BBC Scotland Debate Invitation

 This is the second in the series of debates on Choosing Scotland’s Future as part of our coverage of the independence referendum debate.

Smart Art: Aberdeen school pupils and University collaborate to create ‘word wall’ installation

Pupils from Aberdeen’s International School have recently teamed up with a Graduate-in-Residence from Robert Gordon University to create a sculpture installation as part of an annual ‘Art & Writing’ project.

 The Chamber is on the move!

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce will open for business in its new custom built premises on Monday July 9.

Skibo Technologies Continues Strategic Growth with Key Appointments

Aberdeen-based IT services company Skibo Technologies Ltd has made two key appointments to further strengthen its focus on business development and service delivery. Holly Paterson has been appointed to the role of marketing and sales manager, while Richard Stewart takes on the newly created position of operations manager.

BIG Partnership Retains Top Spot in PR Week’s Regional Chart

PR and digital marketing agency The BIG Partnership has retained its position as the largest consultancy outside London in the newly-unveiled PR Week Top 150 annual rankings.

What’s the outlook for Scotland’s commercial property markets?

According to recent forecasts, economic recovery is once again postponed until next year. The Central Scotland office and industrial markets remain active but are failing to build any momentum.

Absoft wins three-year technical support contract with Staffordshire County Council

Leading independent SAP consultancy Absoft has won a six-figure contract with Staffordshire County Council to provide technical support for its SAP business software solution.

LARGEST SCOTTISH HSBC BRANCH OPENS IN ABERDEEN

HSBC today (08 May 2012) opened the doors to its £2.8m branch on Aberdeen’s Union Street, as the bank continues to expand its operations in the north-east.

RGU forges links with Russia

Research directors from Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen, have signed an international cooperation agreement with Russia’s principal oil and gas university.

Council apprentice triumphs at national painting and decorating industry awards

An Aberdeen City Council apprentice has won the Scottish heat in a national competition recognising young talent in the painting and decorating field.

ABB expands in Aberdeen to support growing demand for service

With an ever increasing demand on the wide portfolio of ABB products and services, ABB is increasing its engineering resources and expanding its facilities in Altens, Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Artists exhibition opens at city’s art gallery

The Aberdeen Artists Society’s prestigious exhibition will open on Saturday 05 May at Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill.

Family Businesses wanted for the next series of BBC Two’s The Fixer!

Do you run a family business and work with members of your family?

CALA LAUNCHES FINAL PHASE OF COUNTRY LIVING DEVELOPMENT

Just seven properties available following semi-rural site success

Award-winning CALA Homes is launching the third and final phase of its luxury, detached four and five bedroom family homes at The Sycamores, following a successful start to the year.

Barclays says return of industry confidence brings multi-million dollar deals in UK & US

The oil and gas team in the Barclays Corporate Banking division today announced it has been involved in deals providing funding for acquisitions and exploration and production (E&P) amounting to almost US$355million in the first quarter of this year.

Deveron Homes Secures Planning Permission For First Fife Development

Huntly-based Deveron Homes is delighted to have secured full planning permission on the 21st March, which will see the company’s first ever development in Fife, creating 37 family homes west of Grange Road, Burntisland.

Scottish Enterprise chairman calls for Scottish companies to aspire to double-digit growth

Scottish Enterprise Chairman Crawford Gillies has called for more Scottish companies to say ‘yes’ to growth opportunities and push their growth into double digits.

Round of promotions for Paull & Williamsons

Paull & Williamsons, Aberdeen’s leading commercial law firm, has appointed a new partner and announced several senior promotions.

Banking Industry Business Outlook Survey 2012–2013

Retail Banker International is analysing how current market conditions are affecting banking industry confidence and is also looking to chart how marketing practices in the industry are changing.

Libya is “a country where the post-conflict reconstruction programme is going to require spending of $200 billion over a ten-year period." Lord Green

Winning Business in Libya: - A Practical Guide for UK Companies. 14^th May 2012, the Park Lane Hotel, London.

This new conference has been designed as an A-Z guide on how to win business in Libya. It focuses on strategies and advice that will enable British companies to position themselves so that they are well placed to secure contracts.

Accident Report Changes

Each year, work-related injuries cost businesses millions of pounds in compensation and time. A Health and Safety Executive report claims around 603,000 UK employees had an accident at work from 2010–2011 and more than half of those injured had three or more days off work.

Development options put forward for RGU city centre campus

Potential development options for the Robert Gordon University’s city centre campus are laid out in a document to be considered by councillors.

William Lippe Architects Win Accolade

A leading North east architecture and space planning firm is celebrating after scooping an accolade in a prestigious North east awards scheme.

