Business Now - Issue 18 Autumn 2019

Issue 18 Autumn 2019

Issue 18 Autumn 2019

Putting the Now in Business

BUSINESS NOW

Putting the Now in Business

Digital is Future for Jeanette Forbes Coffee With... Stuart Duncan - Apartrooms Community Life and Independence Key to Ageing Well Reflecting on a Year of Technology-Driven Business Success

SECTION HEADER INTRO & CONTENTS

Welcome to the 18th issue of P6-7 You will have seen a well-known face on the cover of this edition. Jeanette Forbes is known in the area not only as a business entrepreneur, but as a strong voice for gender parity and as a dedicated philanthropist. She is now CEO at Blue Gentoo and proprietor of the award-winning Grape & Grain wine bar. Diversity at the highest level.

I met for coffee with Stuart Duncan, who explains his ‘triumph over adversity’ in his bid to launch the superb Apartrooms, a new concept in comfortable and compact self-catering accommodation which has been launched here on our doorstep.

We take a look back at the success of this year’s SPE Offshore Europe as it makes its debut in the new TECA and P&J Live; how UK manufacturers are growing their own skills base; how businesses can encourage and embrace inclusion and diversity in the workplace; how to improve entries to the digital and tech industries while encouraging the take-up of STEM subjects; and considerations for the future of the care industry.

We congratulate those who have gained accolades in their respective industry in our Awards section, as we do those who have advanced in their careers or sought new paths in our Appointments pages.

Our next edition will be out in early 2020 so, may I wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and hope for many lucrative opportunities in the New Year.

On the Cover A profile of businesswoman Jeanette Forbes, discussing her founding of PCL Group and new ventures with Blue Gentoo and Grape & Grain.

Eric W. Farquharson - Editor

P.19

Reflecting on a Year of Technology-Driven Business Success

Scotland at Digital Crossroads: Are We a Leader or Are We a Follower?

P.22

Gavin Henry, managing director of SureVoIP, reflects on a successful year of growth with investment in people, systems and processes.

Reflecting on the direction that Scotland should follow in the digital world and encouraging young people into the industry.

P.32

Community Life and Independence Key to Ageing Well

How Inchmarlo Retirement Village helps its residents maintain independence and good health, while balancing future care needs with adaptable homes and on-site care provision.

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.uk

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

On the Cover Jeanette Forbes 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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SECTION HEADER P.34

Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: Stop Talking About It and ‘Become The Squeaky Wheel’

Eddie Izzard and Martina Navratilova support Aberdeen Standard Investments’ 5th annual Diversity Summit.

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P.38

UK Manufacturers Invest in Existing People and Processes

How UK manufacturers are investing in the development of their own people to provide trained personnel for their businesses in response to a chronic shortage of new entrants into the sector.

Coffee with…

Stuart Duncan BUSINESS NOW’s editor meets Stuart Duncan of Apartrooms to discuss his brand new accommodation concept, based on Passivhaus principles to ensure it is super eco-friendly and with enhanced digital connections.

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Index Business............................... 8-13 Energy................................ 14-21 I. T. & Digital........................ 22-25 Financial............................. 26-27 Property.............................. 28-31 Features.............................. 32-35 Coffee with.......................... 36-37 Feature............................... 38-39 Hospitality................................40 Food & Drink....................... 41-43 Business Community........... 44-45 Sport.................................. 46-47 Awards......................................48 Networking................................49 Environment........................ 50-51 Personnel............................ 52-54 Diary page.................................55 Appointments...................... 56-57 Events Calendar.........................58

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ON THE COVER

Digital is Future for Jeanette Forbes Our cover story features someone who needs no introduction. Known in Aberdeen not only for her business acumen but also her philanthropic ideals, she is the epitome of the successful businesswoman.

company. In March 2000, the PCL Group was

Businesswoman’s ‘do better’ approach has paid dividends in varied career

It is, of course, Jeanette Forbes, probably best known as the founder of PCL Group and the winner of an array of accolades that would make Usain Bolt envious. On meeting her you are immediately struck by her vitality which makes her appear far younger than her years. But it has not always been plain sailing.

Jeanette is a ‘Yorkshire Lass’, although she would be the first person to declare she is now an adopted Aberdonian. She qualified here as a system engineer which many, predominantly males, could not understand. No gender parity then as she was subjected to the heckling of men who could not grasp why a woman would want to be in this industry. Jeanette found it tough, but she was determined and focused, and she qualified with ease.

Several years followed working for oil-related companies until the dreadful downturn began in the industry. Jeanette was made redundant at the end of 1999 and, with two children and a husband who was studying to support, she had to make tough decisions. She decided to go it alone and form her own

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born with just £100 – the last of her redundancy money – and she has never looked back.

She has seen the company grow year on year to provide total technology provision and support globally, including cabling services to five main industry sectors – offshore, marine,

commercial, industrial and renewables – establishing respect along the way for the quality of product delivery and high level of service provision, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

During her time there she has been awarded many accolades, including Business Women Scotland’s Inspirational Woman of the Year, winner of CEO of the Year at the Scotland’s Women in Technology Awards, Entrepreneur of the Year at the Elevator Awards and Business Woman of the Year at Scotland’s SME Business Awards. What is so endearing about Jeanette is that each award seems to take her by surprise as if she’s not quite sure why she is in the spotlight!

It has been well documented in the press recently that Jeanette has decided to make a bold move and pass on the reigns of the running of the company to her children, Christopher and Joanne, who have both supported her at PCL for many years.

SECTION HEADER Her focus now is about leaving a legacy for the offshore and airline technology sector. She stated: “I wanted to do this now whilst I am still around to advise and mentor my children on good business practice, whilst working on exciting digital technology initiatives.”

Recently appointed as CEO at Blue Gentoo, an up-andcoming company founded by individuals with experience of operating and designing oil-and-gas production systems, her role will include focusing on business strategy and customer engagement.

It is an extremely exciting time for the company as, in collaboration with Hydrafact – a Heriot-Watt University spinout company, they have developed HydraSENS, a technology that detects the early signs of gas hydrate formation in pipeline systems. Gas hydrates are a risk to all oil-and-gas producers and, if allowed to form, they can block pipelines resulting in millions of pounds of downtime and lost production.

HydraSENS gives operators an early warning of hydrates so they can be proactive, rather than reactive.

Jeanette said: “The future for oil and gas is digital and Blue Gentoo is at the forefront of this. We know the challenges faced in bringing new technology to market and in convincing people of the benefits and the reasons to change. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

As if this is not enough, Jeanette also embarked upon consulting for another start-up company called GoHawk Limited several years ago. She has helped GoHawk develop the fastest flight route algorithm in the world for the airline industry. Aberdeen Airport has been utilising this software for over 12 months and GoHawk has recently secured Glasgow and Southampton airports on behalf of AGS Group. This company has the support of HIE and intends to be operating from offices in Inverness in the new year.

As mentioned earlier, it has not always been plain sailing for Jeanette. Seven years ago, she lost her husband and became almost reclusive. Jeanette explained: “I didn’t want to spend evenings and weekends on my own. I felt there was nowhere in Aberdeen for someone in similar circumstances like mine that could go for a catch-up with friends and colleagues.”

Her response was to create the place she’d like to go! Jeanette knew about empty premises on Thistle Street, in the West End of Aberdeen and decided to diversify into another sector. Several months later, a new establishment appeared on the Aberdeen hospitality scene to rave reviews. Grape & Grain is a luxurious wine bar stocking exclusive wines from award-winning Berkmann Wine Cellars, as well as an extensive collection of Scottish spirits and local craft beers. For food, there is the option of Scottish cheeses and charcuterie alongside locally sourced artisan breads. Guests describe it as having “divine décor”, “a cool atmosphere” and “it has great service and friendly staff”.

Jeanette is extremely proud of her new venture. She commented: “It is somewhere I can go and meet my girlfriends and colleagues, and chat in nice surroundings whilst profiling the great local Scottish food and drink basket, or I can work behind the scenes with my staff on a weekend rather than sitting at home alone.”

Jeanette is keen to point out that she owes a lot to her adopted city, which is why her philanthropic nature has rewarded many charities in the area: “I strongly believe in giving back as the city has given me and my family so much over the past 20 years of being in business.

“My success is not entirely down to my own ability or work ethic; the support provided from family and my team has been incredibly humbling. I have always had a ‘do better’ approach which has helped me in life, and this has helped us to give back to others along the way.” 

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BUSINESS NEWS

Management Buyout Saves Historic Aberdeen Paper Mill Jobs secured locally and nationally with conclusion of deal The management team of leading paper manufacturer Arjowiggins Creative Papers has announced the successful management buyout (MBO) of its UK operations, protecting hundreds of jobs in Scotland and safeguarding Aberdeen’s historic Stoneywood paper mill.

The company has been trading in administration since January 2019 following insolvency proceedings against French parent companies Arjowiggins and Sequana. The business will now be led by an eight-strong experienced leadership team headed up by current managing director Jonathan Mitchell and including Stoneywood mill general manager, Angus MacSween.

The management buyout covers Arjowiggins Fine Papers, which runs the group’s Stoneywood mill. Originally opened in 1770, Stoneywood is Aberdeen’s last paper mill, and one of few remaining in the North East, with around 450 employees. The deal also includes the business’ Basingstoke office and Arjowiggins Chartham, which operates the Chartham mill in Canterbury.

Following the MBO, the new company will have 559 employees.

The change in ownership marks an exciting new chapter in the history of the 250-year-old business, which pioneered the production of fine paper in the 1800s and now manufactures products for designers, printers and clients worldwide under well-known brands such as Conqueror, Curious Collection and Keaykolour.

Jonathan Mitchell commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured the future of a strong and sustainable business which has such a long heritage in Scotland. Arjowiggins Creative Papers has world-renowned market-leading brands and products and a passionate and talented team. We are looking forward to taking steps to further strengthen the business and continue to provide first-class products and customer service to our clients.

“The last nine months has been an unsettling time for the company and we are extremely grateful to the joint administrators, FRP Advisory, for having allowed the business to continue to trade while we found a workable solution. The

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support we have had from our staff, customers, suppliers and the Scottish Government has been incredible and, without them, this deal would not have been possible. There has been a real combined will to keep this historic business alive.”

The deal has been financed by Shawbrook Bank and SQN Asset Finance Income Fund, as well as a number of strategic customers. Significant financial backing has also been received from national economic development agency Scottish Enterprise.

In January, a Common Purpose Group was established by Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, with a focus on securing a long-term future for the Stoneywood mill.

This was led by Scottish Enterprise and included representatives of the company’s management, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils, Opportunity North East, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, and Unite.

Mr Hepburn said: “I am delighted that the future of this historic mill has now been secured through a management buyout. This is great news for the employees and their families, and indeed welcomed across Aberdeen, the North East and further afield.

“The Scottish Government, through Scottish Enterprise, has been working intensively with the administrator, management team, Unite and local partners throughout this entire process to secure this positive outcome.

“The priority now is to work closely with the new owners to realise their plans for the long-term success of the business, and identify future opportunities in the sector, which ultimately benefits the local economy and wider north-east economy.”

The completion of the MBO in the UK, supported by Ledingham Chalmers and Anderson Anderson Brown, is the first in a twostage process and the management team are also in advanced discussions with French administrators on the acquisition of the company’s non-UK operations, which include Spanish mill Guarro Casas and Quzhou mill in China. 

Two other Scottish towns in contention for Champion High Street of the Year

Spending time with friends and family (22%) and offering a sense of community (21%) were other reasons cited for why high streets make people happier. The research also reveals that half of consumers (50%) feel that their high street gives them a sense of pride in their local community.

Mr Berry said: “Congratulations to the shortlisted nominees for this year’s Great British High Street Awards – the quality of the entries this year has been fantastic.

“High streets make people happier, and people want to see their hard-earned cash supporting the local economy. That is why we are celebrating those that go above and beyond to keep their high streets thriving for generations to come.

“Inspiring high streets like these will play a key role in the Government’s vision to boost local growth and level up our regions.”

© myturriff.co.uk

Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, the Rt Hon Jake Berry MP, with proud partner Visa, has confirmed that 40 high streets have been shortlisted across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in this year’s Great British High Street Awards, putting them in the running to win a £15,000 prize.

The announcement comes as new research commissioned by Visa* has found that seven out of ten consumers (73%) say that shopping locally makes them feel happy, with over a third (42%) citing supporting local shops and knowing where their money is going as the main reason.

Turriff was acclaimed as having Scotland’s most beautiful high street in 2018 and is one of only three Scottish towns now shortlisted for the Champion High Street Award and in the running to be named Champion High Street of the Year. The others are Prestwick’s Main Street and Alness High Street in Ross-shire.

Judges for the competition have been visiting all shortlisted towns around the UK. Turriff’s High Street has previously been lauded for its local heritage, beauty and unique atmosphere.  *New research commissioned by Visa and conducted by 3GEM between 11th – 18th April 2019, following original research commissioned by Visa and conducted by 3GEM in April 2018. Both surveyed 2,000 consumers and 750 small high street businesses (independent businesses located on a high street, with less than 50 employees) across the UK. All figures supplied are obtained from this research, unless stated otherwise.

Office Move for Growing Team at Aberdeen Cooling Solutions New dedicated premises at Airside Business Park, Kirkhill for company An air conditioning and refrigeration contractor that launched earlier this year has moved to larger premises following an encouraging period of growth.Aberdeen Cooling Solutions, which provides repair, installation and maintenance services, has moved to dedicated office, workshop and storage space in Dyce.

Having previously taken office space at the city’s Waterloo Quay, the company is now located at the Airside Business Park, Kirkhill Industrial Estate.

The 835 square foot premises will provide a long-term home for the growing team as well as offering easy access to the city and surrounding areas via the AWPR. Managing director Ryan Pirie has also been joined by his father, Stephen, who has taken on the role of office manager.

With a background in the utilities sector following a career spanning 40 years with Scottish Water, Stephen brings strong operations skills and will oversee the day-to-day running of the business, freeing Ryan up to concentrate on business development and customer care. 

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BUSINESS NEWS

Turriff Shortlisted in Great British High Street Awards

BUSINESS NEWS

British Business Bank Supports Small Business Advice Week Dragons’ Den star offers advice to getting independent financial advice The majority of smaller businesses do not seek advice when applying for external finance to grow their business, despite the fact that having access to the right information can make the difference between success and failure, Piers Linney, the former Dragons’ Den investor, says.

The study also found that smaller businesses’ awareness of alternatives to traditional finance has been growing but remains low, with a third (33%) of small businesses still seeking funding from their main bank when they need money.

Businesses with growth ambitions need to look beyond the high street when seeking funding, says Mr Linney, who is a non-executive director at British Business Bank.

Piers was speaking at the start of Small Business Advice Week, during which British Business Bank is encouraging the UK’s 5.7 million smaller businesses to seek advice and independent information on finding the finance best suited to their needs.

Piers said: “Getting support and investment for your business does not have to be as daunting as going into the Dragons’ Den. There are many ways to get access to finance and business support – the challenge is knowing where to look and making the time to find out about them. Getting reliable, independent information on your finance options can make the difference between success and failure.”

British Business Bank is committed to enabling smaller businesses understand and explore the finance options available to them. It has developed the Finance Hub, an interactive website dedicated to providing independent and impartial information on the finance options available for growing businesses.

Case study Taking advice paid off for the founders of Rejuicenate – the winners of last year’s British Business Bank competition – ‘Good to Grow’ – who recently opened their first permanent juice bar in a local health food shop. Based in Liverpool, the business manufactures cold-pressed juices which are stocked in select restaurants, cafés and gyms throughout the city.

Latest government figures show that smaller *

businesses which access external advice or information on matters affecting their business are between 15% and 25% more likely to become high-growth firms.

Yet recent research from British Business Bank found that 81% did not seek guidance when applying for outside finance last year, and that only 14% researched funding options online.

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Leith Taha, co-founder and CEO of Rejuicenate, said: “Piers and his team came to Liverpool and spent the entire day with us talking about our business as well as spending time in the Rejuicenate kitchen. He changed the way we think about our brand locally and worked with us on our strategy to help drive our business in our own community.

