Downhole Products Receive Prestigious Queen’s Award

Downhole Products are marking their trip to this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston with news that the company has been awarded a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise – the UK’s highest accolade for business success.

Record Turnover for North-east Transport Firm

A leading North-east road transport firm has exceeded targets and hit a record turnover just three years after launching the business.

Aberdeen-based Grampian Continental has reported a £15m turnover at the end of the financial year for 2011-2012 and is estimating a £20m figure for the coming 12 months.

Volunteers sought to ‘dig’ into the past of Bennachie

The archaeological past of one of Scotland’s most famous hills will be the focus of a new series of events launching this weekend.

Archaeologists from the University of Aberdeen are leading a project to unearth the secrets of Bennachie.

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.

Increased Expro Presence at OTC

Expro will demonstrate its ability to offer new technology and tailor-made solutions across the well lifecycle by holding technical presentations at its impressive new booth at this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston April 30th – May 3rd 2012.

Students get a taste of the subsea sector

Careers in the subsea industry were on the menu for students last night (Thursday, April 26) as Subsea UK showed the exciting opportunities the industry can deliver for budding engineers by hosting a pizza evening.

Morningside Road partially closed for resurfacing

Morningside Road will be closed between the Morningside Avenue and Broomhill Road junctions for up to a fortnight from Monday [30 April].

There will be no parking on that stretch of road during the works.

An alternative route is available via Great Western Road and South Anderson Drive or vice versa.

Rescue dogs search for St Nicholas House survivors

Search and rescue dogs from throughout the UK will be sniffing through Aberdeen City Council’s former headquarters searching for survivors of a building collapse tomorrow [Saturday, 28 April].

CLAN CANCER SUPPORT RECEIVES BRONZE AWARD IN NATIONAL SCHEME

An Aberdeen-based charity has been awarded £5,000 after being shortlisted for a national award.

CLAN Cancer Support applied to the GlaxoSmithKline Impact Champion Awards and was one of only eight UK charities shortlisted to receive an award.

Deloitte staff work together to help some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children

STAFF at business advisory firm Deloitte are helping to improve the lives of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children by taking part in a refurbishment project at a vital Aberdeen respite centre.

Aberdeen philosopher elected to prestigious society alongside top names from politics, music and the arts

A University of Aberdeen philosopher has been elected to one of the world’s most prestigious honorary societies, alongside accomplished leaders in academia, business, public affairs, the humanities and the arts.

City centre roads to close during country fair

The Aberdeen Country Fair takes place in the city centre on Saturday.  Belmont Street, Little Belmont Street and Gaelic Lane will be closed from 6am until 7pm.

Access into Little Belmont Street will only be permitted for disabled badge holders and deliveries.

One-way system on Links Road

A stretch of Links Road in Bridge of Don will be open to westbound traffic only for up to two days from Monday [30 April] while gully repair works are carried out.

Detecting gas leaks can reduce costs and minimise dangers

The potential consequences of undetected gas leaks have been well reported over recent years, including causing illness in personnel and building collapses, and harming the environment.

RGU Deans address Oil & Gas Human Capital conference

Professor Rita Marcella, Dean of Aberdeen Business School and Professor John Watson, Dean of the Faculty of Design and Technology at Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, last week gave a keynote speech on day two of the Oil & Gas Human Capital conference in London.

Gray's Students Prepare for Final Year Degree Show

Final year students at Robert Gordon University's Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen are preparing for the School's annual Degree Show, now in it’s 127th year, and sponsored by BP for the ninth year running.

One-way system on South College Street

A one-way system will be in place on a stretch of South College Street on Sunday [29 April] while crane work is carried out.

The section of road between the Guild Street junction and the multi-storey car park entrance will be open to northbound traffic only.

The alternative route for southbound vehicles is via Bridge Street, Union Street, Crown Street and Wellington Place.

Exploring lives behind the camera lens

An Aberdeen academic will explore the figures behind photographs which chart the architectural and social transformation of the Granite City between the 1850s and 1940s.

BIS SKILLS CENTRE TO EXHIBIT AT OTC

Leading specialist training and consultancy services provider, BIS Skills Centre, is preparing to exhibit for the first time at two key industry events this year.