STONEHOUSE PROPERTY MAPS OUT EXPANSION PLAN

McGrigors Host Development Management Scheme Seminar

Legal firm McGrigors is hosting a seminar for property professionals covering the Development Management Scheme (DMS) and Deeds of Conditions.

Fifth Ring Aberdeen Expands PR Team With Two Appointments

Fifth Ring Aberdeen has announced two additions to its public relations team.

Lisa Rutherford joins Fifth Ring as acting Head of Public Relations. Australian born, Lisa has 20 years experience in international communications, working within agencies and on the client side, across a variety of sectors, including energy, finance and property.

INSTALEC APPOINTS INDUSTRY LEADING CLOUD SPECIALIST

Instalec Technology Group (ITG), Scotland’s leading IT communications and management firm, today (Wednesday, April 10, 2012) announces the appointment of cloud industry specialist, Julie Hulcup, as the latest consultant within the ITG Professional Services division.

Employer’s views sought to help recruit, retain and improve staff skills

Businesses in the Granite City are being encouraged to sign up for an Employer’s Conference at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

The event, which is hosted by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Employability Forum, takes place on Tuesday 17 April, from 9am to 3pm.

Networking Fair for student jobseekers

Robert Gordon University’s Careers Centre is hosting a Recruitment Agencies Networking Fair on Wednesday 11 April at Aberdeen Business School from 10.30am-2.30pm.

Ryden maintains market share lead

Ryden has retained its majority share of Scotland’s commercial property market after handling around a quarter (23%) of all the deals done across the country during 2011.

AVC rated top 4 design agency in Scotland

AVC Creative, a wholly owned subsidiary of AVC Media Enterprises, is named the 4th top ranking design agency in Scotland, according to The Drum’s Design top 100. The Aberdeen-based agency also ranks in 61st place overall, out of the whole of the UK.

Thirty year blueprint will see Aberdeen Airport take off

North east gateway launches draft Master Plan to meet future growth in air traffic

Instalec Invests £50,000 in New Microsoft Technology Centre

Information technology specialist Instalec Technology Group (ITG) is hoping to reap the benefits of a new investment at its headquarters at Westhill, near Aberdeen.

MMS appoints seventh new partner in five months

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP (MMS), the leading UK commercial law firm, has made its seventh partner appointment in five months, with the hire of Nick Rutter to the firm's financial services team. Nick Rutter, who will be based at MMS' London office, joins from Thomas Eggar, where he was head of its funds practice.

KUDOS NAMED IN TOP 5 FINANCIAL ADVICE GROUP IN NATIONAL MAGAZINE

Leading Aberdeen-based employee benefits and wealth management provider, Kudos, has been revealed as third in the top 5 financial advice firms in Scotland by national publication, Professional Adviser magazine. The annual review is dedicated to actively highlighting the best-performing financial groups in each of the UK’s regions.

Local Social Media Event Hailed a Success

Over 60 local business people attended an interactive social media conference believed to be the first of its kind in the North east this March.

Arts & Business Collide in Space in an Exciting Collaboration marking the UK’s first Cubesat Spaceship Mission

With support from Arts & Business Scotland, Glass artist Siobhan Healy has created an artwork referencing the exciting development of the UK’s first cubesat spaceship mission. The inspiring spacecraft that will take part in the mission later this year has been designed by Glasgow business, Clyde Space, who sponsored the artist to create an art piece around it. The fantastical art piece, which has been made out of parts used to construct real spacecraft, including space solar panels, will be exhibited in the Edinburgh International Science Festival from 30 March before travelling to London and New York.

Plans for housing development and new cricket pitch in Culter to go before councillors

Two applications to turn farm land at Woodend in Peterculter into a housing development and a cricket pitch will go in front of councillors next week.

Operations Apprenticeships For School Leavers Launched By Aberdeen Asset Management

Aberdeen Asset Management is launching a pilot apprenticeship scheme for school leavers from two Aberdeen schools who want to enter the world of work straight from the classroom rather than continuing into higher or further education. Once the preserve of school leavers seeking ‘on the job training' and experience in a manual trade, apprenticeships are now a growing option for school leavers considering a career in technical or business disciplines. Initially, the apprenticeships will be open to pupils at both Harlaw and St Machar Academies in the city, where the company has been running employability workshops.

Inverurie is Prime Location for Retail Sector

Inverurie’s retail sector is proving a top draw for investors and retail operators alike, according to commercial property expert Richard Noble.

