Jun 112015
 

Wednesday 10th June 2015, Aberdeen, Scotland. Team Recruitment. (Photo: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media)With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

One of Scotland’s leading recruitment organisations has revealed significant expansion plans that sees the creation of three new divisions and two key appointments at director level.

Founded in 1997, Aberdeen headquartered TEAM Recruitment appointed Lynne Duncan as its Managing Director in October and, since then, the former Aberdeen Football Club sales and marketing manager has undertaken a root and branch review of the business including the formulation of a long term growth strategy.

“I spent my first six months in post fact-finding and listening as it was crucial that I understood fully where we were in the marketplace and what was required to develop the business to the next level.

“While we were very well established in our core areas of ‘Offshore’ and ‘Trades’, we needed to broaden the base in terms of what we offer if we want to grow the business.

“Consequently I am delighted to confirm we are establishing three new divisions in ‘Commercial’, ‘Engineering’ and ‘Executive’ and are significantly strengthening the senior management team with the appointment of two extremely well-known and respected figures within the sector in Craig Finnie and Martyn Garvie as Commercial Director and Client Solutions Director respectively.”

Craig brings with him more than fifteen years of experience in recruitment, executive search, business development, people management and account management.

“I believe this is a chance for us to work effectively and efficiently, in conjunction with our clients, to build a strong and stable future. With our new business model, we have an ability to offer our clients an unparalleled level of service.

“We understand the importance of working collaboratively, which has always been a key driver for me and something that TEAM, as a business, strongly believes in.”

Martyn also boasts more than a decade and a half in the commercial environment, with over six years working in the recruitment sector.

“I am passionate about the global oil and gas industry and driven by my ambition to create a consultancy that is recognised as the best. The opportunity to work with likeminded people who are also driven to achieve these goals keeps me motivated to drive this business forward.

“I feel incredibly proud to be involved in what is a new chapter at TEAM and look forward to being part of a winning team.”

Lynne believes the significance of Craig and Martyn’s appointments should not be underestimated.

“We can now offer our customers the ‘complete package’ in terms of our service, with consistency for the clients across all areas of the business and dedicated teams to meet their varied requirements and that sets us apart from others.

“This is a hugely exciting step for the business and for me personally to be at the forefront of. Terry Allan, who set the business up, has worked tirelessly over the years to build a very solid operation and while we are creating a new structure to take the organisation to the next level, it will be built on the foundation Terry has fostered.

“While we will continue to work with personnel, candidates and clients of long standing, establishing the new divisions will introduce others to TEAM and we will be looking for all of them to be a part of our journey.

“While everyone knows TEAM by name, the key for us going forward is to communicate to everyone what we do and what we can deliver and with my background in sales and marketing that is something we will be undertaking with enthusiasm and vigour.

“At a time of uncertainty, the fact we are adding to our senior team and growing the business speaks volumes!”

TEAM Recruitment Ltd., has a successful track record in providing specialist personnel to clients across the energy industry. Based in Aberdeen and ideally situated to service the North Sea, TEAM also operates globally having serviced clients in projects across Europe, Middle East, Canada, Latin America, USA, Africa and Australasia. www.teamrecruitment.co.uk

 

Jun 112015
 
Hugh Little

Aberdeen Asset Management’s Hugh Little,

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

One of Aberdeen’s most well-known and well-respected business figures is to retire this summer. Hugh Little, 58, Head of Acquisitions at Aberdeen Asset Management (Aberdeen), and one of the firm’s longest standing employees will step down at the end of June following a career spanning 28 years with the company.

Aberdeen, headquartered in the city of Aberdeen, is a global investment management group, managing assets for both institutional and retail clients from offices around the world.

Hugh plans to spend time on some non-executive roles, and was recently appointed to the Board of the newly listed property fund, Drum Income Plus REIT PLC. He will also remain as a Governor and visiting professor at Robert Gordon University.

Hugh joined Aberdeen from the corporate finance division of Ernst and Young in 1987 as the firm’s ninth employee, working alongside Chief Executive Martin Gilbert on mergers and acquisitions. At this time, Aberdeen had less than £100 million assets under management (AuM). Today that figure stands at £330 billion.

In 1990 he moved into the private equity division at Aberdeen and he led this sector of the business for the next 16 years. Some of the private companies to which Aberdeen provided early stage funding during this period included First Group and Wood Group, both of which went on, like Aberdeen itself, to become FTSE 100 companies.

