Jul 212016
 

Aberdeen accountancy firm Hall Morrice leads companies through the maze of claiming time-limited relief. With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Andrew Bell

Andrew Bell, corporate tax manager at independent accountants Hall Morrice LLP.

Britain’s economy has reached a major milestone with the country’s private sector business population exceeding five million for the first time ever.

But corporations are not driving forward the economy: the boom is being credited to the number of enterprising sole trader and partnership businesses deciding to branch out on their own.

According to the Business Population Statistics report, some 330,000 new ventures had been launched in a 12 month period leading up to the start of 2014.

Of these businesses, 197,000 were operating as unincorporated traders.

The report, produced by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, states that the combined annual turnover of small businesses was £1.2 trillion – around 33% of turnover within the private sector.

“The numbers are phenomenal and underlines that SMEs – particularly those at the S end of the scale – are the backbone of the economy,” says Andrew Bell, corporate tax manager of independent Aberdeen based accountancy firm Hall Morrice LLP.

“The figures would appear to suggest that small businesses are recognising that an unincorporated sole trader or partnership structure is best suited to their needs. Some businesses have been a little quick off the mark to set up as a limited company when that structure is not at all suited to how they will be operating.

“For many businesses, a limited company structure is the most tax efficient way to operate the business. However, with additional legal and compliance burdens placed on the shareholders, the time incurred in meeting those obligations often means that the efficiencies are negligible or even non-existent.

“Shareholders have often felt they have no option but to carry on operating as they are because disincorporation has always been a complex and ultimately very expensive process.

“HMRC recognised this and in 2013 introduced disincorporation relief for small businesses. Essentially, it is a simplification of the rules allowing limited companies to look at their options and, if appropriate, return to or change to unincorporated status in a tax efficient manner.

“For many small firms the responsibilities that come with being a director of a limited company overwhelming and unwelcome. All too often I come across clients that are struggling to keep on top of the administrative aspects of trading through a limited company. There are many obligations to Companies House, legal responsibilities and the financial rules and regulations can be a minefield without appropriate guidance.”

The disincorporation relief applies up to 31 March, 2018 and allows a company to transfer all of its assets, or all of its assets other than cash to shareholders who wish to continue the business in an unincorporated structure, without a charge to corporation tax arising on the transfer.

There are some criteria that must be met. For example, the total qualifying assets, including goodwill, must not be worth more than £100,000; the business must be transferred as a going concern; and the shareholders must have held shares in the company for at least 12 months before the transfer date.

Disincorporation frees up time and costs devoted to compliance of company accounts, corporation tax returns, and annual returns and allows many small businesses to make efficiencies in their budget for accountancy fees.

According to HRMC, over 600,000 businesses across the UK could be eligible to make a claim for disincorporation relief. Hall Morrice has helped many limited companies, where it has been found both desirable by and beneficial to the shareholders, return to an unincorporated status, and is in the process of recommending disincorporation to many more.

With the disincorporation relief scheme due to end in March 2018, Andrew urges companies that may fit better within an unincorporated structure not to delay looking at their options.

Andrew explains,

“There are some qualifying criteria as with any such tax relief schemes, but it has been set up in a way that makes the process as smooth as possible. The scheme will run for five years, and is due to be wound up in 2018 so it is a time-limited opportunity.

“Although 2018 may seem a long way off, I would recommend that business owners start considering their options now. I’ve worked with several businesses that have been through this process and it is not something that will happen overnight.

“On the face of it, there would be no better time to opt for disincorporation when there is the incentive of relief, but it is not for everyone. There are many advantages to remaining incorporated, including flexibility over profit extraction.

“There are lots of considerations to be made, and our team will work with shareholders to weigh up the pros and cons of moving to unincorporated status. It is vitally important to make the right decision as once a claim has been made, it is irrevocable.

“If shareholders do decide that they would like to opt for disincorporation, we will prepare the claim and guide them through the whole process to make sure that all obligations to HMRC and Companies House are met.”