First Business Growth Fund investment for Scotland

- BGF makes first investment in sector with £7.8m for Aberdeen based STATS Group -

- Oil and Gas sector set to benefit from BGF investment –

Aberdeen, 14 March 2012 - Business Growth Fund (BGF), established to help the UK’s fast-growing smaller and medium sized businesses, today announced its first oil and gas industry investment in STATS, an oilfield service sector business. This is BGF’s first investment in Scotland and its fourth investment since the start of 2012.

Global Datacomms Company Makes First Aberdeen Appointment

A leading global communications company which specialises in the oil and gas industry has announced its first appointment in Aberdeen.

thinkPR Announces New Business Wins

Energy-focused public relations and marketing consultancy thinkPR has announced securing new business worth more than £100,000 in the last six months.

CLARK INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES ENTERS TOP 50 LIST

Clark Integrated Technologies, the Aberdeenshire-based IT company, has entered into the top 50 managed service providers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Advice to companies on how to expand business connections

Business people in the north-east of Scotland can discover how to expand their network of contacts when a leading online expert visits Aberdeen later this year.

Performing arts vacancies

Aberdeen Performing Arts are looking for three new directors to join their board.

SE welcomes Green Investment Bank decision

Scottish Enterprise has welcomed today’s decision by Vince Cable that the headquarters of the new UK Green Investment Bank will be located in Edinburgh.

North-east HR Firm Teams Up with Local Chamber

A leading North-east HR and health and safety firm has joined forces with its local chamber of commerce to ensure smaller businesses are safeguarded against costly fines.

ACUMEN APPOINTS SOFTWARE CONSULTANT TO SUPPORT SAGE 200

Aberdeen-based independent business advisors Acumen Accountants and Advisors (Acumen) has appointed a new software consultant to strengthen its Sage software support team.

Tricker PR Wins Gold Award at Fresh PR Awards for Royal Deeside PR campaign of World's First Venison Ice Cream

Aberdeen based agency Tricker PR has added to its already impressive cache of awards by winning the Gold Award last night's national Fresh PR Awards 2012 in Manchester. Tricker PR scooped the Gold Award in the Freshest PR Stunt or Event category in recognition of creating the world's first venison ice cream to promote the annual Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms Venison Festival.

Is your business as old as Dickens?

The University of Aberdeen is organising a programme of events to mark the life and work of Charles Dickens who was born 200 years ago.

Don’t let your Operating System Hamper your Business Operations

By Sean Thomson, Director of Indigo Technologies

In the ever-changing IT world that we live in, it is easy to lose track of how the latest updates and new technology releases affect you and your business.

Codify – paving the way for emerging IT talent

With news of a million young people currently seeking employment in the UK, it is easy to see why many students and recent graduates may be apprehensive when it comes to their career options. However, Aberdeen-based IT company, Codify, is encouraging business not to overlook emerging talent and what they can bring to the table.

AVENTA SYSTEMS ENJOYS BRIGHT START TO 2012 WITH TWO MAJOR CONTRACT WINS

Aberdeen-based integrated production data solutions specialist, Aventa Systems (Aventa), has enjoyed an extremely positive start to 2012 with two major contract wins.

HSBC in Scotland – 2011 highlights

*** Strong lending in Scotland continues as HSBC passes £1bn lending mark ***

• Total Business Banking and Corporate assets in Scotland exceeded £1bn for the first time
•  Lending to our SME customers continued its strong trend, with balances up 38%
• Continued to attract new SME customers, leading to a 24% increase in revenues
• Extended footprint and premium retail offering led to a 39% uplift in new Premier customers
• New mortgage lending in Scotland increased by 40%
• Invested £2.7m in extending footprint with a further £6.3m of branch investment underway

Scottish companies on target to secure £65million turnover from mobile and wireless opportunities

21 Scottish technology firms target new markets at GSMA Mobile World Congress

A dynamic group of 21 Scottish companies are attending the world’s largest trade event for mobile and wireless technology in Barcelona next week, with the support of Scottish Development International (SDI).

Chamber poll shows support growing for Garden project:

The second in a series of polls being carried out by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce to gauge member support for the City Garden Project indicates that there has been a 10% swing in favour of the Project

Limited Number of Places for Interactive Conference

A limited number of places are available on a forthcoming social media interactive conference believed to be the first of its kind in the North east.

Champion Technologies launch training academy

Champion Technologies, a specialist provider of oilfield production chemicals, is to launch a new training academy in April in a bid to close the potential skills shortage the oil and gas industry is facing.

QuEnSH – the “ACE” approach

A bold statement by any organisation to how they manage their Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) obligations, let alone a consultancy. Donna Hutchison explains how Acknowledgment, Communication and Engagement – ACE - are fundamental to building a strong workforce culture.