NORTH EAST SCOTLAND:MONTHLY ECONOMIC REPORT for APRIL 2012

by MACKAY CONSULTANTS

HIGHLIGHTS

• Approval for Stella and Harrier oil field developments
• £500 million contract for West of Shetland oil field
• Tax concessions in Budget for oil and gas industry
• Aberdeen Airport passenger numbers up +10%

Red Spider Celebrates Completion of 100 Operations by eRED

Red Spider, the Remote Open Close Technology specialist delivering major savings and reduced risk to the oil & gas industry, has announced completing 100 operations using its ground-breaking eRED tool.

New sculpture to enhance Old Aberdeen campus

A sculpture inspired by an iconic Aberdeen ship will be unveiled at the University of Aberdeen today (Wednesday March 25).

Ballot papers for postal voters due to start arriving on Aberdeen residents’ doormats

Ballot papers for postal voters in Aberdeen will be arriving on doormats this week, ready for the local government election on Thursday, May 03.

Reflex Marine Ltd appointed as worldwide distributor of the revolutionary Deck Motion Monitor System from ShoreConnection International

ShoreConnection, a Norwegian company which specialises in customized monitoring solutions, improving safety and logistics for merchant vessels and offshore installations, has appointed expert in marine personnel transfer Reflex Marine as global distributor of its Deck Motion Monitor (DMM) system.

Round of promotions for Paull & Williamsons

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

Long-term VSA volunteers celebrate Child Contact Centre Awareness Week

As today (Tuesday 24 April 2012) marks the second day of Child Contact Centre Awareness Week (23 – 29 April 2012), VSA, the UK’s largest city social care charity supporting people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, is celebrating the longest serving volunteers at its north-east Family Contact Centre.

Scholars’ Reception recognises University donors

The generosity of scholarship and bursary donors who give to the University of Aberdeen will be recognised at an event this evening (Tuesday April 24).

Strategic IT Management short course

Our next Strategic IT Management short course will be held on Monday 21^st and Tuesday 22^nd May.

Last chance to register for Commonwheels business breakfast

Nestrans is urging business people who want to attend the Commonwheels breakfast briefing to sign up today before the event takes place on Wednesday 25th April.

Aiken Group Completes Significant Contract

Aberdeen-based Aiken Group has just completed a significant contract which brings about a geographical first for the multi-discipline firm.

Mixed start to 2012 for drilling activity on UK Continental Shelf

- ‘Slow and steady’ could indicate positive year ahead, says Deloitte -

Offshore drilling activity on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) rose marginally during the first quarter of 2012, compared to the same period last year. However, exploration and appraisal activities are still 66% lower than in the first quarter of 2008 - the last spike in annual drilling activity - according to the latest industry figures released by Deloitte.

Archer recognised at the UK Oil and Gas Industry Safety Awards.

Two employees of global oilfield service company Archer have been recognised at the UK Oil and Gas Industry Safety Awards. Ewan McPherson, Maintenance Engineer Apache, and Mark Cowieson, Rig Manager, were both selected as finalists in the Ideas in Safety and Safety Leadership categories respectively. Mark Cowieson went on to receive the Award for Safety Leadership.

Rugby hero to inspire budding sport stars

A Rugby Union champion, once lauded as the world’s best tight-head prop, will be guest-of-honour at Robert Gordon University’s sporting event of the year this evening (Friday 20 April).

FIRSTGROUP WINS SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE AT SCOTTISH PLC AWARDS

Aberdeen based FirstGroup enjoyed a successful evening at last night’s (18 April) Scottish PLC Awards in Glasgow. The UK’s leading transport operator picked up the much sought after Sustainability Award. FirstGroup shared the award jointly with Stagecoach.

Supermarket plans approved for west of city

A new supermarket and filling station are to be built on the site of the former Summerhill Academy in Aberdeen.

Members of the City Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee approved the application for Morrisons, when they met in the Town House today [Thursday, 19 April].

ASV signs MMS legal team

Aberdeen Sports Village, the award-winning facility created by University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland, has appointed Maclay Murray & Spens (MMS) as its new legal advisers. The contract was awarded following a competitive tender, which included some five local and Scotland-wide firms.

Stork Technical Services wins first ever ‘Ideas in Safety Prize’ at UK Oil and Gas Industry Safety Awards

Stork Technical Services, the leading global provider of knowledge-based asset integrity management services for the oil and gas, chemical and power sectors, won the first ever ‘Ideas in Safety’ prize at this year’s UK Oil and Gas Industry Safety Awards.

Chair Re-appointed to Scottish Enterprise

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, today announced the re-appointment of Crawford Gillies as Chair of Scottish Enterprise.