Founded in 1976, Hall Morrice is one of Scotland’s leading independent firms of chartered accountants and has offices in Aberdeen and Fraserburgh. Based at 6 & 7 Queens Terrace in Aberdeen, Hall Morrice can be contacted on 01224 647394 or at accounts@hallmorrice.co.uk

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Jul 082016
 

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR

DDS exterior1Businesses in Ballater have been buoyed by a feeling of optimism after seeing the reopening of a number of premises which were hit by floods in December last year.

A number of shops and offices in the Bridge Street area are back in action again which is helping to restore the feel-good factor in the centre of the village.

That’s the view of Richard Watts, chairman of Ballater Business Association, who comments:

“The way in which Ballater picked itself up to move forward after the serious and devastating consequences of Storm Frank has been quite remarkable.

“People have shown reliance, grit and determination to move forward. This can-do attitude has been inspiring.

“What’s been particularly worthy of mention has been the strong pulling together of the local community. That sense of support has been very evident and I am sure it will remain as the village continues to repair and heal from the worst floods in living memory.

“The message we want to highlight now is that Ballater is very much back in business – come and see for yourself!”

The sense of support and co-operation can be illustrated by two hair salons working together after the flooding forced the closure of one of the premises. After its Bridge Street salon was flooded, D’Tangled moved in to join the Hair Loft at Netherley Place. The arrangement worked so well that the temporary set up has been made permanent and both businesses will continue to trade under the one roof.

The former salon has now been converted into Deeside Design Studio (pictured), with Ian Rodger Architects in Aberdeen opening its first regional branch in Ballater. Joining associate Sarah Russell in operating from the office is quantity surveyor David Cobban who works for McCue and Porter in Aberdeen.

When Laurie & Co reopened its refurbished Ballater solicitor’s office, it expanded its workforce, welcoming a new associate solicitor to its team.

Messages of support received from all over the world were a real source of encouragement to Neil and Davinia Massie after Rock Salt and Snails in Ballater suffered extensive flood damage. The popular café is back in action and is looking forward to a busy summer season, welcoming back locals and visitors alike.

Fellow café owner Karen Gerrie of Brown Sugar Café has also been able to reopen her business, improving access for disabled customers during the refit.

Ballater Golf Course was back on course just three months after Storm Frank caused substantial damage when thanks to the help of volunteers, members of staff and employees of an oil company, the full 18 holes were reopened.

Months of hard work saw the Ballater Caravan Park official relaunched with the touring site substantially upgraded, including an upgraded toilet block and new play park.

Mr Watts says there are lots of good examples of how progress has been made, and believes that the business association can continue to benefit from the collaborative working seen since the floods.

He adds:

“As a business association, we hope to harness this spirit, using it to continue communication between local businesses, in the exchanging ideas to promote business in the area, and in considering local issues that concern the entire community.”

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Jun 172016
 
DDS exterior1

Deeside Design Studio has opened in Ballater after the flooding provided the opportunity of office space in the centre of the village.

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

The flooding of Ballater provided an unexpected opportunity for an Aberdeen architectural practice to open its first regional branch.

Last December’s floods served as a catalyst for Ian Rodger Architects to act on plans to set up a Ballater office and press ahead with investing in the area.

When an ideal site in the heart of the village became available, the business took action and it has now opened an office to serve clients in the Deeside area.

Its new premises at 28 Bridge Street, which were damaged during the flooding, have undergone complete refurbishment and Deeside Design Studio opened last week.

It is staffed by Ian Rodger Architects’ associate Sarah Russell who lives in the village, and who previously commuted daily to the Aberdeen practice. It’s also being used by quantity surveyor David Cobban who lives in Ballater and works for McCue and Porter in Aberdeen.

Ian Rodger, owner of Ian Rodger Architects has praised the local community for the warm welcome villagers have shown and looks forward to seeing the Deeside office develop and grow.