Rangers case should be a warning to contractors and small businesses

The news about Rangers Football Club going into administration is not only of interest to football fans, but has a very direct link to the contractor community. Contractor specialist accountants, Freelance World, have issued a stark warning to contractors.

Twitt like? Aberdeen social media courses are just the business

Too frightened of facebook, too terrified to tweet? Businesses unsure about social media can tap into advice from a modern marketing guru in Aberdeen next week.

NORTH-EAST BUSINESSWOMAN SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

The director of a North-east training consultancy has been shortlisted in the everywoman in Technology Awards 2012.

Wood Family Trust demonstrates its confidence in cost estimates for the City Garden Project

To demonstrate its confidence in the cost estimates for the City Garden Project, Wood Family Trust is prepared to make additional funds available to the City Garden Project in the very unlikely event of cost over-runs.

Smart Systems from Dumb Data: Professorial lecture to address information solutions

The first in a new calendar of public lectures at Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen will begin with a professorial lecture by Susan Craw, Director of the Institute for Innovation, Design and Sustainability Research (IDEAS) on Thursday 23 February at 6.15pm.

PINSENT MASONS AND MCGRIGORS AGREE TO MERGE

International law firm Pinsent Masons and national law firm McGrigors have confirmed plans to merge the two organisations following a partner vote.

CLAN CANCER SUPPORT APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS

An Aberdeen-based cancer support charity has announced the appointment of four new board members - Dr Vijay Jandial, Gregory Poon, Andrew Spence and Bruce Webster.

AER ARRAN announces AER LINGUS regional summer schedule 2012

Aer Arann today announced its summer 2012 Aer Lingus Regional flight schedule which will see its Aberdeen-Dublin route increase in frequency to a daily service from 25th March.

University shortlisted in national work experience awards

The University of Aberdeen has been announced as a finalist in the National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) awards.

Cash boost available to employers for apprenticeships

As the New Year gets underway, employers will be keen to know that they can now get up to £2000 when they employ any young person as a Modern Apprentice, in addition to the funding contribution available towards their training.

Ledingham Chalmers LLP appoints first business development director

Highly-experienced solicitor John Campbell arrives from Brodies LLP

LEADING Scottish regional law firm Ledingham Chalmers LLP today announces the appointment of its first business development director, John Campbell, who will support the firm's multi-sector growth strategy across its offices.

Atlas launches 50 new courses for office and shore based health and safety

International learning and skills specialist Atlas has significantly grown its content library with the launch of a new suite of 50 office and shore based health and safety courses for the oil and gas industry and other safety critical industries.

Aberdeen to host Cameroon Olympic Team

The Cameroon team, consisting of 60 athletes and staff across 11 sports, will come to Aberdeen for their Pre-Games Training Camp between 2 and 16 July 2012.

Aberdeen Airport has unveiled details of a major investment boost for 2012

Millions of pounds are set to be invested this year upgrading the busy terminal building to improve passenger facilities and provide more capacity.

Law Firm McGrigors Confirm Merger Talks

Scottish legal firm McGrigors has confirmed it is in talks over a potential merger with Pinsent Masons.

MMS announces further lateral partner hire

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP (MMS), the leading UK commercial law firm, has hired litigation partner David Scott from rival McGrigors, to boost its ten-strong Construction & Engineering team. The move marks MMS’ sixth partner appointment in three months, across the firm’s corporate, commercial dispute resolution and real estate departments.

2012 – We’re Facing a Challenging Year

Unfortunately, it looks as if 2012 will continue the theme of the last couple of years for businesses. The year ahead will be very challenging, however, the north east of Scotland may weather the year better than some areas due to oil prices and exploration and production companies firming up their capex spend for the following year. The Wood Mackenzie annual report issued last week suggested that capital investment in the North Sea in 2011 reached a high of £7.5billion, though this did not meet the £8billion forecast set by industry body Oil and Gas UK.

Cash boost available to employers for Apprenticeships

City businesses can now get up to £2000 when they take on any young apprentice.

Granite PR and Business Plus Scotland at The Events Event

Granite PR and Business Plus Scotland will be side by side on stand B 13 at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre for the Events Event 2012.

Brodies' Clare Munro named as 'Hot 100' lawyer for 2012

Clare Munro, Partner and Head of the Oil & Gas team at Brodies LLP, has been named as one of The Lawyer magazine's 'Hot 100' - its prestigious annual round-up of the stars of the UK legal profession.

