncertain Brexit scenarios, businesses have to carry on; they don’t have the luxury of endless extensions on deadlines.

“It’s vital that the UK’s business economy continues to thrive and that objectives are met. There may never be a perfect time to invest in big ticket items, but when investment in technology enables progression and growth, a ‘sooner rather than later’ approach is wise. After all, who knows how long we’ll be waiting for a Brexit decision!” 

Three quarters of 25-34 year olds say their commute harms their mental health A frustrating journey to the office can harm both productivity and mental health, but which city’s workers have the most stressful commutes?

New research from regulated property buyer, Good Move, surveyed 2,000 UK workers and has revealed that the people of York and London are the most stressed commuters in the country. Over half (51%) of workers in these cities admit that their commutes harm their mental health.

But they are not alone, with more than two in five (43%) working Brits feeling that their commute negatively impacts their stress levels. This rises to a staggering 73% among 25-34 year olds.

The top 10 UK cities with the most stressed commuters are: 1) York – 51% = London – 51% 3) Aberdeen – 47% = Glasgow – 47% 5) Birmingham – 45% 6) Nottingham – 44% = Oxford – 44% 8) Cardiff – 42% = Newcastle – 42% = Leeds – 42% Ross Counsell, director at Good Move, said: “Daily commutes are harming the mental health of Brits all over the country, but many are still prepared to travel in order to have better jobs and homes.

“While everyone has an idea of their dream home or career, it is so important that people get a healthy work-life balance and don’t sacrifice their mental wellbeing.”

In collaboration with Good Move, Simon Alexander Ong, life coach and business strategist, has given his top five tips on how to deal with the stress of commuting:

New Road Cuts Journey Times in Half Around 50% of traffic has shifted from Aberdeen city onto the new Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) since it fully opened in February – easing congestion and improving air quality in the North East.

Initial monitoring by Transport Scotland also found key journey times have been reduced by half, even during rush hour, through the 36-mile AWPR route between Stonehaven and south of Ellon.

Transport Scotland analysis shows Stonehaven to Dyce took an average of 47 minutes and 42 minutes during the morning and evening peaks respectively on the old A90 Anderson Drive. Both journeys now take 18 minutes via the AWPR. Similarly, Charleston to Dyce was an average journey of 33 minutes during the morning peak and 32 minutes during the evening peak. Now both journeys take 16 minutes via the AWPR. The Transport Scotland figures were taken from early snapshot data which should only be viewed as indicative at this stage as a formal monitoring regime requires more time to report. 

1. If driving, sing along to your favourite tunes! Singing has been proven to lower stress and be a natural antidepressant.

2. Get sufficient sleep. Having little sleep and being low on energy can easily make the commute more stressful.

3. Use the commute time to plan ahead or reflect on your day. Self-reflection can bring a sense of calmness and joy.

4. Unplug from your devices. Integrate walking as part of your journey to/from work, being mindful of and present in your surroundings.

5.If using public transport, close your eyes, focus on your breathing and begin to visualise your day unfolding on your way to work. Reflect on how you will know that it has been a productive day – when we are clear on our priorities, we are more decisive and productive. 

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BUSINESS NEWS

Aberdeen Commuters 3rd Most Stressed in UK

BUSINESS NEWS

New Figures Show Shift in Grampian’s Second-Hand Culture Revolve network provides greater quality and choice for savvy shoppers Revolve, Scotland’s re-use quality standard scheme, has revealed that savvy shoppers across the Grampian region are shifting habits towards ‘second-hand’ items as they seek out value and look to save the planet.

A recent survey commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland, the organisation behind the Revolve standard, showed that almost half of people living in the Grampian region (47%) already agree shopping second-hand is important to save the environment, whilst 66% reference price as the top benefit. In the same survey, nearly half of people in Grampian (41%) said, if they can be assured of the quality, safety and cleanliness of goods, they are more likely to buy second-hand.

With many consumers seeking more sustainable lifestyles, Zero Waste Scotland is urging shoppers to look for the Revolve logo as a store’s guarantee of quality.

Revolve is the national certification scheme for second-hand stores in Scotland which guarantees its customers high-quality products conforming to safety standards, as well as offering good value for money and excellent customer service. The scheme applies a rigorous quality assurance process to approved stores.

Tills are ringing in Revolve certified stores. The most recent data shows annual sales across the network of £33.4 million, with average sales income across a sample of the longest certified stores

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doubling in four years. Currently, there are over 120 Revolve-certified shops nationwide, seven of which are based in the Grampian region, offering a wide range of pre-loved items – from clothes and furniture to white goods and bikes.

Iain Gulland, chief executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Second-hand doesn’t have to mean second best. Revolve-certified stores offer outstanding pre-loved pieces where customers can be confident that they are buying quality goods from a trusted source.

“It’s great to see perceptions of second-hand are being viewed more positively.

However, there’s still a way to go in reassuring shoppers on the quality, reliability and professionalism when shopping second-hand verses buying new.

“We encourage shoppers to think second-hand first and look for the Revolve logo for reassurance they’re going to save money and find great quality items in store.”

Whilst 30% of shoppers in the Grampian region have bought second-hand clothing, or furniture, it tends to be smaller items such as CDs, DVDs and vinyl proving most popular (38%); and only 13% have never considered purchasing an item second-hand before purchasing new.

Susan Cheyne, business development manager at Instant Neighbour, said: “We are delighted that Grampian shopper habits are shifting towards second-hand. We stock a large variety of donated items, including furniture, childcare and baby care equipment and a large range of clothing – all of which are tested and sold so that shoppers can get a good deal.

“The Revolve certification allows us to showcase the quality of items when it comes to re-use and, with more people shopping second-hand, it helps us to achieve a more environmentally friendly status that will benefit us all.”

Zero Waste Scotland exists to create a society where resources are valued and nothing is wasted, with the goal of helping Scotland realise the economic, environmental and social benefits of making best use of the world’s limited natural resources. 

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By Allan McEwan, City Manager for Aberdeen, CityFibre A city known for innovation and groundbreaking technology, Aberdeen was a natural choice as the first location in Scotland to benefit from our ‘fibre-to-the-premises’ rollout in strategic partnership with Vodafone. A private investment from CityFibre of at least £40 million will bring the fastest, most reliable full-fibre broadband to nearly every home and business in the city.

Extending beyond the household, Aberdeen’s business community has access to the full-fibre infrastructure needed to increase productivity and efficiency, furthering the city’s global reputation for progressive innovation. This, in turn, will stimulate increased inward investment and bring a significant boost to the local economy.

The ambitious project builds on CityFibre’s earlier private sector work in Aberdeen, which began in 2015. Thanks to a forwardthinking partnership with Aberdeen City Council, the company has connected the city’s schools, libraries and community centres – with a vast number of private businesses already using full fibre to transform operations and their bottom line.

A transformative investment

However, it is the expansion of the telecoms network that will change Aberdeen’s conversation with the world and launch the city as one of the UK’s best connected communities. With the first residents now connected to the network, city households are seeing for the first time how full fibre can innovate their homes, streamline their lives and rejuvenate their connections to friends and family – no matter where they are.

A game changer for residents Offering staggeringly fast upload and download speeds, full fibre is far more reliable than current connectivity options, which use constrained copper cables for part of the journey. But this is about more than just raw speed. The installation of a full-fibre network is key to unlocking a brighter future that will transform how we live, work and play.

Not only does better connectivity mean you can stream all the entertainment you want across multiple devices, but it also makes it easier to do things like integrate the latest smart home tech, monitor loved ones’ health remotely and work from home with ease.

According to a report by economic consultancy Regeneris, Aberdeen’s homeowners and the wider property market can also expect to reap huge rewards from the rollout. Up to £67 million could be added to the value of local homes, as access to reliable, high-speed broadband becomes ever more critical to buyers.

Around £99 million would be unlocked in business productivity and innovation, while £50 million in growth could be driven from new business start-ups. Crucially, CityFibre’s network rollout itself is expected to drive £25 million in direct economic growth, providing increased employment across all sectors.

The future is here The UK is long overdue a digital revolution. As it stands, only around seven per cent of premises in the country have access to full fibre, while Aberdeen’s network is expected to be within reach of almost every home and business by 2021. The Granite City can proudly say it is leading the UK into a new digital age – and we are proud to be part of that journey.

Find out more To register your interest in full-fibre connectivity for your home visit: www.vodafone.co.uk/gigafast To find out more about the Gigabit City infrastructure in Aberdeen Issue 17 Summer 2019 www.business-now.co.uk 11 visit: www.cityfibre.com/Aberdeen or follow @GigabitAberdeen 

FEATURE

A New Chapter in Aberdeen’s Journey of Innovation

BUSINESS NEWS

Leading Aberdeen Firms Extend Transport Partnership ARR Craib and John Lawrie Group cement relationship Two leading Aberdeen-headquartered companies have cemented a partnership established at the turn of the century by extending it into the next decade.

ARR Craib will continue to provide all of the UK transportation and logistics requirements for metal recycling, decommissioning and steel tubulars specialist John Lawrie Group and its two divisions, John Lawrie Metals and John Lawrie Tubulars.

The firms have worked together since 2000 and the agreement to extend that relationship will support the growth of both businesses. The contract is valued at £3 million per year.

Dave Weston (pictured, left), John Lawrie Metals managing director, said: “ARR Craib has provided an excellent service to John Lawrie Group for nearly 20 years. It operates an extensive

STV Supports SMEs with Growth Academy Events Aberdeen is next venue after latest in series in Dundee

trailer fleet that can accommodate our diverse road haulage needs. As we continue to grow across the UK and continue to undertake decommissioning projects outside Scotland, we need a transport partner that has the experience, capacity and network to deliver, and know ARR Craib and its team will always go the extra mile to do that.”

Mike Simpson (right), ARR Craib chief operating officer, said: “We are very pleased to be continuing our close working relationship with John Lawrie Group into another decade and are excited to support its growth plans. This spring, we have been able to deliver a significant reduction in bulk transport costs for John Lawrie Group, which was achieved as a result of understanding each other’s operations, understanding the different challenges we face and a determination to work together to address those.

“Following our acquisition by Gregory Distribution last year, and the expanded network which that places us in, ARR Craib is in a stronger position than ever to deliver for our customers across the country. Oil and gas, recycling and decommissioning are all new industries for Gregory and it is excited to have John Lawrie Group in its portfolio.” 

The latest event in Dundee featured a programme themed around the role of business culture in driving growth. Harnessing STV’s wealth of experience in media planning, creative brand development, consumer insight and driving a return on investment, small businesses were invited to attend to hear from a range of speakers who shared their knowledge on topics designed to assist businesses to grow and develop.

The event featured a Q&A with entrepreneur, Richard Davies (right), owner of Abandon Ship Apparel, and a session with Gerry Burke (left) on maximising marketing opportunities by making great content on your smartphone. STV’s sales director, Pamela Richardson, also provided insight into her approach to fostering successful business culture with her top tips on how to create a culture which has a lasting impact on productivity.

Pamela said: “STV works with a wide range of companies to help build their brand and connect with their consumers. Through our series of STV Growth Academy workshops, we aim to bring together the next generation of Scottish businesses with speakers to share invaluable insights and provide a forum for business growth.

“I am passionate about great team work – it’s important to create a business culture for growth. I hope everyone who attended the STV Growth Academy has taken away insights to help them continue to grow their business.”

STV hosted the third STV Growth Academy on 8 May as part of a series of events designed to provide small- and medium-sized enterprises with resources and insight which will support them as they take the next step on their business journey.

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The STV Growth Academy is free to attend, though places are limited. The next event will take place in Aberdeen and further details will be announced in advance. For more information about the Growth Academy, please visit the website: http://www. stvgrowthacademy.tv 

BUSINESS NEWS

YWE in Move to Exciting New Home Your Wedding Exhibition takes up residence at P&J Live in January 2020 Your Wedding Exhibition enters its 24th year delivering the biggest and simply the best wedding exhibition in the north-east of Scotland at what will be its third new home in 24 years: P&J Live, in Aberdeen.

YWE Ltd is delighted that the deal is done for 18-19 January 2020, allowing the next instalment of the wedding exhibition story to be delivered. There are 140 exhibitors already confirmed – with more to follow… For those planning their big day and those with the solutions to best deliver a dream wedding, then P&J Live in January 2020 is the place to be!

Recognised as the best wedding exhibition in the North East by visitors and exhibitors alike, YWE looks to make full use of the city’s commitment to deliver a state-of-the-art events venue in Aberdeen.

Already YWE draws both visitors and exhibitors from across Scotland

and the rest of UK, and with the new venue plans to build on 23 years of success and growth.

The wedding industry in the north of Scotland sets standards followed elsewhere in the UK. Consistently, the quality of the stands on show ensure a breathtaking visitor experience – not to mention the twice daily fashion show, which also appears on large screens to ensure visitors do not miss a thing. Vintage and classic cars, camper vans and horse boxes inside the hall offer diversity of choice in transport, too.

For those interested in exhibiting, register online at www.yourweddingexhibition. com Tickets for January 18-19 2020 will be available from October onwards. 

Probe Finds Against HMRC’s Voice ID Service ICO says that voice data collected unlawfully by HMRC should be deleted An Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) investigation into HMRC’s voice ID service was prompted by a complaint from Big Brother Watch about the department’s conduct. The investigation focussed on the use of voice authentication for customer verification on some of HMRC’s helplines since January 2017.

The ICO found that HMRC failed to give customers sufficient information about how their biometric data would be processed and failed to give them the chance to give or withhold consent. This is a breach of the General Data Protection Regulation.

The ICO issued a preliminary enforcement notice to HMRC on 4 April, 2019, stating the information commissioner’s initial decision to compel the department to delete all biometric data held under the voice ID system for which it does not have explicit consent.

The ICO issued its final enforcement notice at the beginning of May, giving HMRC 28 days from then to complete deletion of relevant records.

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Steve Wood, deputy commissioner at the ICO, said: “We welcome HMRC’s prompt action to begin deleting personal data that it obtained unlawfully. Our investigation exposed a significant breach of data protection law – HMRC appears to have given little or no consideration to it with regard to its voice ID service.

“Innovative digital services help make our lives easier, but it must not be at the expense of people’s fundamental right to privacy.

Organisations must be transparent and fair and, when necessary, obtain consent from people about how their information will be used. When that doesn’t happen, the ICO will take action to protect the public.”

The ICO’s investigation was carried out under the GDPR, new rules that came into force last year. Under the GDPR, biometric data is considered special category information and is subject to stricter conditions. 

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MARKETING

Scottish Businesses Urged to Access Marketing Capability • Marketing skills gap at strategic level one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today • New CIM marketing analysis portal (MAP) allows insight into capability gaps

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) has called upon businesses across Scotland to assess their marketing capabilities, after a major industry report highlighted a lack of skills as one of the biggest challenges facing many organisations today.

In 2017, CIM’s ‘State of the Industry’ report found that while marketers are excited about getting more involved in strategic vision for the company (63%) and driving change within the organisation (61%), nearly all (93%) think that the marketing skills gap at strategic level was a concern for many businesses.