ABERDEEN HARBOUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF FUTURE INVESTMENT

Aberdeen Harbour continued to strengthen its position as a key economic driver throughout 2011, with record growth in traffic. In line with previous years, overall vessel tonnage increased by seven per cent, from 24.2 million gross tonnes in 2010, to 25.9 million gross tonnes in 2011.

EXTRA PARK AND RIDE SERVICES FOR FORESTERHILL STAFF

The journey to and from work has got easier for nursing staff with NHS Grampian after city bus operator First Aberdeen added extra services to it's Park and Ride from the Bridge of Don timed to coincide with 12 hour shifts.

Could beetroot be the key to a healthy burger?

Volunteers sought for study to find out

Scientists are investigating if a burger can be made healthier by adding beetroot to its ingredients.

Nutritional experts at the University of Aberdeen have devised their own turkey burger, which includes extracts of the vegetable.

Tivoli’s future cemented

A major milestone in the restoration of Aberdeen’s historic Tivoli Theatre will be reached this morning.

Members of the media are invited to attend and should meet in front of the Tivoli on Guild Street. Building owner and chairman of the Tivoli Theatre Company Brian Hendry will be present.

Positioned for innovation: Viking Moorings to become Viking SeaTech

Today (Thursday April 19) Aberdeen-headquartered company Viking Moorings is to be renamed as Viking SeaTech, marking a new chapter for the innovative business.

Global energy leaders to discuss future of gas at Gastech 2012

Leaders representing their governments and the international energy community will come together later this year to tackle key challenges and examine the role for gas in the future energy mix.

Scottish Development International welcomes rise in Scottish manufactured exports

The Index of Manufactured Exports for 2011 published today (Wednesday 18th April) shows that the volume of manufactured exports grew by 4.8 per cent compared to 2010.

Stephen Docherty, head of global equities at Aberdeen Asset Management

A heart murmur diagnosed when he was six months old might have been the trigger which spurred Stephen Docherty, head of global equities at Aberdeen Asset Management, on a path to competitive success. Having been told that he could live a normal life, the young Stephen who attended Port Errol primary school in Cruden Bay, threw himself into as many sporting activities as possible; becoming a talented athlete, footballer and hockey player. As able a long distance runner as a sprinter he was devastated when in his second year at Peterhead Academy he was advised by his doctor to stop his high octane pastimes.

City and Shire to promote the area at VisitScotland expo 2012

Plans are well underway to make sure delegates to a major national travel trade event get a real flavour of all that Aberdeen City and Shire has to offer.

OPITO Unveils 2012 Piper Alpha Memorial Safety Scholars

OPITO will announce the beneficiaries of the second Piper Alpha Memorial Safety scholarship today (Wednesday, April 18) at the Step Change in Safety luncheon at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Council to aid traffic flow at Aberdeen Train Station

Aberdeen City Council is set to install additional detection systems at traffic lights at Aberdeen Train Station.

CELEBRATE ABERDEEN APPEALS FOR KEEN RUNNERS TO TAKE PART IN UNION STREET MILE

Only minutes before thousands of volunteers, charities and third sector organisations take to Union Street for Celebrate Aberdeen’s 2012 parade, keen runners will take to the tarmac and race one mile down Aberdeen’s longest shopping street.

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.

Benefit cheat ordered to carry out community service

A benefit cheat who pocketed more than £14,000 he was not entitled to has been ordered to carry out 240 hours of community service.

Donmouth focus of latest Spring Clean operation

Members of Aberdeen City Council’s Corporate Management Team will do their bit to help a national anti-litter campaign tomorrow [Wednesday, April 18].

TURRIFF UNITED FC SECURES ACE SPONSORSHIP DEAL

ACE Winches is delighted to announce that they will continue to support Highland League club Turriff United FC by signing another two-year deal as principal sponsors for the club in seasons 2012/13 & 2013/14.

ALEX SALMOND TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT ALL-ENERGY 2012

Alex Salmond MSP, the First Minister of Scotland has joined an impressive line-up for the opening plenary conference session at All-Energy 2012, the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference, being held Wednesday 23 – Thursday 24 May at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

New election transport service to be piloted in Portlethen

Aberdeenshire Council will pilot a new transportation service in Portlethen during the upcoming Local Government Elections on May 3.

Financial Results for 1Q 2012

Results

BP's 1Q 2012 financial results will be published on Tuesday 01 May 2012 at 0700 (BST). Copies of the results will be available shortly afterwards.