In 2006 Hugh reverted back to his original role as Head of Acquisitions and since then has project-managed the group’s prolific mergers and acquisition activity which has included the acquisition of Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP) in 2014 which added over £130 billion AuM and strengthened the firms’ fixed, income, property and solutions capabilities and created a strategic alliance with Lloyds Bank.

He also led the 2013 acquisition of Artio Global Investors (additional $14.3 billion AuM), the 2010 acquisition of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Alternatives fund management business (additional £17bn of AuM), the 2009 acquisition of certain asset management business from Credit Suisse (adding £36 billion AuM) and the 2008 strategic and capital alliance with Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation which brought Aberdeen distribution access to Japan – one of the world’s largest pension markets.

In 2014 Hugh picked up the prestigious Deal Of The Year and Acquisition of the Year awards on behalf of Aberdeen at the Scottish Business Insider Deal and Dealmaker’s awards in recognition of the £550m acquisition of SWIP from Lloyds. Judges commented that the deal wasn’t just an acquisition for a big cheque, and that it was a really creative deal with longevity in mind.

Hugh was for twelve years a director of Aberdeen Football Club. He was previously a Director of Grampian Enterprise and has also been a member of the North East Board for the Scottish Council for Development and Industry. Glasgow-born David Boyle will replace Hugh as Head of Acquisitions.

David joined Aberdeen in 2003 as an Investment Manager on the Pan European Equity Team where he was part of the successful team managing UK and Continental Europe equity portfolios. More recently he has been a member of Aberdeen’s alternatives team focusing on private equity. Prior to joining Aberdeen, David worked at Deloitte and Andersen Business Consulting. He graduated with an MEng and MA from Magdalene College, University of Cambridge.

Chief Executive Martin Gilbert says of Hugh Little:

“Hugh has played a significant role in Aberdeen’s growth and success. Without his management skills, commitment and focus, many of the acquisitions which have helped us to grow would not have happened and Aberdeen would not be the financially strong diversified, global asset management company we are today. Hugh will be greatly missed and he leaves with our best wishes. We are fortunate though to have someone of David’s calibre to step into the role.”

Hugh Little comments:

“I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with some incredibly talented people at Aberdeen over these 28 years, not least of whom Martin himself, and I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to have been part of its fantastic growth story. Whilst I look forward to spending some time on the golf course and more immediately to my daughter Jenni’s wedding in July, I hope also to share some of my experience with other businesses in a non-executive capacity.

“My years with Aberdeen have given me extensive exposure to global markets and to businesses large and small, and I would hope that I can continue to contribute to the development of Scottish companies who may feel that I could be of benefit.”

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Jun 052015
 
Aberdeen, Tuesday, 24th March 2015 Clark Integrated Technologies, Auchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8EP (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Neil Warren. (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

North-east firm Clark Integrated Technologies marked Scottish Apprenticeship Week in style – by coming runner up in the Microsoft Scottish Apprentice Employer of the Year award for small employers.

The technology firm was nominated by one of their own apprentices in the Scotland-wide quest to recognise good practice and help for young people taking the first steps in their technology careers.

18 year old Neil Warren from Oldmeldrum accompanied his boss Austen Clark to the Scottish Parliament where they were presented with the award by Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training.

Since being taken on as the company’s first apprentice earlier this year Neil has become a valued part of the Clark IT team – and judges said they were impressed that Neil had put forward his employers for the honour, saying it demonstrated that he was being ably supported in advancing his career.

Speaking after the awards, Mr Clark, managing director of Clark IT said:

“We had no idea Neil had nominated us for this award so it came completely out of the blue to be told we were shortlisted, and to be invited to Edinburgh to attend the presentations.

“Neil has demonstrated to us the benefits that apprentices bring to business, and we’re delighted that he has become part of the Clark family team.

“Employing young people as modern apprentices will certainly be something that we as a company will seek to pursue in the future.”

Microsoft has developed its Modern Apprenticeship to help businesses in Scotland access talent to build their businesses, and as a way for local young people to gain high quality IT skills and long term employment. Its awards recognise the significant impact made by Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland with both employers and candidates.

Working with over 1,500 commercial partners in Scotland, as well as training partners, the scheme supports young people aged 16-24, improving vital technical skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

2015 marks the 5th Anniversary of the awards, part of the ‘Get On’ programme which has helped many young people at the start of their careers, including over 7000 apprentices directly employed and trained by Microsoft partners and customers.