CIM has launched an online diagnostic portal to allow businesses to effectively assess professional marketing capabilities across teams and departments. This will help organisations make more efficient training and development decisions.

CIM’s marketing analysis portal (MAP) is available for organisations as an additional analytical component of its well-established consultant-led learning and development capability assessment service. The new portal will help organisations to fully understand their capability gaps against their aspirations, as well as empowering marketing managers to make informed decisions on the critical training and development needs of their team.

MAP, which is based on CIM’s professional marketing competencies, offers marketing professionals the opportunity to identify strengths and gaps across either the full range of disciplines or specific areas based on existing structures. CIM supports organisations in interpreting the output in order to build relevant solutions to support individual and organisational development.

CIM’s learning and development discovery services combine the marketing analysis portal (MAP) with consultant-led investigation to provide:

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• Insight into capability gaps • Inconsistencies across teams • Understanding misalignment to strategy • Recommended solutions Joe Pacitti, Scotland chair of CIM, said: “Our marketing analysis portal (MAP) allows you to directly identify individual needs and highlight trends across your organisation, enabling more targeted training and development efforts to maximise investm “Marketing is a key function in delivering business growth and we believe that developing the capability with marketing teams is an essential part of driving performance. MAP will enable businesses across Scotland to invest in their marketing capability with confidence.”

To find out more about MAP and CIM’s company training services, visit: www.cim.co.uk/map Or, to find out how CIM can help you develop the capability of your marketing team, call: +44 (0)1628 427250. 

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Great Reception for Croma PROception

Great Reception for Croma PROception Approach to service takes guest experience and lobby hosting to new level Croma PROception has just celebrated its first year, which has seen the company go from strength to strength. Formed last May to fill a void in the front end of business by amalgamating three key disciplines – reception, concierge and security, their aim was to create the ultimate front-of-house professional. They are now reaping the benefits of heavy investment in the relevant expertise for their clients, to create a look that complements their environment.

Croma Group executive director, Paul Williamson commented: “The marketplace required a complete change and an innovative approach to meet with the demands of tomorrow. The old job titles of receptionist and security officer in many cases have been replaced by new and more fitting descriptions, such as customer experience host, lobby host or client services facilitator. PROception offers a new level in customer service along with many other tangible benefits, which will become the industry benchmark.”

As operations manager, Ruth McGowan is responsible for the management of front-ofhouse reception contracts and for the smooth running of a number of sites. Through effective management and operational planning, Ruth ensures high standards are met to the client’s requirements at all times.

Ruth commented: “Our service is a fresh take on the existing arrangements within reception and front-of-house services. The marketplace has evolved considerably over the past two years and the focus has shifted from the stiff formal approach to a much more welcoming and engaging environment.

“We are recruiting a different type of professional, with either a hospitality or concierge background, who we can then train in the relevant security skill sets, creating a new front-of-house expertise. The approach to service is taking guest experience and lobby hosting to a new level, which is delivering real commercial value to our clients. The combined skill sets of reception, concierge and security, offer a real opportunity for consolidation of services and cost savings, while bringing new levels of motivation to what was a tired sector.

“I am extremely passionate about the Croma PROception brand, and I truly believe it can revolutionise the entire front-of-house industry. The front end of business is so important and we want to make those initial contacts with visitors and guests memorable.”

First impressions count, so it is imperative that PROception clients and guests are left with an immaculate initial experience, setting the tone for future relationships.

One of their key focus areas during the last year has been staff training. They are fully invested in ensuring that their staff are operational within the WorldHost customer service programme, with Ruth having gained official accredited status as a qualified WorldHost trainer. This is an extremely positive investment for the company, as they can now provide in-house training to all of their staff, which is invaluable for the progression of their business.

Because first impressions count...

For more information on how PROception can transform your Issue 17RuthSummer 2019 front end of business, contact McGowan on www.business-now.co.uk 01387 247842, extension 222 or email ruth.mcgowan@cromaproception.com

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ENERGY

Aberdeen’s New Events Venue Announces Naming-Rights Partner TECA makes deal with DC Thomson Media for world-class venue

Having a brand which has strong roots in Aberdeen is incredibly important to us, and the partnership with DC Thomson Media is hugely positive for our business and pivotal to the success of this transformational project.

Scotland’s brand new events complex has revealed that DC Thomson Media is the venue’s naming-rights partner. The new official name for the world-class venue at The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) will be P&J Live.

“We look forward to a strong partnership and bringing P&J Live to life, delivering on a fantastic new venue for entertainment, conferencing and exhibitions for Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland.”

DC Thomson Media, which owns The Press and Journal and Evening Express, has agreed a deal with the venue’s operator SMG Europe to become the inaugural naming-rights sponsor.

Opening this summer, the world-class facility is being delivered

by Aberdeen City Council in partnership with Henry Boot Developments, with 48,000 square metres of multi-purpose event space including world-class conference and exhibition halls, a superior arena, spacious hospitality boxes and a contemporary restaurant. 

Nick Waight, managing director at P&J Live, said “We are thrilled to announce P&J Live as our official venue name.

Montrose Port Authority Reports Record Breaking Year Service hub handled 3,169,158 gross tonnes of vessel in 2018 Record-breaking annual results have been announced by Montrose Port Authority (MPA).

The Angus-based support and service hub for the energy, agricultural and general cargo industries, announced that it had handled a total of 3,169,158 gross tonnes of vessel during 2018 – a 37% increase on 2017’s total of 2,309,206 gross tonnes.

The results reflect a seminal year for the port, which saw it receive significant private and public investment of £7.7 million, which fed into the port’s quayside expansion project. Part of the port’s wider infrastructure redevelopment master plan, the project will allow for larger cargo vessels to dock in Montrose, ensuring

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it remains competitive in the current marketplace, whilst delivering millions of pounds in transport savings and the associated environmental benefits. With phase one completed in March 2019, phase two is due to be ready for action in autumn this year.

In addition, 2018 also saw MPA create an export facility expressly to service GE company Baker Hughes’ Montrosebased subsea centre of excellence, which represents a £31-million investment in the town from the oil services giant.

Diversification into new markets was also evident during the year, with the port welcoming its first cruise liner in August of 2018. A growing sector in Scotland, the decision to diversify into this area of

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the tourism industry has paid dividends, with MPA hoping to welcome its second cruise liner in September this year.

Commenting on the year just past, and the results it has yielded, MPA chief executive, Nik Scott-Gray said: “2018 was an extremely busy year for Montrose Port. These record-breaking figures are a true reflection of our strategic mindset, consistently flexible approach and willingness to diversify.

“Good growth within the oil and gas industry, as well as a steady performance from the general cargo market, have consolidated our position as a key hub for both industries, and I am confident that our redevelopment plans can only strengthen that status.” . 

ENERGY

Keynote Programme for SPE Offshore Europe 2019 Senior industry figures to co-chair sessions across spectrum of subjects Artificial intelligence, energy diversification and the transformation of the workforce will be amongst the major talking points at SPE Offshore Europe 2019.

Senior international industry figures will co-chair the keynote sessions, which also includes late life and decommissioning, underwater innovation, transformative technologies to lower the carbon footprint, digital security, integrated technologies, digitalisation, standardisation and finance.

The event will take place from 3-6 September at the new £333-million P&J Live at TECA, under the theme, ‘Breakthrough to Excellence – Our license to operate’.

Michael Borrell, SPE Offshore Europe 2019 conference chair and senior vice president, North Sea and Russia at Total, said: “Our committee is full of international oil and gas industry leaders, and they have developed an excellent programme which gets to the heart of the main opportunities and challenges facing the region.

“Offshore Europe 2019 is a great opportunity for us to challenge ourselves in the North Sea basin. I want the event to not just look at what is going well in the North Sea, but to engage with the best of what is happening across the world. It is only by sharing best practice and being open to new ideas that we truly have the opportunity to break through to excellence.”

The SPE Offshore Europe 2019 technical committee has been selected and is charged with shortlisting the 80 plus papers that are to be presented throughout the four days.

After a successful introduction two years ago, the 2019 event

© Offshore Europe

will include an expanded Decommissioning Zone to include late life.

The organisers are also incorporating an ENGenious Zone into SPE Offshore Europe 2019 after the success of the inaugural event in Aberdeen earlier this year. This area will highlight innovations in robotics, data analytics, automation and advanced communications ahead of the next stand-alone event in 2020.

The Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) and social enterprise, Elevator, will also run a start-up zone, providing exposure to the most exciting new companies in the sector.

Phil Chandler, director of SPE’s Europe and Caspian Events, commented: “Led by our experienced co-chairs, there will be a strong mix of discussion of both current and future issues facing the region across all four days.

“Events like SPE Offshore Europe 2019 provide a platform for the industry to come together and discuss what really matters – and this programme showcases that.” 

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ENERGY

Oil and Gas Skills Strategy Reveals Rapidly Changing Sector Action needed now to retain, retrain, recruit and renew oil and gas workforce Energy skills body OPITO has set out a strategy to prepare the UK oil and gas industry for a shift in skills requirements over the next six years.

OPITO’s Skills Landscape 2019–2025 report, part of the UKCS Workforce Dynamics research series, reveals technology advances, internationalisation and the transition to a lower carbon future are accelerating changing skills demands in the sector.

It is expected that around 80% of the current workforce will still be working within the industry in 2025, taking into account natural attrition and retirement.

The opportunity to retain these skills, as well as upskill and reskill the workforce as the industry adapts to take advantage of new technologies and different ways of working, is substantial.

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In just six years it is estimated the industry needs to attract 25,000 new people and 4,500 of those will be into completely new roles that do not currently exist, in areas such as data science, automation and new materials. Future roles may include ‘artificial intelligence business developer’, ‘virtual reality journey builder’ and ‘3D material scientist’.

Built on four strategic components – retain, retrain, recruit, and renew – the report, led

by OPITO in partnership with Robert Gordon University’s Oil & Gas Institute, is designed to help the sector develop an increasingly flexible, multi-skilled and technology-enabled workforce.

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ENERGY A route map has been developed to bring organisations together

Other key findings from the report include:

to deliver on targeted actions. Coordinated and facilitated by

• Twenty-eight per cent of people’s time is currently spent on repetitive, transactional activities which are more likely to become automated over time. Upskilling and reskilling the current workforce will enable people to carry out their role more efficiently and prepare them for different tasks and responsibilities.

OPITO, on behalf of industry, the route map includes activities such as developing new education and training courses, technology focused apprenticeships and initiatives that support future recruitment and skills diversity.

Mark Cullens, director of strategic engagement at OPITO, said: “Oil and gas skills requirements are changing rapidly. Equipping the current workforce with the skills to adapt to this dynamic business environment is essential and work needs to begin right away.

“We have the potential to leverage UK skills and capabilities around the world, but close collaboration and partnership is needed to make an effective and lasting impact. We require a sharp focus on supporting the industry to take advantage of the benefits of digitisation and energy transition, creating a more technology-enabled, fluid and multi-skilled workforce of tomorrow.

“OPITO is working with industry and various stakeholders to coordinate and facilitate a route map of actions to help support the industry’s Vision 2035 and the role of the sector in the low carbon economy.”

The Skills Landscape report was published at an Oil & Gas UK Business Breakfast, sponsored by Deloitte, which featured a panel of industry speakers including Ariel Flores, BP’s North Sea regional president; Lesley Birse, president of people and organisation for Europe, Africa, ME, Asia and Australia at Wood; and Sophie Ewen, currently an OGTAP (Oil & Gas Technical Apprentice Programme) apprentice working with Chevron.

To help determine the changing oil and gas skills requirements, 1,000 people from around 140 organisations responded to a detailed skills survey and supplemented the data already received covering 35,000 UKCS roles.

• There is a need to upskill the sector’s leadership and management functions to ensure informed decision-making with respect to technology adoption and change management. Developing future leaders should also be a priority.

• The way in which the workforce wants to learn and develop new skills is also changing. New training methods such as virtual and augmented reality, simulation and situational analysis are becoming the preferred learning method. The report shows that people want short but formally structured ‘nuggets’ of learning, increasingly delivered through simulation.

Professor Paul de Leeuw, director of Robert Gordon University’s Oil and Gas Institute, commented: “The digital transformation of the energy sector is already underway and we are beginning to see a real change in requirements to support this. With a substantial proportion of the existing workforce to be upskilled and with over 25,000 new people entering the industry by 2025, we have a tremendous opportunity to ensure the UK retains its position as a world-class basin for energy skills.

“This will require a new level of collaboration between industry, governments, agencies and the education sector to ensure the present and future workforce are equipped with the requisite skills. There is a real prize here for the UK and there is a collective responsibility to future-proof the skills and capabilities in the sector.”

The Skills Landscape report follows the 2018 UKCS Workforce Dynamics: Shaping the Skills of Tomorrow review, that assessed the changing skills requirements over the next 20 years to support industry’s Vision 2035, which aims to secure another generation of production and double exports. 

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ENERGY

Exceed Awarded Serica Well Engineering & Well Project Management Contract Well management and performance improvement specialist celebrates success Aberdeen-headquartered Exceed, a well management and performance improvement specialist, has successfully secured a two-year contract to support Serica Energy (UK) Limited with its future well operations.

With a main focus on the production and development in the UK North Sea, complemented by a portfolio of oil and gas exploration opportunities, Serica’s interests include offshore licence blocks in the UK North Sea, Ireland and Namibia.

Initial operations under this contract will be concentrated on the Columbus Development Well which is planned to

be drilled in 2020, with additional work to drive maximum production from its recently acquired assets also planned.

John Anderson, Exceed commercial director (pictured), commented: “This award further demonstrates the capacity of Exceed as a multi-disciplined well management organisation capable of supporting the comprehensive wells requirements of one of the leading independent companies operating on the UKCS. Serica Energy is a company of great ambition and Exceed looks forward to working as its wells partner on what will be an exciting journey for both companies.”

multi-discipline team of professionals.

Exceed provides well engineering and project management services with its head office in Aberdeen. Exceed works for a wide range of operators in the oil and gas business in the UKCS and internationally utilising the company’s

Serica Energy (UK) Limited is a British independent upstream oil and gas company with operations focused on the UK North Sea, where its assets span the full cycle of exploration, development and production. 

XL Group on Track to Double Revenues Multi-discipline technology and engineering group on fast growth trajectory XL Global Group is set to double its revenues this year.

The global multi-discipline technology and engineering group is projecting a turnover of £22 million by the end of 2019.

This represents a £14-million increase in the last two years, which have seen a period of investment in acquisitions, new divisions and technology, as well as recruitment of new people, taking the workforce to almost one hundred across five locations.

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Headquartered in Aberdeen, XL Group now comprises eight divisions following the recent acquisition of Artisan Measurement & Control Limited (AMC).

This deal added expertise, products and services in calibration, measurement, tanker loading, blending, metering systems and instrumentation to XL’s growing list of integrated engineering services.