“I can honestly say that, if it wasn’t for that day with Piers, Rejuicenate would not be half the business it is today. Today we have our own store in the city centre and distribute to a number of local businesses as well as people. To know we have such an experienced and respected entrepreneur in our corner has proved invaluable.”  * https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/812014/Longitudinal_Small_Business_Survey_2018_-_panel_report.pdf

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Historic coastal castle offers unusual and inspiring workplace A man from Aberdeenshire was shortlisted in a competition to find the ‘World’s Best Business Locations’.

Mark

Butler,

51,

from Stonehaven, works at the historic

Dunnottar

Castle,

also

in Stonehaven.

He said: “It was the setting for Hamlet, starring Mel Gibson; it is the inspiration for the Disney film, Brave; and also the setting for the Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy film, Victor Frankenstein.

“I’m told by many of our visitors I work in the best ‘office’ ever.”

Christine Telyan, CEO of UENI, said: “As a freelancer, small business or sole trader, you can work in some fantastic locations, be it on the beach with your laptop, on a balcony with a great view, or simply in an office which always makes you smile.

“This

competition

is

designed

to reveal the most inspiring and unusual places people spend their working days, all over the world.”

The

competition

ran

from

19

June to 19 July this year and the eventual winner was announced as Jhonnatan Hernandez-Bonola, ©Mark Butler

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a part-time residential broker of Chicago, with his rooftop view. 

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BUSINESS NEWS

Aberdeenshire Man Shortlisted in International Competition

BUSINESS NEWS

DYW Urges SMEs to Get Involved with Schools Small- to medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) operating in the Aberdeen city region’s key growth sectors are being encouraged to play a bigger role in preparing the next generation for the world of work.

Companies encouraged to prepare next generation for world of work

“As an SME, I know first-hand how important it is for the needs of your business to come first, but many business owners would be pleasantly surprised to discover just how easy and rewarding it can be to take that first step towards engaging with schools; and just how much support is out there for those that do.”

SMEs account for 99% of all private sector enterprises across Scotland, providing an estimated 1.2 million jobs and making a big impact on the local economy. With them accounting for more than half of private sector employment and more than 40% of private sector turnover, there is a very good chance that today’s young people will make their future career in a small business.

DYW (Developing the Young Workforce) North East bridges the gap between education and employers to help all young people find fulfilling careers. The organisation has helped hundreds of organisations connect with schools, from one-off awareness-raising career events through to establishing long-term partnerships.

It is now calling on small- to mediumsized businesses working in the energy, digital, food and drink, agriculture, life sciences, and tourism sectors to get more involved and help ensure the workforce of tomorrow are equipped with the skills the region needs.

Margo Milne, DYW board member and commercial director of SME Clark Integrated Technologies, said:

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number of students through to offering apprenticeship placements as Clark IT does. In our experience, all businesses really need is help understanding how to get involved.

The call to action has been supported by Sir Ian Wood KT GBE (pictured) who sits on the DYW National Advisory Group and chaired the commission which produced the ‘Education Working for All’ report.

“Establishing links with local schools can be extremely rewarding for any business, bringing access to the talent pipeline and potential for reduced recruitment costs, continual professional development opportunities for staff, increased awareness of your sector in education and enhanced profile in the local community among other benefits.

Sir Ian stated: “There is an economic imperative for businesses of all sizes to be shaping their future workforce, profiling to young people the opportunities that exist across a range of industries. Engaging with young people, arming them with the knowledge and experiences to understand a diverse array of career pathways, supports the development of an informed, skilled labour market.

“There is a misconception that engagement with schools is only for larger companies with significant resources at their disposal. However, the reality is that career inspiration activities can take many forms. This can be as simple as arranging a visit for a small

“As well as addressing a medium- to long-term requirement for our economy, there are immediate benefits for SMEs. Supporting DYW efforts presents opportunities for staff development, as well as increased profile within the community and education.” 

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AGCC seeks to strengthen trade connection with Guyana

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) has entered into a joint initiative with Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) that seeks to strengthen strategic links and forge new trade connections between the two regions.

Guyana has one of the world’s fastest growing oil-and-gas industries after significant oil reserves were found off the country’s coast in 2015. It is now looking at recoverable oil reserves of six billion barrels and that number is expected to rise to in excess of 15 billion barrels as discoveries continue to be made.

Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer (pictured left), president of GCCI, and Russell Borthwick (right), chief executive of AGCC, have signed a two-year memorandum of understanding that sets out how the organisations will share information, promote trade opportunities, facilitate networking and further the potential for joint ventures between businesses in the two energy city regions.

The agreement includes supportive activities created through direct contact between the Chambers, as well as others involving the British Chambers of Commerce, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the Department for International Trade, Scottish Development International and other similar bodies.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the oldest private sector representative in Guyana. Speaking for businesses across a variety of industries, it seeks to support organisations as the country prepares to enter a new era of development. The city was officially twinned with Aberdeen in March this year. 

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

• • • •

Local, National & International Domestic & Commercial Removals Storage Part Load Services

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BUSINESS NEWS

New Business Links Forged with Georgetown

ENERGY

Alba Gaskets Completes Successful MBO Announcement made during visit by Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation Mr McKee toured Alba Gaskets’ manufacturing facility and also met with key members of the company’s management team.

Managing director, Gavin Sim (left) and director, Sigfrid Ruz (right), will head up the new management structure.

Mr Sim is one of the business’s founders and has therefore been with the company since its inception 12 years ago. He has more than 21 years’ technical and management experience in the gasket sector.

Aberdeen-headquartered oil-and-gas integrity specialist Alba Gaskets has successfully completed a management buyout (MBO).

The company, which manufactures gaskets for the oil and gas industry, made the announcement during a visit to its Altens premises by Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, Ivan McKee MSP.

Mr Ruz has 25 years’ experience working in technologyrelated roles, with a particular specialist knowledge of the gasket industry. He joined Alba Gaskets earlier this year as its operations and technical director, having moved to Aberdeen from Denver, Colorado.

Commenting on the MBO, Mr Sim said: “With the new structure in place, we look forward to building upon the excellent relationships we have with our existing client base, developing products to meet their specific challenges, while also bringing new products to the market though our in-house manufacturing capability.” 

Contract Win Sees ASCO Support Neptune Energy Five-year deal sealed with international independent Global logistics and materials management provider, ASCO, has secured a five-year contract with international independent, Neptune Energy.

The contract, which fully kicks off in October this year, will see ASCO assume responsibility for all Neptune’s shorebase, logistics, marine and materials management services for the North Sea. Commended by Neptune for their commitment to safety excellence and the professional, high-quality approach to the tender process, ASCO’s expertise will be

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utilised across all the operator’s current and future assets and projects in the UK. ASCO’s Aberdeen general manager, Jamie Marr (pictured) said: “ASCO has maintained a strong reputation within the industry for more than 50 years and, in a highly competitive UK marketplace, winning this contract is a clear illustration of our continued ability to lead the way in logistics and materials management services.

“The nature of the market in the North Sea is changing with new, exciting and innovative players investing in the basin.

Neptune is on a growth trajectory in the UK and elsewhere, and we are excited to be supporting them on this journey. In

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the preparation for the commencement of the contract we have been building a strong relationship with the Neptune team and are eager to see this develop further in the years to come.” 

Nominations for the 2020 awards, sponsored by TAQA, are now open

“I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the entries for our new Energy Transition category. This year’s Offshore Europe has been awash with discussion around our low-carbon future, and how we plan to achieve this, so I hope this momentum drives through to the awards.”

Supporting this strong focus on promoting STEM subjects and sharing SPE’s enthusiasm to uncover the offshore industry’s highlights from the last 12 months is principal sponsor, TAQA. Asset manager at TAQA and member of the OAAs’ organising committee, Stuart McIntosh said: “TAQA is proud to have supported the OAAs since its relaunch by SPE Aberdeen in 2011. The ongoing success of these awards and the importance of them in highlighting and celebrating outstanding work is key to why we continue to support the OAAs. “The oil-and-gas and renewables industries both play a huge part in energy transition and I am particularly looking forward to hearing how companies are tackling this, as we continue to ensure the future of our industry and provide great opportunities for the next generation.”

Winners at the 2019 Offshore Achievement Awards with Rachel Riley

The much-anticipated launch of the 2020 Offshore Achievement Awards (OAA) took place during Offshore Europe, with newly announced categories ‘Energy Transition for Future Generations’ and ‘Internationalisation’ added to this year’s line-up.

The 34th annual awards, supported by principal sponsor TAQA, will once again commemorate all that is great about the offshore oil-and-gas and renewables industries, celebrating business growth and success, highlighting individual achievement and rewarding revolutionary technologies.

New category ‘Energy Transition for Future Generations’ has been introduced this year as a result of the UK Government’s target to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and the Scottish Government’s ambition to reach the same target by 2045. The award will recognise the progress already being made by industry technology developers, service providers and operators.

Meanwhile the ‘Internationalisation’ accolade replaces ‘Export Achievement’, a change which means, as well as those exporting products and services, companies who are increasing their physical global footprint and making inroads to new regions are also now eligible.

Ian Phillips, chair of the Offshore Achievement Awards organising committee, said: “The challenges presented to our industry over the last few years have been countless and tough. However, the need to think differently, and operate more efficiently, has unlocked new ideas and thinking which until recently were unimaginable.

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The full list of award categories for 2020 are: Emerging Technology Innovator HSE Innovation Internationalisation Energy Transition for Future Generations Outstanding Skills Development Great Company (SME) Great Company (Large) Young Professional Significant Contribution Entries are open to all UK-registered companies within the oil-and-gas and renewables sectors until Friday 8 November, with finalists announced in January 2020. Categories, criteria and application forms are available at www. spe-oaa.org Winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on 19 March at the P&J Live. 

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ENERGY

OAAs Shake-up Sees Energy Transition Brought to Fore

“We are seeing more and more of these ideas and technologies entered into the OAAs, and it gives me great confidence in the future when I see the remarkable creativity and ingenuity of our industry.

ENERGY

Oceaneering Selects New Site in Aberdeen “Whilst there is a noted abundance of

Move represents largest industrial and office market deals in Aberdeen since 2015

vacant industrial units in Aberdeen, much of this stock is of poor quality and of smaller scale and there were no immediately available options accessible to Oceaneering. We therefore had to

Oceaneering International, Inc (Oceaneering) is set to move into new premises across two locations in Dyce, Aberdeen, assisted in all aspects by leading property company CBRE. Currently spread across six different locations in Aberdeen, the move sees Oceaneering merging operations into a 51,000 square-foot office at Aberdeen International Business Park (AIBP) and a new 88,000 square-foot purposebuilt facility at D2 Business Park. The consolidation will enable Oceaneering to support continued growth in the UK, Europe, Africa and Middle East regions and underpin Oceaneering’s direct commitment to the UK Continental Shelf.

go down the build-to-suit route and, using the current market conditions, we were able to secure a deal that allowed Oceaneering to actually reduce its annual costs and move into what will be the best-in-class warehouse in Aberdeen once built.”

In addition to securing the space, CBRE is also providing services on workplace consultancy, advice on space planning, The project started back in 2016 with CBRE being brought in to provide highlevel advice regarding Oceaneering’s

fit-out

design

and

business

rates,

and is project monitoring the build of the warehouse.

CBRE’s work has led to the firm being

Aberdeen portfolio.

Iain Landsman (pictured), an associate

awarded

the

facilities

management

and rating contracts with Oceaneering

The deals represent the largest industrial and office transactions in the Aberdeen market since 2015.

director with CBRE in Aberdeen and

The bespoke warehouse at D2 will create a world-class facility and will support the delivery of highly integrated work packages whilst also creating the opportunity to increase cost-efficiency for Oceaneering customers.

transition to the new site will allow the

demonstrates how CBRE can provide an

business to flourish in a more cost-

integrated range of specialist services

efficient set-up that will benefit from

using both local and national sector

excellent transport connections and is

experts, all with the added benefit

within close proximity to the city’s new

of working closely with our global

exhibition centre.

occupier network.” 

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key member of the firm’s Global Energy Practice

Group,

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commented:

“The

going forward.

Iain

concluded:

“This

transaction

Cresent’s experience to add value to RelyOn Nutec’s offerings

“This is our first proper step into the digital training market and, with the expertise from Cresent – going back over many years, we plan to take a significant market share in this area, but more importantly we see this as a true value-add for our worldwide

The RelyOn Nutec Group (via P-Holding RelyOn Nutec A/S) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Red Oak Ltd. – trading as Cresent.

client base. This will be the first time that we can deliver both the

Cresent has served the oil-and-gas industry for over 36 years with digital learning services, online health and safety training, control of work system and associated consulting services. Cresent was the first company to introduce computer-based training (CBT) to deliver health and safety training to the oil-and-gas industry, and also the first to introduce a learning management system (LMS) to store training records and enable reporting.

global teams across the world.”

Cresent’s control of work system (WorkSafe®) is relied upon by over 30 facilities worldwide and has been successfully used in the Middle East since 2006.

Harry van der Vossen, director of digital learning at RelyOn Nutec, says: “We are extremely pleased to bring in the very strong capabilities and decades of expertise in digital learning and control of work from Cresent into the RelyOn Nutec organisation.

Being the largest global provider of safety training for the oil-andgas, offshore, maritime and renewables industries, we believe that adding digital learning capabilities, course catalogue and a control of work system and services to the RelyOn Nutec group will be hugely important.

traditional hands-on training and the digital knowledge-based learning all from the same reliable source, supported by our Torben Harring, Group CEO of RelyOn Nutec, adds: “Safety and survival training is our core business, but to be all-round successful, we need to have in-house capabilities to offer digital learning to complement, enhance and, in some specific cases, replace practical training.”

Jim Land, CEO of Cresent, says: “I am really delighted to bring our digital content, customised learning development and control of work offering into the global market leader in safety training. This is exactly the strong platform and corporate resilience that we need to truly flourish and offer the market a significant, reliable and superior product and service offering.

With this new ownership we can demonstrate that the expertise, products, systems and services that have been built up over decades is now part of a much bigger family, where it fits perfectly alongside its world-renowned, practical face-to-face training offering. This powerful combination will be a force to be reckoned with.” 

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ENERGY

RelyOn Nutec Acquires Cresent & Enters Digital Learning Market

ENERGY

Offshore Wind Farms Provide Opportunities for Highland Firms Tens of millions of pounds’ worth of contracts available for wind power project Highland firms are being invited to bid for work worth tens of millions of pounds from one of the world’s largest offshore wind projects.

The chance of new contracts for onshore infrastructure and installation work relating to the Moray West Wind Farm are being offered via the Open4Business Highlands and Islands (O4B H&I) online portal.

Using O4B H&I at this stage of the procurement process, the project is looking to gain an understanding of the interest and availability for the works. Firms successful in the pre-qualifying phase will be invited to tender in October.

Moray West lead partners EDPR and Engie say they recognise the need to support the local supply chain and also the potential value from using local suppliers to the site.

It is the biggest opportunity highlighted on O4B H&I since the site was re-launched in April and provides a major shot in the arm to the local workforce as it gears up to serve the multi-billionpound offshore wind industry.

Peter Haughie, procurement manager for Moray West Wind Farm, said: “As ‘cluster champion’ for DeepWind, covering the north and north east of Scotland, we see O4B H&I as an integral tool in making a success of the cluster.

O4B H&I is operated by Inverness Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which recently took over ownership of the portal from SSE.

“Local suppliers should be cost competitive and so provide value to the project. Local contracts will support local jobs on the road towards the DeepWind aspiration of creating at least 3,000 new jobs across the area by 2030.”

It provides small- and medium-sized companies in the region with greater opportunities to secure work. The free platform also helps suppliers and service providers advertise to a wide audience.

Moray Offshore Windfarm (West) Limited has consent to develop a wind farm in the Outer Moray Firth consisting of an array of up to 85 turbines.

The wind farm will be connected to an onshore substation in Moray with the first power expected to be generated in 2024.

It will be constructed next to the £2.8 billion Moray East Wind Farm, work on which started in 2018.

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He said the opportunities include a wide range of services supporting onshore construction-related work and the onshore cable corridor, as well as catering contracts to larger consultancy opportunities worth several millions.

Sandra McCaughey, Inverness Chamber of Commerce’s O4B programme manager, said: “The opportunities coming from Moray West are highly significant for O4B H&I and the whole procurement process for the offshore wind industry.

“It is an endorsement of the local workforce and demonstrates a willingness by the developers to use local services which could have an enormous impact on the Highland economy.” 

