Council car park to make way for health village

The Aberdeen City Council-run East North Street car park will close next month [March] to make way for NHS Grampian’s proposed new community health and care village.

FIFTH ANNUAL BEFRIEND A CHILD BIG KIDS BALL RAISES MORE THAN £20,000

More than £25,000 was raised by supporters of a local children’s charity at its annual fundraising Ball on Friday night (February 24).

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.

Aberdeen BID appoints new chief executive

The Aberdeen Business Improvement District (BID) company has appointed a new chief executive.

‘Best Bar None’ 2012 awards – North Aberdeenshire bars to be congratulated

A number of Aberdeenshire bars working to promote good practice throughout the industry received awards at the 2012 Best Bar None awards in recognition of their work over the last year.

Key Appointment for North East Firm

A leading North-east HR and health and safety firm has added to its managerial team.

Joint Statement by BP and the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee

BP and the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) confirmed that the U.S. District Court has today adjourned the start of the Deepwater Horizon Multi-District Litigation 2179 civil trial by one week, until Monday, March 5th. This adjournment is intended to allow BP and the PSC more time to continue settlement discussions and attempt to reach an agreement.

Sir George Buckley announced as Expro's new Chairman

International oilfield services company Expro today takes great pleasure in announcing the appointment of world-renowned businessman Sir George Buckley as its new Chairman.

Work to breathe new life into Duthie Park due to start

Work is poised to get under way on a major project to restore Aberdeen’s Victorian Duthie Park to its former glory.

Westerton Road to close for resurfacing

Westerton Road in Cults will be closed for up to a week from Monday [27 February] while the road is resurfaced.

No parking will be allowed on the road during that time.

Access to properties will be maintained, but there will be no through traffic.

An alternative route is available via North Deeside Road, Pitfodels Station Road and Inchgarth Road, or vice versa.

Education Scotland Review of Aberdeen College

The written report of the Education Scotland Review of the College in November has now been published.

Australia must work harder to build local oil and gas talent, according to Industry Snapshot Poll

Delegates at the 2012 Australasian Oil and Gas Conference have warned that Australia needs to do more to grow its own oil and gas talent, according to a poll conducted by GL Noble Denton.

ASCO TO BUILD AND OPERATE DARWIN MARINE SUPPLY BASE

ASCO Group, the world’s leading oil and gas logistics company, has been awarded the contract to build and operate a Marine Supply Base in Darwin, Australia.

Free Balloons for Shoppers This Weekend

Rowers from this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race will be handing out free balloons this Saturday (25th February 2012) from 11am outside Marks and Spencer in the heart of Aberdeen city centre. Crew members from Robert Gordon and Aberdeen Universities have been training for months to they ensure they have the best possible chance to winning the coveted title. This Saturday, the rowers take a break from their rigorous training to encourage supporters to attend the boat race on 10th March 2012.

One-way system on King’s Gate during repair work

A one-way system will be in place on part of King’s Gate next week while carriageway repairs are carried out.

Only eastbound traffic will be permitted on the stretch of road between Anderson Drive and Fountainhill Road for up to a week from Monday [27 February].

An alternative route is available via Fountainhall Road, Queens Road and Anderson Drive.

FG Burnett In Line for Office Agency Team of the Year

Scottish commercial property consultancy, FG Burnett, has been shortlisted for a national award, recognising their performance in the office Agency sector.

RGU and NHS Grampian establish joint midwifery professorship

Opportunity for excellence

Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) School of Nursing and Midwifery and NHS Grampian have announced the appointment of the region’s first joint Clinical Professor of Midwifery.

BP Wind Energy Executives Welcome Congressman Canseco and Local Elected Officials to Dedication of Newest Wind Farm in Texas

BP Wind Energy executives today welcomed special guests including Congressman Francisco “Quico” Canseco, landowners, local elected officials and community leaders to a dedication ceremony to mark the full commercial operation of the Sherbino 2 Wind Farm in Pecos County, West Texas. The 150 megawatt (MW) wind farm is owned and operated 100 percent by BP, and will generate enough electricity to power 45,000 average American homes.

Council publishes Open Space Strategy

An open space strategy which sets a vision for new and improved open spaces for Aberdeen has been published by the city council.

AREG reveals largest ever renewables showcase at All-Energy

Aberdeen City and Shire will underline its commitment to the renewables industry in May with its largest ever showcase of renewable energy businesses at the prestigious All-Energy trade exhibition and conference in Aberdeen.

Kirk Terrace to partially close during resurfacing work

Kirk Terrace will be closed between its junctions with Kirk Brae and Hilltop Avenue for up to a week from Monday [27 February] while the road is resurfaced.