Chief executive, Colin Laird (pictured), said: “Our accelerated growth is a result of both acquisitions and increased business across all our divisions, but particularly within Access XL, Atlantic XL and Integrity XL.” 

Task force created to draw roadmap towards Vision 2035 for oil and gas sector The task force members will be collectively responsible for developing the roadmap, tracking its progress and making any interventions to challenge progress.

Each member will have an action plan for their area of focus that will feed into the overall plan.

The members and their areas of focus are: • Steve Phimister (Shell U.K. Ltd) – culture and behaviours • Andy Samuel (OGA) – maximising economic recovery • Stuart Payne (OGA) – exports • Colette Cohen (OGTC) – technology

From left to right: Trevor Garlick, Deirdre Michie, Stuart Payne, Andy McDonald, Andy Samuel, Colette Cohen and Steve Phimister

Industry leaders have come together to develop the roadmap which will steer the UK’s offshore oil and gas sector towards achieving Vision 2035.

This compelling, national vision is a shared intent by the industry and stakeholders, including government, to ensure industry can deliver as much of the UK’s oil and gas needs, expand supply chain opportunities at home, abroad and in other sectors, while supporting the accelerating transition to a lower carbon future up to 2035 and beyond.

A task force of senior industry figures has been formed to help develop a roadmap of what needs to be done and by when to deliver Vision 2035. The plan will follow one of the biggest ever engagement campaigns in the sector to ensure everyone in the industry understands the aims of the vision and joins a conversation as to how it can be achieved.

The task force members will pull together specific and measurable deliverables under the key areas of skills, technology, exports, diversification and culture.

OGUK chief executive and task force chair, Deirdre Michie (second left) said: “There has never been a more important

moment for us all to come together to collectively consider what our future could or should look like. Later this year we’ll publish a roadmap which will signpost how we can continue to meet as much of the UK’s oil and gas demand from homeproduced resources, expand supply chain opportunities at home, abroad and in other sectors, while supporting an accelerating transition towards a lower carbon future.

“The ‘Our Vision. Our Future.’ campaign is important for industry, because we all have a role and a voice in the future of this industry, which is why we need everyone to join the conversation and think about how we can continue to make sure this industry remains a dynamic and exciting place to work as we move through the transition.”

The ‘Our Vision. Our Future.’ campaign will engage people across the sector in a shared understanding of Vision 2035 and how they can innovate and collaborate to make it a reality. By signing up to the campaign, organisations and individuals will be joining a conversation about what needs to be done in the industry, and then committing to playing their part in making it happen.

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• Andy McDonald (Scottish Enterprise) – diversification • Matt Abraham (Oil & Gas UK) – supply chain • John McDonald (OPITO) – skill • Trevor Garlick (ONE) – oil and gas sector deal David Rennie, head of oil and gas at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Delivery of Vision 2035 will make sure that in the next 15 years we will still support fulfilling jobs and prosperity for our supply chain, our people and our country.

There is a potential £920 billion to be won, but the greater prize will be providing secure, affordable energy, as part of a lower carbon economy.

“By engaging through this campaign, we aim to inspire people, to spark ideas and ignite the passion to drive change and come up with the solutions required.”

Companies and employers are being urged to join the conversation by displaying ‘Our Vision. Our Future.’ branded material in their workplaces, sharing their ideas about how Vision 2035 will be achieved on the dedicated microsite www. energyvision2035.com and on social media using the hashtag #ourvisionourfuture or #jointheconversation, and nominating individuals to become ‘Visionaries’ – ambassadors for the campaign. 

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FEATURE

Industry Engagement Campaign ‘Our Vision.

Our Future.’ Launches

FEATURE

IT Weaknesses - The Barrier to Enterprises Becoming Security-First

By Justin Calmus, chief security officer at OneLogin

The influx of new applications onto enterprise networks shows no sign of abating, threatening networking security posture.

OneLogin research found that two thirds of UK enterprises

Enterprises are increasingly recognising the benefits of embracing a cloud infrastructure to support on-premises networks, but often create complicated network environments in the process.

expected to deploy up to 100 new commercial SaaS (software

Recent OneLogin research revealed that 94% of global CIOs are in agreement, saying the corporate technology stack is becoming increasingly complex – with more apps (both cloud and on-prem), data, devices and transactions than previously known. Running systems via the cloud offers efficiency and productivity to better support large distributed workforces, no matter where an employee is based. As a company evolves it can often outgrow its on-premises network. Consequently, IT strategies must be created to future-proof networks, as well as protect customer and employee data.

strategy to encourage healthy hybrid-network environments.

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as a service) and on-premises apps in the last year. This high frequency of large-scale app deployment to enterprise networks means it is critical that organisations develop a security-first Such strategies are imperative to calm chaotic networks overwhelmed by the constant on-boarding of applications. Just like spinning plates, it is only a matter of time until a chaotic and fragmented hybrid network wobbles and the entire enterprise network collapses.

To ensure companies’ networks remain agile and secure, IT decision-makers and professionals should consider the following points to encourage a company-wide security-first culture:

FEATURE 1. Single source of truth Multiple directories mean multiple vulnerabilities. Whether directories are in the cloud, on-premises or both, they need to be managed from one unified system that is adaptable and scalable.

2. Manage access for employees and end-users Eighty-one per cent of hacking-related breaches involve stolen or weak credentials. Single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) work together to strengthen credentials and protect data from unauthorised access – across all users’ devices and apps.

3. Onboard and off-board efficiently and securely As enterprises continue to grow, HR and IT departments are tasked with getting new employees onboarded quickly, and offboarding ex-employees just as fast, if not faster, to stay secure.

With large organisations hosting 250+ employees, new staff need to be added every week and, likewise, staff also leave every week – placing a strain on HR and IT teams. To simplify processes, run them most efficiently and put security first, companies should invest in automated processes and tools. An ‘instant kill switch’ for de-provisioning and real-time directory synchronisation can dramatically reduce time spent on IT administrative tasks and greatly reduce the risk of ex-employees leaving with sensitive information that could be sold to competitors.

4. Security versus usability – getting the balance right To encourage employees to follow security protocols and buy into a security-first culture, additional security processes must make the tools they use to do their jobs easier to use. Otherwise, employees will be reluctant to adopt them and will find a way

to circumnavigate security protocols, essentially leaving the business they work for open to malicious cyber criminals.

It can be all too easy for employees to sign up to and download new applications on corporate and even personal devices they use to work. Some employees even pay for these applications out of their own pocket to circumvent going through tedious HR and IT protocols.

To succeed in 2019, enterprises must find a balance between usability and security to become a security-first organisation, or face becoming security-last and at the mercy of cyber criminals.

Not only will an organisation’s inability to prioritise security cost the company its sensitive data, but it will also incur regulatory fines for not complying with data privacy laws, such as the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the US’ Data Privacy Shield.

Google recently, and publicly, came under regulatory scrutiny by the French National Data Protection Commission (NCIL) following two breaches of GDPR compliance due to a lack of transparency around how to access data policies and Google’s lack of valid user consent regarding the personalisation of ads.

As a result, Google has received a fine of €50 million, the largest fine since GDPR came into force. The impact beyond the fine is on Google’s reputation among consumers and Google users.

With this in mind, a security-first strategy and posture must be reflected in an organisation’s vendor selection processes and positively influence the end-user experience every step of the way. If organisations fail to acknowledge the importance of a security-first culture throughout decision-making processes, they will risk circumvention and hefty regulatory fines, damaging their reputations. 

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I.T. FEATURE

Career Climbing in the Digital Age Kaspersky Lab finds one in two hide social media activity from their boss With 90% of people in employment going online several times a day, it can be hard for most workers to keep their private and work life separate during the working day (and beyond). The recently published Global Privacy Report from Kaspersky Lab reveals that one in two (59%) consumers choose to hide social media activity from their boss. This secretive stance at work also extends to their colleagues, with 52% of people preferring not to reveal online activities to their co-workers.

The average employee spends an astonishing 13 years and two months at work during their lifetime. Interestingly though, not all this time is directly related to solving work tasks or earning a promotion: almost two thirds (64%) of consumers admit visiting non workrelated websites every day from their desk.

Not surprisingly, nearly a third (29%) of employees are against their employer knowing which websites they visit. However, more interestingly, one in two (52%) are even against their colleagues knowing about their online activities. This probably means that colleagues constitute an even greater threat to future perspectives of an office slouch or maybe the relationships with colleagues are more informal and, therefore, more valuable.

In contrast, social media activity appears to be a less private domain for many and more suitable for sharing with colleagues – but not the boss. This is probably because workers fear harming the public image of a company or interest in decreased staff productivity motivates companies to monitor employees’ social networks and make career-changing decisions based on that. Such policies have led to one in two (59%) people saying that they do not want to reveal their social media activities to their boss and 54% do not even want to disclose this information to their colleagues.

A further 34% are against showing the content of their messages and emails to their employer. In addition, 5% said that their career was irrevocably damaged as a consequence of their personal information being leaked. Thus, people are worried about how to build a favourable internal reputation and how not to destroy existing workplace relationships.

Marina Titova, head of consumer product marketing at Kaspersky Lab, comments: “As going online is an integral part of our life nowadays, lines continue to blur between our digital existence at work and at home. And that’s neither good or bad. That’s how we live in the digital age. Just keep remembering that as an employee you need to be increasingly cautious of what exactly you post on social media feeds or what websites you prefer using at work. One misconceived action on the internet could have an irrevocable long-term impact on even the most ambitious worker’s ability to climb the career ladder of their choice in the future.”

To ensure workers do not fall prey to the internet threats at a work, there are some core guidelines to adhere to in the digital age:

• Do not post anything that could be considered defamatory, obscene, proprietary or libellous.

If in doubt, do not post.

• Be aware that system administrators may at least in theory be informed about your web browsing patterns.

• Do not harass, threaten, discriminate or disparage against any colleague, partner, competitor or customer. Neither on social networks or in messages, emails, nor by any other means.

• Do not post photographs of other employees, customers, vendors, suppliers or company products without prior written permission. 

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SureVoIP Mobile to add key features to service in coming months An innovative telecoms solution created in the north-east of Scotland is benefiting business users around the world.

SureVoIP Mobile is the first solution of its kind developed in the UK that gives users access to every major network, wherever they are, without tying them to any single operator globally.

The nature of the technology has already seen it used by a wide range of business and leisure customers in destinations as far afield as Canada, Greece, Rwanda, Uganda, Thailand and the Philippines.

Because SureVoIP Mobile ‘roams’ to find the best available network based on every major provider in that country, customers are assured that they will receive optimum coverage before they travel.

Since bundles can be completely customised depending on the length of your trip – for instance, to manage making or receiving calls – customers can have complete peace of mind they will not face any bill shock or hidden charges commonly associated with traditional pay monthly options.

Key benefits of SureVoIP Mobile include:

• Multiple numbers available on the same phone (one SIM card) • Provides best possible coverage in the UK and overseas • Not bound to home country restrictions • Full control over bundles and contract length • International landlines come straight to your SIM card instead of being diverted

without the need to always give out their private number.

SureVoIP has already engaged with rural GPs, proof-of-delivery specialists, expatriate facilitators and firms operating in the care home sector to resolve historic coverage issues. It is also in discussions with travel management companies to create bespoke packages for cruise ship passengers.

The company has continued to develop the product further since it first went live late last year, with several other key features expected to be added in the coming months.

SureVoIP is an award-winning software as a service (SaaS) provider that specialises in using the internet to deliver telecoms – more commonly known as voice-over internet protocol (VoIP).

One of the biggest developments has been the ability to deliver multiple numbers on the same phone, such as mobile, landline and international numbers. This can equally be used to measure the success of dedicated sales campaigns by providing a unique access point.

The Aberdeen-based company, which is a network operator with its own equipment in Edinburgh and London, services the VoIP telephony requirements of more than 1,700 companies of varying size, from multinational oil majors to national charities.

It also means that business owners and employees can have a single SIM card for both work and personal use,

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It is a carrier-grade VoIP provider and delivers its service over the firm’s own wholly owned and managed systems – providing clients with the reassurance of a UK-based technical support team. 

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FEATURE

UK Users Benefiting from Global Solution Created by SureVoIP

FEATURE

Five Free Tools to Help Freelancers & SMEs Get Started

By Inna Kaushan, co-founder of Solna*, a smart invoicing platform powered by credit score data

Being your own boss can be liberating and tough. Your time is now your biggest asset, so managing it well – and having the right support to help you – is particularly important.

Luckily there are plenty of digital tools to make it easier.

Here’s a list of some of the best free apps and tools for freelancers and small business owners.

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What is it? A super straightforward to-do list with easy task

management. Trello is a favourite for freelancers and other small businesses, because even the free version gives them what they need.

Who’s going to love it? List addicts and people who like keeping their

tasks and projects organised.

Bullet points on A4 paper might work for a while, but when your job list starts growing, you’ll need a smarter way of staying organised. Trello is a simple task management tool which helps you organise and order your jobs with clean, colourful cards and lists. If a deadline changes, you just move the cards around and, if you win a new client, you can create a list specifically for them, keeping everything in one place.

For some small businesses and freelancers, getting paid means sending email attachments and mailing A4 pieces of paper. It sounds simple, but it can end up being a big admin job without the right help.

If you want to get paid on time, smart invoicing is the only way to go. Solna helps you create stunning branded invoices, send automatic payment reminders to those pesky late payers, and track every invoice until it’s in your account. All invoices come with read receipt, so no more chasing random accounts people either!

Solna is packed with clever features to help freelancers and small businesses whether they’re new to the game or not.

4. Coconut What is it? A free current account for freelancers, the self-employed

2. Clockify What is it? Time tracking software that syncs across devices to

show you exactly where your time is being spent.

Who’s going to love it? Small businesses or freelancers with a lot to do

and small businesses, that also takes care of the accounting and tax.

Who’s going to love it? Anyone dreading financial admin.

Traditional accounting packages and business bank accounts

and no love for admin.

haven’t kept up with the fast-paced way we work. Coconut

Time really is money and spending too much time on a job means

addresses this by combining banking and accounting in one

you’re losing money!

simple product.

Accurate time tracking means you won’t undercharge or overcharge

A Coconut account gives you a debit card, transfers, simple

for your work. You’ll also be able to see all your projects’ progress,

online statements and some helpful extras. Coconut helps you

and how much you have left to spare when you’re pitching for new work. The key to not wasting time is knowing where you’re wasting it.

Clockify’s timekeeping dashboard is the epitome of organised; you’ll know exactly where your tasks are at a glance! Synced to both desktop and mobile, it breaks down your hours, days, and

stay organised by categorising your business expenses. It sends instant notifications when you spend to remind you to snap the receipt. It also gives you helpful tips about what you can and can’t claim, helping to maximise savings on your tax bill.

weeks. Track your time, break down the data, and turn timesheets into a doddle.

5. Headspace What is it? Easy meditation you can do in five or 10 minutes.

Who’s going to love it? Everyone who has a busy mind; i.e. all of us.

Headspace isn’t designed for freelancers or business owners specifically, but some quiet mindfulness is something we could all do with.