Ian says:

“Ballater is a lovely place and local people have been very positive and helpful during the refurbishment works and now that the office is open. It’s early days and the new office has strong links to our Aberdeen practice, but it is our hope to see it develop and grow over time.

“It was always part of our plan to open an office in Ballater. When this premises came up we were able to work with the previous occupant –  who relocated due to the flooding – to have the lease reassigned, and a change of use granted.

“We have  spent considerable time and money to have the property repaired and enhanced, recognising how important it is to Ballater that Bridge Street gets back into working order as soon as possible.

“We wish to extend the invitation for anyone affected by the flooding and requiring any building advice to drop into our office at any time.  More than that, we have good experience in all types of building projects, and are happy to take on any scale of project in Deeside.

“It’s noticeable that there is a strong community spirit in Ballater, and we look forward to expanding our Deeside workload as part of its business community.

“Our associate, Sarah Russell, is a local of Ballater and lost her flat during the flooding. Sarah is especially keen to help the village recover and becoming closely involved in the local business community.”

To build links with the community, Deeside Design Studio has sponsored the Highland dancing competition at Ballater Highland Games in August and will be joining Ballater Business Association.

The previous occupant of 28 Bridge Street was hairdressing salon D’Tangled, which is now sharing premises with The Hair Loft.

Richard Watts, chairman of Ballater Business Association, says that attracting new business investment in Ballater is a real positive step and another sign of optimism.

“We welcome the opening of Deeside Design Studio and look forward to the firm becoming a valued part of our business community. I am sure it will gain benefits from being part of our forum and the opportunities this provides through promoting communication between local businesses and the exchanging of ideas.

“It’s heartening to hear of the warm welcome that local folk have already shown to this new business and it’s another indication of Ballater getting back on its feet.”

Jun 102016
 

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Laurie and coAn Aberdeenshire solicitor’s office affected by flooding is set to reopen next week and has expanded its workforce in the process.
The Ballater branch of Laurie & Co was badly hit by floods in the aftermath of Storm Frank last December, but the newly renovated office is on track to open next week, with only the carpets and furniture left to be fitted.

Laurie & Co has used the opportunity to welcome a new associate solicitor to its team at the Ballater office, expanding its workforce to three full-time and one part-time member of staff.

The recent repair work on the office has also allowed the firm to create an additional office for its new member of staff.

The Aberdeen-based solicitors first opened a branch in Ballater five years ago, after taking over from Gray and Kellas. Since then, the Bridge Street office has built up a strong client base in the village by offering a wide range of legal advice and services. The team has been operating out of its Aberdeen headquarters for the past five months and regularly stay in touch with clients via phone calls and emails.

Directly after the floods, Alan Nicoll, a partner at Laurie & Co, held workshops providing legal advice for residents who were facing difficulties claiming insurance. Laurie & Co also provided insurance information for those affected by the floods on its website. The webpage is still active and offers practical advice and a step-by-step guide on what to do after you’ve been affected by flooding in regards to insurance.

Speaking about the insurance workshops, Alan says,

“The floods were obviously a really distressing time for everyone involved, but the outpouring of support from all over really helped to lift everyone’s spirits. All of us at Laurie & Co wanted to do something to help. I’d heard that some people were struggling with their insurance claims, so that’s when I decided I was going to give residents advice on how to handle their insurance issues.

“Most people didn’t know where to start when it came to insurance, which is understandable as it would’ve been the last thing on everyone’s minds. It was a good feeling to be able to help out by offering legal advice, Ballater residents had been through enough without having to worry about their insurance not paying out. My colleagues also helped out by compiling the advice page on the Laurie & Co website, which people are still using to this day.

“The support the village received was absolutely incredible and it certainly helped get us all back on our feet. I’m so proud that the office is reopening next week, alongside a few of our neighbours. The entire community has achieved so much this year and hopefully Ballater will come back stronger than ever.”

The firm’s staff are now looking forward to seeing their new office and getting back to work in Ballater. Since the beginning of the year, the village has gone from strength to strength and Laurie & Co is one in a long line of businesses which are due to reopen this month or have already reopened.