Inspirational Crafts for Mother’s Day

Inspired Soaps, Huntly Beads and Huntly Art are holding a craft fair at Inspire Head office on Friday 9th March from 12 noon - 4pm and Saturday 10th March from 10am -4pm in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday 18th March.

Libya's Oil - First Risk & Security Assessment of  Infrastructure Released

Tripoli – International Risk Mitigation Company AKE has produced the first independent security and risk assessment of Libya’s major oil producing and refining facilities.

Royal Dutch Shell plc Board announces new Upstream International Director

Shell announces today that Malcolm Brinded has agreed to step down as an Executive Director of the Company with effect from 1 April 2012. Mr Brinded has agreed to remain at Shell until 30 April 2012 in order to assist with the transition of his responsibilities.

PETROTECHNICS HOSTS INDUSTRY EXPERTS AT OIL AND GAS SAFETY BOOTCAMP

Petrotechnics, the global leader in the provision of frontline work execution solutions to the oil and gas sector, is to join industry experts, hosting the forthcoming Centre for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS)* bootcamp.

Aberdeen Corporate Decathlon 2012 on target for success at darts event

Record numbers of companies seek active engagement

Aberdeen Corporate Decathlon 2012 commences this week with the Darts Challenge, sponsored by TAQA, on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th February at the Douglas Hotel. Granite City Darts will be assisting activitymix with the running of the event.

10 new companies actively engaged, with League 1 oversubscribed

Independent counting officer “encouraged” by turnout so far in Union Terrace Gardens vote

Crawford Langley, the independent counting officer for the referendum on the proposed development of Union Terrace Gardens, today [Tuesday, 21 February] said he has been “extremely encouraged” by the turnout for the vote so far.

Healthy Eating Key to Workplace Productivity

It has been claimed that one in three office employees skips a proper lunch, and instead snacks on unhealthy options, which can lead to lethargy, irritability and decreased productivity.

Fourth quarter interim dividend for 2011

Scrip Dividend Programme

On 7 February 2012, the Directors of BP p.l.c. announced that the interim dividend for the fourth quarter 2011 would be US$0.08 per ordinary share (US$0.48 per ADS). This interim dividend is to be paid on 30 March 2012 to shareholders on the share register on 17 February 2012. The dividend is payable in cash in sterling to holders of ordinary shares and in US dollars to holders of ADSs. A scrip dividend alternative will be made available for this dividend allowing shareholders to elect to receive their dividend in the form of new ordinary shares and ADS holders in the form of new ADSs.

New appointment at Fairhurst

Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers Fairhurst has appointed Alastair Scott-Kiddie as a Partner in their Aberdeen office. Alastair has over 20 years experience in engineering consultancy.

Could you use up to £2000 for every person you hire?

Then Remploy can help

New pensions rules to cost Scottish employers £273,000 each year

New pensions rules could mean around £273,000 per year in additional costs for larger Scottish employers in the private, public and voluntary sectors, according to business advisory firm Deloitte.

Hilltop Avenue to partially close for resurfacing work

Hilltop Avenue will be closed for 30 metres on either side of its junction with Hilltop Road for up to a week from Monday [27 February] while the road is resurfaced.

New Crowdfunding Site for the Arts in Scotland Launched

An international arts project spanning Ethopia and Huntly has launched Arts & Business Scotland’s (A&BS) brand new crowdfunding website for the cultural and creative sectors. Angel Shares Scotland offers a new way for organisations and individuals to raise valuable funds for their arts projects. Founded by Sarah Gee, a professional fundraiser and marketer for nearly 20 years, it aims to help the arts build stronger relationships with donors. Gee claims that it is "the only arts and cultural crowdfunding site that collects Gift Aid on donations".

ASET International Oil & Gas Training Academy to be officially opened

Malcolm Webb, Chief Executive of Oil & Gas UK will be in Aberdeen on Wednesday 7th March to open the new ASET International Oil and Gas Training Academy which has relocated to Aberdeen College Altens Centre, Hareness Road, Aberdeen.

ABERDEEN HARBOUR BOSS WELCOMES THRIVING CRUISE SEASON

Aberdeen Harbour is preparing to welcome 10 cruise calls this summer, with four vessels making their first ever visits to the city.

Back to School With McGrigors HR Academy

Law firm McGrigors is preparing for a new intake to its successful HR Academy aimed at human resources professionals.