The app has hundreds of short meditation sessions designed to help with stress, anxiety, depression and sleep problems. If you struggle to switch off or find yourself slipping into negative thought patterns, this is the app to download. You can try 10 sessions for free before you decide to pay for a subscription.

These five tools are brilliant for keeping you organised, helping you get paid, shaving time off things you might not like doing,

3. Solna What is it? More than just an invoicing tool, Solna does all the

admin for you. It helps you track your income and gets you paid faster.

Who’s going to love it? Freelancers and small businesses with lots

of invoices and no time to chase them!

and giving you the space to switch off.  * Solna is a smart invoicing platform powered by credit score data, which speeds up the invoicing and payment process for freelancers and small businesses. Through leveraged credit data that is overlaid on the platform’s invoicing and reporting functionality, users get a clear picture of their customer’s financial health and their overall exposure to risk. The system’s automated credit control functionality automatically chases overdue invoices – freeing up time and ensuring faster payment.

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SECTION HEADER

1. Trello

AWARD WINNERS

NE Entrepreneur Named MD of Year

Colin Lyall Named Chef of the Year

The founder of Scotland’s largest organic waste management firm,

Colin Lyall, head chef of Banchory’s Tor Na Coille Hotel, has taken

headquartered in Aberdeen, has secured a top Scottish business

the top accolade in the North East of Scotland Chef and Restaurant

award. Grant Keenan (pictured with his wife, Claire), who runs Keenan

of the Year Awards 2019. He impressed a panel of expert judges with a

Recycling, was named as Managing Director of the Year at the Scottish

tempting menu showcasing local produce from Royal Deeside. He took

SME Business Awards in Glasgow. There were 31 awards announced

home a gold medal, achieving marks of over 90%, having been second

at the event and ten finalists competing for the Managing Director of

in the chef of the year competition – the largest regional cookery

the Year Award.

contest in Scotland – for the past two years.

From left: Graeme Fergusson, Fairfield Decom; winner of the Outstanding Innovation award, Dorothy Burke, Ecosse IP; and John Warrender, chief executive Decom North Sea

UK Success for Sport Aberdeen Award-winning registered charity Sport Aberdeen struck gold at the prestigious Community Leisure UK Awards in Manchester in May, winning two of the three categories they were finalists in. Get active @ Sheddocksley won the much coveted Leisure Capital Project of the Year Award, while fifteen-year-old Aimee Work, chair of the city’s Active Girls Committee, won the Outstanding Individual Volunteer Award. She has used her personal challenges as a catalyst to become an ambassador for championing girls’ participation in physical activity.

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Annual Decom North Sea Awards The winners of the 2019 Decom North Sea Awards were announced at an awards dinner held at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) at the end of May, ahead of the annual Decom Offshore conference and exhibition. The Outstanding Innovation category was taken home by Ecosse IP Ltd, whilst Excellence in Collaboration was awarded to Spirit Energy for their partnership with The Oil and Gas Technology Centre.

He said: “The term haute couture doesn’t instantly make you think of Scotland. I am changing this mindset. The luxurious materials, meticulous fit and attention to detail in my designs mirror my ambitions. They must be nothing less than extraordinary.”

Mr Horn, CEO at DeltaTek – provider of subsea technology and well construction specialists, described the news as a “fantastic feeling”.

Elevator Set to Crown its 2019 Emerging Entrepreneur Winner will be announced at annual awards ceremony at Ardoe House

With his business also being shortlisted in the Innovation category, he said: “It is a real honour to be a finalist for two Elevator Awards. I would be the first to admit that my journey didn’t start as smoothly as I had hoped. Luckily for me, I was accepted into Elevator’s Accelerator Programme.

This, together with advice from other support organisations, provided me with the starting blocks to help jump-start the DeltaTek journey.”

Mr Leonard started Beast Gear as a fun hobby after feeling not fully satisfied with available training equipment. His adventure spiralled from there; to date some of his products have been rated number one by The Independent and the Evening Standard.

He said: “I am so appreciative that I have been recognised as an emerging entrepreneur. This is now my second time involved with the awards and it is fantastic to be part of the process. Good luck to all fellow finalists.”

Honouring Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent for 20 years, the Elevator Awards is an elite showcase of the exceptional talent across Aberdeen City and Shire and celebrates business success, entrepreneurial excellence and outstanding community-driven initiatives.

Professor Gary McEwan (pictured centre, with Mark Gall, left, and Russell Whyte, both RBS), Elevator CEO, said: “The North East is home to some of Scotland’s finest entrepreneurs; entrepreneurship is the foundation of our economy. Every time a new business starts, we inspire others to be brave with their ambitions and drive change. Our three finalists are pioneers in their own sectors, and I look forward to seeing who is crowned our 2019 winner.”

Sponsored by the University of Aberdeen, the Emerging Entrepreneur title recognises a standout business player – an innovator and leader, someone who has made a recognisable mark upon their chosen sector.

Winners will be revealed at a black-tie ceremony taking place at Ardoe House on Thursday 27 June. 

Three north-east business tycoons are just weeks away from finding out who will be crowned emerging entrepreneur at a prestigious annual awards ceremony.

Daniel Crozier of Aphrodite x Venus, Tristam Horn of DeltaTek and Ben Leonard of Beast Gear are all in the running for the accolade.

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ELEVATOR NEWS

Designer Mr Crozier said he felt “honoured to be shortlisted”. Launching Aphrodite x Venus was the start of his own entrepreneurial journey – merging his design philosophy with the knowledge he gained from industry experience working in New York, the luxury fashion brand was born.

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Adaptation Key to Success for Skene House Responding to market changes vital to reaching 40th anniversary milestone A chance conversation in Edinburgh more than four decades ago led to the dawning of a new era in Aberdeen’s hospitality sector – and 40 years on, innovation is still the name of the game.

Founded by well-known local businessman and entrepreneur Professor Charles Skene, the business now known as Skene House HotelSuites & ConferenceSuites was something of a trailblazer when it arrived on the scene, bringing to the north-east market previously unavailable accommodation options.

Families arriving in Aberdeen to work in the oil industry were often split due to the nature of hotel accommodation, and the demand suggested that something additional was required. Using some of the best-known interior designers in the country, Charles Skene set to work buying and refurbishing an original portfolio of more than 400 flats within old tenement buildings to create one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. With the added benefit of hotel services as well as short- and long-term lease availability, these new properties provided a cost-effective alternative option for oil company personnel to live in a ‘home-from-home’ environment whilst they were getting settled in Aberdeen.

Nowadays, Skene House HotelSuites & ConferenceSuites serviced accommodation, conference facilities and meeting rooms are spread throughout the city at key locations in Holburn, Rosemount and Whitehall, and offer the luxury of hotel living combined with the flexibility of self-catering accommodation, with stays as short as one night possible.

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Mr Skene takes up the story: “Harvard Business School professor, Jeffry Timmons described entrepreneurship as: ‘a behavioural process involving the pursuit of opportunity without regard

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SECTION HEADER © Brian Tallman Photography

to the resources currently controlled.’ That was certainly the case when I purchased the portfolio of property in Aberdeen, as I didn’t know how I was going to pay for the buildings or, indeed, exactly what I was going to do with them initially!

“The first plan was to rent the flats as residential properties in the traditional way and, on reflection, that may have been an easier option in the short term, but the then new and booming oil industry presented an irresistible market opportunity.

“At the beginning, what we were doing was pioneering a new way of providing accommodation – indeed we believe we were the only company in the UK offering one- to three-bedroom serviced apartments on a nightly basis at that time. Because it was so new and different, a lot of hard work was needed to overcome the challenge of persuading people as to the value of these new alternatives. But we did it. We rose to the challenge and we shaped our business in step with what the market wanted from us.”

The later addition of meeting and conference facilities brought further value to the business, and continues to add to the city’s event space mix – a unique multifunctional venue nestled under the arches of Rosemount Viaduct. It has hosted everything from children’s birthday parties and hen dos to regular private lunches, dinners, conferences and training days – and boasts enviable acoustics to boot!

But whilst the corporate traveller may have been the desired prize at the outset, the changing shape of the market saw corporate bookings for whole blocks of apartments gradually gravitate towards the individual business traveller, followed by domestic and overseas leisure and tourism markets – with Scandinavia taking centre stage.

Mr Skene continues: “By working hard to cast our net further, wider and deeper, we were able to forge good links and leisure visitors became a large part of our business, offering the ideal balance between our business visitors during the working week and ensuring good occupancy at weekends.

“The last few years, however, have been very difficult not least because of crippling business rate increases. But we have survived them and that is due in no small part to our position as an independent, familyowned business with a long corporate history. We have had to adjust to the changing conditions the North East has gone through due to

the challenges in the oil and gas industry, and it has been imperative for us to adjust our supply to meet current market needs. We have done this by listening and acting appropriately to remain current and relevant, and by using lessons learned from our past to help shape our future. Indeed, there is something of a full circle beginning to emerge in our business, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary.

“Our TripAdvisor award-winning Whitehall location has moved away from operating as short-term serviced apartments and will revert to offering longer-term rental properties. More and more people are opting to rent and we can add on hotel services – such as cleaning – as and when they are required, and that’s an attractive, flexible way of living for a lot of people.”

And, if asked to highlight the single most important driver behind Skene House HotelSuites & ConferenceSuites reaching its milestone 40th anniversary, Charles Skene is in no doubt as to the answer: people.

He adds: “Without question, people are what make our business tick.

People are our customers and they are our staff, and some of both categories have been with us for many years. Without people, our business would not have grown to become what it is today and it is people who will shape the next chapter of our story.” 

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FEATURE

Two-Thirds of Self-Employed Have Never Saved into a Pension

By Nick Woodward, CEO of ETZ Payments There are five million self-employed people in the UK, working in a range of both low- and high-skilled industries – from courier drivers to financial consultants. The number of self-employed workers in Britain has dramatically risen over the past 18 years, from 3.3 million people in 2001 to 4.8 million in 2017, accounting for 15 per cent of British workers.

Despite it being a growing workforce, the gig economy is troubled by inconsistent and frequently late payments. The fact that these employees are working as self-employed means that they are not receiving the regular benefits that full-time employees get as standard, including regular appraisals and a companysupported pension. Research by Fidelity has unveiled that 62 per cent of those who are self-employed have no pension savings at all.

Many of those who work in the gig economy do not have the assurance of stable and consistent work over many years.

This remains the case despite some freelancers working for one company over the course of years or decades. This lack of concrete work means that a high number of self-employed workers are wary of setting aside money for the future in case they find themselves without work, and are therefore reliant on any savings that they have built up. Seventy per cent of the selfemployed who are not already saving for retirement have said that they cannot afford to put money away for later life.

Women appear to be affected more than men, with three in five saying that they are not saving enough to be able to support themselves when they retire. Furthermore, a quarter of female respondents said that they are so far behind on saving that they are even concerned they will not be able to afford to take time off to have a baby.

The self-employed workforce may not be saving for a pension, but they are saving. The research found that 72 per cent of selfemployed individuals are saving for the future on a regular basis, though this was lower than the 88 per cent of employed workers.

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Pensions are on offer to those who are self-employed and some opt for a self-invested personal pension (SIPPs). These are flexible, self-managed pensions that can suit the needs of self-employed retirement savers. Despite this being on offer, Fidelity’s research found that a staggering 68 per cent of the selfemployed work force have never heard of a SIPP. Those working in the gig economy cannot rely on the regular payments that those in full-time employment have. This is dissuading many from pursuing a potentially fruitful freelance career. Research from ETZ Payments can unveil that 14 per cent of Brits have considered leaving or have left freelance work due to inconsistent or late payment, and that 13 per cent regularly miss bill payments due to not being paid on time.

Freelancers and flexible workers are blighted by irregular and inconsistent payments, which is no fault of their own but is instead the fault of the archaic payment systems that are often used by employers and recruiters. Many companies that employ workers from the gig economy use paper-based timesheets.

This leads to human error and therefore often results in late or incorrect payments. Late payments are damaging for both the individual employer and also the business. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) estimated that late payments effectively kill 50,000 small businesses a year.

In order to address this issue, companies should invest in modern technology that takes the burden of processing timesheets away from the individual with state-of-the-art software. Such technology would allow invoices and timesheets to be processed with ease and without any error. Rather than chasing individuals for timesheets, innovative software allows an integrated system that lets you chase multiple timesheets with one click.

• Asset finance and asset-based lending providers, as well as certain other categories of lender, are now eligible to apply for the ENABLE Guarantee programme • Opening ENABLE Guarantees to new types of lenders aims to increase the diversity of both supplier and type of finance available to smaller businesses The British Business Bank’s ENABLE Guarantee programme is now accepting applications from new types of lenders, with the aim of increasing the diversity of both supplier and type of finance available to smaller businesses.

ETZ Payments are aiming to revolutionise the gig economy by introducing daily payments to the freelance and flexible workforce. This will allow self-employed workers to budget with more ease and also save for retirement and large expenditures. Research by ETZ Payments found that 27 per cent of British workers would find it easier to budget if they were paid daily and 33 per cent said that they found it hard to budget because their monthly payments do not line up with their weekly bills and other outgoings.

Hopefully, if those who work in a freelance or flexible capacity are paid daily, they will then feel more comfortable saving for the future, making pensions a more viable option for the gig economy worker. 

The extension means the programme can now support asset finance and assetbased lending providers, as well as certain other categories of lender. Participants in the programme are required to lend – or intend to lend – to viable small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in the UK. Previously, eligibility was restricted solely to UK banks and UK branches of foreign banks.

By expanding the programme to new types of lenders, the bank will now be able to support more specialised lending to a broader range of smaller finance providers.

Reinald de Monchy, managing director, guarantee and wholesale solutions, British Business Bank, commented: “Our ENABLE Guarantee programme helps smaller businesses in the UK access the right funding by supporting a wide range of lending products. This extension to the programme will increase the range of options available and help more UK smaller businesses to access the finance they need to prosper and grow.”

Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst said: “Through our modern Industrial Strategy we are fully committed to supporting our small businesses to succeed while retaining our status as one of the best places in the world to start and grow a small business.

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“This enhancement of the ENABLE Guarantee, supported by the governmentbacked British Business Bank, reflects the changed landscape for business finance.

Thanks to the innovation of our worldleading FinTech sector, finance markets for smaller businesses are more diverse than ever before. Extending the ENABLE Guarantee to lenders other than banks will help the growth of new entrants and new products, providing greater choice and competition for SMEs.” Under the ENABLE Guarantee programme, the UK Government takes on a portion of the lender’s risk on a portfolio of loans to smaller businesses in return for a fee. The British Business Bank has so far committed guarantees for live portfolios of over £900 million under its ENABLE Guarantee programme (as at end April 2019).

The Request for Proposals for the ENABLE Guarantee programme can be downloaded from the British Business Bank website.