Increased demand for Health and Safety corporate productions sees AVC’s video production team achieve almost £1million turnover

AVC Media Enterprises’ video production division today, (Tuesday, 17th April, 2012) pinpoints its recent end of financial year turnover success to the increased demand for health, safety and environmental related video productions and animation for the oil and gas industry. The division reached almost £1million for financial year 2011/2012

Seminar lifts the lid on tax incentives

NEW tax incentives designed to encourage the research, development and commercialisation of intellectual property rights will be outlined to north-east businesses during a seminar in Aberdeen this week.

Flats plan for old police station

A former police station could be demolished and replaced with flats.

INSURANCE BROKERS TACKLE THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY IN AID OF ARCHWAY

A brave team of insurance professionals are set to take on the West Highland Way in aid of charity later this month.

The team from Central Insurance Services (CIS) are embarking on the five day challenge in a bid to raise funds for Aberdeen-headquartered charity Archway, setting off on Monday (April 23).

Local business man inspired to run Baker Hughes 10k

A local business man with a big heart has been inspired to participate in a major local athletic event for charity. Rob Hamilton, of Drumoak, will, for the seventh time, run the Baker Hughes 10k in May in support of local charity Inspire. Founder and managing director of Dynamic Edge Solutions, an IT service company who focus on providing businesses with the most cost-effective and resilient IT platform, Rob is a well known figure in the field and regularly presents at industry events and keynotes on Cloud Computing technology.

Supermarket plans earmarked for approval

A new supermarket and filling station could be built on the site of the former Summerhill Academy in Aberdeen.

Nelson Street to close during crane works

Nelson Street will be partially closed on Wednesday [18 April] during crane works.

The road will be closed between properties number 41 and 53 and there will be no parking allowed there during the closure.

Aberdeen Airport launches “largest ever” consultation on development blueprint

Public and business invited to comment on draft Master Plan

The largest public consultation ever held by Aberdeen Airport is now underway, following the release of its ambitious new Master Plan.

VICTORY FOR BP AND CLAN AT THE BP BASKETBALL CHALLENGE

Thirty-five corporate teams took part in the third event of the activitymix Corporate Decathlon 2012, the BP Basketball Challenge, held at the International School on 14th and 15th April.

DUO OF CONTRACT AWARDS FOR MBA

Maggie Braid Associates Limited (MBA), competence assurance specialists to the oil and gas industry, has won two new contracts worth a combined total of £300,000.

Innovative SCAR Technology Completes Trials

An innovative piece of underwater technology has just completed its first trials in the North Atlantic.

Olympic-inspired challenge reaches grand final

Student athletes at Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen, will compete for glory in the grand final of a London 2012-affiliated sports challenge today (Monday 16 April).

Road restrictions lifted on Powis Terrace

Carriageway and ironwork repairs on Powis Terrace have been completed and road restrictions lifted.

 Work began on Tuesday and the road reopened at 7.30pm last night (Thursday).

 The work was carried out during the school holidays to minimise disruption and motorists and residents are thanked for their co-operation.

STONEHOUSE PROPERTY MAPS OUT EXPANSION PLAN

FIRST APPOINTS REGIONAL PROJECT DIRECTOR

First Bus, Britain’s leading bus operator, has appointed a new Project Director for its Scottish operations. Paul McGowan joined the company at the start of April from the Abellio Group where he was latterly its European Bus Strategy & Business Development Director.

Unit at Aberdeen Gateway Business Park sold to Specialist Piping Materials

Aberdeen, Scotland - A newly built industrial and office unit at Aberdeen Gateway Business Park has been sold to Specialist Piping Materials Ltd, specialist suppliers of pipes and fittings.

AVENTA SECURES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH MAJOR NORWEGIAN FIRM

AGREEMENT FORGED AS PART OF COMPANY’S INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION DRIVE

Aventa Systems’ plans to enter new geographical markets have taken an exciting step forward after the company forged a strategic partnership with a Norwegian market leader.

Archer acquires X-it Casing Exit Systems

Hamilton, Bermuda (April 12, 2012) Archer Limited today announce the purchase of X-it Energy Services. X-it develop and manufacture proprietary single-trip milling systems used for casing exits including controlled directional, multi-lateral and sidetrack drilling.

 GEOSHIPS Extends Fleet Following Successful Year for First Vessel

SeaHold GEOSHIPS Ltd, a marine and subsea services shipping company, has taken delivery of its second multi purpose support vessel (MPSV) on a contract valued at over £30 million, following a successful year for its current vessel, the Stril Explorer.