Richard Watts, of Ballater Business Association, says,

“I am thrilled to hear that Laurie & Co is going to be reopening next week. The expansion of both its workforce and office shows that the firm is looking towards the future.

“It’s great that so many local businesses are taking the opportunity to make improvements which will provide a better experience for staff, visitors and clients. This is another extremely positive step for Ballater and also marks the start of a new beginning for the village.”

Apr 082016
 

Colin CampbellWith thanks to Gemma Setter, Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Aberdeen-based Langstane, Scotland’s largest independent office supplies company, has achieved the Investors in Young People Accreditation, the only people management standard that focuses on an employer’s recruitment and retention of young people.

This represents a true commitment to the training and development of young people and demonstrates Langstane as an employer of choice for young people.

Launched in July 2014, Investors in Young People originated through a key recommendation from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, led by Sir Ian Wood.

The accreditation is offered to all businesses across Scotland and exists to recognise and support organisations across Scotland in the employment of young people.

Having now achieved the accreditation, Langstane is now eligible to use and display the Investors in Young People logo and plaque, and enjoy its benefits.

Commenting on the award, Colin Campbell (pictured), managing director of Langstane, said:

“Langstane is extremely committed to attracting and retaining young talent in all areas of the business. Young people play a huge part in the future of our company, so it is vital that we provide them with all the training, support and advice they need to truly excel in the workplace.

“We are honoured to be awarded the Investors in Young People Accreditation, as it reflects our dedication towards helping those just out of school, college or university into a worthwhile career with Langstane.”

Peter Russian, chief executive of Investors in People Scotland, said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for Langstane, and I and the whole IIYP team would like to wholeheartedly congratulate them. The Investors in Young People framework not only recognises and supports organisations in the employment of young people, but marks them out as an employer of choice. 

“I envisage that many more organisations will wish to follow in the footsteps of Langstane and demonstrate their commitment to young people by working with the Investors in Young People framework.”

He continued:

“The benefits of recruiting and developing young people are countless. These include the creation of a talent pool for the future, new and increased skills in areas such as IT and social media, fresh eyes and mind-sets into business operations along with enthusiasm and unique talents.”

James Bream, research and policy director at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce added on behalf of Developing the Young Workforce North East Scotland, added:

“It is exciting to see another North-east business taking real action to help create a bright future for the young people in the area. We work closely with business and schools to help promote the benefits of supporting young talent, so it’s superb to hear that Langstane have received an Investors in Young People Accreditation to reward their efforts.”

Established in 1947 as a family business, Langstane is now Scotland’s largest independent office products company and one of the largest in the UK. It employs 158 staff from its head office in Aberdeen, as well as offices in Dundee, Livingston, and Inverurie.

Specialising in a wide variety of office products, Langstane also supplies print services, furniture, catering, business gifts, and janitorial supplies to locations throughout Scotland.

For more information about Langstane, its products and career opportunities visit www.langstane.co.uk. Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LangstanePress and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LangstanePress.

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Feb 292016
 

AberdeenAssetManagement2With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Opportunities for young people to step into a career in the financial services industry will be showcased at twin events being held by Aberdeen Asset Management during Scottish Apprenticeship Week (February 29-March 4).

With applications to Aberdeen’s apprenticeship programme now open, young people, their parents and stakeholders who promote career opportunities for young people are invited to sign up to attend open evenings at the firm’s offices in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Aberdeen Asset Management has enabled dozens of young people to develop and flourish in the workplace through its tailor-made apprenticeship programme which runs for 12-24 months and gives recruits the chance to discover different areas of the business. Apprentices past and present have said that entering the world of work with Aberdeen Asset Management has offered amazing opportunities for them to learn and grow.

Lynn Brown from Aberdeen Asset Management’s learning and development team says:

“As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week we will be hosting open evenings in our Aberdeen and Edinburgh offices.