New ventures in the pipeline for 2020, building on growth of new services An Aberdeen-based telecoms company has reported significant growth following investment in its people, systems and processes over the past year.

SureVoIP, a leading Software as a Service (SaaS) provider, has enhanced its service offering with the launch of a new mobile solution and made several important infrastructure changes designed to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.

Managing director Gavin Henry explains: “It’s been an extremely positive period for the business. We enjoyed a very strong close to 2018 and have experienced a lot of success over the past 10 months to help build upon that momentum.

It has been an exciting period, too, with the business announcing a number of significant firsts, not least the creation and launch of SureVoIP mobile – the first solution of its kind that gives users access to every major network, wherever they are, without tying them to any single operator globally.

The company has continued to develop the product further since it first went live late last year, with several additional features expected to be announced soon – including the creation of its first-ever app, SureVoIP Notify, with SureVoIP Talk currently in development and expected to be available for download in the new year.

SureVoIP continues to extend its reach beyond the North East into new market sectors, including finance, travel, hospitality, and renewables, with a growing and increasingly diverse customer base across the UK and internationally.

“We’ve benefited from increased demand for our services from new and existing customers, while enjoying the continued support of many of our long-standing clients.”

SureVoIP recorded double-digit growth with turnover for the financial year, ending December, rising 13% based on its previous figures. This will be reinvested back into the business with planned improvements to the company’s London network over the coming months.

The size of the team has also grown following the appointment of Lisa McBain as sales and billing administrator and Kenny Arnold as technical administrator, while the company is exploring the potential to hire a dedicated software developer.

The ink is still drying on several new contract wins, including a major deal to complete a network upgrade for a UK-wide hotel chain for multiple locations around the UK. Gavin added: “I’m extremely excited about what 2020 has in store for our staff, clients and partners. The investment in our mobile solution, billing platform and other customer systems has given us the flexibility to innovate and develop new products which, in turn, gives us a real competitive advantage not only locally, but across the whole of the UK. “Our focus on investing in the right technology has further enhanced the overall customer experience whilst strengthening SureVoIP’s reputation in the marketplace.” 

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FEATURE

Reflecting on a Year of Technology-Driven Business Success

SECTION HEADER

Industry Showcases Positive Change at OE 2019

Sustainable energy mix at forefront of companies’ minds for future Commitment to accelerating the energy transition is gathering pace, as operators and technology developers at SPE Offshore Europe 2019 said they will invest to secure a more sustainable energy mix.

that the oil-and-gas and renewables sectors are developing and delivering strategies responding to key challenges in terms of not only the transition, but also late life and decommissioning; decarbonisation; standardisation; digitisation and diversity.

In another encouraging sign that the energy industry is steadily continuing to emerge from the downturn, there were more than 38,000 visitors to the show.

“Encouraging the next generation is a crucial element of Offshore Europe and, through SPE Inspire and OPITO’s Energise Your Future programme, the show has also provided vital opportunities for young people to visualise the options available to them as they consider a career in this exciting industry.”

The industry’s entire exploration and production supply chain was showcased at OE19, with 950 exhibitors, including 125 new names – from small innovators to global service companies, on the exhibition floor.

Michael Borrell, senior VP North Sea and Russia at Total and chair of SPE Offshore Europe, said: “Offshore Europe 2019 has been a great success. I’m delighted that so many thousands of colleagues from across our industry attended. There’s been a really noticeable positive energy at Offshore Europe this year, in the conference presentations and on the floor of the exhibition.

“We’ve had some great debates about our future, especially about the energy transition and our license to operate. I think the energy and ideas of the conference will carry on into our work in the future.”

The SPE Offshore Europe 2019 conference included 12 keynote sessions and 86 technical papers, attracting thousands of delegates.

Phil Chandler, director, Europe and Caspian events at SPE, commented: “Across the conference programme we have heard

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Delegates attending represented 119 countries, with 37 nations among exhibitors on the show floor, including Singapore, China, Nigeria, Guyana and Brazil. There were 14 international pavilions – comprising Canada, the USA, Norway, Finland, Netherlands and Italy among others.

Some 16% of visitors to the show represented independents, national and international operating companies.

Jonathan Heastie, portfolio director at OE organiser Reed Exhibitions Energy, Marine and Rotorcraft, noted: “By bringing key governmental stakeholders, industry bodies, operators and supply chain companies of all scales together, OE provides a platform to make connections and do business which has been evidenced by the deals that have been announced here this week.

“It has been hugely encouraging that our new venue, P&J Live, has delivered a superb visitor experience and we look forward to returning in 2021.”

Aim is to accelerate technologies to help UKCS become net zero carbon O&G basin The Oil & Gas Technology Centre has announced it will create, in partnership with industry, a new Net Zero Solution Centre to accelerate the development and deployment of technologies to decarbonise offshore operations and develop the UKCS as the first net zero oil-and-gas basin globally, supporting the industry’s Roadmap 2035.

The new centre has the backing of major companies – including BP, Shell, Wood, Chrysaor, Aker Solutions, INEOS, CNOOC International, Total, Siemens and Equinor – who recognise the critical contribution the oil-and-gas industry can make to the net zero economy, while continuing to meet demand from UK homes and businesses.

Earlier this year, the UK and Scottish governments set binding net zero carbon targets, for 2050 and 2045 respectively. This followed the publication of a comprehensive report by the Committee on Climate Change, which identified growing demand for oil and gas and the need for immediate action to address growing emissions while balancing the needs of the UK economy.

Fraser Collis, general manager at UCS, an Ashtead Technology company and OE exhibitor, stated: “There’s been a great buzz at Offshore Europe 2019 and, as a result, we’ve seen significant interest from companies looking to learn more about our services. OE came at a great time for Underwater Cutting Solutions as we announced the company’s acquisition by Ashtead Technology at the show. Completing the deal during the show provided us with a great platform to discuss our combined capabilities as we grow our inspection, maintenance and repair, and decommissioning capabilities globally.”

Neil Slater, head of external relations at DNV GL – Oil and Gas, which launched its ‘Probabilistic Digital Twin’ concept at the show, said: “DNV GL has been a regular exhibitor at Offshore Europe since 1999 and we were excited to take part again this year – the show’s importance and relevance are undimmed.

“Given the industry’s push towards a lowcarbon future, it was encouraging to see such a prominent focus on the energy transition. We are committed to leading action in this vital journey.” 

The Net Zero Solution Centre will work with government and industry to address the UK offshore oil-and-gas industry’s emission footprint, while also developing technologies that will contribute to the growing demand for hydrogen production and carbon sequestration.

This evolution of the industry, repurposing of facilities and partnering with companion industries such as renewables will create a new future for the UKCS, while also supporting the creation of net zero carbon economy.

To transform the UKCS into a net zero oil-and-gas basin, the centre will champion the creation of an integrated offshore energy system, partnering with companies to accelerate the development of carbon capture, utilisation and storage, hydrogen capability and other net zero technologies.

The centre has developed a roadmap and will work with a range of academic institutions and industry sectors to identify shared challenges and lead cross-sector collaboration on technologies to help accelerate carbon reduction and create export opportunities for the UK supply chain.

Launching the Net Zero Solution Centre at Offshore Europe 2019, Colette Cohen, CEO of the Oil & Gas Technology Centre, said: “The UK offshore oil-and-gas industry is a dynamic system of infrastructure, supply chains, expert workforce, research activity and technology development and deployment. This diverse industrial ecosystem must play a fundamental role in the creation of a net zero carbon economy.

“With the backing of industry and government, and strong track of delivery, the OGTC is committed to moving the dial on carbon reduction and enabling the UK Continental Shelf to become the first net zero hydrocarbon basin in the world.

“Our focus will be on developing technologies to reduce operational carbon emissions, working with other parts of the energy sector to create integrated solutions and repurposing infrastructure to accelerate carbon capture usage and storage, hydrogen production and gas-to-wire capacity.

“We’re delighted to be working with a strong group of companies and look forward to adding new strategic partners to the Net Zero Solution Centre over the coming months.” 

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ENERGY

Industry & Governments Back New Net Zero Solution Centre

I.T.

Scotland at Digital Crossroads: Are We a Leader or Are We a Follower?

According to the Digital Xtra Fund Scotland is at a digital crossroads, where it needs to decide whether it will be a leader or a follower in this digital world – and it all starts with young people. This was the clear message from the charity as it launched its latest £75,000 funding round in support of extracurricular activities that boost interest in computing and technology among young people across Scotland.

This comes on the heels of alarming figures from the Scottish Qualifications Agency (SQA) showing a massive drop in computing science Higher entries in Scotland in 2019. The fund is urging educators and industry to come together to combat the digital skills gap which is threatening to undermine the Scottish tech sector.

Recent SQA figures showed a 21% drop in Higher entries in Scotland, as well as a 2% decrease in Nat 5. This alarming decline is by far the largest fall across any subject and continues a worrying trend that has been ongoing for some time.

These figures also have a direct effect on Scotland’s job market with around 12,800 digital tech job opportunities annually – a 16% increase on the previous forecasts – but only around 5,000-6,000 people entering the market each year with relevant tech skills.

Kraig Brown, partnership and development manager at the Digital Xtra Fund, explained: “We will be awarding £75,000 to tech-related activities for young people and it could not come at a more important time. We cannot ignore the latest figures

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regarding participation in computing science or what this means for the future of tech in Scotland.

“We are at a crossroads. We need to decide now if Scotland will be a leader or a follower in this digital world – and it all starts with young people. Scotland is prime placed to be a digital leader with an abundance of universities and colleges, and a burgeoning tech scene, but inspiring young people to be the digital leaders of tomorrow is essential to maintain this momentum. Without more skilled and creative talent, Scotland will inevitably fall behind. However, a lack of understanding about what are careers in tech, coupled with negative stereotypes and strong gender imbalances, are creating serious challenges to engaging and inspiring more young people to take up computing.

“Our grants programme is a fantastic way for organisations or schools to be able to explore new ideas, build on previous successes and facilitate increased collaboration. We need to bring together educators, industry and organisations who focus on teaching young people digital skills to attract and excite more children into technology.

Brown added: “Our goal is for all young people to have access to digital activities which teach valuable skills as well as provide ‘real-world’ context so participants understand why these skills are so important and the amazing opportunities they can provide.”

Sam Pattman, sponsorship manager at Baillie Gifford who support the Digital Xtra Fund grant awards, said: “Digital skills

£75k grants round launched to reverse worrying decline in computing science in Scotland

Technology industry supports 100,000 jobs, and grows one and half times faster than economy overall New research confirms that Scotland’s tech industry is one of the fastest growing in the country, contributing £4.9 billion to the Scottish economy and supporting almost 100,000 jobs.

are a serious challenge across Scotland, which is illustrated by the number of tech jobs that companies struggle to fill due to the skills shortage. The solution lies in educating our young people, and collectively we need to work together to inspire more children to become interested in computing science and technology. This is why initiatives like the Digital Xtra Fund are so important. It’s about working together and supporting exciting digital initiatives to give more children the opportunity to understand what a future in tech may be. We are delighted to be increasing our support for the fund.”

Digital Xtra Fund has opened applications for initiatives supported in 2020. A total of £75,000 will be awarded to digital skills initiatives across Scotland with grants up to £5,000 available. Grant applications can be downloaded on the fund’s website. To date, the fund has helped engage nearly 30,000 young people across Scotland by awarding a total of £550,000. Last year’s funding supported 22 initiatives, covering topics from robotics and coding, to app development and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Digital Xtra Fund brings together businesses, organisations and individuals with a common goal to help young people succeed in a digital world through an annual grant awards programme. Key Partners include Baillie Gifford, Skills Development Scotland and Skyscanner, as well as Accenture, BT Scotland, Cirrus Logic, Incremental Group, Micro:bit Educational Foundation, ScotlandIS, Sky UK and The Scottish Government. 

The Skills Development Scotland report also forecasts that the tech sector will be the second fastest growing in Scotland between now and 2029, beaten only by childcare services, and is expected to grow one and half times faster than the economy overall.

Scotland’s Digital Technologies 2019 also states the number of people needed to support the tech industry has significantly increased, with more than 13,000 jobs available each year in Scotland, a rise of more than 200 a year based on figures previously released by SDS in 2017.

On top of this, a typical tech job salary is 26% higher than the Scottish average – £36,900 compared to £29,200 – and is also rising faster than other salaries (15% versus 11%).

Claire Gillespie, SDS sector manager, said: “There has been a shift from the traditional role of tech as a business support function to being an integral and fundamental part of just doing business.

Although this report focuses mostly on the tech companies, the reality is digital skills are now vital for every organisation, across the entire economy.

“The career opportunities are phenomenal, exciting and hugely rewarding, especially in fast paced sectors like fintech, digital health, gaming and even the digital transformation of the public sector.”

Despite the positive news around digital technology careers, SDS claims more still needs to be done to address the skills gap, particularly in the areas of equality and education. Although the proportion of women in tech roles increased from 18% to 23% in the three years between 2015 and 2018, there is still a long way to go to address the serious gender imbalance. 

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I.T.

Scottish Tech Sector Continues to Grow

I.T.

AI Driving ‘Next Generation’ of Jobs in UK New report from Robert Walters and Vacancy Soft show growing trend The uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) by industry will drastically change the UK job market in the coming years – with 133 million new jobs expected to be created globally.

In the UK alone, up to a third of jobs will be automated or likely to change as a result of the emergence of AI – impacting 10.5 million workers.

The findings come from a new report – Harnessing the Power of AI: The Demand for Future Skills – from global recruiter Robert Walters and market analysis experts Vacancy Soft.

Ollie Sexton, principal at Robert Walters commented: “As businesses become ever more reliant on AI, there is an increasing amount of pressure on the processes of data capture and integration. As a result, we have seen an unprecedented number of roles being created with data skill set at their core.

“Our job force cannot afford to not get to grips with data and digitalisation.

Since 2015 the volume of data created worldwide has more than doubled – increasing (on average) by 28% year-on-year.

“Now is the perfect time to start honing UK talent for the next generation of AI-influenced jobs. If you look at the statistics in this report, we can see that demand is already rife; what we are at risk of is a shortage of talent and skills.”

Demand for Data Professionals IT professionals dedicated to data management appear to be the fastest growing area within large or global entities, with volumes increasing tenfold in three years – an increase in vacancies

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of 160% since 2015. More generally speaking, data roles across the board have increased by 80% since 2015 – with key areas of growth including data scientists and engineers.

What has been the most interesting to see is the emergence of data scientist as a mainstream profession – with job vacancies increasing by a staggering 110% year-onyear. The same trend can be seen with data engineers, averaging 86% year-on-year job growth.

Professional Services Hiring Rapidly The rise of cybercrime has resulted in professional services – particularly within banking and financial services – hiring aggressively for information security professionals since 2016. However, since then volumes have held steady.

Within professional services, vacancies for data analysts (+19.5%), data manager (+64.2%), data scientist (+28.8), and data engineer (+62%) have all increased.

Top Industries Investing in AI Agriculture Business Support Customer Experience Energy Healthcare Intellectual Property IT Service Management Manufacturing Technical Support Retail Software Development Tom Chambers, manager – advanced analytics and engineering at Robert Walters commented: “The uptake of AI across multiple industries is bringing about rapid change, but with that opportunity.

“Particularly, we are seeing retail, professional services and technology industries strive to develop digital products and services that are digitally engaging, secure and instantaneous for the customer – leading to huge waves of recruitment of professionals who are skilled in implementing, monitoring and gaining the desired output from facial recognition, check-out free retail and computer vision, among other automation technologies.

“Similarly, experimental AI is making huge breakthroughs in the healthcare industry, with the power to replace the need for human expert diagnoses.

“What we are seeing is – from those businesses that are prepared to invest heavily in AI and data analytics – they are already outperforming their competitors, and so demand for talent in this area shows no signs of wavering.” 

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Company becomes certification body to aid businesses against cybercrime

commitment to cybersecurity. The baseline standard involves organisations carrying out a self-evaluation of their digital security practices and data protection measures, which is then verified.

Cyber Essentials Plus delivers a more robust assessment of these procedures. It involves a qualified certification body, such as Converged, conducting an independent vulnerability scan within the organisation to test and verify security controls, and assess the effectiveness of hardware to defend against external online threats. Both certification levels require annual renewal.