About British Business Bank The British Business Bank is the UK government’s economic development bank. Established in November 2014, its mission is to make finance markets for smaller businesses work more effectively, enabling those businesses to prosper, grow and build UK economic activity. Its remit is to design, deliver and efficiently manage UK-wide smaller business access to finance programmes for the UK government. For more information, visit: www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ corporate-information/ 

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FINANCE

ENABLE Guarantee Opens to New Types of Lenders

FINANCE

HMRC Phishing Scams Continue to Rise Despite Warnings

Ethical Investing: More Than Avoiding The Bad Stuff Ben Willis, head of portfolio management at Chase de Vere, advises how to invest wisely There is a fallacy that ethical investing is simply about avoiding investments in certain sectors, such as tobacco, alcohol and gambling; and, as a result, ethical investors are left with more concentrated, volatile and underperforming portfolios.

Aquafil

However, while this view takes account of where ethical funds don’t invest, it doesn’t consider where they do invest. Ethical portfolios will often have exposure to stocks and bonds which wouldn’t typically be found in mainstream portfolios. This can provide additional diversification and growth or income prospects within a portfolio. For example, holdings we have in our ethical client portfolios, include:

This is a retail charity bond providing housing for key government workers who need to live in London but cannot afford the housing costs. So, for example, this could be available to nurses and junior doctors. This is achieved by targeting households earning between £30,000 and £50,000 per annum with rent capped at 80% of the market rate.

Everbridge

Everbridge provides software which can send out millions of messages per minute to help combat critical events, such as severe weather, active shooters, terrorism, IT and power outages, medical emergencies and social media attacks. As an example of its use, the platform was used to send 20 million messages to support evacuation and recovery efforts during Hurricane Irma in 2016.

Insulet

Insulet produces an innovative tubeless ‘pump patch’ for diabetics. It is small, robust and waterproof, and replaces multiple daily injections, providing 24-hour delivery of insulin.

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Aquafil’s technology recovers waste nylon from used fishing nets, fabric scraps and carpets and feeds it back into the textiles production process as a raw material.

Dolphin Living

Glasgow Together

This is a community interest company where ex-offenders from Barlinnie Prison receive specialist training in construction and are employed to build and refurbish homes. This project focuses on the rehabilitation of exoffenders and also brings affordable newbuild housing to deprived areas.

Ben Willis continues: “These are many more examples of ‘ethical’ stocks or bonds which provide benefits for the environment or for society in general. Investors in mainstream funds may get limited, if any, exposure to these holdings. Meanwhile ethical investors can not only benefit from these opportunities, but can also be aware that they are doing that little bit more to help the ‘greater good’.”

Chase de Vere, the independent financial advisers, manages discretionary ethical portfolios valued at more than £45 million. 

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Tax specialist offers advice on how to beat the cyber criminals Despite continued action and warnings, HMRC ‘phishing’ scams continue to rise, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated methods to target UK taxpayers. With reports of criminal activity using landlines, emails, text messages and social media to distribute bogus HMRC information, you might be forgiven for not knowing which forms of HMRC contact you can trust. Tax preparation specialist David Redfern, managing director of DSR Tax Claims Ltd, has issued his advice to help taxpayers distinguish between genuine HMRC contact and bogus contact.

Bogus refund texts and emails are the most common ‘phishing’ method used, often containing links to fake HMRC websites or malicious software designed to damage your computer or smartphone.

Redfern stated: “I’m sure most people can recognise how appealing it is when you receive a text or email claiming that you are owed money, often sums over £1000, and it is tempting to click on the link to claim the refund.

“However, these emails and texts are never genuine. HMRC does not communicate with taxpayers in that method – they usually communicate via letter and any emails from HMRC deliberately don’t contain any links for the very reason that they don’t want taxpayers to get caught out by ‘phishing’ scams.

“Such links are usually intended to harvest your financial information, such as bank account details or card details. HMRC will never ask you for your card details in order to issue you with a refund. Similarly, never open attachments to emails. The best way to deal with these texts or emails is to report them to HMRC and then delete them.”

HMRC recommend that all ‘phishing’ texts and scams are emailed to phishing@hmrc. gov.uk, even if it is seems like a familiar scam that you have seen before. 

FINANCE

Acumen Developing Employee Benefits Team to Benefit NE Businesses Top UK financial planning firm’s new head of employee benefits brings 30 years’ experience to team Acumen Financial Planning, one of the leading financial planning firms in the UK, is continuing to develop its employee benefits offering to businesses in the North East with the recent appointment of Andy Eason, head of employee benefits.

With over 30 years’ employee benefits experience, Andy joins the award-winning team at their office in Westhill to manage and drive forward the employee benefits services with the same passion and focus that has served him well to date.

With the increasing pressure on employers to retain and motivate their team, whilst giving themselves every opportunity to recruit the best candidates in the market, employee benefits remains a key element of successful business strategy.

Andy says: “Our role is to work with clients to deliver a

strategy which supports the company’s people requirements, with a focus on adding to the employee’s appreciation and understanding of the valuable benefits provided.

“Short-, medium- and long-term focus centres around continual improvement, adding value and service excellence, whilst always striving to be a trusted business partner of all our clients – whether they have a handful or several hundred employees.”

Established in Aberdeen in 2002, the multi award-winning firm provides private clients with holistic financial planning that includes pension and retirement planning, savings and investments and inheritance and tax planning. Andy Eason can be contacted on 01224 392350 or andy.eason@acumenfp.com 

READY FOR LIFE AFTER WORK? We help clients achieve their full financial promise, whatever the future may hold.

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ACUMENFP.COM

Acumen Financial Planning Limited is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

FCA number 218745 Tax planning and tax advice is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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More than 20 of Scotland’s largest businesses, representing tens of thousands of staff, have pledged to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace through a groundbreaking initiative which has been welcomed by the Scottish Government.

This Is Me Scotland is a joint initiative between PwC, Barclays, Business in the Community Scotland, SAMH and Samaritans Scotland. It aims to change perceptions of mental health by encouraging businesses to follow a set of guidelines which encourage discussion and support.

This Is Me Scotland celebrated the scale of its impact on the business community since its launch in October 2018 at an event held at the Scottish Parliament in May. Along with the launch partners, Pinsent Mason, EY, Student Loans Company and Baillie Gifford are all on the This Is Me Scotland steering committee.

Since its launch, organisations including Standard Life Aberdeen, Edrington and Prudential have committed to This Is Me Scotland, a campaign to support business, and their people, to talk about mental health.

The event at the Scottish Parliament saw more than 150 guests gather to find out more about This Is Me Scotland.

In attendance was the Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey MSP and guests heard Professor Rory O’Connor, the

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Businesses Pledge to Join Forces for This Is Me Scotland Tens of thousands stand up to break down mental health stigma in workplace University of Glasgow’s Professor of Health Psychology and head of the Mental Health and Wellbeing group. He shared his experience of collecting robust evidence on the causes of mental disorders and developing innovative treatment approaches for individuals, their families and the broader population.

“We are at a tipping point where there is an appetite for change and now is the time for businesses to stand up, collaborate and raise awareness of mental health and well-being. The work will not stop until discussing mental health issues will be no more of an issue than discussing a physical ailment.

Scottish Mental Health Minister, Clare Haughey, said: “I welcome this action being taken by This is Me Scotland to reduce the stigma and discrimination which can be associated with mental health in the workplace.

“The parliamentary event, kindly hosted by Annie Wells MSP, gives us an opportunity to look at the success of This Is Me Scotland in its first six month, but more importantly it gives us the chance to discuss with politicians and business leaders just how crucial it is that anyone with a mental health condition is supported in their place of work.”

“This complements our ongoing work with initiatives like See Me and NHS Health Scotland’s Healthy Working Lives programme.

“Across Scotland we are determined to ensure people can get the right help at the right time.”

Business in the Community’s Mental Health at Work Report 2018 found that, in Scotland, employees are more likely than the overall UK workforce to have been formally diagnosed with a mental health condition, at 36% compared with 32% for the UK workforce.

Further research has found that many people feel scared and confused about confronting their mental health issue at work.

Fewer than half (45%) of Scottish employees would feel confident telling their line manager about a mental health problem.

This is Me Scotland aims to change that by encouraging people with experience of a mental health problem, whether their own or of a loved one, to share their stories.

Philippe Guijarro, responsible business leader for PwC in Scotland, and chairman of This Is Me Scotland, said: “Since we launched This is Me Scotland, there has been a groundswell of support for the initiative with a number of multinational organisations joining up. This only serves to illustrate the noticeable shift in attitudes among many businesses in how they approach mental health among their people.

Judith Currie, head of diversity and inclusion for Barclays Scotland, said: “Barclays have been working closely with PwC on the This is Me Scotland campaign now for over a year and it has been really encouraging to see the uptake across organisations from varying industries and sectors.

“Mental health is a topic which impacts everyone and it is clear businesses are keen to do more in this space to fully support employee well-being.

“The parliament event provides an excellent platform to take the campaign to the next level, broaden engagement, gain further parliamentary support and truly ensure the campaign has a Scotland-wide focus. I look forward to further growth of the campaign into the future.”

Alan Thornburrow, Scotland director of Business in the Community, said: “Our research, conducted in partnership with Mercer, shows there has been slow incremental improvement of overall mental health at work over the past three years, but we need to go further and faster.

“Collective and urgent action by employers, such as This is Me Scotland, is needed to build momentum quickly, taking a ‘whole person’ approach to physical, mental, financial and social health and well-being.” 

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PROPERTY

Springfield Becomes First UK Housebuilder to Debut ‘Plastic Road’ Sustainability at forefront of housebuilder’s vision for the future

plastic,and it benefits from increased durability and longevity.

The landmark installation marks Springfield out as the first housebuilder in the UK to use recycled materials for its roads, as the developer leads the way in a concerted push to make the industry more sustainable.

For the project Springfield teamed up with MacRebur, who have developed and patented a way to use waste plastic in roads, alongside asphalt producer Pat Munro. MacRebur uses plastic waste that would otherwise have gone to landfill or incineration. It turns this into granules which are then mixed with a special activator, reducing the amount of fossil fuel required in asphalt production.

Springfield Properties’ North managing director, Dave Main (pictured, right, with colleague, Dale Ashelford, centre, and Sarah Lakin of MacRebur), said: “Last year, Zero Waste Scotland reported that non-recycled plastic was costing Scotland £11 million a year. They also stated that 20 million plastic bottles were littered around Scotland and that 120,000 tonnes of plastic waste was produced by Scottish households alone.

“The road in Elgin accounts for 20 tonnes of recycled plastic, the equivalent to 17,042 plastic bags or 6,000 plastic bottles, which would otherwise have been consigned to landfill or incineration.

Springfield Properties has taken a major step towards making its developments more environmentally sustainable after becoming the UK’s first housebuilder to use waste plastic to build a road on a housing development.

The initiative has seen Springfield introduce a more environmentally friendly asphalt product on a development. The new road surfacing material contains waste plastic and will be used initially on a section of road at the company’s Linkwood Steadings development in Elgin.

The product reduces the amount of bitumen needed in the asphalt mix. For every tonne of bitumen replaced, the road surfacing carbon footprint is reduced by a tonne of carbon dioxide.

The new surface looks like a traditional road, however, thanks to the flexible properties of

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“Potholes are an increasing and costly problem which plastic roads could help to address. Between 2014 and 2017, there was a 52% increase in reports of potholes in Scotland alone. MacRebur’s plastic roads have been through rigorous tests to meet British and European Standards and are up to 60% stronger than our current roads, which should improve driving quality and reduce maintenance costs.”

It is hoped the progressive measure will act as a catalyst to introducing the product more widely on Springfield developments, as well as inspiring the wider industry to consider switching to the environmentally friendly asphalt product. Springfield has committed to working with local authorities across Scotland to raise awareness of the benefits of using recycled plastic in roads and facilitate their introduction. 

Thousands of landlords fail to address category one household hazards Data from the UK’s only combined lettings inventory and property compliance specialists, VeriSmart, has highlighted the most common hazards being missed by buy-to-let landlords within their rental properties.

In the last year, VeriSmart conducted over 60,000 property inspections and reports on rental properties within the buy-to-let sector, with 4,521 of these resulting in at least one housing health and safety rating assessment (HHSRS) per inspection (some with more than three), with the following common issues the most prevalent.

Smoke detectors

Worryingly, 40% of all health and safety assessments flagged either a missing or non-functional smoke detector.

Stairs

Twenty-six per cent of assessments noted a danger of falling on stairs and between or on separate levels of a house.

Electrical issues

Electrical issues accounted for 11% of all hazards flagged during health and safety assessments.

Carbon monoxide

Seven per cent of assessments found a lack of a working carbon monoxide detector.

Damp and Mould

Damp and mould were flagged as a risk in 4% of properties.

Water

Uncovered ponds or swimming pools posed a hazard in 2% of all properties.

The threat of structural collapse or falling elements was also an issue in 2% of all properties.

Fire hazards (1%), excess cold (0.6%) and domestic hygiene (0.6%) were also an issue in a small proportion of properties.

Founder of VeriSmart, Jonathan Senior, commented: “While many landlords are providing up-to-scratch accommodation, it’s really quite worrying that we’re seeing so many fail to address some of the most serious hazards in the home.

“The lack of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and the danger of falling on stairs ranking as high as they do is particularly worrying. These are classed as category one hazards and so there is no excuse to have them present in a rental property.

“With the introduction of the Fitness for Human Habitation Act – in place since 20 March this year, along with many additional changes in legislation, landlords and their agents are now more at risk of being sued by tenants for breach of contract for unfit properties. It is therefore more vital than ever that landlords ensure their properties meet the required minimum health and safety standards.” 

WE’VE BEEN HANDLING REMOVALS & STORAGE LONGER THAN MOST SINCE 1498.

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PROPERTY

Britain’s Buy-ToLet Deathtraps

Structural integrity

SECTION COFFEE HEADER WITH...

Coffee with…

Professor Steven Gill Business Now’s editor learns about the pioneering work of Funding Neuro…

I’m delighted and deeply humbled to have shared coffee and a chat with a professor you may not be very familiar with, but who is changing the face of neurological disease: Professor Steven Gill.

Professor Gill’s Functional Neurosurgery Research Group has extensive preclinical and clinical convection-enhanced delivery (CED) research experience and has successfully completed a number of studies which have led directly to clinical trials. This group has unique and worldleading CED catheter technology, which is currently being used to treat patients with a range of neurological disorders – including adults and children with malignant brain tumours and Parkinson’s disease.

You may have watched Professor Gill in the BBC documentary, The Parkinson’s Drug Trial: A Miracle Cure?, back in February this year. Filmed over six years, it follows a group of volunteers with Parkinson’s as they take part in a groundbreaking medical trial testing a drug called GDNF (glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor).

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He is also heavily involved with Funding Neuro who seek out medical professionals that are developing new technology and innovative research.

So, perhaps a rather obvious question for Professor Gill: “I’m rather ashamed to say I’m very naïve about the function of Funding Neuro.

Could you enlighten me please?”

“Funding Neuro is a medical research charity that funds research into neurological diseases. Their aim is to accelerate the development of new treatments for many of the most serious neurological conditions. They do not focus on one disease; instead, they identify the issues that hinder progress and find solutions so that research and innovative therapies can be accelerated.