Clark IT has over 20 years of experience in providing industry leading support and delivering business-class technology. The company’s integrated solutions provide industry leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth. Its client base stretches from Aberdeen to Inverness.

For more information, see the firm’s website at www.clark-it.com

 

May 152015
 
Aberdeen, Tuesday, 24th March 2015 Clark Integrated Technologies, Auchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8EP (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Clark IT apprentice Neil Warren nominated his employers for the Microsoft Scottish Apprentice Employer of the Year award.

With thanks to Beverly Tricker.

North-east firm Clark Integrated Technologies is in the running for the Microsoft Scottish Apprentice Employer of the Year award.

Neil Warren (18) from Oldmeldrum joined Clark Integrated Technologies (IT) as the company’s first ever apprentice earlier this year, and nominated his employers for the accolade.

The firm has reached the finals and Neil will accompany managing director Austen Clark to the Scottish Parliament later this month, where the winners will be announced.

Neil has appreciated the chance to gain a wide range of on-the-job experience and training through the QA apprenticeship scheme, and felt Clark IT deserved recognition for the “incredible” start they have offered him.

Neil says:

“They took a bit of a risk, taking me on for my enthusiasm, rather than my qualifications as I didn’t have as much to offer on paper as the other applicants.

“Now I’m getting proper training and work experience across a wide range of IT, so I’ve got the best of both worlds which is incredible.”

The winners will be announced at an evening reception at Holyrood in Edinburgh on May 20, during Scottish Apprenticeship Week which runs from 18-22 May.

Aberdeen, Tuesday, 24th March 2015 Clark Integrated Technologies, Auchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8EP (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Microsoft has developed its Modern Apprenticeship activity to help businesses in Scotland access talent to build their businesses, and as a way for local young people to gain high quality IT skills and long term employment. Its awards recognise the significant impact made by Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland with both employers and candidates.

Working with over 1,500 commercial partners in Scotland, as well as training partners, the scheme supports young people aged 16-24, improving vital technical skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Taking on the company’s first modern apprentice has been a positive move for Clark IT, according to Mr Clark, who says:

“Neil nominating us for this award came completely out of the blue and it shows how much he’s valued becoming part of the Clark IT family.

“Equally, he has become a valued employee, showing us the benefits that apprentices bring to business. He’s fitted in really well and as a company we are delighted to be providing training within the workplace to help young employees develop and reach their potential.”

Clark IT has over 20 years of experience in providing industry leading support and delivering business-class technology. The company’s integrated solutions provide industry leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth.

With a client base in both Aberdeen City and Shire, a recent development has seen the expansion of Clark IT into the Inverness area.

About Clark IT:

Clark Integrated Technologies (Clark IT) was founded in 1991 and is one of Scotland’s leading independent providers of managed ICT solutions to a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland and beyond.

With a wealth of technological and commercial experience, supported by an established reputation, Clark IT offers clients reliable and honest strategic advice on all aspects of Information and Communications Technology. Find out more by visiting www.clark-it.com or calling 01888 511 441.

In March, Inverness-based The Castle Group, specialists in the provision of professional security services across Scotland, announced a new contract with Clark IT to provide the company with enhanced technology, upgraded devices and IT support.

May 152015
 

Tim MartinWith thanks to Leanne Carter.

The recently launched Aberdeen office of Ramboll Oil and Gas has continued its strong start to the year by securing a £275,000 contract with a major North Sea operator.

The crude oil booster pump replacement project has been one of the key achievements in an above-anticipated performance in the first quarter of the year.

It is less than a year since the global engineering consultancy launched in Aberdeen, but the company has already won new work with a range of major oil and gas companies operating within the UKCS.

The latest contract win is to deliver a full multi-discipline detailed design and construction engineering project for replacement crude oil pumps on a North Sea platform. The team in Aberdeen will provide 3D cloud scanning services, design and construction engineering.

Managing director Tim Martin says it had been anticipated it would take time for the Ramboll name to become known within Aberdeen, and that the current difficulties facing the energy sector would also impact on its early performance.

He adds:

“This incredibly strong start to the year has been above our expectations and all the indications are that the Aberdeen office of Ramboll Oil and Gas will continue to experience a period of growth as we move into the second quarter.

“We anticipated that the current tough market conditions being experienced in the North Sea and the wider oil industry would negatively impact on our projected growth, but the opposite of that is actually happening and we are making significant breakthroughs.

“The feedback we are receiving is that the Ramboll project management model of offering cost-effective engineering solutions is exactly what is needed at this time.