Converged is the only Scottish IT company with offices in northeast Scotland and the Highlands that is a Cyber Essentials Plus certification body. The firm has already supported a number of organisations in gaining Cyber Essentials certification and over the coming months will be working with around 30 others. It will also assist around a dozen companies to achieve the higher Cyber Essentials Plus certification.

Scottish IT company Converged Communication Solutions has made further investments in its cybersecurity service as it experiences growing demand from businesses that are seeking to better protect themselves online.

The firm has invested around £100,000 to expand and enhance its cybersecurity offering. It follows revelations from police records in north-east Scotland that companies in the region were scammed out of over £1 million in the 19 months to June 2019. This includes nearly £800,000 through business e-mail intercept fraud.

As a result of the investment, Converged has become a certification body for the UK government-backed Cyber Essentials Plus standard and has bolstered its dedicated cybersecurity team with two new appointments. Both moves are in response to growing demand from clients seeking to safeguard their IT and telephony systems from malicious cyberattacks.

Cyber Essentials Plus is the top level of certification in the twotier, UK-wide Cyber Essentials programme. Converged also holds certification body status for the entry level Cyber Essentials standard. Illustrating the importance with which cybersecurity is viewed in relation to national security, the programme is operated by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ – the UK government’s intelligence and security agency.

Cyber Essentials is designed to protect organisations from a range of common online threats and demonstrate their

The financial impact of cyberattacks has been well documented in recent months, with regulators announcing multi-million pound fines for several well-known companies following data breaches of customer information.

Elsewhere, a recent report from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport noted that businesses and charities are taking steps to improve their cybersecurity, yet only a third of the 2,000 organisations surveyed had conducted a cyber risk assessment in the previous 12 months. A fifth of charities and a third of businesses surveyed admitted to suffering a cybersecurity breach in the previous 12 months, with the cost of such breaches being up to £100,000.

John Gillies, cybersecurity assessor at Converged Communication Solutions, said: “We should never be complacent about the implications of a cybersecurity breach and should always be on our guard when working online. If an e-mail, website or online advert looks suspicious, it probably is.

Recent malware and ransomware attacks have illustrated that these types of cyberthreats continue to persist and they will remain commonplace.

“Being prepared for a possible cyberattack is crucial and the process of Cyber Essentials certification, which offers independent verification, can help ensure that. Gaining certification body status for the Cyber Essentials Plus standard highlights our commitment to helping organisations beat the threats posed by cybercrime.” 

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I.T.

Converged Continues Investment in Cybersecurity Service

FINANCE

Scotland’s Schoolgirls Urged to Participate in Competition

She stated: “As a society, we are still working towards gender equality. The next generation will have a huge role to play in stamping out inequality in all areas of society – including in business.

“The challenge doesn’t fall solely at the feet of women and girls, though. Every single one of us has a role to play, and events like this one are an important part of the fight.”

Susan Anderson, chair of the Future Asset steering group, said: “Not every girl attending the conference or taking part

First competition of its kind in Scotland, open to all 16-18-year-old girls, launched by Jo Swinson A nationwide competition – the first of its kind in Scotland – has been launched by Jo Swinson (picured) in a bid to introduce girls to asset management and widen access for future generations of women into the sector.

The Growing Future Assets competition was launched by charity Future Asset, with the support of the leader of the Liberal Democrats, at the biennial conference at the University of Strathclyde.

in the competition will pursue a career in asset management, but our job is to ensure that they make that decision based on facts and their own abilities rather than misconceptions of what the job entails or requires of them.

“We want to give every schoolgirl in Scotland the chance to explore a career in asset management regardless of who they are or where they live and that’s why, with the support of our sponsors, we pay for travel and expenses for anyone travelling further than 20 miles.

It’s just one part of our commitment to reduce inequality in the field of asset management.”

Throughout the competition participants will be paired with Investment Mentors who currently work in the industry, who, alongside teachers, will support and motivate the girls throughout the competition.

The winner of the Growing Future Asset

Over 300 schoolgirls attended the free event from across Scotland. This included schools as far as Orkney and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides.

competition will be announced in June

Future Asset works to encourage high school girls in Scotland to consider careers in investment and finance. The charity was set up to help schoolgirls consider their career options, taking their skills and interests into account as well as subject choices.

their school.

The Growing Future Assets competition is open to all 16- to 18-year-old girls in Scotland and will see teams of five girls pitch a variety of established businesses to a team of investors, assessing their business models, practices, sustainability and opportunities for growth.

During the six-month competition organisers and professionals from the asset management sector, including Bailie Gifford, Investec, Stewart Investors, Artemis and Cornelian, will work in partnership with teachers and pupils throughout the competition.1 Addressing over 300 girls at the launch of the national competition, Jo Swinson CBE said that young women need to move away from ‘group think’ and realise that they can each make a difference in the world.

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2020 and awarded with a cash prize for

To find out more or to enter, please visit www.futureasset.org.uk The competition opened on 24 September 2019 and applications close on 20 December 2019.  1. The first stage of the competition invites participants to create written pitches and a short elevator pitch video. A group of finalists will then be selected to deliver an extended pitch presentation to a group of senior investment professionals from firms including Bailie Gifford and Investec. The finalists will be announced in January 2020, with final pitches taking place in March 2020. The winner will be announced in June 2020.

Firm also picked up regional award for fourth time

FINANCE

Infinity Partnership Best of British 5th Year in Row Infinity has increased client numbers by more than 40% to 2,500 and number of staff by 50% to 24 in the past 18 months.

Accountancy and business advisory firm Infinity Partnership has won at the British Accountancy Awards for the fifth year in a row.

The Aberdeen-based practice landed the Outstanding Advisory/Project of the Year accolade at the prestigious industry gathering in London which was attended by 800 people.

In May 2018, the business moved to new offices twice the size of its previous premises as part of a substantial sixfigure investment.

In addition, the business won the Independent Firm of the Year (Scotland, Northern Ireland and North England) honour – the fourth time in five years it was won a regional award at this event.

An ACCA-platinum approved employer

Infinity Partnership managing partner Simon Cowie, who won the Practitioner of the Year honour in 2016, said: “To win at the highly respected British Accountancy Awards for a fifth year in a row is a fantastic achievement.

research and development tax relief,

“These accomplishments are down to the proactive, talented and dynamic team at Infinity and our exceptional clients. We’re delighted to win the regional award again, and thrilled with our success in the advisory category.

“We’re going from strength to strength by continuing to provide the accountancy services required by forward-thinking businesses.”

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PROPERTY

Faithful+Gould & Atkins to Help Deliver Aberdeen Housing Strategy Significant social housing to be built as part of council’s programme Faithful+Gould and Atkins, members of the SNC-Lavalin Group, have been appointed by Aberdeen City Council to help deliver its 2018-2023 housing programme.

Faithful+Gould have been appointed programme, project and cost managers for the scheme, with Atkins providing quality assurance services.

In line with the council’s ambition to deliver significant social housing in the city, the firms will help provide circa 2,000 additional good quality, sustainable homes for the people of Aberdeen on sites including Summerhill, Craighill, Kincorth, Greenferns, Greenferns Landward and Tillydrone. These projects will provide high-quality homes, whilst significantly contributing to the realisation of the council’s vision to provide: “A place where all people can prosper”.

This programme will also see the adoption of a ‘Building in Quality’ Tracker, a tool created by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to ensure that quality assurance is as visible, trackable and managed as cost and programme.

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Stewart Ferguson, regional director at Faithful+Gould, said: “Building upon our long-term relationship with Aberdeen City Council, we are delighted to be leading one of the most highprofile and ambitious housing programmes in a generation. The council’s innovative delivery approach will shape Aberdeen’s social housing offer and the city’s prosperity.”

Neil McLean, architectural team leader at Atkins in Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with a forward-thinking client who is keen to explore new ways of ensuring quality assurance across a large housing programme.

Together we will deliver quality and sustainable homes that fulfil the diverse needs of the community.” 

CALA and Meldrum House Estate committed to unique development CALA Homes (North), together with Meldrum House Estate, has submitted plans for a new vision of homes at the prestigious Meldrum House Hotel & Golf Club, Oldmeldrum.

Having previously submitted proposals for a bespoke collection of homes within the estate, CALA has worked with key stakeholders to further refine plans and ensure the new development is in keeping with and complements its unique surroundings.

The new plans comprise three separate planning applications, encapsulating the replacement of the Hedgerhall, the redevelopment of the kennels and cottage

plus 36 further properties within the grounds, supporting the previously approved enabling development scheme. Overall the development will comprise a total of 40 fourand five-bedroom detached homes built to CALA’s exacting standards.

Mike Naysmith, managing director of CALA Homes (North), said: “We are extremely pleased to be moving forward with our vision for Meldrum House. We and Meldrum House Estate remain committed to bringing this truly unique development to life and, having listened to feedback from the community, the council and other stakeholders, we have carefully adapted our plans to ensure they best fit this remarkable location. We look forward to the council’s decision in due course.” 

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PROPERTY

New Plans Submitted for Meldrum House Development

PROPERTY

An MOT Test for Your Building Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.

The more things change, the more they remain the same. It is now 10 years since energy performance certificates (EPCs) were introduced for commercial property in Scotland and non-domestic energy assessors are still out on the ground doing missionary work.

While EPCs, which benchmark a property’s energy efficiency, have been broadly accepted, it is fair to say that it has been with reluctance, scepticism and a degree of ignorance. If the market could choose to do without them, it certainly would. In some cases, they are regarded simply as an expensive inconvenience.

Ten years down the line, it is still the solicitors and the energy assessors who police the EPC market, who ensure that they are where they should be – which is quite often not at the front end of the market, but at the end of most deals.

What many businesses and property owners may not be aware of – even if they have overcome their EPC reluctance – is that certificates expire after a decade, and the industry in now seeing the first waves of revisits to property, where the original EPC has formally lapsed.

£1.75m Refurb of Union Plaza Unveiled New Capsule leasing initiative offers flexible arrangements for companies

How energy performance certificates can still prove their worth after 10 years

by Mark O’Neill Over the period, I have assessed thousands of properties and we are now back to the start again. While there is a much greater level of understanding among professionals, within certain ownership classes there is still a degree of ignorance and even bemusement about where the legislation is coming from.

Of course, it originally derived from Europe and many people may be wondering how our imminent departure from that club will affect it. Realistically, there is little chance of repeal of current regulations, since the Scottish Government continues to hold fast to regulation which drives towards stated political targets of reducing emissions and an emissions-free economy.

Designed to offer professional, selfcontained office space with meeting rooms and kitchen facilities, the Capsule suites offer flexible lease terms for tenants and all-inclusive rental agreements which include fast, reliable broadband speeds.

The newly upgraded suites are being marketed by Knight Frank and Savills.

Matthew Park, associate at Knight Frank, said: “We recognise that office occupiers, irrespective of size and sector, are increasingly looking for a fast and easy leasing process which is fuelling the market for flexible ‘plug and play’ space with category B fit-outs completed.

“Legal & General’s Capsule initiative makes life easier for occupiers who simply want to move into high-quality suites with minimal delay and without the hassle of having to furnish their new office space.”

Set within a landscaped courtyard in the heart of the city centre, Union Plaza gives tenants open-plan office facilities with breathtaking views across the city.

LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General), the owner of Union Plaza, has invested £1.75 million in refurbishing the prestigious office building to meet demand for more flexible and creative, high-quality work spaces in Aberdeen city centre.

The premium office building has undergone extensive refurbishment under Legal & General’s flexible leasing initiative, Capsule. This has included a

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new business lounge within the reception, flexible meeting rooms, and break-out areas and a new coffee lounge to create ultra-modern and multipurpose working spaces.

Ready for immediate occupation for tenants, Union Plaza currently has a variety of options, including capsule suites from 2,000 square feet to larger suites measuring up to 8,500 square feet.

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Secure on-site underground car parking is available, with those preferring to cycle to work benefiting from bicycle storage and shower facilities across all six floors.

Dan Smith, director and head of office at Savills, added: “This prestigious building is already a thriving workplace and these improvements further cement its position as one of the most desirable business addresses in Aberdeen.

Calculation software tools used in determining EPCs has steadily improved over the period, allowing for greater modelling possibilities. The professional approach has also changed, especially in Scotland where we have adopted the UK national conventions.

is or isn’t, offer advice on how a property could be improved and provide guidance, with a little thought and analysis, on what costs and savings might be involved in that improvement. There is much more to it than simply the letter band and rating.

The modelling capacity of assessment software used by some in the industry now is powerful, offering scope to run various scenarios very quickly if a client chooses to investigate beyond the initial benchmarking stage. Surprisingly, however, I could count the number of times I have been asked to do so on the fingers of one hand.

Owners might want to think of EPCs in the same way as people consider MOT tests on their cars. You can either have the vehicle

The conventions upon which assessments are based are ever evolving and have become much more stringent. Add to all of that buildings will have changed also. Consequently, buildings assessed in 2009 are likely to get a notably different rating now than that attained previously.

serviced before it is tested because you don’t want to fail. Or you

What we have to remember is that EPCs still do the same job, in that they provide information on how energy efficient a building

sense as the approach to assessing buildings has matured and

“Ideally located within the city centre and with a car parking ratio of one space per 535 square feet, these suites offer fantastic solutions to businesses of all sizes looking for modern and adaptable office accommodation.”

Andrew Mercer, office sector head at LGIM Real Assets, said: “Capsule is a re-imagined process offering flexible, high-quality, furnished and work-ready fitted office space throughout the UK. The refurbishment of Union Plaza under this initiative is testament to our team’s ability to reshape existing buildings in prime regional locations to make them suitable for today’s modern working environment.”

The improved spaces in the facility, whose current occupiers include Aberdeen Standard Investments, Deloitte, AGR Group, Burness Paull, MOL Energy and Trapeze Group, have already attracted significant interest from serviced office occupiers, professional services and oil-and-gas businesses across the city. 

can use the MOT to discover the things that actually need to be looked at.

The main message is that your EPC might be out of date due to the passage of time in a legal sense but also in a practical the tools at the disposal of energy assessors have evolved. 

Dandara Secures First Wave of Occupiers in New Business Units Six more units are under offer at City South Business Park Five new occupiers have been secured at Aberdeen’s City South Business Park, on behalf of owners Dandara Group, by global property consultancy CBRE in partnership with joint agents, FG Burnett.

Four of the new tenants have purchased their premises, with the fifth leasing its unit. All five units are part of the latest phase of development at City South Business Park, situated in a prime location just two minutes’ drive away from the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and within easy reach of the city centre. A total of 19 smaller business units, each comprising 1,250 square feet, have been speculatively built by Dandara Group at the site.

Lift systems specialist Otis has leased its unit whilst the businesses purchasing their units are: electrical engineering firm Clearwater Electrical, which has a wealth of experience in the offshore oil-and-gas industries; The Shand Practice, a long-established podiatry services business; HVAC, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration solutions company which services the oiland-gas industries; and LHR Marine, a family-run business which specialises in a range of marine equipment and safety products. LHR Marine was represented by Savills in its acquisition.

CBRE associate director Iain Landsman said: “Our experience in the market told us that there was a shortage of good-quality business units available to the south of the city, and we recognised that opportunities to purchase units of this size are few and far between. To date we have been inundated with enquiries about the new City South Business Park units and it’s great to be able to announce the first five occupiers.

“These deals represent a growing confidence in the North Sea oil-and-gas industry and the north-east economy generally. This is further evidenced by the fact that we are also under offer on another six of the units, leaving only six more remaining. On the back of the success of these smaller business units, Dandara is looking at potentially building out another phase to cater for the high demand.” 

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PROPERTY

So, what do property owners need to do now? Essentially, anyone seeking to sell or lease a property should be checking their EPC now to make sure it is still current. Even landlords with sitting tenants, whereby a lease renewal might be on the cards should be looking to their existing EPCs as, while the legislation has broadly remained the same and, in cases, been added to, much of the process of assessing properties has changed over the last 10 years.

SECTION HEADER

Inchmarlo provides flexibility of care and support to its residents

Community Life and Independence Key to Ageing Well Inchmarlo provides flexibility of care and support to its residents 32

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events in London with care providers from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries receiving awards for different aspects of the over-50s housing sector.

The “Later Life in the UK” 2019 factsheet (updated in May) also states that, additionally, there are 500,000 people aged 90 and over and some 14,430 centenarians.