“Neurological diseases – including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumours and so on – are generally incurable and are a major cause of disability worldwide, affecting tens of millions of people. One of the main reasons why we have been unsuccessful in treating neurological disease is that a natural barrier exists between blood vessels and the brain to prevent toxins getting into the brain; but this barrier – the blood-brain barrier – also stops many drugs that could be effective from getting to their brain targets.

“My research focuses on developing novel methods of delivering therapies directly to structures in the brain that are affected by disease and this is the work that Funding Neuro have generously supported over a number of years.”

“Would you let our readers know what projects you been working on?”

“I have worked with the company Renishaw to develop a drug delivery system in which tiny catheters are implanted to deep brain structures with sub-millimetre accuracy using a surgical robot. These are connected to a port that emerges through the skin behind the ear. At any time in the patient’s lifetime, drugs can be delivered directly to targets in the brain by attaching a device to the port that connects each catheter to a pump containing the drug. This can be used to treat a whole range of neurological diseases.

“With the help of Funding Neuro, the Cure Parkinson’s Trust and PD UK*, I have recently completed a trial using the drug delivery system to deliver a nerve growth factor called GDNF every month into patients with Parkinson’s disease.

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“This trial was followed by the BBC and recently aired (The Parkinson’s Drug Trial: A Miracle Cure?). We are now taking this forward to the final trial that is required before it can become what will hopefully be the first treatment that reverses the disease. Fingers crossed!

“Funding Neuro has also been supporting my work in developing novel treatments for children with brain tumours.

Brain tumours are now the greatest cause of cancer death in children** and one of the worst types that they can get as it is one that involves the brainstem. This is called DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma).

“By using the delivery system to infuse chemotherapy directly into the brainstem tumours, it means that effective doses can reach into the tumour without entering into the general circulation to cause side effects. This is because the bloodbrain barrier now works to keep the therapy in the brain.

“This is a great step forward in treating this disease and we have, on average, now doubled the expected survival of the children that we have treated so far. We are now starting a formal clinical trial in 18 children, for which the funds have been raised by Funding Neuro and the Lyla Nsouli Foundation.

“My research focuses on developing novel methods of delivering therapies directly to structures in the brain that are affected by disease and this is the work that Funding Neuro have generously supported over a number of years.”

“A further area that I am working on, this time supported by Funding Neuro and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, is developing novel treatments for motor neurone disease (MND). The challenge here is to deliver therapies directly to the motor neurones throughout the spinal cord. We have made a significant breakthrough in achieving this in the lab and are now working towards bringing this therapy into clinical trials at the earliest opportunity.”

“How can businesses and the general public get involved?”

“There are a number of opportunities both for fundraising and volunteering. Funding Neuro offer innovative and novel partnerships to maximise the potential for both businesses and individuals. You can contact info@fundingneuro.com for more information on how to get involved. We’d be extremely grateful!”

“At a local level, are there any events or activities our Aberdeen readers can get involved in?”

“Funding Neuro are holding Aberdeen’s first-ever soapbox car challenge in spring 2020. For more information, keep an eye on the website: www.fundingneuro.com For sponsorship opportunities please contact George Walker on: george@ georgewalkerevents.co.uk” Grateful for spending some time with this intriguing professor, I drained my coffee and we parted – me to continue writing, he to continue saving lives!  * PD UK is short for Parkinson’s UK ** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/ childrens-cancers#heading-One

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SECTION HEADER COFFEE WITH...

“Unlike most drugs which treat the symptoms of disease, GDNF has the potential to restore the health and function of the dopamine neurons that die in the disease. Indeed, we were able to demonstrate that we achieved this on scans and, after 18 months of treatment, when one would have expected a progressive decline in patients’ mobility and function, we showed meaningful improvement.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Plastic Waste is of Paramount Importance to Shoppers Will Broome, CEO & founder of Ubamarket,

New research continues to highlight how devastating plastic waste can be on a daily basis

stated: “Ubamarket’s research highlights the growing sentiment within British consumers that the amount of plastic we are wasting simply isn’t acceptable.

“However, that sentiment is accompanied by a certain level of cynicism that their efforts are somewhat in vain when compared to the vast tonnage of plastic waste produced by supermarkets and their suppliers.

“Despite the fact that 57% of British shoppers believe that plastic waste is

As new research highlights how devastating plastic waste can be on a daily basis, Sainsbury’s has announced that they will be launching a ‘pre-cycle’ area where consumers can recycle their plastic. This trial allows consumers to recycle any unwanted primary and secondary packaging and leave this in stores for recycling.

Alongside this, a study has shown that biodegradable shopping bags that claim to be more eco-friendly do not break down in a meaningful way and can still hold a full load of shopping in the ocean, even after three years. Plastic and its impact on our environments are commonly at the forefront of consumers’ thinking and there is more to be done to rescue our oceans.

Ubamarket research unveiled consumers’ attitudes towards plastic waste, as the amount of waste produced per household is increasing by a shocking 30% each year. Across the world, it is estimated that over 1.4 million children took part in school strikes against climate change.

However, Ubamarket findings have shown that older generations are more worried about plastic pollution, with 63% confirming that this was of paramount importance to them. In addition to this, those aged 55+ were significantly more concerned with plastic use in food and drink products, with 90% of them stating the level was totally unnecessary and in need of immediate change.

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Ubamarket, the innovative retail app, commissioned nationally representative research across a sample of 2003 UK adults with the following results:

the greatest threat to the environment

• Eighty-two per cent – nearly 43 million – of UK shoppers believe the level of plastic packaging on food and drink products needs to be changed drastically

the plastic produced by companies.

• Despite younger generations being thought of as more environmentally concerned, those aged 55+ were significantly more concerned with plastic use in food and drink products, with 90% of them stating the level was totally unnecessary and in need of immediate change

in modern history, an eye-watering 77% believe their efforts to reduce their waste is just a drop in the ocean compared to “Despite this and the fact that the majority of Brits believe environmentally friendly products are too expensive to make the permanent switch to, that hasn’t stopped 18.7 million from actively avoiding companies that they know have poor relationships with plastic.”

Ubamarket have launched their ‘Plastic Alerts’ feature to empower consumers, who definitely shouldn’t underestimate

• Fifty-seven per cent, or 30 million, think that plastic pollution is the single greatest threat to life and the environment in modern history

the power they have over suppliers and

• Again, the older generations identified with this the most, with 63% confirming that plastic pollution was of paramount importance to them

reduce the amount of single-use plastic

• Forty per cent of those aged 55+ agree that they now seek to actively purchase products that have less of an impact on the environment, even if they cost more • Seventy-seven per cent of Brits, representing more than 40 million nationally, think that – no matter how much they recycle, it is the manufacturers and supermarkets that are causing the most plastic pollution

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supermarkets. Spending power is just about the most effective way shoppers can apply pressures to manufacturers to in their products.

Plastic Alerts – How does it work?

Ubamarket allows customers to scan their shopping as they go, guiding them to the products they need in store and letting them skip the till queues by paying for everything in-app. ‘Plastic Alerts’ works by displaying the plastic content of all scanned items, even when it might not be immediately apparent, allowing you to choose a more environmentally friendly alternative. 

Scotland has greater potential to remove emissions from its economy The intrinsic role of livestock production in Scotland as part of the solution to tackling climate change is being emphasised by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

Speaking in response to the Committee on Climate Change report published in May, Alan Clarke, QMS chief executive, said it was vital that full recognition was given to the part livestock producers can play in achieving the new emissions targets.

Mr Clarke said the report’s recommendation that Scotland can achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 and has greater potential to remove emissions from its economy than the UK overall heralds the start of a new chapter in the climate change debate.

Mr Clarke stated: “It is important to recognize that the recommendations for agriculture and land use within the report contain many potential solutions that work with both livestock farming and the environment together – delivering win-wins. For example, peatland restoration within our hills and uplands can also result in improved livestock productivity.

“Likewise, the strategic planting of trees and hedges on our farms can deliver positive impacts on animal health and welfare, as well as increased growth rates and reduced soil erosion, along with providing a store for carbon.”

Mr Clarke said it is important to acknowledge the important role farmers play in maintaining and improving the Scottish landscape, and the invaluable role of livestock grazing has, providing the habitats needed by many species to thrive.

He continued: “Our industry has a very positive story to tell as

world leaders in quality assurance and the priority we give to animal welfare. It is vital that, while steps are taken to reduce emissions from agriculture, the production of quality beef, lamb and pork in Scotland is not compromised in a way which simply exports the problem to countries with a poorer track record in terms of animal welfare and production methods.”

Mr Clarke also highlighted the fact that around 80% of Scotland’s farmland is unsuitable for producing cereals, fruit or vegetables but well suited to quality beef and lamb production.

He added: “We also have no shortage of water so there is no issue of diverting water from people for animal use. Our systems are based on natural methods of meat production, with grass being converted into nutritious meat, which plays a key role in a healthy diet.”

The grass that farmers feed their livestock also plays a very important role in capturing CO2 from the atmosphere. Through QMS’s farming workshops and training initiatives, which are supported by the Scottish Government, QMS helps to build skills and capacity within the farming community to ensure that farmers have the required skills to make the most of this valuable asset – another key recommendation from the report.

“Scotland has a long heritage of producing top quality red meat which has earned us a global reputation for our Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork. We have an industry which is at the heart of Scotland’s larder and generates around £2 billion for Scotland’s economy as well as supporting around 50,000 jobs, many of which are in fragile rural areas.” 

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CLIMATE CHANGE

Livestock Farming Has Key Role in Tackling Climate Change

FOOD AND DRINK

Drinkers of Scotland Encouraged to Name ‘Pub of the Year’ SME National Business Awards promote public vote to honour birth of new royal baby As congratulations pour in from around the world following the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, the people of Scotland are being encouraged to mark the occasion by naming their favourite pub.

The Duchess of Sussex, who is a distant relative of Scottish King Robert the Bruce, gave birth at 5.26 a.m. on Monday, 6 May to a baby boy, who will be seventh in line to the throne.

Damian Cummins, director of the SME National Business Awards 2019, said: “The birth of a royal baby is something to be celebrated across the four corners of the UK. With the Duchess of Sussex being related to one of Scotland’s most famous kings, we are calling on those wetting the baby’s head to nominate their favourite pub to ensure it will also be recognised on a national level.”

The widely recognised SME National Business Awards have announced the brand new category of ‘Pub of the Year’ for 2019, which will include a public vote ensuring loyal customers everywhere can have a say in their favourite local pub being recognised on the national stage.

It is possible to trace a direct royal line through 25 generations to Robert I of Scotland and it is the lineage of Meghan’s grandmother that can be traced directly to the Scottish royals.

Damian continues: “Scotland has just under 5000 pubs across the nation and we want them to be celebrated with pubs across the rest of the UK at these highly regarded awards.” 

Top Scottish Butchers Prove They’re a Cut Above North-east pair prove their mettle in national industry competition The country’s butchers have gone to war in one of the industry’s most fiercely contested competitions.

A trio of Scottish butchers proved they’re a cut above, after being crowned champions of the inaugural Scottish Butchers Wars, run by Scottish Craft Butchers and sponsored by Scotch Lamb PGI. The ‘steaks’ were high during the final, which brought together some of Scotland’s top butchers. Taking home top honours in the singles competition was Barry Green from Cairngorm Butchers at Grantown-on-Spey, while Steven Cusack and Hamish Jones from Davidson Specialist Butcher, based in the company’s Inverurie and Elgin shops, lifted the pairs title.

The competition, which took place at the Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair

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in Perth, included a tense 45-minute challenge to break down a half saddle of Specially Selected Pork and a half Scotch Lamb to create a showstopping display.

After a nine-year absence from the competitive stage, former Junior and Senior Scottish Butcher of the Year, 40-year-old Barry Green (centre right

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with Alan Clark, CEO of QMS) described his comeback as like ‘the Tiger Woods of the butchers’ industry’.

Triumphant pairs champions, Steven (left) and Hamish (right) entered the Butchers Wars to gain experience on a national competition stage and were “over the moon” to emerge victorious. 

Single malt whisky brand gets in ‘spirit’ with opening of new store

being a recent recipient of the industry’s prestigious ‘Keepers of the Quaich’ accolade, Patricia Retson was enlisted to help officially open the store.

Single malt whisky brand Highland Park has marked International Viking Day with the opening of its new customer experience store in Kirkwall, Orkney.

Patricia said: “It was an honour and a pleasure to open the new Highland Park store. I hope to see many more visitors discover Orkney and Highland Park’s exciting history.”

International Viking Day is regarded as the date when our Viking ancestors would shed their winter clothes and prepare their ships for travel for the year ahead. Taking inspiration from Orkney’s Norse roots, Highland Park embarked on an adventure to open a new shop – a first for the brand.

Having welcomed over half a million visitors to Orkney during her 20-year career with Highland Park distillery and

“We could think of no better ambassador to open our new store than Patricia. She retired from her role as senior VP and education host at the Highland Park Distillery in April, having helped us create a multi award-winning visitor experience.

Patricia’s commitment to the industry and passion for our rich history makes her a true modern day ‘Viking Soul’.” 

Jason Craig, global brand director at Highland Park, joined Patricia to mark the occasion with a reading of a traditional Viking poem. He said: “We’re excited to open the doors to our new shop and share even more of our world with our visitors. It felt fitting, on a day believed to be about embarking on new adventures for our Nordic ancestors, that we’ve embarked on ours.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Highland Park Marks International Viking Day

FOOD & DRINK

Major Extension at The Chester Hotel Unveiled 40 banqueting jobs created with opening of one of Aberdeenshire’s largest hotel event spaces

double, will be completed later this year, as will construction works extending the hotel into the neighbouring property at 55-57 Queen’s Road. The new extension will create 21 additional bedrooms, bringing the total number of rooms and suites to 71.

The Chester Hotel general manager, Stephen Gow (pictured) said: “The hotel has earned a reputation as one of the leading event venues in the city, but the feedback we were receiving from organisers was that there was a real shortage of venues in the region with the capacity to host large-scale events.

The first phase in a major extension of Aberdeen’s only four silver-star hotel has been completed. The Chester Hotel, in the city’s west end, has officially opened its new ballroom – a development which has increased venue capacity by up to 60% and created 40 new jobs.

At 507 square metres, the Granite Suite

now offers one of the biggest hotel event spaces in Aberdeen and the surrounding area, with scope to host as many as 320 people for dinner dances and conferences. The capacity of the previous ballroom was just 200.

Work on the redevelopment of the hotel bar, which will see floor space more than

“We felt that there was an opportunity to carry out a renovation of the ballroom in tandem with plans to extend other parts of the hotel to meet this demand. The result, after five months of work, is a stunning new ballroom with the capacity to host as many as 400 people for a drinks reception.”

The ballroom redevelopment has resulted in 40 new full- and part-time banqueting jobs being created, bringing the total number of people employed at The Chester Hotel to 100. That number will increase again later in the year when the next two phases are completed. 

