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22 Jan

Aberdeenshire’s Sakura Florist finds new ways to bloom in lockdown

While Lorna Kenny’s diary used to be filled with weddings, the talented florist had to shift her focus to flower subscriptions due to coronavirus.

Society

22 Jan

Aberdeen shopping centre submits plans for new cinema

Owners of the Bon Accord Centre hope to create a new four-screen cinema development in the upper floor of the mall.

Evening Express

22 Jan

Council wants Dons to abandon Kingsford and build new stadium on Aberdeen hotel site

Council bosses are in talks with Aberdeen FC in a bid to make them abandon plans for a new stadium at Kingsford and instead relocate to the site of a former city hotel at the beach, the Evening Express can reveal.

Evening Express

22 Jan

Reactivation fund launched to support North East sport clubs remain Covid compliant

Clubs can apply for a maximum of £250 through a reactivation fund launched by the Aberdeenshire Community Sport Hub Project.

Evening Express

21 Jan

North East restaurant owner dishing out free meals for children

Scott Learmonth, who runs Rug Bug Bennys in Montrose, has been dishing out hot food to children in Montrose, Arbroath and Brechin free of charge with the help of volunteers from the eatery.

Evening Express

21 Jan

Plans to help BrewDog’s ambitions for carbon neutral future approved by councillors

BrewDog applied for planning permission to build an anaerobic digestion plant, water treatment plant, CO2 recovery plant and an associated energy generation centre at its site on Balmacassie Drive.

Evening Express

20 Jan

Aberdeen Critter Keeper launches fundraiser to help feed exotic animals during pandemic

David Low, from Bridge of Don, became known as The Critter Keeper nine years ago when he left his full-time job to showcase a variety of weird and wonderful creatures to the public.

Evening Express

18 Jan

North East Now: Aberdeen graduate launches homeware business during pandemic

Rachel Sim launched Spruce Homeware, which offers a selection of kitchenware, soft furnishings and home decor, in October.

Press and Journal

18 Jan

Experience from ‘both sides of table’ pays off for North East firm

Each week the P&J ask small businesses key questions. Here they speak to Fergus Henderson, owner of Turriff-based technical support and digital design firm Scotia Systems.

Press and Journal

14 Jan

BrewDog’s carbon-neutral plans given boost by North East planners

BrewDog applied for planning permission to build an anaerobic digestion plant, water treatment plant, CO2 recovery plant and an associated energy generation centre at its Ellon headquarters on Balmacassie Drive.

Evening Express

14 Jan

RGU launches free Data Science short course

Robert Gordon University is launching the next phase of its portfolio of free short courses to support the skills needs of individuals and workforces of Scotland.

AGCC

13 Jan

Could Aberdeen be ‘pilot’ location for safe return to office working?

The Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has written an open letter to MPs and MSPs across the region that suggests the move based on the “high incidence of private transport usage in the region”.

Evening Express

11 Jan

North East’s Kilted Chef serves up £100,000 for cancer charity

Craig Wilson, who owns Eat on the Green in Udny, has been fundraising for good causes for the last 15 years. On Hogmanay, he reached the £100,000 mark for Friends of Anchor.

Evening Express

11 Jan

Aberdeenshire’s Ingrained Inc brings rustic farmhouse aesthetic to interiors

“Our items bring a cosy, homely atmosphere and rustic farmhouse aesthetic to most spaces,” says Lauren Searle, owner of Ingrained Inc.

Society

8 Jan

Vacant north-east industrial unit could become dance studio

Stonehaven-based Rhythm Nation has applied for a change of use for the building at Spurryhillock Industrial Estate.

Evening Express

8 Jan

North East museum launches crowdfunding bid for new outdoor space

Grampian Transport Museum in Alford is home to an array of marvellous machines but the new lockdown rules mean it is closed.

Evening Express

6 Jan

Dog friendly cafe up for sale in Aberdeen

The Long Dog Cafe, which is situated on Claremont Street, was founded in 2015 and has now been put up for sale by owners Tom and Jamie.

Society

6 Jan

‘We’re losing businesses’: Commerce chief calls for more financial support to help traders survive ‘hard winter’ shutdown

The boss of a North East commerce group has called for additional Covid-19 funding to help traders through a “hard winter” claiming “the reality on the street is that we’re losing businesses”.

Press and Journal

6 Jan

North East business leaders call for support as lockdown measures begin

Business leaders called for more support to be put in place for firms impacted by the new lockdown measures.

Evening Express

22 Dec

North East Now: Organisations reveal key events to mark in your diary this Christmas and into the New Year

Aberdeen Arts Centre and Aberdeen Inspired are looking forward to drawing people back to the Granite City with a calendar of events being worked on ahead of the New Year.

Evening Express

21 Dec

Aberdeenshire’s Paper & Petals offers wedding stationery and beautiful florals

Offering wedding stationery and beautiful florals, Paper & Petals’ owner Emma Reid is glad she has diversified her Aberdeenshire business.

Society

21 Dec

North-east firm donates Christmas party budget to Aberdeen charities

AGR, a global well management and consultancy provider, made the donation to Community Food Initiative North East (CFINE) and Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA).