Even more recently The Sunday Times article “The Best Places to Find your Perfect Retirement Home” stated: “Inchmarlo Retirement Village is one of the first and still one of the best in the UK. Buyers from all over the country have been moving in here since 1986, confident that they will be able to stay as long as they need.”

It is predicted that, in the next 20 years, the number of individuals with complex care needs will continue to increase – and, as the population ages, the need for care will intensify and the care needs of individuals will become more complex.

For these reasons, and others, it is becoming increasingly common for people to take the lead in planning for their own future care. They look for long-term and cost-efficient solutions which offer minimum disruption and maximum comfort, security and value for money. Such support also gives confidence to family members who may live some distance away.

Some 33 years ago, Inchmarlo Retirement Village was created by local entrepreneur Professor Charles P. Skene and business partner Dr Norman Cooper, who realised a then pioneering idea to bring the concept of continuing care for the elderly to Scotland for the first time. They visited existing care developments in America, Germany and Australia, then pooled knowledge gained to set about creating something entirely new for the area.

The purchase of Inchmarlo House and 100 acres of land near Banchory on Royal Deeside was soon followed by the creation of the 41-home development at Queen Victoria Park. The ethos of creating the right environment, however, extended beyond the homes themselves and RHS Chelsea Flower Show award-winner Peter Rogers was commissioned to design Queen Victoria Park’s centrepiece oriental garden, complete with a karesansui (dry stream).

As people’s needs have evolved over the years, so too have house styles and designs. Whilst the original development focused primarily on flats, subsequent projects have brought a broader range of properties including detached homes on more than one level – some with four bedrooms and two bathrooms – and others which offer home owners their own garden.

The most recent development is Pinecrest, a development of 12 two-bedroomed, south-facing detached bungalows, which feature a separate study with the potential to be utilised as a third bedroom for a live-in carer, should that be required.

All properties in the latest development comprise over 1,000 square feet of living space, and include garages and private driveways.

In 2012 Charles Skene was honoured to be inducted into the “Global Hall of Fame as the pioneer of the continuous care retirement community in the UK” and again in 2015 into the “UK Hall of Fame as the most outstanding contributor to the creation of the continuous care retirement community healthcare model in the UK”. Both awards were presented at

Charles Skene says: “Home owners own their properties outright and can then choose to bring in additional care as and when required. For example, all houses have a call system which summons on-site assistance and homeowners can opt to have freshly cooked meals delivered from the main house and take part in as many or as few community activities as they wish.

“If there is a need for residential care, our home owners get priority admission to the care home in Inchmarlo House.

However, less than a third of our care home residents come from the estate because our main priority is to help people to live in their own homes for as long as possible – at considerable savings of around £30,000 a year when compared to a permanent move to a care home.”

“At Inchmarlo we help people live independently for longer and, if and when the time does come for a move into our care home for respite or permanently, the transition is often easier because they are remaining in a familiar setting with familiar faces.

“Research has shown that there is a complex relationship between loneliness and mental health problems such as depression, where the two can feed into each other. Additionally, recent research from the University of Chicago suggests that the physical effects of isolation are twice as bad for health as obesity, pushing blood pressure into the danger zone for heart attacks or strokes, and increasing the risk of early death. Community living, such as that offered at Inchmarlo Retirement Village, can be beneficial in helping to address some of these issues.

“It is reported that living beyond 100 years may be more routine in the future and, if these forecasts are correct, there will be enormous challenges in manpower and finance to cope with the expansion of our ageing population.

“We cannot escape the fact that people are living longer: my grandfather died in his 70s which was considered to be old and I am still working full-time even although I am over 80. The challenge lies in how we can create the correct environment for people to flourish in their later years, safe in the knowledge that their care and support is tailored for them as an individual and I believe that is the greatest strength of Inchmarlo Retirement Village.” 

People at Inchmarlo aren’t really the retiring type.

RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Where Gracious Living Comes Naturally

Call 01330 826242 or email sales@inchmarlo-retirement.co.uk Issue 18

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FEATURE

According to Age UK, there are nearly 12 million people aged 65 and over living in the UK. Of these, 5.4 million are aged 75 and over and 1.6 million are aged 85 and over.

FEATURE

Workplace Diversity & Inclusion: Stop Talking About It & ‘Become The Squeaky Wheel’ Martina Navratilova and Eddie Izzard amongst those lending support to more diverse Scottish business community It’s time to stop talking about diversity and inclusion as “nice things” according to the majority of speakers at the fifth annual Aberdeen Standard Investments Diversity Summit held at Gleneagles during The Solheim Cup week.

In a theme echoed by speakers from Eddie Izzard to Martina Navratilova, anthropologist and social entrepreneur Tinna Nielson told an audience of more than 200 delegates that it’s time for organisations to stop discussing diversity and looking for others to take the barriers down and to actually action it.

She told the audience “It only works if YOU do it. We all need to start doing things which are evidence-based, not just based on good intentions.”

It was a message echoed by Eddie Izzard (pictured), stand-up comedian, actor, charity supporter, marathon runner, campaigner and transgender hero. He urged: “Be brave and curious not fearful and suspicious.”

Redefining Mental Health The lifelong “norms” that indicate you’re suffering from depression Choosing to have time alone, skip the gym or miss a family barbecue in isolation may seem like nothing short of the norm.

However, in prolonged bouts, new research from depression specialists Smart TMS indicates what are now lifelong norms could reveal something far deeper. With diagnosed depression affecting over a

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quarter of the nation, an overwhelming body of data has emerged concerning those of us who do not consider ourselves as suffering from the condition.

Titled The Happiness Index, depression treatment specialist – Smart TMS – has launched a nationally representative study that bears significant impact on

Autumn-Winter 2019/20 www.business-now.co.uk

society’s classification of depression, and its subsequent demographic of relevance.

No longer are the conditions solely defined by archaic measures of depression – including suicidal thoughts, uncontrollable mood

swings

and

dependence

on

medication, but instead encompass a far more “normalised” range of behaviours.

These include a lack of motivation to shower, spend time with children and loved ones, or simply get on with one’s day performing basic functions.

Dressed in a smart business dress with matching accessories and an immaculate raspberry pink manicure, he took to the stage and told delegates that his “boringness” could also help with being transgender. His attitude is to be surprised and positive about humanity, dealing with those who don’t understand him with his “assertive politeness” actions. According to Eddie, more people ought to have conversations in lifts. For those who seem perplexed by his appearance, he advocates just talking: “If you talk, it seems to get better. For every negative you see you should go out and do a positive, or a double positive. Who gives a monkey’s what you look like? The only marker in your life which should matter or worry or concern us is ‘are you adding to the world?’”.

Become the “squeaky wheel” was advice from 18-time Grand Slam winner, tennis legend Martina Navratilova. Explaining her actions to secure equal pay between men and women both on the tennis court and in the commentary box she said: “You have to own it and be willing to lose that job. You have to speak up and be the squeaky wheel which gets the oil. You can’t just talk about it; you need to actually do something. Talk is cheap. I would much rather live my life with less money and integrity than pretend to be something I’m not.”

Martina outlined that she didn’t come out until after she had gained her American citizenship as, at that time, being a lesbian was a disqualifying factor for citizenship.

She’s a champion for diversity and inclusion: “Diversity is important. Without diversity of people you don’t have diversity of ideas. Everyone does better if there are more voices in the

mix.” Her example of a time when her serve deserted her in a tournament and she needed help, which was eventually found in the shape of ten minutes with a male left-handed player, illustrated this approach.

Equality in sport was just one of Ms Navratilova’s concerns and she joined other speakers in reinforcing the point that diversity in businesses will not only lead to better financial results, but vastly improve social impacts.

A message which echoed the remarks by Anne Richards, CEO of Fidelity International who demonstrated that diverse viewpoints make us perform better and give us better answers: “There’s a direct link between profitability and returns and diverse teams.

All leaders don’t need to look or sound the same as other leaders.

We should be recruiting from diverse backgrounds including gender, race and disability and focussing on outcomes rather than rights.”

Known for the strength of her views and her inimitable way of conveying them – she once said: “Why do I, as the black woman, have to fix that [inclusion]? There’s fifty of you, there’s one of me.

Ya’ll fix it. ... Everybody else needs to make the noise — I want white men to make the noise.” – the audience expected Bozoma Saint John, chief marketing officer at Endeavor, to leave everyone with plenty food for thought. And it’s possible that she gave the audience the simplest yet hardest-hitting and most memorable comment of the day: “Diversity is being asked to the party.

Inclusion is being asked to dance.

“Instead of looking up or looking around we should be looking at yourselves. What are you doing? Are you asking people to dance?

If not, you’re part of the problem.”

The fifth Annual Aberdeen Standard Investments Diversity Summit took place at The Gleneagles Hotel on 10 September. To find out more about inclusion and diversity in the Aberdeen Standard Investments workplace, visit: https://www.standardlifeaberdeen. com/who-we-are/inclusion-and-diversity. 

Key stats

The OECD has reported that mental

• Over a third – 36% – of Scots spend more time alone and less time with family and friends • 35% of Scots are less confident • 30% of Scots no longer enjoy work as much • Over a quarter – 27% – of Scots feel more anxious in social situations • 25% of Scots care less about their physical appearance • Over a fifth – 22% – of Scots find themselves cancelling plans more often • 22% of Scots find basic functions (e.g. sleeping, showering) more difficult • A fifth – 20% – of Scots find themselves sleeping more • 18% of Scots think that spending time with their friends does not bring them as much joy • 18% of Scots have a hobby which used to bring them joy, but no longer does • 16% of Scots find that casual drinking turns into binge drinking more • 11% of Scots do not enjoy spending time with their family as much

illness costs the British economy

The research, carried out across 2000 Brits, shows that millions of the UK are showing symptoms of depression and anxiety, begging the question: do we need to redefine our understanding of depression?

disconcertedly normalising behaviours

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£94 billion each year, with depression and anxiety long being reported to be endemic in today’s society; depression is the predominant mental health problem worldwide. This new research from Smart TMS demonstrates that, while on the surface we are appearing to get on with our everyday lives like normal, millions of us are suffering from

undiagnosed

depression-like

symptoms

behaviour,

of and

that are isolating and limiting to one’s productivity and social life. 

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FEATURE

Derived from his belief that humans were never meant to sit still or settle, but to experience challenging situations and to then to work out how to cope, he described himself as “Special Forces: Civilian Division”. Eddie has previously said that he thinks coming out as transgender or gender-nonconforming allowed him to put himself in other terrifying situations and work them out once he was in them, saying: “I knew I would get through the bad, terrifying bit.”

COFFEE WITH...

Coffee with...

Stuart Duncan Apartrooms

Stuart Duncan has returned to his roots and, perhaps it’s fair to say, through accident rather than design, has launched Apartrooms, high-tech, easy access accommodation primarily for business and corporate lets.

Protected from the harsh outside elements, we chatted in a local coffee shop about the concept, how it came about and what makes it different from other accommodation.

“So, Stuart, can you explain to our readers what the Apartrooms concept is?”

“It’s a hybrid between an apartment and a hotel room offering comfortable, contemporary, compact self-catering accommodation.

They are designed for short or long stays making them perfect for business, corporate, Airbnb or holiday lets.”

“Whose brainchild was this and how did it germinate?” I asked.

I recently met with an entrepreneur of Aberdeen origin who has just launched an amazing new concept in accommodation in the local area.

trawling the streets looking for a free parking space. The next problem was the check-in: they had to be there by 9 p.m. to collect the keys, which under the circumstances was not possible. Finally, there was no fridge or microwave, so the individuals had to eat in restaurants every night, which proved to be expensive.

“I figured that there had to be a better way to provide accommodation for people working in and around Aberdeen, who wanted a seamless, hassle-free experience.

“Having visited the USA many times, I really liked the motel style, where each room has its own front door. I came up with the concept of combining a motel with a serviced apartment, added some smart home technology, an Internet-connected keyless lock system and online check-in. In addition, the building design and construction would be energy efficient and use renewables to power and heat the building, thus reducing operating costs. Hence the Apartrooms concept.”

“The light-bulb moment that led to Apartrooms began several years ago. I employed some contractors to carry out some work on our modular house project. They were from Glasgow and stayed in a small hotel in Aberdeen.

“I already owned a perfect location – a brownfield site – located on the south side of the city near the Charleston AWPR junction.”

“There were several problems... the first was parking! The hotel was in the city centre and they didn’t have a car park, which meant

“They are very ‘high-tech’. Were you involved in their structure and content?”

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“And the site?” I asked.

“Very much. Having been involved with Internet businesses in the past, I knew that technology could solve most of the problems. Rather than employ an architect to design a building, I used my extensive experience using Sketchup 3D software and designed the building myself. Having built two other buildings off-site in a factory, I approached an established modular building company. After gaining planning consent, I contracted them to construct the building as a series of pre-fabricated modules. They would be built near Brighton and then transported the 550 miles to site on 14 low loader trucks.”

“They look amazing,” I responded. “Was it relatively plain sailing?”

“On the contrary! Work had commenced on the 14 modules in the West Sussex factory while the groundworks began in Aberdeen. Then four weeks into a sixteen-week build, disaster struck. The modular company had a cashflow crisis and had to temporarily close the factory whilst they sought new funding. Weeks turned into months and work on the modules ground to a halt.

“Eventually, after six months of waiting, the modular company went into administration. As a result, I was given seven days to remove my modules or ownership would fall to the landlord of the factory. Thankfully, I was able to convince the landlord to instead lease me the 20,000 square feet factory, so that I could continue with the build himself. However, the lease was limited to eight weeks, which was not enough time to finish the build. Regardless I managed to find a dozen sub-contractors to help get the building ready for transportation. The 14 modules, weighing 10 tonnes each, were craned onto low loader trucks and made the long journey to Aberdeen.

“Once on-site, work continued through spring/summer 2019, using local sub-contractors. Fast forward to September 2019 and, at long last, the Apartrooms building is finished and ready to welcome guests.”

“What makes Apartrooms stand out from other accommodation businesses?” I enquired.

“The building has been designed around Passivhaus principles, which means it has a super-insulated structure. All the windows are triple glazed and the building is oriented to the south so that it benefits from solar gain. The building is airtight but uses mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR), allowing the building to constantly draw in fresh air from the outside but recovering heat from the expelled air. This means that the air is filtered and much purer. There are 9 kW of solar PV panels on the roof. These provide clean, renewable energy to the building. Any surplus energy is fed into a 9 kW electric immersion element, which heats a water cylinder, in effect a battery.

This pre-heated water is then brought up to temperature by two energyefficient gas boilers, which in turn are connected to the Internet and managed via a smartphone app.

“In addition, each Apartroom has a connected thermostat, which is also controlled via an app. This means that the temperature in every room can be controlled remotely, taking into account guest movements. A PIR sensor in each room detects whether there are guests in the room and adjusts the heating accordingly.

“It’s a hybrid between an apartment and a hotel room offering comfortable, contemporary, compact self-catering accommodation.”

“Also, there is no reception at Apartrooms. When a guest makes a booking, they are automatically sent a unique PIN code for the Wi-Fi smart lock on the door. This code will only last for the duration of their stay and eliminates the possibility of losing keys.

“Each Apartroom is equipped with an Amazon Alexa speaker. Most Alexas play music and answer trivia questions. In addition, Alexa is used to control the lighting, heating, television and even the kettle! There are two 7.2 kW electric vehicle charging points for guests to use free of charge. There is also ample on-site parking and all our Apartrooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows, flooding them with natural light.”

Extremely impressed, both by the amazing Apartrooms and Stuart’s triumph over adversity with their construction, I wished him luck with his venture and mentally noted an overnight was necessary. For more information email stay@apartrooms.co.uk or call 0333 303 4193.

Issue 18 Autumn-Winter 2019/20 www.business-now.co.uk Issue 9 Spring 2017 www.business-now.co.uk

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SECTION HEADER

UK Manufacturers Invest in Existing People and Processes Quarterly survey shows businesses upskilling current employees to drive productivity UK manufacturers are developing their own workforces in response to a chronic shortage of suitable people coming into the sector – a key factor hampering growth aspirations.

At the same time a rapidly increasing number of manufacturing firms are seeing turnover and profits nosedive compared to this time last year.

These are two headline findings of the latest SME Manufacturing Barometer, a quarterly survey of the sector’s leading decision-makers compiled by South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) and Economic Growth Solutions.