SUCCESSFUL NIGHT FOR FIRSTGROUP AT RAIL BUSINESS AWARDS

FirstGroup enjoyed a successful evening at last week’s (16 February) Rail Business Awards. The UK’s largest rail operator picked up six awards at the prestigious central London ceremony.

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.

Brodies expands oil & gas and corporate/M&A teams with senior appointments in Aberdeen

Oil & gas specialist Sonia Love and corporate lawyer Suzanne Hopkinson have joined the Aberdeen office of the biggest law firm in Scotland, Brodies LLP, in the latest of a series of senior hires that has taken the number of Brodies people based in the north east to 30 in less than a year.

RGU to host European seminar into systemic social work practice

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is set to host a seminar that will explore the current perspectives of a less-common - but arguably more effective - branch of social work practice.

First Security & Risk Assessment of Libya's Oil Infrastructure Released

ABERDEEN – International Risk Mitigation Company AKE has produced the first independent security and risk assessment of Libya’s major oil producing and refining facilities.

Scottish student creates first World Whisky Day

It’s Scotland’s national drink but an enterprising University of Aberdeen student will ensure the rest of the world raises a dram to whisky with the first ever World Day in celebration of the spirit.

Brush stroke with the capital:Painting students prepare to take pre-degree show to Edinburgh

Final-year BA (Hons) Painting students at Robert Gordon University’s Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen are putting the finishing touches to their work ahead of staging a pre-degree show in Edinburgh later this month.

Kirk Brae to close during lighting work

Kirk Brae will be closed between Kirk Place and 20metres west of Kirkbrae Avenue for four consecutive Sundays, starting this weekend [19 February].

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.

Pupil’s sculpture design becomes a reality

AN ABERDEENSHIRE pupil has seen his life-size sculpture design become a reality as it goes on display at a North Sea oil company’s headquarters.

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.

University to share counselling expertise

Counselling practitioners from Robert Gordon University are set to share their specialist knowledge in a four-part workshop series that will run until early summer 2012.

European Grant Boosts Joint Fishing and Oil and Gas Industry Safety Project

FLTC Services Limited (FLTCS), a subsidiary of U.K. Fisheries Offshore Oil and Gas Legacy Trust Fund Limited and a company that delivers information about oil and gas infrastructure to fishermen, confirmed today that it has secured a grant of up to £413,250 from the European Fisheries Fund and the Scottish Government to fund its unique FishSAFE Information Project.

G5 launch unique shared savings scheme to encourage carbon reduction

LOCAL IT firm G5 Technologies have launched a novel way of encouraging organisations to invest in its carbon reduction software “G5CarbonCut”.

Options for collection and disposal of Aberdeen’s waste and recycling outlined in new report

New options for collecting and disposing Aberdeen’s waste and recycling have been presented to the council’s Zero Waste Management Sub-committee.

EASTERN AIRWAYS LAUNCHES ALL NEW CHARTER SERVICE

Private charter specialist, Eastern Airways, which operates more flights from Aberdeen Airport than any other airline, has introduced a new enhanced charter product aimed at corporate customers, international companies, blue chip organisations, sports teams, the music industry and private clients.

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.

ABERDEEN’S WALLACE ATTEMPTS WORLD RECORD BY ROWING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

Aberdeen Asset Management is supporting an eight-strong team in its attempt to row across the Atlantic Ocean commencing Feb. 15th 2012, weather permitting. The eight comprise one of the most experienced ocean rowing crews ever assembled and includes Aberdeen’s own Toby Wallace, based in Philadelphia.

Volunteers sought for dementia study

Volunteers are being sought for a study into how the brain changes as we age.

LAUNCH OF LARGEST AIRPORT ADVERTISING SITE IN NORTHERN EUROPE MARKS NEW PHASE IN GLOBAL LEADER’S LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO THE NORTH EAST

Prime site underlines Falck Nutec’s strengthening partnership with Aberdeen Airport

Global offshore health and safety firm, Falck Nutec, yesterday strengthened its links both with the North-East of Scotland and the international business community by continuing its partnership with Aberdeen Airport. The investment comes as the firm officially unveiled a 728m² leading-edge advertising site, the largest single site banner in Northern Europe, at the gateway to Europe’s Oil capital.

Original 106 enjoys record audience

The station which launched in November 2007 and was controversially purchased by former Northsound Managing Director – Adam Findlay in 2009 has just reported a record audience level according to independent research body RAJAR.

Justice Secretary praises council’s new community service project

A new project, which will see teams of low level offenders being sent out to fix fallen cemetery headstones, was launched in Aberdeen today.