“These events will provide information about the programmes available for school leavers within Aberdeen Asset Management. Our open evenings will be a great opportunity to meet some of our current apprentices, have a tour of our offices and find out about our rotational apprenticeship programme.”

The Edinburgh Session takes place on Tuesday, March 1 from at its offices in Princes Street while the event in Aberdeen follows on Wednesday, March 2 at Union Plaza in Union Wynd. Both sessions run from 6-8pm.

These open evenings are geared for 5th or 6th year school leavers interested in a modern apprenticeship in financial services, their parents and key influencers of young people considering an apprenticeship in the financial sector.

As well as office tours and access to information on career opportunities and pathways in the world of finance, visitors will be able to meet staff including past and present modern apprentices like Sophie Ewen (21), a former pupil of St Machar Academy in Aberdeen. After completing a two year apprenticeship working in different areas of the business she joined Aberdeen Asset Management’s learning and development team as a co-ordinator.

Sophie, who will be attending both the Edinburgh and Aberdeen open evenings, says:

“As part of the four month rotation I worked in different areas and that was all good experience, but learning development was new to me and I’m really pleased to have gained a permanent position. It will be great to meet with school leavers who could become part of the next group of apprentices.”

Anyone interested in attending must register for event by emailing us at entrylevel.recruitment@aberdeen-asset.com, confirming the number of attendees.

Applications for Aberdeen’s apprenticeship programme will close at midnight on Sunday, March 27. To apply, please fill in application via our website at www.aberdeen-asset.com/vacancies

Follow Aberdeen on Twitter at @AberdeenAssetUK and join in the apprenticeship conversation using #ScotMAWeek16.

 

Feb 012016
 

With thanks to Kenneth Hutchison, Parliamentary Assistant to Dr. Eilidh Whiteford MP

EW with BrewDog reps

Eilidh Whiteford visits the BrewDog stall.

BANFF & BUCHAN MP Eilidh Whiteford has thanked local employers for a huge show of support at a jobs fair at North East Scotland College.

The  fair was organised for the benefit of workers at the Youngs’ fish processing factory in Fraserburgh, where hundreds have faced redundancy following a downturn in the company’s business.

Last month, the Taskforce established by the Scottish Government met with key local stakeholders at the town’s leisure centre, to discuss the jobs fair and other ideas to help rejuvenate the local economy.

Although a number of those affected have found alternative employment elsewhere within the fish processing industry, the fair was designed to bring other local employers in touch with skilled workers.

Around three hundred people attended, with over two hundred vacancies advertised. A number of local businesses were represented at the event, along with Armed Forces recruitment and public sector bodies. The Scottish Government’s Partnership Action for Continuing Employment team arranged translators, while supporting organisations providing advice to those affected by the redundancies.

Dr Whiteford said:

“These are uncertain times for people affected by redundancies at Young’s, but this event provided an opportunity for those seeking work to apply for current vacancies in a range of sectors, and to access advice about training and support. It’s important that those who have lost their jobs get all the support that’s available. It was great to see so many local employers here looking to recruit new staff.

The day has been a great success, and I would like to thank the local employers and agencies who have made it possible. I would also like to thank Skills Development Scotland and NESCOL for making the event possible.”

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Jan 072016
 
Aberdeen, Tuesday, 24th March 2015 Clark Integrated Technologies, Auchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8EP (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Clark IT management team (from left) Marie Adams, Amar Mirashi, Austen Clark and Margo Robertson.

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

2016 is a milestone year for leading North-east ICT specialists Clark Integrated Technologies which celebrates 25 years in business.

Clark IT is marking its silver anniversary with a series of special events, including a gala dinner at Fyvie Castle in July.

From humble beginnings – Clark Computers started trading from the family farm near Turriff – the business has grown into a company with 26 employees that is regarded as a leading independent provider of managed Information and Communications Technology solutions to a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland.

The company’s integrated solutions provide industry-leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth, allowing its clients to outsource key services to improve performance freeing their own time and resources to focus on core business.