FIRSTGROUP STAFF TO SELECT NEW CHARITY PARTNER

FirstGroup today revealed it has begun the search for a new national charity partner and confirmed its UK staff are currently voting on their preferred charity. First also said that it is to continue supporting current partner, Save the Children.

Detective work by council employee leads to Aberdeen grave of Titanic quartermaster

The great-granddaughter of the man who was at the helm of Titanic when the vessel struck an iceberg and sank will visit his Aberdeen grave tomorrow [12 April].

Northbound lane forced to close for emergency repair

A lane on Market Street has been closed today (Wednesday) to allow for emergency repairs to be carried out.

CORPORATE TEAMS DO BATTLE ON BASKETBALL COURTS

Thirty-five corporate teams will come head-to-head in the third event of the activitymix Corporate Decathlon, the BP Basketball Challenge, held at state of the art sport facilities at the International School on Saturday 14th March (League 2) and Sunday 15th March (League 1).

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.

Healthy Working Rewards for EPC Offshore

EPC Offshore has achieved a NHS Healthy Working Lives bronze award for their long term commitment to improving the health and well-being of staff.

Nautronix announce opening of a new office in Norway

Nautronix celebrate the opening of a new office in Norway, which is located at Nedre Strandgate 27 in Stavanger, and are also delighted to announce the appointment of Jørn Berg as Vice President of Sales for Norway.

BP to Implement Carbon Offset Program for Fedex® Envelope

BP today announced a deal with FedEx to offset the carbon emissions of over 200 million FedEx Envelopes shipped worldwide yearly.

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.

Arts & Business Scotland Awards 2012

Reminder: Nominations open!

Deadline for nominations: 5pm, Friday 4 May 2012

Roger Connon Appointed Head of Pinsent Masons Aberdeen office

Law firm McGrigors merges with Pinsent Masons next month (May) and the new entity has appointed Roger Connon as head of its Aberdeen office.

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.

New Awards to Recognise Local Action

A new awards scheme is set to recognise the hard work that is done on behalf of the people of Aberdeen. The Aberdeen Impact Awards, which are managed by ACVO (Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations), will highlight the most inspiring work being carried out by local charities, volunteers, social enterprises and fundraising groups.

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.

COLLABRO SECURES RESELLER FOR LEGARE PRODUCT

Aberdeen-based specialist information systems company Collabro has reached a reseller agreement with project management solutions provider 1st Milestone Limited (Milestone).

FIRST ABERDEEN EXPANDS AECC EVENT SERVICES

“Gig’n’Go” Family Ticket Launched

Following increased demand, city bus operator First Aberdeen has launched a new family ticket to support its popular “Gig’n’Go” service, which transports customers to and from events at the AECC.

Aiken Group Modular Division Announces Expansion

Aberdeen-based Aiken Group has announced 8,500 square foot expansion of its Torry headquarters to cope with an upturn in business.

The workshop space has been acquired by the Group’s modular division, Modu-Link to allow expansion of its turnkey services for the provision of A, H and Blast rated modular units for the UK and overseas markets.

Recycling Firm Sponsors Youth Cycling Team

A North-east organics recycling firm is sponsoring a local youth cycling team as it gears up for a national race.

University of Aberdeen wins major new award to engage the public with its research

The University of Aberdeen has secured funding of £300,000 from Research Councils UK (RCUK) to engage the public with cutting-edge research.

Renowned Irish poet makes first visit to Aberdeen

A renowned Irish poet will read at the University of Aberdeen on Monday (April 16) as part of a British tour.

Titanic – Myth and Reality at the Maritime Museum

A fascinating talk about the myths surrounding the “unsinkable” ocean liner Titanic will be given at Aberdeen Maritime Museum next week.

Contacting the Council over Easter

Most Aberdeen City Council offices will be closed for the Easter holiday tomorrow [Friday, April]; with the exception of Aberdeen Art Gallery and the city’s museums which will be open as normal.

£600,000 of contract wins for Cisco specialist Arrowdawn

Integrated communications specialist Arrowdawn has added fresh impetus to its growth plans by securing a series of new contracts with key clients in the energy and information technology sectors.

Aberdeenshire European Fisheries Fund Programme launched at successful event

A new programme to fund local initiatives which will help develop the sustainability of fisheries areas was formally launched in Aberdeenshire last week.