Scottish manufacturers achieve industry excellence for aerospace, defence and security sectors

Eight new Scottish manufacturers have won a bronze excellence accreditation in recognition of their outstanding quality and customer satisfaction levels at a UK-wide Supply Chain 21 (SC21) conference, which was held at SELEX Galileo in Edinburgh yesterday, Tuesday 14 February 2012.

GENEROUS MOLLIE FOREGOES BIRTHDAY PRESENTS TO BENEFIT BEFRIEND A CHILD

For most youngsters about to turn eight years old a big pile of birthday presents is all they can think about – but one North-east girl had more important things on her mind recently.

The 2012 Search Is On to Find Candidate for Thomas Blake Glover Aberdeen Asset Scholarship

Business Scholarship Offers Summer Course at Japanese University For Scottish Student

The search for candidates for the 2012 Thomas Blake Glover Aberdeen Asset Scholarship begins today [Tuesday 14th February]. The scholarship is a charitable fund which enables Scottish students to study at a Japanese university. Initiated by the Japan Society of Scotland and sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management, the scholarship, which is now in its fourth year, is open to young Scots who are at a post-secondary educational level.

AKE Issues New Colombia Report

LONDON – Risk management firm AKE has issued a new report on Colombia predicting comfortable economic growth in 2012 but to the backdrop of persistent security concerns.

Technip Appoints New Regional HR and Communications Head

Technip has appointed a new human resources and communications director for its North Sea Canada (NSC) region and fleet management division.

OIG Announces Appointment of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice Chairman

Singapore – 13 February 2012 – Offshore Installation Group (“OIG”) announces a strengthening of the senior management team. Steve Preston will join the company in the position of Chief Executive Officer and John Smith will join the company as Executive Vice Chairman. Both Steve and John will take up their positions in March 2012.

Over 55s offered personal PC tuition at city school

Pupils at an Aberdeen school are ready and willing to share their PC prowess with over 55s.

Northern Rail links energy efficiency improvements to ISO 50001 Certification

LRQA Business Assurance helps UK’s largest train operator achieve reductions in both electricity and gas consumption.

LARGEST SINGLE POWER CONNECTOR ORDER FOR SUBSEA LEADER EXPRO

Expro has been awarded its single biggest power connector order to date with a contract worth in the region of £7.3million.

Platinum ‘prize’ for Paul

It is an accolade presented to the world’s top pop and rock stars but now an Aberdeen academic has joined an exclusive club of platinum disc holders.

Could we die ‘greener’?

Could we die in a more environmentally friendly way?

Greener alternatives to traditional burial methods will be the subject of a free talk in Aberdeen this week.

Kemnay Showhome Hosts Art Exhibition

Deveron Homes’ flagship Cairn View development in Kemnay is to provide the setting for a new art exhibition.

William Lippe Architects Complete £1.25 Million Aberdeenshire Project

Inverurie-based William Lippe Architects have just announced completion of a £1.25 million contract at Huntly in Aberdeenshire.

Partial closure of Elphinstone Road

Elphinstone Road will be partially closed for up to six weeks from Monday [13 February] during the installation of traffic calming measures (speed cushions).

The road will be closed from its junction with St Machar Drive to just south of the Thom’s Place junction. The one-way system on Elphinstone Road will be suspended during the works.

An alternative route is available via St Machar Drive and Bedford Road.

Swing when you’re winning!

Golf campaign to highlight the North East

The North East is set to be showcased to a global audience through the launch of VisitScotland’s latest golf marketing campaign, Drive it Home.

HAVE A “CORPORATE CUT” WITH SUE RYDER AND SAX HAIR AND BEAUTY

Sue Ryder are delighted to announce that they have teamed up with Aberdeen stylists Sax Hair and Beauty for their annual Februhairy event.

World’s First Venison Ice Cream Secures Fresh Awards Nominations for Tricker PR

Tricker PR has reached the finals in three categories of the national Fresh PR awards. The Aberdeen based agency secured a nomination in the Freshest PR Stunt or Event category for its creation of the world’s first venison ice cream.

Councillors approve 2012/13 budget

Aberdeen City Council has approved its revenue budget and capital programme for 2012/13.

Aberdeenshire Council sets £548 million budget

Aberdeenshire Council has set its budget for 2012/13 and agreed revenue budgets through to 2016/17 on a provisional basis.

Aberdeen City Council housing budget proposals approved

Budget proposals for the 2012/13 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the Housing Capital Account were approved by Aberdeen city councillors today [Thursday 09 February].

Hopes high for receipt of report on examination of Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan

Nearly a year after councillors submitted it to Scottish Ministers, Aberdeenshire Council is hopeful the results of an examination of its Local Development Plan will be received in coming weeks.