In the past year alone, Clark IT was named among the top managed service providers in the world in the annual MSP mentor 501 list; it achieved  ISO 9001 and its support of modern  apprenticeships was recognised when the company came runner-up in the Microsoft Scottish apprentice employer of the year award.

The firm, based at Auchterless, near Turriff, is a Microsoft Silver Partner, a quality standard approved by the global tech company and is a one of only a handful of authorised Apple consultants in Scotland with dedicated support technicians experienced in the use of Apple products in the business world.

Managing director Austen Clark says:

“Clark IT has come a long way in 25 years – just think of the technological advances there have been in that period that have revolutionised the way we live and do business.

“We face the future with considerable optimism and look forward to many more years of growth and positively contributing to the economy of the North-east of Scotland.”

Founded in 1991 as Clark Computers by current chairman Graham Clark, the business was set up with a staff of 2 and operated from its rural location outside Turriff. The steady development and growth of the company facilitated the need for larger premises and it moved to its current site at Auchterless, which was previously the Towie Tavern, in 2003.

Clark IT is a leading independent provider of managed Information and Communications Technology solutions to a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland. For more information, see the firm’s website at www.clark-it.com

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Nov 192015
 

SCT

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Tricker PR.

Long gone are the days where pensions were a fairly straightforward saving process; savers today face an impenetrable wall of ifs, buts and maybes.

When do I start my pension pot? How much should I contribute? How do I go about saving for a pension? When do I get to access my pension?

These are the questions being asked by Generation Y – young adults born in the 80s and 90s.

The latest statement from DWP’s Official Statistics on workplace pension participation and saving trends of eligible employees suggests that millions of people in the UK are not saving enough for retirement.

“And it’s true,” says Derek Mair, a partner of Aberdeen chartered accountancy firm Hall Morrice LLP.  

“Many of us do not have half the pension pot of our grandparents. Some argue that the 20-somethings of today have too much to contend with – debt, university, childcare – while others say Generation Y don’t prioritise and save; they want everything right now as part of the see it, buy it culture.

“Whatever the reason, the problem is not going away and in reality, there may not even be a state pension for Generation Y when the time comes. Britain has created a debt-filled lifestyle meaning that, for many, being in debt is considered the norm. But this won’t help Generation Y when they reach retirement age.”

In a bid to tackle declining pension funds and encourage a sense of responsibility, the auto-enrolment scheme, launched in 2013, requires large organisations – and all other businesses by 2017 – to contribute 3% of an employee’s salary. Add that to the 4% the employee is already contributing, plus a 1% tax relief, the total pension contribution per annum is 8%.

Historically, those working in the public sector contribute significantly more to their pension pot than those in the private sector. However from 2013 to 2014, the number of 22 to 29-year-olds contributing from the private sector increased by 30% to 54%, while contributions for the same age group increased by 3% to 87% in the case of public sector workers.

The annual total amount saved by employees across both sectors stood at £80.3 billion in 2014, which is an increase of £2.6 billion from the previous year. Overall employee contributions accounted for 30% of UK pension funds, with employer contributions totalling 60% and tax relief accounting for the remaining 10%. In 2014, the average UK worker added £5,776 into their pension – £481.33 per month.

However in 2005, pension contributions totalled £83.1 billion compared with £80.3 billion in 2014. Not only has the amount saved decreased, the tax free allowance has also declined. In 2006-07 savers could enjoy an annual tax free pension saving of £215,000 per annum – or £1.4 million in a lifetime. By 2014-2015, savers are only allocated £40,000 of annual tax allowable pension contributions; equating to £1.25 million in a lifetime.

Government announcements earlier in the year unveiled that the lifetime allowance will be reduced to £1million from £1.25million from 6 April, 2016. In addition, for high earners only (those earning over £150,000 per annum) the annual allowance could fall to as low as £10,000.

So when should young people start to save?

Derek explains how strict savings now are the secret to a comfortable future.