“Although our clients will work directly with the Aberdeen office, our position of local presence and global knowledge allows us to work with the most talented engineers in a number of international offices to deliver safe, reliable and importantly at this time, cost effective, engineering solutions.”

It is the second major contract win announced by Ramboll Oil and Gas this year, and follows on from the company being awarded the detailed jacket design for Maersk Oil’s Culzean field, located 145 miles east of Aberdeen.

Ramboll Oil & Gas is a business unit within the Ramboll Group. With four decades of experience, the company is a well-established, independent and highly regarded provider of offshore and onshore engineering consultancy services for the oil and gas industry. Today, Ramboll Oil & Gas has offices in the USA, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, India, Denmark, Norway and UK, and employ close to 1,000 specialists.

May 072015
 

With thanks to Phil Moar, Citrus Mix.

Team Aberdeen Adopt an Area 1

Team Aberdeen supporting Aberdeen Inspired’s Civic Pride Campaign

An initiative aimed at instilling a sense of civic pride in Aberdeen has seen the products of its first ‘Adopt an Area’ project come to fruition.
Spearheaded by business organisation Aberdeen Inspired, the Team Aberdeen campaign is committed to fostering pride in the heart of the city by encouraging residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders to join together to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Late last year, the campaign enlisted the help of volunteers from Aberdeen City Centre Community Council (ACCCC) and Skipton Building Society to spruce up an area on the corner of the city’s College Street and Bridge Street.

The site, often been criticised for its unsightly appearance, had a number of containers installed in November, along with a deep clean and tidy up from Aberdeen City Council, with the recent fine weather allowing for the first shoots to begin to show.

However, despite the recent deep clean and additions, the location has continued to be blighted by discarded cigarette ends and litter. The team from Skipton has reinforced its support of Team Aberdeen even further by carrying out another tidy up of the area in an effort to combat this ongoing problem. It has also committed its support to the next ‘Adopt an Area’ project once a location has been finalised.

And as Aberdeen Inspired moves towards its important renewal ballot which is to be held early next year, it has issued a rallying call for other businesses to get involved with adopting other parts of the BID zone.

Angela Joss, project manager of Aberdeen Inspired, said:

“The ‘Adopt an Area’ initiative was an important milestone for the Team Aberdeen campaign and it really has shown how big a difference little additions can make to a specific area.

“We were delighted to present this plaque to Skipton Building Society in recognition of its continued work in the area. The team is a fantastic example of how voluntary contributions can help improve the aesthetics of the BID zone and we really can’t thank them enough for their efforts.

“As Aberdeen Inspired moves towards its important re-ballot date early next year, we’d now like to roll the ‘Adopt an Area’ scheme out across other parts of the BID zone but to do this, we really need the help and support of businesses within the area. We’re looking for a group of volunteers to give up a few hours to help sweep, wash or even plant some seeds as we look to continue the good momentum that the campaign has already gained.

“We have a few sites in mind and we’d be delighted to speak to anyone who is interested in getting involved. Your help could make a massive difference to an area that so many people regularly use, whether it is working, living in or simply visiting.”

Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute. Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district and driving footfall to the zone.

For further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired visit www.aberdeeninspired.com

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May 072015
 

StNicholasWith thanks to Phil Moar, Citrus Mix.

An initiative aimed at instilling a sense of civic pride in Aberdeen has secured nearly £200,000 of funding as it moves forward with plans to refresh the green space on the rooftop of the St Nicholas Centre.

Spearheaded by business organisation Aberdeen Inspired, the Team Aberdeen campaign is committed to fostering pride in the heart of the city by encouraging residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders to join together to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

The upper deck of the St Nicholas Centre has been earmarked as the location for the organisation’s next city centre project as it aims to make a number of additions to the space in an effort to encourage more people to use it on a regular basis.

Nearly £200,000 of funding has already been secured, with Aberdeen City Council committing £50,000 to the project. A further £50,000 has been pledged by social enterprise Greenspace Scotland, more than £50,000 will come from Bon Accord & St Nicholas, £20,000 from Aberdeen Inspired and £10,000 from Atkins and Creative Core.

Plans for the once popular lunch-break spot are at an early stage but could include improved seating, innovative planting and improved lighting which all would come together to aid the revitalisation of the area alongside enhancing its appeal to families. A portion of the money secured from Bon Accord & St Nicholas will also be going towards the repair of paving stones in the area.

Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said:

“Over the past months, we’ve been working hard to secure funding that will be used to enhance the upper deck of the St Nicholas Centre and we’re delighted to have nearly £200,000 of that in place already.

“I’d like to thank Aberdeen City Council, Greenspace Scotland, Bon Accord & St Nicholas, Atkins and Creative Core for their commitment to the project and we’re looking forward to working with them all as plans for the space move forward in the coming weeks.

“We want to really encourage people to make more use of the space and we want to introduce little changes to the area that will breathe new life into it. A big part of this will be adding to the greenspace that is already there and we’re currently looking at innovative approaches to planting that will hopefully bring something different to this specific part of the city.

“We feel there is real potential to enhance this area and help it become a space that people will be able to enjoy for years to come. This could be as a location for individuals to enjoy on their lunch break or simply as an attractive connection walkway from Union Street to Upperkirkgate. The potential for the area is already there and it is our aim, along with support from a number of our partners, to allow it to flourish.”

Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute. Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district and driving footfall to the zone.

For further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired visit www.aberdeeninspired.com

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Apr 232015
 

With thanks Esther Green, Tricker PR.

Clarklogo2A North-east firm has been ranked among the top managed service providers for IT in the world, according to a global guide published this month.

For the fourth year in a row, Clark Integrated Technologies (IT) features in the annual MSPmentor 501 Global Edition award listings.

And as well as its place in the MSPmentor 501 list, Clark IT appears on the Top 50 for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for a second time. Only one other Scottish firm has made it onto the EMEA Top 50.

Reflecting on the firm’s achievement, Austen Clark, Managing Director of Clark IT says:

“It is fantastic to be recognised again by MSPmentor, and it is a great achievement for the team to be ranked in the EMEA Top 50 for a second time.

“We are committed to working in partnership with our clients to deliver support and solutions to drive efficiency throughout their business.”

Each year, MSPmentor gathers information for its annual rankings through the participation of managed service providers and IT service providers in their annual survey.

The survey was conducted from December 2014 through January 2015 and rankings are based Penton Technology’s unique criteria for MSPs, such as annual recurring revenues, total revenues and more.

This year the top MSPmentor 501 companies recorded higher recurring revenues than ever before. Combined, the total annual recurring revenues for all of MSPmentor 501 2015 companies was up by 26.5% year over year.

Marcia Parker, Executive Director, Penton Technology Group says:

“We want to congratulate Clark Integrated Technologies and look forward to covering their growth strategies in the year ahead.”

Jessica Davis, Editor in Chief of MSPmentor and Executive Editor at Penton Technology, adds:

“Thank you to all the companies who participated in this year’s MSPmentor 501 survey, and congratulations to the companies that ranked on our lists.”

Clark IT has over 20 years of experience in providing industry leading support and delivering business-class technology. The company’s integrated solutions provide industry leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth.

Clark IT has a client base in both Aberdeen City and Shire, and a recent development has seen the expansion of the company into the Inverness area.

Founded in 1991, Clark Integrated Technologies (Clark IT) is one of Scotland’s leading independent providers of managed ICT solutions to a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland and beyond.

With a wealth of technological and commercial experience, supported by an established reputation, Clark IT offers clients reliable and honest strategic advice on all aspects of Information and Communications Technology.

For more information, see the firm’s website at www.clark-it.com

Apr 172015
 

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Tricker PR.

NEWSLINE MEDIA LIMITED

Jean Ryrie has worked at the Thistle Aberdeen Airport for 39 years.

The hospitality industry is notorious for high staff turnover; employees often flit from job to job without hesitation or loyalty. But Thistle hotels in Aberdeen are bucking the trend.
Thistle Aberdeen Airport hotel boasts an experienced team that have stuck together through thick and thin, including a core team that has over 260 years’ experience in the hotel – that’s 21 years longer than the United States of America has been in existence.

Leading the pack is executive head housekeeper Jean Ryrie, who has been a valued member of the team for 39 years.

Recently nominated for housekeeper of the year at the Scottish Hotel Awards, her passion for greeting colleagues and guests with a smile has never faltered.

Jean says,

“Working for Thistle is a fantastic experience. If it wasn’t, I would never have stayed so long. The staff here are like one big family, and we all get on really well. That sense of camaraderie really makes the working day fly by.”

Always willing to go the extra mile for those staying in the hotel, Jean has been known to go above and beyond to ensure her guests are safe and happy during their stay.