Chemical Specialist Launches New Product Range at Subsea UK

Aubin, a leading independent supplier of specialist chemicals to the energy industry, is launching a new product range at this year’s Subsea UK exhibition.

TOUGH GUY MIKE RAISES £3,000 FOR BEFRIEND A CHILD

An Aberdeen-based businessman left the comfort of his suit and tie and warm office behind recently, undertaking what is billed as the world’s most demanding one-day survival race to raise funds for a local children’s charity.

Delivering medical treatment remotely … Bond style

An Aberdeen doctor who helped devise the scene in Casino Royale when a poisoned James Bond saves himself after getting medical help remotely will give a talk on Monday night (February 13) about telemedicine.

Scottish Enterprise welcomes £50 million boost for UK’s Offshore Renewable sector

The UK Government today confirmed that the UK-wide consortium bid from Ocean Energy Innovation, Carbon Trust and the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), has been selected to set up the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, a £50 million technology innovation project funded by the Technology Strategy Board.

Viewfield Road to close for resurfacing work

Viewfield Road will be partially closed for up to a fortnight from Monday [13 February] for resurfacing work.

The road will be closed for 30metres south of its junction with Queens Road while the work, which is weather dependent, is carried out.

The alternative route is via Rubislaw Park Road, and Rubislaw Park Crescent, or vice versa.

P7 pupils to offer up photography tips to over 55s

Pupils at Tullos Primary School have joined forces with the Silver City Surfers to offer lessons in basic digital photography.

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.

Global oil and gas safety body OPITO enters the U.S.

- Move could raise the bar on offshore safety in Gulf of Mexico -

Aberdeen headquartered safety training and skills body OPITO International has increased its global reach with a move into the U.S. oil and gas industry.

Subsea Specialist Flexlife Completes First Application of FlexGel

Flexlife, an oil and gas industry specialist in subsea project and integrity management, has announced the successful first application of its innovative product FlexGel, in a North Sea operation for an oil major.

Cognity’s Model for the Future

Aberdeen based independent engineering consultancy, Cognity, is pioneering a new service to help clients turn their visions of new projects into 3D reality overnight.

Aberdeen dads learning to be better parents thanks to innovative project

A support group dedicated to dads in Aberdeen is breaking down barriers to offer help, advice and education for fathers as they bid to become better parents.

Icy patches likely overnight

Road surface temperatures are again forecast to dip to below freezing tonight, which means there may be icy patches on roads and pavements.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to take care if out and about tonight and tomorrow morning and to beware of black ice.

Winter maintenance operations continue as normal.

Winning ideas from next generation of entrepreneurs

With entrepreneurship and innovation increasingly recognised by governments as the foundation of a competitive national economy and SMEs accounting for 58.8 per cent of private sector employment and 48.8 per cent of private sector turnover (Department for Business Innovation & Skills, Otober 2011), the Scottish Institute for Enterprise's (SIE) has engaged Universities from across the country in it’s New Ideas Competition to host a dragons den style competition.

Businesses in Aberdeen City and Shire encouraged to grasp the Thistles

Still time to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards

Tourism businesses from Aberdeen City and Shire are being encouraged to enter the regional heats for the new look Scottish Thistle Awards with the deadline for entries fast approaching.

Locally sourced Scottish food cooks up increase in sales and turnover for tourism businesses

Leading Scottish tourism businesses and event organisers, which collectively reach over 13 million visitors each year, have experienced an eight per cent increase in turnover and seven per cent increase in sales per visitor over the last 12 months thanks to a new national food and drink project, called Experiencing Scotland.

BP Announces Plan to Sell its Global LPG Bottles and Tank Filling Business

BP announced today that it intends to sell its LPG bottles and tank filling operations in Portugal, UK, Austria, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Turkey, China and South Africa, as well as its non refinery-integrated wholesale business.

ASCO’S ABERDEEN AND PETERHEAD TEAMS DONATE OVER £22,000 TO CHILDREN 1ST

ASCO, the world’s leading oil and gas logistics company, announced today that its Northern North Sea (NNS) business, which includes bases across a number of Aberdeen and Peterhead locations, has donated over £22,000 to its 2011 charity of the year, CHILDREN 1ST.

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.

Fourth quarter and full year 2011 results

Tuesday 07 February 2012

Results

This morning at 0700 GMT BP announced its fourth quarter 2011 results.

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust to benefit from £7million funding announcement

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust, a charity established to care for the city’s historic built environment, is to receive £750,000 in grant funding, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced today [Monday February 6].