“Despite the notable increases following the launch of the auto-enrolment scheme in 2013, it is estimated that for a comfortable retirement, Generation Y should already be investing at least 15% of their salary into a pension pot.

“In order to match the current living wage in retirement, standing at £13,364 a year after tax, a 20 year old earning £20,000 per annum would have to start saving 12% of their salary, totalling £200 per month.

“If the pension pot is left empty until as late as 30, a worker earning £20,000 per annum would have to save 17% – £283 per month. If they were earning £30,000 they would need to set aside 12% to reach the minimum living wage, equating to £300 per month.

“The figures are daunting and unattractive but unfortunately, Generation Y has an uncomfortable retirement ahead unless they act quickly.”

The default retirement age of 65 has been phased out, meaning that workers can no longer be discriminated against because of their age and can now work for as long as they feel able. If Generation Y are unable to retire due to insufficient pension funds and are working longer, it may have an adverse effect on the next generation of workers as they will be unable to progress up the ladder in their careers.

Derek adds,

“The full level of the new State Pension, due to be determined in the autumn, is to be no less than £151.25 per week but entitlement will depend on the individual’s national insurance record. Generation Y cannot rely on a state pension being available in 30 to 40 years’ time and must save as though there will not be any state support.”

Founded in 1976, Hall Morrice LLP is one of Scotland’s leading independent firms of chartered accountants and has offices in Aberdeen and Fraserburgh. Based at 6 and 7 Queens Terrace in Aberdeen, Hall Morrice can be contacted on 01224 647394, visited at www.hall-morrice.co.uk or emailed at accounts@hallmorrice.co.uk

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Sep 102015
 
Tim Martin2

Tim Martin, managing director of Aberdeen-based Ramboll Oil & Gas UK

With thanks to Leanne Carter, Account Manager, Tricker PR.

Global engineering consultancy Ramboll Oil & Gas plans to expand its workforce in Aberdeen by up to one-third after securing £1.3m worth of new work since the start of the year.

The company hopes to recruit at least seven new members of staff to its team in the Granite City across process engineering, technical safety, structural and piping disciplines.

Ramboll Oil & Gas, which launched in Aberdeen just over a year ago, has won several new contracts for key clients operating in the UKCS over the past eight months.

One of the most significant pieces of work has been for Maersk Oil UK on its Culzean field 145 miles east of Aberdeen. The contract was for the detailed design of two jackets for a central processing facility platform and a separate utilities and living quarter platform.

Ramboll Oil and Gas UK managing director Tim Martin (pictured) expects business to be brisk at the firm’s Offshore Europe stand this week, with a substantial amount of interest from jobseekers.

He adds,

“The progress we have made over the past year has been above any expectation that we had for launching Ramboll Oil & Gas in Aberdeen, particularly in such a challenging economic climate. We are working on a wide range of contracts that reflect the scope of our capabilities, from subsea and topside projects to detailed design and procurement for a range of key North Sea operators.

“This is a huge achievement in a declining energy market, however this exceptional performance has happened by good design rather than good luck. It is clear that the market in Aberdeen is ready to embrace a different approach, and that is what we are offering with our model of cost-effective engineering solutions that are fit for purpose.

“We have an excellent global network of highly talented consultants, and we are keen to add to this by expanding our Aberdeen team. We need to recruit at least seven additional members of staff in order to deliver on what we expect will be a continued period of growth over the next year.

“Due to the very difficult job market in Aberdeen we are already responding to a huge rise in recruitment enquiries, and we will be manning our stand at Offshore Europe with personnel specifically to deal with new CVs and applications.”

Ramboll Oil & Gas will be joined at Offshore Europe by colleagues from Ramboll Environ. The division is working closely with the Aberdeen team on a number of projects, particularly in relation to North Sea decommissioning.

Ramboll Oil & Gas is a business unit within the Ramboll Group. With more than 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 has offices in the USA, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, India, Denmark, Norway and UK, and employs around 900 specialists.

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