Jean remembers,

“One guest that sticks in my mind was a man who called the housekeeping office to ask for extra blankets. It’s not an unusual request so I brought some up, but when I arrived at his room I found him ill in bed with an awful temperature.

“I asked reception to call for a doctor, and kept an eye on him until one arrived.

“One time I visited his room and he had gotten so much worse that I couldn’t wait for the doctor any longer – I called for an ambulance, and he was rushed to hospital.”

The guest was later diagnosed with septicaemia, a severe form of blood poisoning that could have led to fatal complications had Jean not taken action.

She continues,

“I didn’t think twice about calling the ambulance. If a guest is in need, I always feel it is my duty to do whatever I can to help them, and I know my colleagues feel the same way.”

Jean’s caring nature is not just reserved for the hotel’s guests, meaning that she has a hard-working and dedicated team that have stayed with her during her career in the hotel. Ensuring that they are treated and trained well, Jean makes sure everyone in the housekeeping department feels a valued member of the team. 

Alongside new recruits, Jean’s hard-working team includes Margaret Esson (31 years), Camilla Jones (26 years), Brenda Paterson (24 years), Emma Singer (24 years), Audrey Western (23 years) and Fiona Cruickshank (13 years).

General manager Alison Christie says,

“I am absolutely thrilled that so many of my colleagues have chosen to stay at the Thistle Aberdeen Airport for so long. Having such experienced staff means that everything in the hotel runs smoothly – there are very few situations they haven’t come across before. We really are a well-oiled machine.”

That dedication to the job is not just reserved for the housekeeping department, however, and many other teams in the hotel boast extremely experienced staff who have stayed at the hotel throughout their careers.

Food and beverage operator Christina Grant has been a member of the catering team for 34 years, working with breakfast supervisor Lesley Martin and kitchen assistant Ruby Henderson, who have been there for 30 and 29 years respectively. Head chef Richard Simpson has been overseeing the kitchen for a decade.

Alison adds,

“We often see guests returning to the Thistle Aberdeen Airport every time they visit the city. They enjoy seeing the same faces when they check in – it’s like coming to a home from home.

“The continuity guests get from visit to visit means that they always know that they’ll receive top quality service, and I am delighted that we are able to provide that.”

Thistle has three hotels in Aberdeen – The Caledonian, Aberdeen Airport and Aberdeen Altens. There are 446 bedrooms across the three venues, and each has conferencing and banqueting facilities. Aberdeen Altens also has an on-site leisure club and spa. Further information is available at www.thistle.com

Apr 142015
 

NEWSLINE MEDIA LIMITEDWith thanks to Eoin Smith, Tricker PR.

An Aberdeen hotel has been recognised in a national accreditation scheme which aims to identify the country’s best meeting venues. Thistle Aberdeen Airport has been awarded a commended rating by BDRC Continental – a meetings sector research specialist – based on feedback from customers.

VenueVerdict Accreditation, which is based entirely on genuine and verified customer reviews, means that Thistle Aberdeen Airport is delivering a level of customer service to meetings and events customers which is considered to be above the national average.

The four-star venue has a main ballroom capable of seating 250 guests, along with a number of smaller meeting rooms. The hotel provides meeting space for several global oil majors located in the Granite City, and is one of only a handful of hotels in Aberdeen to hold full emergency response plans for customers in the energy sector.

Although it has a large corporate customer base, it is also a very popular venue for weddings, dinner dances and charity events. It staged a variety of different events in 2014, with a high proportion of year on year repeat business.

The accreditation from VenueVerdict applies to the period from January to December, 2014. Thistle Aberdeen Airport general manager Alison Christie says that the venue receives consistently high feedback from customers.

She adds,

“To have that positive feedback formally recognised through the VenueVerdict Accreditation underlines that we are able to deliver consistently high standards. We always strive to go above and beyond for our customers in terms of their expectations, so we are very pleased to have this acknowledged.

“We believe that each and every event is individual, so therefore we should be delivering a level of service that reflects our willingness to put the customer at the centre of the whole process. It is that approach that has consistently earned us high praise from our customers, and keeps them returning to the hotel.”

During the period from January to December 2014, VenueVerdict featured 375 participating meeting venues and hotels in the UK and Ireland. The results were derived from around 21,250 individual pieces of feedback.

Thistle has three hotels in Aberdeen – The Caledonian, Aberdeen Airport and Aberdeen Altens. There are 446 bedrooms across the three venues, and each has conferencing and banqueting facilities. Aberdeen Altens also has an on-site leisure club and spa. Further information is available at www.thistle.com