When asked whether it was more difficult now to find skilled and motivated people than it was 12 months ago, 54% reported it was either “much more difficult” (24%) or “somewhat more difficult” (30%). Just 4% responded that they found it easier to recruit now than a year ago.

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In response to being quizzed about their growth aspirations, a fifth (20%) referenced an urgent need for certainty on Brexit while, worryingly, 15% defined “survival” as their “immediate aspiration”.

Simon Howes of SWMAS (pictured) said: “Overall, UK manufacturers are seeking stability in the face of this challenging business climate, and are developing people, processes and new products in order to overcome adversity.”

Those who are still recruiting are finding this more difficult due to factors such as local talent shortage (26%), negative attitudes of candidates (16%) and unrealistic salary expectations (13%).

Simon Howes said: “This is a real problem. We are seeing some worrying signs that the lack of suitably skilled and motivated people could become the biggest shared issue for the sector in the near future.

“But manufacturers never stand still and what we are seeing is manufacturing bosses taking a pragmatic approach and focusing internally instead, looking at what they already have by way of people, processes and products, and seeing how all three could be improved.”

He added: “This focus is reflected when you look at manufacturers’ staffing plans, with nearly 70% reporting that they will be deploying strategies to support the development of their existing workforces.”

Turning to business performance, the Manufacturing Barometer found that while the percentage of firms reporting “much increased” turnover and profits was broadly flat compared to previous years, the amount saying their turnover had “greatly decreased” had spiralled sharply, moving from 17% to 31%.

Projected increases in turnover for the next six months revealed that just 51% believed they would see “much increased” sales compared to last year’s 64%, with 22% fearing their sales would be “much decreased” – more than double last year’s 10%.

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SECTION HEADER Dean Barnes, regional director of Economic Growth Solutions, commented: “Draw a trend line through the reported findings across sales and profits and there is no doubt the swing in performance continues to move downward.

“When we include the introduction of new processes and people in review of these Barometer findings, we clearly see the importance that manufacturers must place on upskilling and retaining their current staff.”

“However, in unpacking the data in response to questions about staffing and recruitment, we can see that UK manufacturing business leaders overall are far from accepting doom and gloom and are deploying strategies to get their growth aspirations firmly back on track.”

He added: “They know that their existing people are central to their business model if they want their growth strategies to succeed.” 

Back to staffing issues and the Barometer revealed that manufacturers are facing up to their recruitment challenges by investing in their existing workforces.

When asked: “What are your main staffing strategies for the next 12 months?”, a quarter responded they would focus on “upskilling existing staff through training”.

Other strategies include “staff retention incentives” (15%), “leadership management and training” (11%) and “coaching and mentoring” (10%).

Just 12% said their main focus for the coming year would be “recruiting new permanent staff”.

Simon Howes continued: “The really interesting discovery here is that, to address the challenge of recruitment being limited as a principal growth strategy, manufacturers are taking proactive steps by investing in their existing people.

“In addition, they are looking at their processes to make themselves leaner as well as developing new products to boost sales and stay competitive.

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HOSPITALITY

Challenges and Changes: Are Taxing Times Looming for NE Hotels?

Transient visitor levy (TVL) introduction causes hoteliers concern It has been described by opponents as an unwanted and regressive levy that could be damaging to tourism business.

So, what would the impact be of a socalled ‘tourist tax’ on accommodation providers in Aberdeen City and Shire, who have faced some of their most difficult operating conditions in recent years?

A plummet in business trade due to the oil crash, coupled with an explosion of new hotel chains opening in Aberdeen, have placed unique regional pressures on the north-east hospitality sector, unseen by counterparts in other areas.

With moves underway for the transient visitor levy (TVL) to be introduced in Scotland’s capital – the first part of the UK seeking to impose the tax – there has been speculation, and some concern, that this could pave the way for the tax to be rolled out to other parts of the UK. The development is being eyed cautiously by observers. A survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found three quarters of respondents were against the tax, fearing it will be off-putting to tourists.

Meanwhile, trade representative body UK Hospitality argues that national governments should not devolve powers to local authorities to introduce local tourist taxes. It wants councillors to look for other ways of raising revenue to support tourism, claiming UK accommodation

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providers already pay amongst the highest VAT and property taxes in Europe, and that the tax will cut visitor numbers.

Aberdeen’s hotel occupancy rates dropped by a third when the region suffered the effects of the oil price slump and, in 2017, Aberdeen recorded the lowest hotel occupancy rate in the UK at 63.4%.

The industry responded, and adapted, and greater focus has been placed on leisure tourism. There are signs that the average room rate has stabilised, but new hotels means that the room count in Aberdeen continues to grow, and it is expected to rise by 10% by the end of 2019.

Could the TVL – already imposed at many international destinations – be the next hurdle the sector has to face up to, if city councillors view the levy as a way of generating much needed income in a climate of budgetary pressures?

Earlier this year, councillors in Edinburgh voted in favour of TVL proposals which include a £2-per-night charge added to the price of any room for the first week of a stay. The levy would apply to “all paid accommodation” across Edinburgh, including hotels, B&Bs, Airbnb style short-term lets and hostels; it is estimated the tax could raise up to £14.6 million per year for city coffers.

The new tax will not come into effect until the Scottish Parliament has passed enabling legislation, which is unlikely to happen before next year.

Rhys Jones, business advisory manager at Aberdeen-based accountancy firm Hall Morrice, said that, while there is no indication of plans for a tourist tax for the region, the hospitality sector should nevertheless be watching developments in the Scottish capital.

Mr Jones said: “Whether or not the tourist tax is rolled out here, it’s clear that there are changes and challenges for the region’s operators due to market changes and increased supply of rooms.

“UK Hospitality believe the introduction of the TVL will disadvantage the hotel sector and that it will struggle to keep up with performance across the rest of Europe. They have also warned that the tax could cost Scotland £175 million in lost business, including potentially £45 million in Edinburgh alone.

“For these reasons, it is a very good time for accommodation providers to take stock.

They should be considering are their financial systems up to date, and is the business operating as tax effectively as it could?

“There are steps that hospitality operators can take to help future-proof their business.

Given the difficulties this sector has come through, it’s particularly important to seek professional advice to build resilience.”  References - UK Hospitality: https://www.ukhospitality.org.uk/news/421158/UKHospitality-reveals-tourist-tax-could-cost-Scotland-175million.htm FSB comment: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen/1477419/federation-of-small-business-hit-out-at-tourist-tax-proposals-for-aberdeen/ Oil crash impact: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-35300495

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Successful global export brings tourists from far and wide The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) recently celebrated the 525th anniversary of the first recorded dram by hosting an event at the Scottish Parliament.

Ministers and MSPs gathered at Holyrood to mark the occasion and were joined by SWA chief executive, Karen Betts (pictured).

The first known mention of Scotch whisky distillation is credited to Lindores Abbey in Newburgh, Fife. A note in the 1494 Exchequer Rolls details that, by order of King James IV, ‘eight bols malt’ be supplied to Friar John Cor to produce ‘aqua vitae’ – the water of life.

Amongst those in attendance were Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, and Bruce Crawford MSP, who tried their hand at the art of whisky barrelmaking with a little help from coopers from Speyside Cooperage.

Karen Betts said: “Scotch has moved with the times. Scotland’s national drink is now our most successful global export, shipped to destinations which were only just being discovered by the explorers of the 15th century.

“Now we are proud that Scotch whisky is the hugely successful export that it is. Over the last 525 years, the industry has not rested on its laurels and Scotch whisky companies produce some of the most globally recognised consumer brands.

“Only a couple of months ago, we marked a record number of visits to whisky distilleries.

Tourists from all over the world visit them across the country to learn about the story of Scotch and of Scotland.”

Scotch whisky tourism saw record numbers of visitors in 2018, with over two million visits to distilleries by tourists for the first time. The SWA’s annual survey revealed visits were up 6.1% year on year and 56% more than in 2010. 

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FOOD & DRINK

Scottish Parliament Raises Glass to 525 Years of Scotch Whisky

FOOD & DRINK

NE Businesses Boosted by Bumper Food Festival Deeside local festival greeted and treated thousands of visitors The corridors and courtyards of Cults Academy were reverberating to rather different sights and sounds, as thousands of people descended on the venue for the Deeside Local Food Festival’s fifth outing.

Over 3,400 people of all ages immersed themselves in an enticing array of gastronomic delights, as well as foodie talks, chef demos, workshops and activities, all designed to celebrate the North East’s thriving food and drink scene.

Featuring a staggering 74 food and drink businesses – over 90% of whom hail from the region, the festival was a resounding hit with visitors and businesses alike. Food and drink producers from across the area reported brisk business throughout the day, and revelled in the opportunity to present their products to both locals and visitors. Indeed, such was their popularity that many of the outlets and stalls sold out.

VisitScotland regional director, Jo Robinson, welcomed the lasting legacy of the festival for local businesses, saying: “Deeside is home to many first-class food and drink producers and experiences. The Deeside Local Food Festival is a fantastic asset to the events programme in the North East, and attracts visitors from far and wide, making a valuable contribution to the visitor experience and the regional economy.

“I am delighted that the community and businesses in Deeside have been able to once again showcase their inspirational products, as well as food and drink experiences in this region for visitors to enjoy.”The local produce market was at the heart of the annual festival. From jams to jalapeños, cheese to chocolate and bread to bacon, the North East’s most exciting producers were on hand to share their artisan wares – and their passion for fine food – with the appreciative crowds.

Gin blending workshops were a new addition to this year’s programme. Run by master blenders, the Deeside Distillery, these popular workshops gave gin lovers the opportunity to craft their own signature bottle.

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Younger foodies were also well catered for. Lynne from ‘Kids in the Kitchen Aberdeen’ ran a number of children’s afternoon teamaking workshops, which sold out in record time. The budding young chefs whipped up a selection of delights including cheese scones, custard creams and rocky road bars, as well as enjoying food-themed games and activities.

Lots of visitors enjoyed learning more about the story behind the brand, with talks from Wes Lewis of the Seafood Bothy, Jamie Hutcheon of Cocoa Ooze, Anna Mitchell from Castleton Farm, and Jenny Fyall from Udny Pumpkins.

Returning to the festival was particularly special for Wes and his wife Maria, as it was a visit there last year that sparked the idea for their business – a converted horse-box serving up the fresh seafood Wes catches off the Stonehaven coastline.

The much-loved chef demonstrations returned this year, with some of the North East’s most distinguished chefs serving up culinary masterpieces. Craig Wilson of Eat on the Green and Lauren Mitchell of Northsound, compered the Marquee stage which hosted Graham Mitchell of the Newmachar Hotel, Orry Shand of Entier Services, Nick Coetzer of Roots Catering and Ross Cochrane of the Rothesay Rooms

Opening of two new restaurants transforms former E&M building The Esslemont Bar & Restaurant and Mac’s Pizzeria, situated in the former Esslemont & Macintosh building, have officially opened to the public, following a six-figure transformation.

John Franchetti and Cat Frankitti compered the Seafood Scotland stage, which celebrated Scotland’s rich seafood bounty. Top chefs Ross Cochrane, Orry Shand and Kevin Dalgleish of the Chester Hotel cooked up a mouthwatering menu of fish and shellfish dishes.

Kids also took part in lots of fishythemed fun activities at the stage, including challenges, competitions and storytelling.

Throughout the day The Street Food Café thronged with visitors serving up tasty treats to diners, while they enjoyed live entertainment from a number of music and dancing groups, including Cults Academy Ceilidh Group, Chalmers Mackay Music School and the Sinclair School of Highland Dancing.

Festival organiser, Rachel Gambro, said: “Each year the festival has gone from strength to strength, and this year was no exception. From produce stalls to chef demos, every aspect was buzzing, reflecting the strong local appetite for top quality food and drink. Feedback from stallholders and visitors alike has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, I’ve already had my first enquiry about next year, when booking doesn’t open until next year! It’s such a great opportunity for local producers to present their wares to a new and enthusiastic market, and really puts them on the map.” 

The new venue, which features two concepts within the iconic Aberdeen building on Union Street, has now opened its doors, launching The Esslemont Bar & Restaurant based on the ground floor and Mac’s Pizzeria on the first floor.

Boasting a stylish new look throughout, The Esslemont Bar & Restaurant offers a relaxed and sophisticated dining experience with a modern, yet classic menu with a creative twist, complemented by quality produce, superior service and a stylish ambiance. It seats up to 100 people, with a luxury glass-fronted private dining room for 12, accompanied by a contemporary bar – perfect for laid-back lunches and pre- or post-dinner drinks.

Meanwhile, Mac’s Pizzeria, serves up a relaxed vibe with authentic Neapolitan pizza at its core. The upstairs 120-seater restaurant features an open kitchen with bespoke pizza oven to serve up classic pizza, all freshly prepared on-site with the finest genuine ingredients used, in keeping with the Neapolitan style. Mac’s also features sharing tables and a semi-private area for group bookings and kids’ parties up to 14.

Led by the award-winning Nicoll Russell Studios, the venue has been completely transformed from its former glory but takes inspiration from its past as one of the finest department stores in Aberdeen, with nods to its historic character with a contemporary twist throughout.

The Esslemont and Mac’s Pizzeria become The McGinty’s Group latest ventures to join the growing portfolio of venues, which includes McGinty’s Meal An’ Ale, The Stag, No.10 Bar & Restaurant, The Ferryhill House Hotel, The Fourmile, The Silver Darling and The Grill.

Allan Henderson, director of The McGinty’s Group, said: “We are delighted to officially open The Esslemont and Mac’s Pizzeria. This project has been our biggest to date and it has been amazing to see the building transform into our vision and bring this landmark building back to life. With two concepts in the one building, we are aiming to appeal to a wide audience whilst creating something new and exciting for the city, alongside helping to reinvigorate our main thoroughfare, Union Street, and increase footfall. We can’t wait to welcome the people of Aberdeen and visitors alike.”

The Esslemont Bar & Restaurant is open seven days a week with food served all day. Mac’s Pizzeria operates a walk-in system on a day-to-day basis. 

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Iconic Building Brought Back to Life

BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Cadbury & Age UK Campaign Against Loneliness Almost 4.5m older people claim to have felt lonely during later life In a typical week almost 2.6 million people aged 65 and over speak to three or fewer people they know, with over 225,000 often going a week without speaking to anyone at all.

New research revealed by Cadbury Dairy Milk and Age UK illustrates the impact of loneliness, with over half a million of those who have been lonely claiming it stops them going out and about in everyday life, and almost 4.5 million older people claiming to have felt lonely during later life.

1. Knowing their neighbours 2. Someone smiling or saying hello when at bus stop/in a queue 3. Neighbour stopping to say hello 4. Someone asking how their day has gone When asked, 55% of 16- to 45-year-olds surveyed claim they are worried about growing lonely in older age and 64% believing it gets harder to hold onto relationships the older you get.

While 67% of those aged 16-45 admitted they would be likely to do something that could potentially help boost the confidence of an older person who felt lonely, the research revealed the top five issues stopping them helping someone who they think feels lonely:

1. They are worried the other person will not respond well 2. They are too shy 3. They do not know how to help 4. Find it hard to tell if someone needs help 5. Too busy Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Loneliness is a huge problem because retirement, bereavement and ill health mean many older people find they are spending a lot less time enjoying the company of others than they’d like.

That is why Cadbury Dairy Milk is launching a new brand campaign – Donate Your Words – in support of Age UK. For the first time ever, the UK’s number one chocolate brand will be removing the words from its iconic bars and ‘donating’ them to the charity to help alleviate loneliness amongst older people. The limited edition bar will be sold in supermarkets nationwide with 30p from each bar going towards Age UK to help provide vital services and support when older people need it most.

“Loneliness can affect your health, your well-being and the way

The campaign will also encourage Brits to donate their words by pledging to reach out and have a chat with older people in their communities.

spend today and the rest of this week alone, with no one to share

The survey found that simple, small gestures can play a part in helping to tackle loneliness with over six million older people claiming a few minutes of conversation would make a huge difference to their week.

ways, every day of the year.” 

According to the survey, some of the actions that would help older people feel more confident when outside the home are:

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you see yourself – it can make you feel invisible and forgotten.

Working with Cadbury Dairy Milk on this campaign could really help to raise even more awareness of the issue and encourage everybody to do their bit to help tackle it.