New Look for Bar at The Ploughman Wine list and menu revamped too, but traditional feel retained Following a four-week fit-out, the bar at The Ploughman in Peterculter has been modernised and upgraded while still retaining its traditional Scottish feel.

Simon Cruickshank, co-owner of the popular bar and restaurant, said: “We’re delighted with the new look. We promised to invest in the business and that’s what we are doing.

“We’re confident the refurbishment of the bar area will go down well with existing customers and attract new ones.

Retaining a warm and welcoming feel has

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been important.”

A new bar menu that includes all-day breakfast favourites, mince and tatties and fresh haddock has also been launched. In addition, a new and improved wine list – The Ploughman Cellar – was introduced in May. The bar, which can hold around 60 people, has taken the opportunity to install a state-of-the-art 4K TV screen system, which will allow multiple showing of big sporting action on Sky Sports and BT Sport. 

SECTION HEADER

Tourist Agency & Mackie’s Team Up to Promote Region A taste of summer in Aberdeenshire with Mackie’s of Scotland and VisitAberdeenshire Luxury ice cream brand Mackie’s of Scotland has launched a UK-wide partnership with tourism agency VisitAberdeenshire to promote its home as a holiday destination.

The first of 250,000 tubs of Mackie’s traditional ice cream has hit the shelves of major supermarkets throughout the UK, promoting the north-east corner of Scotland. The region, also known as castle country, is home to some of the UK’s most iconic castles, including Balmoral – the summer holiday destination of the royal family.

The Cairngorms, Britain’s largest national park, and 163 miles of coastline – named by National Geographic as one of the most outstanding in the world – await visitors, where they can experience authentic Scotland, set against a beautiful backdrop, with ice cream in hand. The feast for the senses continues with fantastic food and drink, from Aberdeen Angus beef and the freshest sea food from the North Sea to craft beer, gin and whisky. And following the opening of its first ice cream parlour in 2018, you can now get a taste of summer all year round at Mackie’s 19.2, which takes its name from being located 19.2 miles from the farm where the ice cream is made.

The special tubs show fishing boats moored on the sun-

dappled water and hills of Gardenstown harbour (pictured), to encourage people to come and enjoy ‘a taste of summer, made in Aberdeenshire’. A link on the tubs will direct consumers to a website, where ice cream fans can enter a competition to win a two-night stay in the North East, including a VIP visit to Mackie’s farm, a year’s supply of Mackie’s ice cream and chocolate, and dinner at the Michelin Guide-listed restaurant, The Silver Darling.

Chris Foy, chief executive of north-east tourism agency VisitAberdeenshire, said: “The Mackie’s brand is a household favourite throughout the UK and this campaign helps bring to life the north-east of Scotland’s world-class food larder, which is packed with a wide variety of quality fare. Visitors often want a local and authentic food experience when they visit a destination, and we look forward to welcoming many of the families from throughout the country to Aberdeen where their favourite ice cream is made, and where they can explore the surrounding area.”

Karin Hayhow, marketing director and one of the family owners, said: “We look forward to opening our farm gates to meet the winners on their VIP tasting tour, where they’ll be able to see how we make chocolate and ice cream ‘from sky to scoop’.” 

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BUSINESS COMMUNITY

National Schools Programme on Books for Financial Services Scottish economy. That is why the Scottish Government, through Developing the Young Workforce and Skills Development Scotland, are delighted to support the Scottish Financial Enterprise United Schools Programme which is providing young people with first-hand experience of the sector and helping better prepare them for the world of work.

“These kinds of opportunities, which allow young people to experience what it is like to work, result in a better understanding of career pathways and supports young people to make an informed choice that will lead them to a rewarding career.

Successful pilot scheme promotes careers in the sector to pupils Following two years of planning and the completion of a successful pilot in Edinburgh, plans are now underway to launch Scotland’s first nationwide schools programme for financial services.

The SFE Financial Services Unified Schools Programme, run by Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS), was established to encourage and inspire school pupils to consider and explore the career opportunities offered by financial services.

The pilot, which took place in November, saw six pupils (three from Newbattle High School and three from Queensferry Community High School) partnered with six financial services firms based in Edinburgh: Baillie Gifford, BlackRock, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, Nucleus Financial and Standard Life Aberdeen.

The first two days were spent in the offices of the companies. On the third and final day, the pupils worked with a film crew from Edinburgh College and

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information technology consultancy Sopra Steria to create a short video of their experience. * Although in the early stages of planning, it is hoped the programme will more than double the number of participants next year and expand into Glasgow. The long-term aim is that the SFE Financial Services Unified Schools Programme will support up to 5,000 young people through the programme right across Scotland on an annual basis.

Graeme Jones, CEO of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: “The SFE Financial Services Unified Schools Programme has been designed with great care to provide a first-hand experience of working in financial services and demonstrate the range of world-class career opportunities available on the pupils’ doorsteps. As the landscape of financial services evolves rapidly, we need a step change in the diversity of our workforce to ensure we connect with the needs of customers. Our ambition is to inspire school pupils from all corners of Scotland, and all backgrounds, to help us innovate and improve the financial well-being of society.”

Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn MSP said: “Scotland’s financial services sector is vitally important to the future of the

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“Developing the Young Workforce has already achieved its goal to reduce youth unemployment by 40% four years ahead of schedule and remains committed to strengthening partnerships across all sectors to sustain and build on this progress.”

Colin Halpin, SFE Board Director, Unified Schools project lead and HSBC director, said: “This programme has not only created a unique experience for the six young people who took part, but it has also showcased the power of collaboration. By working closely with a range of stakeholders across industry, government and education the SFE Financial Services Unified Schools Programme has begun to shift the dial on the perception of financial services by young people.

“With half of the pilot group now considering a career in financial services, compared with none at the beginning, this offers a strong test case to explore what can be achieved on a larger scale.

If we can inspire more of Scotland’s school pupils to consider a job in financial services, our industry, economy and wider society stands to benefit.” 

BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Jason Manford Announced in Line-Up for Fine Dining Festival Stand-up comedian Jason Manford will add a side order of laughter to a mouthwatering fine dining menu when he appears at Signature – the food festival being staged by The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen.

The comic, who has also recently appeared on stage in the West End and recorded a top 10 album, will help to bring the curtain up on the popular foodies’ event by performing at a lunch on 3 November.

The dessert and petit fours to round off the three-course meal will be created by world-class patissier and chocolatier William Curley, who is making his second appearance at Signature, having kicked it off in 2018 with an exquisite afternoon tea.

In addition to the pastry star, Signature will bring together six of the nation’s top

Laughter on the menu as Signature raises money for good causes chefs who between them hold a collective six Michelin stars and 19 AA rosettes.

The entire festival, which runs from November 3 to 15, is staged in The Chester Hotel, with guest chefs recreating some highlights from the menus in their own restaurants at a series of intimate dinners for just 80 diners.

Graham Wood, owner of The Chester Hotel

and

the

mastermind

behind

Signature, said Mr Manford would bring a very different element to the event.

He added: “We’re delighted to have the company of such a high-profile star on the opening day of Signature, following

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on from last year’s performance by soul singer, Beverley Knight.

“Although he’s shown that he is an allround performer with his forays into singing and acting, Signature guests will see him doing what he’s best known for.

We’re all looking forward to seeing his stand-up routine, and we’re sure it will get Signature off to the best possible start.”

Signature will once again be raising money for good causes. In 2018, the event made an incredible £239,000 donation to Friends of the Neonatal Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, with a further £12,000 going to Friendly Access – a charity supporting those with hidden disabilities.

Tickets for the lunch with Jason Manford cost £125, while each of the chef dinners are priced at £150. Tickets are available via the website: www.signaturefoodfestival.co.uk 

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BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Biggest Ever Aberdeen Kiltwalk Turns the Granite City Tartan More than 3,000 walkers took to the streets of Aberdeen to raise funds for Scottish charities A record-breaking 3,200 walkers took to the streets of Aberdeen city and shire on Sunday, 2 June, raising more than £800,000 for charities across the North East.

One thousand, six hundred and fifty walkers gathered at 9 a.m. at Potarch Green in Banchory to take part in the 26-mile Mighty Stride, with an additional 830 taking part in the 15-mile Big Stroll, which set off from Crathes Castle at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, more than 700 others took on the five-mile Wee Wander. All walkers finished at the Kiltwalk village at the Duthie Park in the city centre.

Every £1 raised by walkers receives a 40% boost from Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation. Through their fundraising and walking efforts, Kiltwalkers in Aberdeen will raise approximately £600,000 which, with the 40% boost, means the incredible total will be over £800,000 going to charities across Scotland.

Paul Cooney, Kiltwalk CEO, said: “The people of Aberdeen – city and shire – have truly embraced Kiltwalk and it’s reflected in the record-breaking numbers. The atmosphere created by our walkers, who are helping more than 300 charities, was very special and they didn’t let the threat of rain spoil their day, nor their fundraising.

“A huge thank-you on behalf of Sir Tom and all of us at Kiltwalk to the real heroes of today, our army of 3,200 Kiltwalkers.”

Malcolm Buchanan, chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Scotland board, said: “It is truly inspirational to see so many

people from across the North East come together to support so many great charities making a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“We are proud to be a partner of the Kiltwalk and have the opportunity to do our bit to help make this the biggest charitable mass participation event in Scotland.

“There is still time to take part in the remaining Kiltwalks in Dundee and Edinburgh, and we would encourage everyone to get their boots on and get involved.”

Leading out the Mighty Stride was 25-year-old Ben Lobban, who lost his brother Sam in 2018. Raising funds for mental health charity, SAMH, Ben took on the Kiltwalk as a thank-you for the work the charity carries out to help people with mental health issues across the country.

Gail Sangster, from Stonehaven, was out in front to lead the walkers for the Big Stroll, along with her husband, Bruce and seven of her friends and family. Her son, Finlay, was born at 28 weeks and suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Since his birth, Gail, Bruce and their family have been fundraising for eponymous charity Finlay’s Fund, raising over £100,000.

Walkers were treated and fuelled by Kiltwalk’s official supermarket sponsor, ALDI, who provided snacks at the pit stops along the way.

Last year, Kiltwalk raised over £5 million for charities across Scotland, including Prostate Cancer UK, STV Children’s Appeal, Calum’s Cabin and Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland).

Kiltwalk is the UK’s fastest growing fundraising event. The next walk takes place from St. Andrews to Dundee on 18 August and the final Kiltwalk is in Edinburgh on 15 September.

To sign up for the remaining Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks this year, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk 

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NETWORKING

Passport to Opportunity…

Simon M. Morgan of BNS on moving your networking conversation to the next level Following on from the last article in Business Now (Feb 2019) – ‘Starter for 10’, this is aimed at keeping you on your toes business-wise once you have started the ‘mingling’ or conversational part of all events.

Networking or just chatting with those you meet at events should be fun and can also be rewarding – if you listen properly. To engage in conversation using open questions will enable things to flow more easily, and choosing a topic of conversation that others can readily engage with works well too. The one subject of conversation that everyone can talk well about is themselves: enabling discussions this way keeps others relaxed and you learn much more about who you are with quickly and effortlessly. Remember, the cornerstone of all successful networking is to establish a long-term business relationship with people you will get to know, like and ultimately trust.

Business cards: confetti or selective giving?

During getting to know new people or re-establishing old connections and when listening to what has changed in their worlds over time, you might just tune into some key information that in time needs to be followed up on. The business card can be the key.

Offer your card or be offered the other person’s business card? Ideally the other person or persons should ask you for your business card, which is a perfect scenario. However, there are times when it’s actually best if you subtly orchestrate the exchange. Do so politely and with permission by simply asking: “Is it okay that we exchange business cards …?” Having spoken to someone for some time, they are hardly likely to say no – but may say they don’t have any!

Business cards remain the passport to key people and organisations which save time in following up after events.

Assuming that you now have their business card, it is what you do now that is the most important part of following up. Simply agree there and then a mutually convenient time to catch up and, above all, don’t miss that appointment – be it a phone call, coffee or alternative.

I am not an advocate of distributing business cards at any event like confetti at a wedding as this has an air of desperation about it. Quality conversations over quantity every time!!

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Finally, your business card … Are you confident about the card? Is the information correct, is it yours and does it reflect you and your business? Frequently, I find people I meet in business embarrassed about their business card and unwilling to share! If that is the case, then what is the point of having that business card!! Quality business cards can be designed and delivered in three to four days for less than £100. In this day and age there is no excuse to have cards that don’t reflect your business.

Many years ago, when I first started out building a business based on structured networking events, I met many key people who made the journey so much easier, rewarding and enjoyable. Will Kintish (www.kintish.com) is one of those people who has helped so much over many years. Sincere thanks to Will for help, advice and support. 

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TRAVEL

New Route from Aberdeen to ‘London’s Best Airport’ Takes Off Major boost for NE’s connectivity offers three non-stop flights each way on weekdays The first Loganair flights between Aberdeen and London have officially taken to the skies, as the airline’s direct services to London Southend Airport celebrated their inaugural departure.

Aberdeen Airport’s managing director, Steve Szalay; Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce; Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s managing director; and Chris Foy, chief executive of VisitAberdeenshire were in attendance for the first service – while customers were served sandwiches and scones to mark the occasion.

A major boost for the North East’s connectivity with England’s Capital, the new business-focused schedule follows a period of overall reduction in Aberdeen’s air links to London.

Customers from the Granite City can choose from three non-stop flights to London Southend each way every weekday, together with Sunday services,

all operated by Loganair’s Embraer 145 regional jet aircraft. The schedule is designed to enable a full working day in the capital before an evening flight home.

Flight times are only one hour and 35 minutes, followed by a short 100-step walk to London Southend Airport’s dedicated railway terminal, where customers can board one of five peaktime trains per hour to London’s Liverpool Street Station – only 52 minutes away.

On their way home, customers can enjoy a quick check-in through security in an airport which is much easier to navigate than larger London airports.

Loganair’s managing director, Jonathan Hinkles (pictured) says: “Air connectivity with London is incredibly important for the north-east of Scotland, where there has been significant capacity reduction to other London airports of late.

“We’ve specifically created a schedule which is optimum for those travelling for

business during the week, with day-return schedules in addition to our rewarding frequent flyer programme: Clan Loganair.

“It is an ideal partnership, bringing together the European Regions Airline Association’s Airline of the Year and Which? magazine’s Best Airport in London, working in tandem to provide year-round services from Aberdeen with an entirely new offering for our customers.

“London Southend is the ideal gateway to the city, providing a well-connected and convenient entry point via an airport which is extremely easy to navigate. All our tickets include 20 kg of complimentary luggage and in-flight refreshments, the only airline flying from Scotland to a London Airport today that offers these perks within its base fare, that also starts from just £49.99.”

Asides from its baggage allowance and in-flight offering, customers also have access to a competitively priced fully flexible fare, enabling last-minute schedule changes as well as lounge access and fast-track security at all airports.

Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “Connectivity and infrastructure act as the bedrock for business growth within the Aberdeen city region.