MCGRIGORS ANNOUNCE ABERDEEN INVESTMENT PLANS

Law firm McGrigors has announced plans to double its presence in Aberdeen after closing a deal to move into new headquarters in the city.

New Lawyer joins expanding Bond Pearce Oil and Gas team

Laura Petrie is the latest addition to the growing oil and gas team in the Aberdeen office of national legal firm Bond Pearce.

Success in Brazil

“A series of workshops designed to inform business about establishingtrade with Brazil and how to reduce risk by understanding the culture and market potential.”

Budding Legal Eagles learn about Mentoring Scheme

A group of sixth year pupils from Robert Gordon’s College were invited to attend a question and answer session with trainees from Aberdeen’s largest commercial law firm, Paull and Williamsons.

International Sponsorship Opportunity

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce now have an exclusive opportunity to sponsor our 2012 Export Documentation Price List.

FIFTH RING LEADS SCOTTISH AGENCIES IN RAR TOP 100

Aberdeen-based marketing communications firm Fifth Ring, has been ranked 13th by Recommended Agency Register (RAR) in its latest survey of the top agencies outside London.

OIE Services expanding into new markets and boosting workforce

Specialist oil and gas recruitment company, OIE Services, is on track to treble its turnover in the next 12 months.

SBP Chartered Accountants Reels in New Business

A North-east accountancy firm specialising in the fishing industry has seen a large increase in fishing clients over the past few months.

DM Training attended Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland Annual Awards

DM Training Consultants Ltd (DM Training) attended the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) Annual Award Ceremony on Thursday 18th November at the Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh.

MMS poised for growth with four new partners

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP (MMS), the leading UK commercial law firm, has further reinforced its commitment to targeted growth with two lateral partner hires and two internal partner promotions. The move sees Wayne O'Neil join MMS’ London corporate team from Rosenblatt Solicitors, Douglas Blyth rejoining MMS’ Glasgow commercial dispute resolution team from HBJ Gateley and the promotion of commercial property lawyer Alex Coulter, based in MMS’ London office, alongside litigation solicitor advocate, Euan Palmer.

NLS OFFERS ONESOURCE OF FREE GLOBAL BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR SCOTTISH COMPANIES

Scottish companies can now get free and instant access to crucial information about customers, suppliers, business partners and competitors to help them grow and prosper.

Personal Invitation to a free lunch – your quest to find a Business Mentor [also free!] starts here

This is a personal invitation to the leader of your organisation to hear more about an easy-to-access peer to peer Business Mentoring programme. The programme has been running for a number of years, but not everyone knows about it.

Benefit cheat nabbed by council fraud squad

A benefit cheat who fraudulently claimed almost £30,000 of council tax and housing benefits has been locked up for 10 months.

Training provider receives accreditation from Learning Institute

An Aberdeen based computer skills training provider has been recognised as an accredited Small Business Learning and Development Provider by the Learning and Performance Institute.

Important Change: The Dutch Authorities have extended the Dutch social security regulations to include the Dutch Continental Shelf, effective from 1 January 2012

Alison Sellar, Managing Director, activpayroll said, “This change will impact many North east firms, they need to take proactive action to ensure they comply whilst working on the Dutch Continental Shelf or risk legal action. Although the industry has benefited from exemptions in the past, the Dutched Authorities have clamped down, now demanding social security contributions from non-residents operating in their territory.”

Forth Replacement Crossing “Opportunities for Local Businesses”

Wednesday 30^th November 2011 Carnegie Conference Centre, Halbeath, Dunfermline

MONTHLY ECONOMIC REPORT for NOVEMBER 2011

We estimate that economic output in the North East in September was approximately £943 million. That is +1.7% higher in real terms than the September 2010 figure.  Read more...

CALL FORNOMINATIONS!

Nominations are now open for the prestigious 2012 Offshore Achievement Awards, sponsored by TAQA Bratani.

LARGE BUSINESSES CONCERNED ABOUT UK TAX REGIME: TAX RATE OF FTSE-100 COMPANIES DROPS NEARLY A THIRD IN LAST TWO YEARS

The tax rate paid by FTSE-100 companies has dropped almost a third over the last two years, according to new research by UHY Hacker Young, the national accounting group. The effective tax rate of FTSE-100 companies (i.e. the percentage tax they pay on their profits) is now just 26% compared to 35.8% two years ago. This tax rate has fallen even as profits have risen. This is partly a result of a fall in the headline corporate tax rate over the last two years.1

Granite Expo 2011 Attracts 1000 Visitors

Around 1,000 visitors flocked to a successful new event designed to showcase the very best of North east business on Thursday, October 27th.