“A friendly ‘Hello’ or ‘How are you?’ is something most of us take for granted – it’s just part of everyday life. But these latest figures show that hundreds of thousands of older people in the UK will even a few simple words with. That’s why Age UK’s expert advice and support services are so crucial and help people in all sorts of Figures from questions asked to older people (65+) are taken from Age UK/Kantar F2F Omnibus Research polling which took place from 10–27 July 2019. The polling was conducted face-to-face and with a UK-wide sample of 1896 people aged 65+. Figures extrapolated to national population using NRS Population Estimates.

Figures from questions asked to people aged 16-45 are taken from Cadbury Equity/ OnePoll Research which took place on 15 July 2019. The polling was conducted online with a UK-wide sample of 2,000 people, aged 16-45.

Summer club and local primary school gain from generosity An Aberdeenshire organisation that arranges one of the region’s oldest and most iconic Highland Games has supported two youth projects in its local community recently.

The Lonach Highland and Friendly Society has donated funds to assist with the running of a children’s summer club and the installation of new AstroTurf at the local primary school.

Upper Donside Parish received funding from the society to support the summer club which it ran during the first week of the school holidays. Offering a range of activities, the initiative was well attended by primary age children living across the local area.

Strathdon Primary School Parents Forum received a four-figure grant from the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society to help upgrade part of the school playground. New all-weather AstroTurf has been laid at the school, providing an improved outdoor learning and play

Picture caption: Lonach Highlanders inspecting the new AstroTurf at Strathdon Primary School

space for pupils. Funding was also received from other partners, including Aberdeenshire Council.

Some of the first visitors to see the AstroTurf were members of the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society on the morning of the gathering. The school is the first stop for the Lonach Highlanders on their traditional six-mile march through the local area, which starts in Bellabeg.

Legacy Lives on Through Dance and Song danceSing centred round positive mental and physical well-being

Pupils have heaped praise on the new AstroTurf. Primary 2 pupil Katie said: “It’s really good because it’s big and the bigger ones get space and the little ones get space. It’s big enough for us all.”

Fellow primary 2 classmate Liam said that “the new sports area is good and it feels good to take your shoes off and lie down on it”. While Corran in primary 3 gave it “a million thumbs up because it’s brilliant”.  danceSing regularly supports cancer charities to help people like Jemma.

Recently more than 60 members and 30 youth members sang their hearts out with a 40-piece symphony orchestra at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline, raising more than £1,300 of vital funds for Maggie’s Cancer Centres.  For more information, visit www.dance-sing.uk

danceSing has opened a new studio in Aberdeen, their fifth new studio to open in Scotland this year. danceSing will be using the late Jemma McRae’s Academy Street Dance Studio to help keep her legacy alive after she tragically lost her long battle with cancer earlier this year.

Jemma, who was just 43 when she passed away, brought the joy of dance and wellbeing to Aberdeen for many years through her studio and ballet teaching. Jemma and danceSing founder Natalie Garry planned to bring danceSing to her studio when she was alive, but unfortunately her illness prevented it happening in time.

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BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Local Youngsters Benefit Thanks to Lonach Gathering

SPORT

Scottish Rugby Welcome One Millionth Fan Fan-centred strategies fuel growth in sponsorship and attendance A focus on fan engagement off the pitch and playing positive rugby on it has seen Scottish Rugby surpass the million-ticket mark in its run of 15 consecutive sell-out matches at BT Murrayfield.

Kicking off with the Scotland vs Ireland match in the 2017 Six Nations on 4 February 2017, the team has played in front of capacity 67,144 crowds at the national stadium on 14 occasions and in the lead-up to the summer test versus France on Saturday 24 August passed the one million ticket mark – the equivalent of one in five of the Scottish population passing through the turnstiles.

A winning combination of putting the fan at the centre of the match-day experience coupled with an upturn in the national team’s performances has seen demand for tickets reach an all-time high, making a fundamental contribution to Scottish Rugby’s bottom line.

Ticketing revenue is one of the three core pillars of Scottish Rugby’s main income streams, along with broadcast and commercial income, and contributed £15.8 million in the last financial year alone, enabling investment back into rugby at all levels.

Scottish Rugby’s chief operating officer, Dominic McKay said: “I am immensely proud to have reached this significant landmark of passing the one million ticket mark in match-day attendance. I cannot thank our fans enough for their loyal support of the Scotland team in recent years.

“We have worked hard on our match-day experience to deliver events the whole family can enjoy and we want to put on a show every time the team plays a home international at BT Murrayfield. We have

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ED. Hamish Watson, Isobel Kerr, Stuart McInally

put a lot of focus on improving the communication to fans and now provide a range of exclusive content to bring them closer to the team and showcase our match days.”

The demand for tickets has led to a healthy rise in both current sponsor activation and interest from potential new sponsors, which has seen the growth of the appeal in Scotland and Scottish Rugby as an attractive marketing opportunity.

In the past few months Scottish Rugby has announced new deals with Johnnie Walker, Harris Tweed, Crabbie’s and Specsavers, who join a comprehensive sponsor family alongside BT and Macron, among others.

Scottish Rugby’s commercial and marketing departments themselves have delivered a clear fan engagement strategy, which not only has profiled the different groups of fans attending and tailored initiatives towards them, but also has rolled out bespoke above and below the line campaigns to keep fans connected all season long.

Digital marketing is central to all this activity and has seen the use of fan e-zines, targeted content across all social media channels and competitive pricing deployed, along with the development of Scottish Rugby TV and a new fan-focussed podcast to connect with fans with rich content more regularly.

Dominic added: “To have passed the one million ticket mark on the eve of the World Cup demonstrates how much the team means to the country and how their exciting, committed style of play has captured the fans’ imagination in recent years.

“This in turn has drawn interest from sponsors and brands who want a positive, familyfriendly product to align their products with. Our remit is to grow the game in Scotland, and the connection with the Scotland team and the fans generates the interest and revenue to allow us to invest across the board.”

To mark the million-ticket milestone Scottish Rugby was able to identify the supporter whose purchase of Scotland vs France tickets made them the holder of the one millionth consecutive ticket issued for BT Murrayfield since February 2017.

Isobel Kerr from Ayr enjoyed a surprise VIP experience and met the Scotland team as they trained at Oriam, before enjoying lunch with her favourite players. 

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Prestigious event awarded to Curl Aberdeen after successful World Junior Championships

With a track record for producing world, European and Olympic champions and medallists from within its membership, Curl Aberdeen was expecting teams from as far afield as New Zealand, Nigeria, Japan and Brazil to compete, and benefitted from the support of VisitAberdeenshire in coordinating the competition.

Chris Foy, chief executive, VisitAberdeenshire said: “It is fantastic to see athletes, supporters and families from across the globe descending on the North East for the World Mixed Curling Championships. Along with the great facilities at Curl Aberdeen, they will have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful food, drink, entertainment and accommodation that all contribute towards a warm welcome to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.”

Curl Aberdeen has been playing host to the World Mixed Curling Championships, with 40 nations descending on the city in a bid to win the title. The event, from the 12–19 October, saw mixed teams – two males and two females – compete over eight days.

Based on previous figures, it was estimated that 750 spectators would attend, and 180 competitors and 20 coaches were due to participate. Although projected to attract relatively small numbers, the event was expected to have a large economic impact on the city as there is only one Scottish team and the majority of attendees do not reside in the Aberdeen area.

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Curl Aberdeen were awarded this prestigious event following their successful staging of the 2018 World Junior Championships. In addition to competitions and producing top curling champions, they also host various leagues, including the Finance League which boasts teams from AAB, Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank, Johnston Carmichael, Decipher Energy, Pecten, PwC and Ledingham Chalmers. 

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SPORT

World Mixed Curling Championships Welcomed to Aberdeen

AWARD WINNERS

Award Winners Grape & Grain named Gin Bar of the Year Grape & Grain, Aberdeen’s multi award-winning wine bar, has been named Gin Bar of the Year at the inaugural Scottish Bar & Brew Awards.

Proprietor Jeanette Forbes, our cover star, picked up the accolade at the awards ceremony in Glasgow, which was attended by representatives of some of the best bars across the country.

Ms Forbes said: “We are delighted to win this award. It validates the great work our team puts into our gin offering, their expertise and their high level of customer service. It also recognises the promotional work which we do with our local distilleries and our commitment to raising the profile of Scotland’s fantastic botanicals.”

Gold Award Win for Aberdeen’s Engage PR Aberdeen-based Engage PR is celebrating after winning at the prestigious CIPR Scotland PRide Awards 2019 in Glasgow.

James Donaldson, director at the communications agency, won the gold accolade for Outstanding Independent Practitioner at the Scottish PRide Awards ceremony attended by more than 300 industry professionals.

James said: “I’m delighted to win this award. This success is down to hard work and offering proactive, creative support for projects. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me, in particular our exceptional clients.”

Picture by Ian Georgeson

Global Win for Motive Offshore Motive Offshore Group has won the Going Global category at the Northern Star Business Awards. Chief operating officer, James Gregg (pictured, left, with Dave Acton) said: “We are delighted to be taking the Going Global title back to the team; it’s great recognition for us all and reaffirms that all the hard work the team put in.”

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Motive Offshore chief operating officer, James Gregg said: “We are delighted to be taking the Going Global title back to the team. It’s great recognition for us all and reaffirms that all the hard work the team put in every day is leading the business in the right direction. It is recognition like this that drives us to keep progressing with the international growth strategy we have in place.”

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NETWORKING

Granite Expo Stages th 9 Annual Event Business showcase to bring wide range of companies together One of the North East’s largest one-day business showcase events will return for its ninth year on 31 October.

Granite Expo is billed as the area’s largest event of its kind by number of exhibitors and it will take place at Aberdeen’s DoubleTree by Hilton Treetops from 9.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. on Thursday, 31 October. Once again, participating organisations will represent the colourful local business landscape and will range from start-ups and SMEs to global operators with links to the region.

Since its creation by Granite PR, Granite Expo has annually brought together more than 100 businesses from throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and beyond for a giant day of networking, cross-selling, and knowledge sharing which is attended by hundreds of visitors.

In recognition of the event’s Hallowe’en date, this year’s theme is: “don’t be scared to grow your business” and it is hoped that visitors and exhibitors will be both educated and inspired by the knowledge sharing opportunity.

In addition to a diverse array of exhibitors and a giant prize draw, the free-to-visit event will also offer business-related seminars, a networking café, a media mall, and a quiet zone for those allimportant one-to-one meetings.

Commenting on preparations, Granite PR founder and managing director and Granite Expo creator Brett Jackson said: “This annual event exists to create an important business showcase and networking forum. Our aim is that, in one day, delegates will have access to as many people as they would in months of one-to-one meetings making it a very time-efficient way of networking and growing business contacts.

“We are delighted with the levels of interest already shown in our ninth consecutive Granite Expo, underlining its position on the business calendar as a day not to be missed.”

To find out more about Granite Expo 2019, visit www.granitepr. co.uk or email brettjackson@granitepr.co.uk 

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ENVIRONMENT

Can Pride Rather Than Guilt Save the Planet?

New study suggests recalling previous green behaviour motivates us better Remembering the pride we felt after making environmentally friendly decisions is more likely to motivate us to make green choices in future than guilt, new research suggests.

Trinity Business School, Dublin. It was published in the paper, Pride in my past: Influencing sustainable choices through behavioural recall.

The study found consumers were more likely to buy an electric car after recalling how good they felt after other sustainable purchases.

In a series of experiments, researchers asked more than 300 people what kind of car they would buy next.

However, making people feel guilty about past purchases that were not environmentally friendly did not encourage them to ‘buy green’ in future.

Encouraging people to make environmentally sustainable choices, from flying less to avoiding beef, could limit greenhouse gas emissions, helping to tackle climate change.

Yet while most people state that they care about being sustainable, only a few “deep green” consumers currently change their behaviour.

The findings could encourage marketers to re-think the way they sell green products and behaviours – such as solar cells and adding house insulation – to the public.

Lead researcher Hugh Wilson, professor of marketing at Warwick Business School, said: “Attempts to encourage consumers to make more sustainable choices have traditionally been dominated by negative emotions, such as guilt and fear.

“While this has achieved some success, it can have a really bad side effect: people can lose heart and give up.

“Rather than making people feel guilty, it is possible to make people feel good about their past achievements and encourage them to make sustainable choices in future.

Those who were first reminded of the pride they felt after a previous ‘sustainable purchase’ were significantly more likely to anticipate feeling proud about buying a low-carbon car in the future – as well as significantly more guilty if they imagined making an environmentally damaging choice. As a result, they were significantly more likely to choose a low-carbon car. This was because they wanted to repeat the same positive feelings of pride.

By contrast, those asked to recall the guilt they felt following an unsustainable purchase were no more likely to anticipate feeling proud about buying a low carbon car in future. Nor were they more likely to anticipate feeling guilty about buying a higheremission model.

Professor Wilson said: “Pride exists precisely to motivate our future behaviour. People like to get onto a positive spiral. Guilt exists for good reasons, too, but when it comes to the planet, we definitely need to keep some pride in the mix.

“The environment hitting the news at the moment is invaluable; however, we need to show people that they can contribute positively. We also need to conduct further research to check which decisions anticipated pride is best at engendering.

“This is not restricted to choosing which products to buy. It may prove equally useful to promote other sustainable behaviours such as driving less and saving energy at home.”

“For example, many consumers think about carbon when buying a car, but fewer do when buying kitchen white goods. Similarly, they think about social sustainability – such as being fair to farmers – more when buying coffee or tea than soft drinks or alcohol.

The research was conducted by Warwick Business School; Cranfield School of Water, Energy, and the Environment; and

“For categories like soft drinks, we’ve found you need to use social forces, too.” 

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ENVIRONMENT

CSR green credentials incomplete without ‘cloud sustainability’ Businesses need to wake up to how and where their data is being stored Businesses need to understand the environmental consequences of their cloud storage infrastructure and take steps to minimise its impact.

While adopting cloud has resulted in a whole range of efficiencies – including energy consumption – data storage is rapidly rising in the league tables as a major source of carbon. It is only a matter of time until environmental campaigners like Extinction Rebellion turn on this major area of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.

Annalisa O’Rourke, chief operations officer at Memset commented: “Storing and using data consumes a lot of energy, and many businesses have been able to remove this energy consumption from their sustainability books by using outsourced cloud providers. But shifting the problem to a supplier is not taking responsibility. Organisations need to not only develop sustainable policies for themselves, but to also include their whole network of suppliers in their strategies.”

Cloud storage can be a much more sustainable approach than traditional on-premises storage. Providers tend to use newer technology and have an incentive to become as energy efficient as possible and reduce what is one of the largest operational expenses. Advances in power usage effectiveness and the use of sustainable cooling techniques have all allowed big advances.

However, the problem is that as, storing data becomes more efficient and costs reduce, businesses are able to provide services for less, thereby increasing consumption. The result is that even though data has been stored in highly energy-efficient ways, we are still using ever more energy. Ultimately, the only sustainable course of action is to use renewable energy sources and to put in place carbon neutral policies.

Memset has a range of measures to ensure it is carbon neutral – proving that SME cloud providers are more than able to meet the challenge. The company became the UK’s first carbon neutral web host in 2006 and has since then committed to minimising its carbon footprint across the board. The company only uses ‘green’ suppliers and uses a mix of mains and solar power energy. With servers central to the business, Memset has a constant turnover in its asset pool. Where possible they reuse and reallocate servers to reduce waste; but only if they pass stringent quality checks.

O’Rourke continues: “Regardless of what you think about the methods and rhetoric of Extinction Rebellion, the direction of climate change and the need for more sustainable processes is clear. Businesses have a duty to consider cloud suppliers for their commitment to environmental sustainability. The danger is that by failing to do so, they will make themselves a target for campaigners, risk reputational damage, and make their other CSR efforts seem just cosmetic.” 

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PERSONNEL

Bilingual Brits Get Ahead in Career Speaking a second language adds to opportunities and earning power New research has found that being multilingual is on the rise, with more people adopting a second language in a bid to get ahead in their career.

Brits are finding that it directly impacts their career benefits like

Online language recruitment specialists, Top Language Jobs, have released their survey findings to highlight how Brits are using languages to benefit their careers. Over half of the population who speak more than one language say they use it actively in their job, with 68% saying it directly benefits their career, through opportunities or even better pay.

nine percent of respondents think it is more important to know

Globalisation is at an all-time high, and, as the job market faces political and economic uncertainty, Brexit, and more, languages are becoming increasingly important.