“When it comes to our global connectivity, the ability of Aberdeen International Airport to attract and retain routes is paramount and the airport team is working incredibly hard to ensure that these routes are replaced and that further routes are created for business users.

“We welcome the launch of this new service to London which provides commuters in the North East with greater access to the south.” 

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“It delivers a sense of belonging and

Sponsorship deal announced ahead of major LGBT+ inclusive tournament

helps nurture a mutual understanding and responsibility towards others, which breaks down prejudices within sport.

“Inclusive rugby continues to grow and

Scotland’s oldest gay-inclusive rugby club revealed a new sponsorship deal as it got set to compete in Europe’s largest LGBT+ inclusive tournament.

to have the support of Standard Life Aberdeen’s Lighthouse Network means that we can continue to help more people get into the sport and let them play and

Standard Life Aberdeen’s LGBT+ inclusion group, known as the Lighthouse Network, are the new shirt sponsors of the Caledonian Thebans RFC.

From left: Thomas Hetherington, Lewis Clarke, Mark Gray and Aidan Donnelly

SPORT

Scottish Gay-Inclusive Rugby Squad Reveals New Kit

train, and that is invaluable.”

Lighthouse’s Standard

aim

Life

is

to

enable

Aberdeen

all

employees

The club unveiled its new kit at Murrayfield BT Stadium before its departure to Dublin to represent Scotland in the Union Cup.

to be themselves at work. It supports

Luke Fenton, chairman of Caledonian Thebans, said: “We are delighted to have secured sponsorship from a network that shares our values. For us, rugby is more than just a game; it is great for mental and physical health and it gives people an opportunity to enjoy a good way of living.

workplace through events, networking,

LGBT+ individuals in their working lives by promoting further inclusion in the training

and

peer-to-peer

support.

The Lighthouse Network has over 400 members and operates globally across Standard Life Aberdeen’s offices around the world. 

AVC Immedia Appointed by FIFA for Women’s World Cup 2019 AVC filming on location across France from 7 June to 7 July AVC Immedia, a market-leading media company specialising in content creation, has been awarded a lucrative contract by FIFA, football’s global governing body, to produce video content during the Women’s World Cup France 2019TM. AVC is creating video content to highlight FIFA’s partners’ and sponsors’ presence and participation at the tournament, as well as capturing on-site and behind-thescenes footage inside and outside the host stadia. The team is filming on location across all nine cities and 24 games for the month of the tournament.

Keith Robertson, general manager, AVC Immedia commented: “The surging interest in women’s football makes this

year’s World Cup a pinnacle moment for the sport, and we’re looking forward to working with FIFA to capture the atmosphere and excitement on the ground. Our relationship with FIFA goes back more than 25 years, but we’re as thrilled to be appointed now as we were in 1990, when we were awarded our first contract.”

The video content will be distributed via FIFA’s Facebook and YouTube accounts which have four million followers and 7.6 million subscribers respectively, and distributed to global media outlets.

AVC Immedia has vast experience within the live tournament sphere and has worked with FIFA for nearly three decades. 

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PERSONNEL

Attract Employees by Showing Off Your Value

By Amanda McCulloch, managing director, Thorpe Molloy Recruitment When skills are in short supply, the talented people you seek to recruit into your business become very discerning customers. They take time to evaluate your business and what you can offer before they decide to apply to work with you.

Job seekers know what they want from a future employer and their assurance is making it harder for companies to recruit and retain talent. In the north-east hiring cycle, we are returning to a point where the talent chooses the employer, not the other way around.

business, and it should also provide a compelling start to your recruiter’s sales pitch. That’s why the EVP strapline is often used in advertising. Guess which company uses this:

Do cool things that matter.

The Why The underlying detail within the EVP explains to the job seeker WHY they should work for you. This effectively answers the question, “What’s in it for me?”, and the attributes cover:

You need to show prospective employees the value they will gain by working for you.

The Strapline Your EVP can be summarised by one core statement – a strapline that reflects your place of work and what it stands for. Your target audience should find it appealing enough to pique their interest in your

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Assumptions Don’t assume you know what your employees value. There has never been a more diverse demographic spread in the workplace, and we presume to know what people want at our peril. Ongoing research is important and the reason why many organisations undertake annual employee surveys. Do people value the CEO joining them for lunch in the staff canteen or would they rather have more one-to-one time with their line manager?

Commitment Every single person in your business is an important stakeholder when it comes to EVP. If they believe it, they will positively talk about it – don’t forget, the most powerful recruitment tool is word-ofmouth endorsement. Crucially too, your EVP should attract the type of candidates that exhibit the commitment and behaviours you need in your business, positively impacting long-term company performance.

In this environment a critical element of a successful recruitment campaign is the ability to demonstrate what you offer to employees; what it is like to work in your business; and why it is a better place to be than all the other employers your target talent could choose to work for instead.

When thinking about how you’ll do this, have the retention of your ideal employee at the forefront of your mind. Think about the things that would make your ideal employee want to stay working in your business because they gain value from being there. That value supports their financial, emotional, physical and mental well-being and it is called your employee value proposition (EVP). It takes effort, but it is worth it. Gartner reports that organisations which deliver on their EVP can reduce annual employee turnover by just under 70% and increase new hire commitment by nearly 30%.

becoming disillusioned, talking down your business, comparing it negatively to competitors and – this is the expensive one – leaving prematurely.

Active Opportunity: includes career and development opportunities and organisation growth.

People: includes manager and co-worker quality, leadership reputation and team spirit.

Organisation: includes market position, product/service quality and social responsibility.

Work: includes job-interest alignment and work-life balance.

Reward: includes compensation and benefits. *

Source: gartner.com

Keep It Real Of course, it is critical that the EVP reflects the actual culture and values in your business. If your recruiters are equipped with an accurate EVP, they will be able to talk so much more credibly with prospective applicants. But keeping it real also mitigates against new hires

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Your EVP must reflect a business that is relevant and future focused, the antithesis of passive and bland. It should be able to evolve. The EVP strapline remains consistent across the organisation, but it should be possible to tweak the components of the EVP itself, allowing you to personalise it to be as attractive as possible to the different segments of people you need in your business.

For example, childcare could be very attractive to employees in their 30s; the priorities for those in their 20s could be time off to travel; while those in their 40s might prefer a top-up to their pension pot.

Help your recruiters by constructing a strong EVP. It’ll be a powerful addition to their resourcing toolkit. And if you are still wondering about that strapline, you were right if you guessed Google. 

PERSONNEL

Techxit: 75% of UK’s Tech Workforce Prepared to Leave UK Three quarters willing to move for work, posing a potential tech exodus The findings from a global study of 27,000 digital experts has led to calls for government and companies to work harder to attract and retain top digital talent and upskill their current workforce.

Three out of four UK tech workers (75%) are willing to leave for pastures new overseas. Digital experts are among the most indemand workers but, due to the transferable nature of tech skills, they are also among those most prepared to relocate, compared to only 61% of non-tech workers.

UK tech talent’s inclination to move abroad for work is similar to that of digital experts based elsewhere, with two thirds of the global tech workforce admitting they are prepared to move.

While London may be the tech industry’s favoured city, the UK on the whole is less attractive than its capital and must continue to compete with other markets in order to recruit and retain the digital experts who are crucial to the country’s economic development.

The findings come from one of the largest ever global studies of tech and digital workers by management consultancy, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and leading UK job board Totaljobs, as part of global talent hub, The Network.

The study highlights the key factors that the UK digital workforce are looking for in a job. Most important is a healthy work-life balance (1st), followed by good relationships with their peers (2nd) and their managers (3rd). The research shows workers are more concerned with wellness and human interaction while at work over financial compensation, which was ranked less important (5th).

Learning and development ranked just eighth for UK tech workers, in noticeable comparison to their colleagues across the world, who ranked it second. The results show that British digital talent place more value in the day-to-day operations of their work, favouring more interesting and dynamic roles above learning and training.

This latest study, Decoding Digital Talent, is part of the ongoing Decoding Global Talent series from BCG, Totaljobs and The Network. 27,000 people were polled in 180 countries with expert-level knowledge in such skills as programming and web development, mobile application development, artificial intelligence, and robotics and engineering. Research was conducted February to April 2018. 

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SECTION HEADER

Appointments NEW

MORTON FRASER’S CORPORATE LAW TEAM APPOINTS NEW TALENT Morton Fraser has appointed Stephen Clark as senior associate to its corporate law team.

Stephen brings 12 years’ experience in corporate law to Morton Fraser and is dual qualified in English and Scots law. Practising across a range of corporate law disciplines with a particular focus on equity investment and high-growth companies, Stephen is now based in the firm’s Edinburgh office.

Austin Flynn, partner and head of the corporate division, said: “Stephen’s expertise makes him a real asset in facilitating growth in Scottish businesses, and his experience working with high-growth companies is a true benefit to Scotland’s thriving start-ups.”

ACCOUNTANCY FIRM EXPANDS WITH NEW PARTNER A north-east accountant has been appointed as a partner at the firm she joined as a student, as part of continued growth of the firm.

Lauren Thompson has been appointed partner at James Milne Chartered Accountants, after working at the firm for over 12 years. Lauren came to the firm as a summer placement student in 2005 whilst studying accountancy at the University of Aberdeen and joined the team permanently in 2006.

GROUP OPERATIONS MANAGER JOINS SUT MIDDLE EAST COMMITTEE The group operations manager of energy equipment manufacturer and service provider Flowline Specialists has joined the committee of a newly formed branch of the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT).

Graeme Chalmers, who is based in Dubai, is one of the founding committee members of the SUT’s Middle East branch, which was launched in early 2019 to meet local demand. The branch extends the global reach of the international society, providing a focal point for SUT members in the region and creating a platform for all those with an interest in the area of underwater technology.

NEW MD AT HELM FOR ENGINEERING BUSINESS SENGS A leading north-east engineering solutions specialist, SengS, has unveiled a highly respected industry figure as managing director.

Based at the company’s Ellon facility, David Benison (pictured, right, with Angus Gray, Pryme Group CEO) brings nearly 30 years’ experience in senior management roles following a successful career across the subsea division of global energy services firm, Aker Solutions.

SengS was acquired in November 2016 by Pryme Group, a leading provider of integrated manufacturing solutions to clients across the oil and gas, aerospace and defence industries. The business is headquartered in Dundee and has operations across the UK.

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APPOINTMENTS SECTION HEADER

SENIOR TEAM AT NEW ABERDEEN HOTELS PREPARE FOR OPENING To prepare for the openings of Hilton Aberdeen TECA and Aloft Aberdeen TECA (the brand’s first hotel in Scotland), four recruits have been appointed to the senior management team: Mark Leyland (right), cluster general manager; Jane Bourque (left), cluster hotel manager; Debbie Mair (right), cluster director of sales; and Fawad Iqbal, financial controller.

Mark will manage Hilton Aberdeen TECA and Aloft Aberdeen TECA – each of which will be run by the UK’s leading independent hotel management company, RBH – as well as leading the team at the Hilton Aberdeen TECA. Seasoned hotelier Jane will work closely with Mark to lead the teams across both properties, whilst Debbie is looking forward to maximising the opportunities afforded by their presence at P&J Live at TECA to create and build relationships with clients across both hotel brands.

REVER OFFSHORE APPOINTS SUBSEA EXPERT TO BOARD Rever Offshore, a leading subsea services provider to the oil and gas industry, has announced the appointment of Bob Bryce (pictured, right, with Barry MacLeod, CEO) to the newly-created role of operations director.

Mr Bryce’s 40-year career in the oil and gas industry has seen him hold senior leadership positions on a global basis with key subsea-surf contractors, including McDermott, Subsea7 and Technip. He joins Rever’s executive team with a remit to oversee the operations, assets and services, and QHSE functions.

ABERDEEN CREATIVE AGENCY HAMPTON STRENGTHENS TEAM An Aberdeen-based creative agency has made a number of key appointments as it continues to expand its business throughout the north-east of Scotland and beyond.

Hampton, located on the city’s Victoria Street, has added three new members to its team. Chrissy O’Farrell (second left, next to managing director Skerry Read) has joined the business as a marketing account manager, while Steven Bedford (left) has joined as a web developer. Kara Adamson (right) has taken on the role of account executive.

NEW DIRECTOR FOR COMOUK SCOTLAND Chris Slade has been announced as CoMoUK’s Scotland director. Chris played a key role in the development of the bike share side of CoMoUK and the delivery of several projects, including Bikes for All. Chris’s focus is ensuring shared mobility is embedded in solutions contributing to strategic policy objectives and encouraging healthy low-carbon lifestyles.

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SECTION HEADER

Events Diary June 25 Bitesize Decom Event, The Chester Hotel 25 Oil & Gas UK Aviation Seminar, AECC 26 ABN: B4N (Before Noon) Relationship-Building,

RBS, Marischal Square

26 Women Connect: Spotlight on Women in Family

Business, Sandman Hotel

27 Aberdeen Entrepreneurs: Be All You Can Be, Marcliffe

Hotel & Spa

27 AGCC: The business of CSR 27 Elevator Awards, Ardoe House Hotel

July 2

ABN: Meet Everyone M4, Aberdeen Sports Village

5

Creative Scotland Conversations, Music Hall

5-6 Aberdeen Gin Fest, The Lemon Tree

September 3

ABN: Meet Everyone M4, Aberdeen Sports Village

3

AGCC: Business Breakfast – Offshore Europe

10 AGCC: A taste of food, drink and agriculture:

Parent, pupil and teacher information evening

11 AGCC: We Mean Business: Cultural Competency 12 BNS Aberdeen 12 Oil & Gas UK Legal Conference, Ardoe House Hotel 14 Celebrate Aberdeen Awards, P&J Live 14 The National Whisky Festival, Music Hall 17 ABN: Network Skills Training, Inspire 19 BNS Edinburgh: Apex Grassmarket Hotel 26 AGCC: Northern Star Business Awards 27 Grey Matters 4 Information Session,

Elevator at The Hub

16 ABN: Network Skills Training, Inspire

October

17 BNS Aberdeen: Annual evening BBQ & quiz 23 Mental Health First Aid Training, Pittodrie Stadium

3

AGCC: Business Breakfast – Wargames strategy

24 BNS Edinburgh: Annual evening BBQ & quiz

3-6 Offshore Europe 2019, P&J Live

25 AGCC: Shire Connections: Investing and placemaking

5

CLAN Thunderball, P&J Live

5-6 4TG GameCon, P&J Live

August

9

ABN: B4N (Before Noon) Relationship-Building,

21 ABN: B4N (Before Noon) Relationship-Building,

Centrum

Centrum

10 Aberdeen Entrepreneurs: Transport & Infrastructure,

22 BNS Aberdeen: Palm Court Hotel

29 AGCC: Speed networking

10 AGCC: We Mean Business: Well-being at work

29 BNS Edinburgh: Apex Grassmarket Hotel

10 BNS Aberdeen

29 Offshore Safety Awards, P&J Live

19 Cheese Fest UK, P&J Live

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Hilton Treetops Hotel