Creative thinking

- December 2011

The culture which creates millions for the North-east economy

The major significance of the creative and cultural industries in the North-east of Scotland has been outlined in a report drawn up by Professor Paul Harris, Head of Gray’s School of Art.

The report, which was presented for information to ACSEF,  shows that in the five years to 2008, employment in that sector in Aberdeen City and Shire increased by 37%, more than three times the Scottish rate, meaning more than 9,000 people now work in the creative and cultural industries (CCIs).

This data does not include any self-employment but research has shown that 68% of those working in the visual arts in Scotland, 36% of those in crafts and 26% of those in design are self-employed.

A toast to success - Cheering news from the Scotch whisky industry

- November 2011

It appears that the whole world from Azerbaijan to Albania, from South Africa to Singapore and from Turkey to Taiwan is learning to appreciate uisge beatha  - the water of life.

In spite of global economic uncertainty Scotch whisky exports for the first half of this year soared by 22% to £1.8 billion with success not confined to emerging markets but also being achieved in traditional markets like America and France.

So what are the secrets to selling the equivalent of 569 million bottles overseas during January to June?  Can other industries learn from one of the main drivers for the UK and Scottish economies in building export markets?

Pitching for Business Support

- October 2011

When Dons chairman Stewart Milne first suggested to successful Aberdeen businessman Colin Welsh that he consider joining the Board of the football club he was swiftly rejected.

Mr Welsh, chief executive officer of Simmons & Company International, corporate finance advisers to the energy industry, is a lifelong Dons fan but liked to separate his busy professional life from his social activities.

He and son Connor, 14, were season ticket holders and his routine was to arrive at Pittodrie five minutes before kickoff .
“I was perfectly happy with that and to be honest I used to look at the Board, and Stewart in particular, and think: ‘Who would want to be in your shoes?’”

That was still the situation when the father of two, who overcame his own battle against cancer nine years ago, agreed to chair the local Fund Raising Committee for Monty’s Maggie’s Appeal Aberdeen which is attempting to raise £3 million to build a Maggie’s centre at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Here to stay

- September 2011

BP investing more than ever before in North Sea

BP’s commitment to the North Sea is unwavering with more money being spent and more developments underway than for a very long time, according to the boss of the company’s operations in the province.

As Regional President of BP North Sea Trevor Garlick is responsible for more than 3000 staff in the UK and Norway and he told Business Bulletin that the facts about Aberdeen’s importance to the oil giant speak for themselves.

“We are doing more than we have ever done, we are hiring more people than we have ever hired and investing more money than we have ever spent – although we are spending it in a more focussed way,” he said.

Government Proposals

- August 2011

Cabinet secretary on what’s ahead for the North-east

The new Scottish Government recognises the North-east as a powerhouse of the economy and will do everything possible to ensure it reaches its expansion potential, according to Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment.

In an interview with Business Bulletin he also expressed the belief that the area can benefit enormously because the SNP Government is no longer held back by the lack of a parliamentary majority and the role of the Scottish Futures Trust – which has a £2.5 billion investment programme through the NPD (non profit distributing) model – can be expanded.

One of a kind

- June 2011

A woman of substance - Dispelling the myth of a man's world

The journey to success has not been without its steep inclines for Jeanette Forbes, CEO and founder of PCL Group. She is justifiably proud of her achievement in becoming a leading woman in oil and gas in what has been regarded as predominantly a man’s world, having built a successful information technology service company.

One of a kind

- April 2011

Winds of change - Scotland's renewables future

Renewable energy must not just be at the heart of Scotland’s energy and economic policies but at the heart of the new Government’s vision for a strong, sustainable, successful country, according to the industry.

One of a kind

- April 2011

Jimmy Milne - A journey there and back again