Older generations are in danger of being left behind as younger workers are adapting quickly to this market. The most likely to know more than one language (66%) are 18- to 24-year olds. This compared to only a quarter in the 55-to 64-year-old bracket. The younger group believe it positively impacts their career potential, with 74% saying they actively use other languages in their careers (versus only 24% of 55-to 64-year-olds). And a whopping 89% say that knowing more than one language benefits them in their career, double that of their older counterparts.

Managing director of Top Language Jobs, Alex Fourlis, encourages the trend. Fourlis comments: “In our careers, we are engaging with people from all around the world, from different cultures and markets. Learning a new language is a great way of expanding your appeal to employers. Our survey shows us that

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opportunities and extra pay.”

The trend does not seem to have a short shelf life either. Sixtymultiple languages now than it was 10 years ago. Brits expect this need to grow, with 70% saying they would encourage their children to learn another language as it could benefit their job opportunities when they are older.

The government agrees. Since 2018, the British government has reconfirmed its ambition to have 90% of British pupils sitting a GCSE in a language by 2025. It has allocated funding to set up a national languages centre, and the creation of nine school hubs to raise standards of language teaching in secondary schools.

The University of York has received government funding to build a modern foreign languages (MFL) centre for excellence, worth £2.17 million.

So how does the standard monolingual British worker keep up?

Fourlis answers: “There are so many resources available to learn new languages – download an app and dedicate your commute to work every day to learning a new language of your choice.

Sixty-two percent of our respondents said they would consider learning a new language if they knew it would increase their earning potential – and it can! Not only can it benefit your career in the UK, but you never know where it could take you globally.” 

Amanda McCulloch, managing director, Thorpe Molloy Recruitment Ltd In our everyday lives, we actively pursue diversity. Unless you’re a creature of intense habit, you probably seek out new experiences constantly – where you go, what you do, who you spend time with, what entertainment you watch and which foods you try.

We’re often energised or excited by something we’ve never tried before; a new experience or interesting conversation sets sparks off in our brains. It’s good for us.

It’s universally recognised that diversity is good for business too and it’s gradually rising up the leadership agenda as the moral case resonates loudly – we should all have equal opportunity to develop, progress, be rewarded and recognised at work.

Gender pay gap reporting has highlighted the lack of diversity in management and leadership positions but, of course, diversity is defined by so much more than gender. A powerful theme that’s emerging, and being readily accepted by employers, is the importance of diversity of thought.

People with different backgrounds and life experiences will think about the same problem in a myriad of different ways, approaching a solution from many different angles. So, it follows that diversity of thought is championed where there’s a drive to be more innovative, competitive and successful.

For recruiters, the diversity agenda provides an exciting opportunity to tap into previously underrepresented groups such as neurodivergent, mixed race or disabled people. This is particularly pertinent as the skills shortage tightens, but we’re also on the cusp of a time where it’s increasingly difficult to predict the job types of the future and, correspondingly, the skills requirements. This was highlighted in the OPITO UKCS Workforce Dynamics Skills Landscape report that assumed 4,500 people will be in new roles by 2025 that currently don’t exist. Accessing the widest possible pool of talent to fill those roles makes business sense.

a shedload of bias and a total lack of inclusivity.

One of the reasons why I believe change is so slow is because organisations grapple with how to create an inclusive environment and eliminate bias in the workplace. We’re on a learning curve and need much more evidence-based examples of what works and that includes shining a light on good recruitment practice that improves organisational diversity and inclusion.

The CIPD research into diversity and inclusion finds many barriers exist at every stage of the employee cycle, from candidate attraction, selection, integration and development.

Unconscious bias can have a major impact on final hiring decisions. I’m not commenting from a place of judgement here. As the name infers, it’s unconscious but that doesn’t mean it can’t be changed.

Take a moment to think about it. Do you seek out applicants who are similar to current employees because you think they’ll fit into the team? Does a role really require the applicant to have a first-class university degree? Do you recruit because you’ve found someone so relatable, placing emphasis on affinity that’s in fact not relevant at all to the hiring decision?

Take your diversity and inclusion policy and put it into action during recruitment drives: • Review job adverts for gendered and biased wording that serves to exclude people before they’ve even applied.

• Review how well diversity in your organisation is portrayed on marketing materials such as recruitment campaigns.

• Think creatively how jobs can be designed flexibly. Flexible working is highly desirable but it can be critical for talented people who have caring responsibilities.

If we acknowledge that diversity is beneficial, that we actually enjoy it and benefit from it on a personal and organisational level, why is the pace of diversity change so slow in our workplaces?

• Ensure hiring managers have high levels of diversity awareness training and are provided with support to put reasonable adjustments in place where a disabled person is identified as the best applicant.

Recently, the teenage climate change activist Greta Thunberg deflected criticism from a journalist about her behaviour and social skills by describing her autism as a superpower. For me, Greta’s defence of her differences reflects a lack of understanding,

Choose people for their diverse talents and diverse thinking, the superpowers that are the strengths your organisation needs, and begin to discover the benefit for your business brand, customer relationships, employee engagement and employee loyalty. 

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PERSONNEL

Inclusion Is the Key to Successful Diversity

PERSONNEL

‘Be the Change’ for Disabled Graduates Cheshire calls on employers to join Change 100 programme Isabella Hewell, a graduate of the University of Kent, did her Change 100 placement at Open Inclusion in 2019 and said it transformed how she viewed working life.

She said: “It has completely changed how I think my work life will be in the future. I was always worried because university is very flexible and I wasn’t sure a work life was even possible as I often have appointments to go to, so I thought something like a nine-to-five was unworkable.

Leading disability charity Leonard Cheshire has called on more employers to ‘be the change’ by taking part in a unique programme that launches the careers of talented disabled students and graduates.

Opened for applications from 24 September, Leonard Cheshire’s Change 100 programme is the only internship scheme especially for disabled students.

A growing number of leading businesses – such as BMW, Skanska, CGI, and the BBC – have taken on Change 100 interns since the scheme launched in 2014, and organisers say the scheme is now heading for its ‘biggest year’.

Closing in January, the scheme will see successful interns take on three-month placements in summer 2020.

“It’s been amazing to discover that true flexibility is possible and that I can balance my health with my work – that’s a lovely thing to now know.”

Victoria Passant, programme manager for Leonard Cheshire, said: “They say ‘be the change that you want to see’.

Employers still miss out on a huge pool of talent because disabled students go underrepresented in the workplace. Many organisations have told us that taking on

Interns and businesses are ‘matched’ under the scheme, so that both get the most from the placement. Employer and intern alike both receive extensive support and advice from the Change 100 team.

a Change 100 intern has helped to change

The programme also supports businesses by giving advice and guidance on how to support employees with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

they attract and retain new talent.

Christina Houlgrave, diversity and inclusion manager at Skanska, praised the scheme, saying: “Whoever we are, whatever challenges we may face, being made to feel included enables us to be the best version of ourselves.

employment

“It is really encouraging to be part of a programme that is trying to improve the employment landscape for people with a disability, removing barriers and creating sustainable change.

The team is looking for more employers

“Taking part in Change 100 has reinforced our view that a few small changes to make someone feel welcome and able to perform at their absolute best make a huge difference.”

the team by emailing change100@

this situation, dispelling misconceptions around disability and shifting the way “Change 100 is our part in changing the people

landscape

leaving

for

university,

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which

unfortunately still tends to be tough.” to join Change 100. Those interested can enquire by getting in touch with leonardcheshire.org 

Change 100 Leonard Cheshire Disability launched the ambitious scheme in 2014 and, since then, the charity has been overwhelmed by the positive response from employers, students, and recent graduates.

For more information on Change100, please visit: leonardcheshire.org/Change100

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disabled

Stuart Duncan, Helen Page, Liam Kerr (MSP) Alan Niven

Smart living concept officially opened Apartrooms, the new smart living space concept created by Stuart Duncan – spotlighted in our Coffee with… this issue, had its official launch day on 27 September.

Jenny Niven, Alan Niven, Kathleen Duncan

Attendees, who included Liam Kerr MSP and Aberdeenshire Councillor Colin Pike, had the opportunity to look round the building in Marywell, which is built on Passivhaus green principles for sustainability and is modelled on an American motel.

The eight one-bedroom and two two-bedroom en-suite apartments benefit from 24/7 access, keyless entry and smart technology – even the kettle is voice activated! – were all on show. Aimed at corporate and business travellers mainly, the site also offers electric car charging points and access for wheelchair users.

To find out more about how Stuart brought this exciting new living concept to fruition, read more on pages 36 and 37.

Jenny Niven, Ian Gordon, Alan Niven, Donald Law (Lairhillock)

Cllr. Colin Pike, Stuart Duncan, Alan Niven, Graham Porteous(Caleycom) Simon M Morgan, Stuart Duncan

Stuart Duncan - Apartrooms

Jim and Marlene Mclean

Apartrooms

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APARTROOMS LAUNCH

Apartrooms Launches in Style

Appointments

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NEW

CBRE STRENGTHENS ABERDEEN RATES ADVISORY TEAM Leading property consultant CBRE has announced the appointment of Moira Gordon and Kirsty Gordon (pictured, left and second right, with Brian Rogan, second left, and Derren McRae of CBRE) to the Scottish rating team in Aberdeen.

Moira and Kirsty join from FG Burnett, where Moira was recently promoted to head of rating having worked in FG Burnett’s Aberdeen office since 2010. She joins CBRE as a director.

Kirsty has recently passed her Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and joins as a surveyor.

Based in the Aberdeen office, their main immediate focus will be to assist CBRE’s occupier and landlord clients with the outstanding 2017 revaluation appeals that are due to be heard over their properties later this year and into 2020.

PRODRILL BOLSTERS BOARD TO SUPPORT GROWTH & INDUSTRY VISION Aberdeen-headquartered Prodrill Energy Resource Solutions has expanded its board with the strategic appointment of a key director as the business aligns to support the oil-and-gas sector’s vision to 2035 and beyond.

Drew Alexander (right), who has been working within the management team for seven years, has moved up to client relationship director with the business which sees him take a place on the board alongside managing director, Louise Wood, and co-director, Julie Cowie.

Bob Watt (left) has also joined the team as senior technical resource specialist to support the business as it diversifies into new sectors.

NEW FACES JOIN DYW NORTH EAST BOARD Developing the Young Workforce North East has announced a further two appointments to its board, increasing the organisation’s reach across the digital and STEM sectors.

Margo Milne (left), commercial director at Clark IT, and Sarah Chew (right), managing director of TechFest, bring increased knowledge and experience to the board in two significant sectors for the North East.

The duo are the latest industry representatives to join the board, following the appointment of Eleanor Sheppard, chief education officer at Aberdeen City Council; Gerry Lawrie, head of workforce and development at NHS Grampian; and Morag Stark, general manager at Malmaison, in March.

AFBE-UK SCOTLAND CHAIR JOINS OGUK DIVERSITY & INCLUSION GROUP AFBE-UK Scotland chair, Dr Ollie Folayan (pictured with OGUK chief executive Deirdre Michie) has been appointed to the new body set up to champion diversity and inclusion in the oil-and-gas industry.

Established by OGUK and launched at this year’s Offshore Europe, the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Task Group is chaired by Craig Shanaghey, president, operations services, Europe and Africa at Wood.

The D&I Task Group is set to convene regularly with the aim of reinforcing the business case for greater diversity and inclusion in the oil-and-gas industry, establishing a benchmark and improving the image of the sector as a career destination which embraces a diverse and inclusive culture.

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APPOINTMENTS SECTION HEADER

LOUISE RITCHIE JOINS BREWIN DOLPHIN TEAM Brewin Dolphin, one of the UK’s leading wealth management firms, has announced the appointment of Louise Ritchie to the financial planning team in their Rubislaw Terrace office.

Louise has worked in financial services for 19 years, latterly as a director at Adam & Company.

David Barclay, head of office at Brewin Dolphin Aberdeen, noted: “Louise is well connected across the city and her appointment will help us expand our offering to clients who are looking to protect and grow their wealth.”

JEANETTE FORBES JOINS PIONEERING PENGUINS AT BLUE GENTOO One of Aberdeen’s most respected and seasoned entrepreneurs is swapping her role as head of her family business for the challenges of a high-growth new start business in the oil-and-gas sector.

Jeanette Forbes of PCL Group has joined the board of Blue Gentoo Ltd as CEO to help drive the business forward and scale it up for growth.

Blue Gentoo, which has developed new digital gas hydrate technology for the O&G sector, was hatched two years ago on the inaugural Grey Matters business incubator programme run by Elevator for Scottish Enterprise.

ABERDEEN CREATIVE AGENCY HAMPTON APPOINTS NEW MD Aberdeen-based creative agency Hampton has appointed a new managing director as the business sets its sights on further growth.

Morven Mackenzie, previously Hampton’s client services director, takes over the role from company owner, Skerry Read, who acquired the business in 2017 and will now become its chair.

Scott Hunter, one of Hampton’s founding members, remains as creative director, while Ewan Lyle will continue to head up the company’s digital team.

Ms Mackenzie brings with her more than 24 years’ experience, having worked as both a journalist and a PR consultant.

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Events Diary October 28 29

29

30 30 30 30

31

AGCC Transport Network, The Hub OGUK Breakfast Briefing: Digital Skills & Technology, P&J Live Women Connect: BrewDog and Beer, Brodies LLP, Aberdeen AGCC: Doing Business in the UAE, The Hub BNS – Edinburgh, Apex Grassmarket Hotel SCDI No Deal Brexit Seminar, Douglas Hotel Spooky Skål, Norwegian BCC networking evening, Grape & Grain Granite Expo, DoubleTree by Hilton Treetops

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AGCC: Circular North-East Ambassador Networking Event, The Hub Women Connect: Speaker Event, Brodies LLP, Aberdeen Build It 2019 – Aberdeen Construction & Property Conference, P&J Live

December

November 1 AYP Ball 2019, Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel 5 ABN: Meet-Everyone M4, CLAN Aberdeen 5 State of the Cities Conference, P&J Live 6 OGUK HSE Conference, P&J Live 7 Aberdeen Entrepreneurs: Retail – What Now?, John

Lewis & Partners 7 AGCC: Budget Business Breakfast, The Marcliffe

Hotel & Spa 11-12 Skills Scotland Aberdeen, P&J Live 12 SCDI: “Aberdeen International Airport – Challenges &

Opportunities”, Jury’s Inn Aberdeen Airport Hotel 13 BNS – Aberdeen, Copthorne Hotel 13 ONE Life Sciences Network Event – IP &

Partnerships, The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa 14 Aberdeen Landlord Conference 2019, P&J Live 14 Annual Employment Law Conference 2019, The

Marcliffe Hotel & Spa 14 SCDI Influencers’ Dinner: The Changing Landscape of

Football On & Off the Pitch, Pittodrie Stadium 19 ABN: Network Skills Training, Inspire 20 BNS – Edinburgh, Apex Grassmarket Hotel 25 FSB Connect Networking, Aberdeen Central Library 25 Well Cost Control and Forecasting: Aberdeen, Esanda 27 The Importance of SMEs to the Local Economy,

University of Aberdeen

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28 29

3 3

5

5

11

12

15 18

OGUK Breakfast Briefing, P&J Live Women in Sustainability Network: Aberdeen Hub, 1 Marischal Square BNS – Edinburgh, Annual Charity Raffle, Apex Waterloo Hotel SUT Aberdeen Branch AGM & Dinner, The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa Women Connect: Networking Festive Lunch, The Chester Hotel BNS – Aberdeen, Annual Charity Raffle, The

Marcliffe Hotel & Spa BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019, P&J Live ABN: B4N (Before Noon) Relationship-Building, 8848 Restaurant

January

14 Immigration 2019 into 2020: New Prime Minister &

Home Office Rules, DavidsonMorris Solicitors 18-19 Your Wedding Exhibition, P&J Live 21 Conveyancing: What Happened in 2019? –

Aberdeen, Beach Ballroom 23 AccelerateHER Bootcamp Aberdeen: Accelerate Your

Proposition, Burness Paull LLP 23 BNS – Aberdeen 23 Why Be a Woman Angel? – Aberdeen, Burness Paull LLP 30 BNS – Edinburgh

February

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19 20 27

Estate Planning & Tax 2020, University of Aberdeen BNS – Edinburgh BNS – Aberdeen

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SECTION HEADER

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