Evening Express

18 Dec

Aberdeen Gift Card sales soar and bring in tens of thousands to local economy

The Aberdeen Gift Card has brought almost £80,000 into the local economy in just two weeks, with nearly 2000 cards sold since it launched.

AGCC

18 Dec

easyJet announces new routes from Scotland next summer including Aberdeen to London relaunch

easyJet has announced it will relaunch its route from Aberdeen to London Gatwick, with the new flights taking off from May 2 2021.

AGCC

18 Dec

Aberdeen city centre sees some recovery, but residents urged to shop local to help growth

Comparing current data with pre-pandemic levels, the data shows visitors to Aberdeen’s city centre have now dropped significantly, although it is beginning to recover somewhat.

Evening Express

15 Dec

North East Now: Menswear brands bring quality and style to city and shire this winter

Running until the end of December, the initiative was launched last month to encourage shoppers to do their bit and support local businesses in a wide range of industries.

Evening Express

14 Dec

North East Now: Meet the boxer who launched his own fashion range and hear from Gibbs Menswear

Professional boxing coach Matty McAllister noticed a gap in the market for fashionable workout gear while putting rookies through their paces in the gym.

Press and Journal

14 Dec

New tattoo and piercing studio opens doors in Aberdeenshire

Black Sheep Studios, which was founded by Tracy Richardson and Sarah Westwood, is now taking appointments. The venue is based on Main Street in Turriff within a former craft shop.

Society

14 Dec

Global backing for video game to bring Medieval Aberdeen to life

Gaming enthusiasts from around the world have backed a new project to bring medieval Aberdeen to life.

AGCC

11 Dec

Aberdeen launches first city wide hospitality track and trace system

Aberdeen’s hospitality businesses are being encouraged to sign up to a new track and trace system to keep venues safe and give customers peace of mind as the city continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

AGCC

11 Dec

Harris & Fox now supporting the local art scene

The salon, located on Rosemount Viaduct, opened up its waiting room as a space where local artists can exhibit and sell their work.

Society

8 Dec

Nothing like a real toy shop for a magical experience: Traditional retailer on adapting to digital world to survive pandemic

Strachans of Inverurie has been a part of its town’s high street for more than 80 years, having been managed by five generations of the same family.

Press and Journal

8 Dec

North East Now: Local businesses continue to offer magical shopping experience this Christmas despite tough times

While the coronavirus pandemic has had a harrowing impact on the masses, it has also highlighted the determination of city and shire businesses to survive past the difficult period.

Evening Express

8 Dec

Aberdeenshire’s Eat on The Green scoops accolade at Virtual Society Awards

Serving up success, Eat on The Green embraced change and diversified the way it operates during the ongoing pandemic.

Society

8 Dec

Siberia’s Stuart McPhee recognised for outstanding contribution to hospitality at Virtual Society Awards

Leading by example and working tirelessly to support Aberdeen’s hard-hit hospitality sector, Siberia Bar & Hotel’s director Stuart McPhee has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the industry.

Society

8 Dec

Aberdeen’s Design and Code wins award for Best Collaboration at Virtual Society Awards

Joining forces to support each other and create memorable experiences for many graduates, Design and Code virtually picked up the Best Collaboration Award.

Society

8 Dec

A round of questions with John Wigglesworth of books and beans

After John Wigglesworth took the reins of Books and Beans in January this year, he has strengthened the business more than he thought possible.

Society

1 Dec

Virtual Society Awards: Aberdeen’s Design and Code picks up accolade for best virtual event

With many restrictions in place for events, Aberdeen’s Design and Code successfully brought people together in a virtual setting.

Society

1 Dec

More than £156m rates relief given to North East businesses

The data released by the Scottish Government on non-domestic rates relief has shown the number of properties that were in receipt of rates relief at July this year.

Evening Express

30 Nov

Lockdown saw little loom idea woven together in Aberdeen

With quite literally having more time on her hands due to coronavirus, Sophie Mancellon launched her weaving and fiber art business.

Society

30 Nov

Judges congratulate Aberdeen’s Virtual Society Awards winners

Gathering online to celebrate passionate and hard-working individuals and businesses operating in the North East, the winners of the Virtual Society Awards can now be revealed.

Society

30 Nov

Aberdeen’s Virtual Society Awards 2020 winners revealed

The Virtual Society Awards honoured the very best of the North East at an online ceremony.

Society

27 Nov

Hiretech Limited receive Queen’s Award accolade

Aberdeenshire based energy industry equipment rental firm Hiretech Limited has received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

AGCC

27 Nov

Kickstart for video game to bring Medieval Aberdeen to life

A Kickstarter campaign to create a video game which will bring people face-to-face with life in the Middle Ages has been launched.

AGCC

25 Nov

Dyce firm Hiretech receives Queen’s Award for Enterprise accolade

A Dyce equipment rental firm which serves the energy industry has been awarded its first Queen’s Award as it celebrates its tenth anniversary.

Press and Journal

25 Nov

Economic turmoil across oil & gas sector with confidence about 2021 remaining low, according to new report

Reduced activity levels, project cancellations and workforce cuts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have slashed business confidence across the UK’s oil and gas sector, according to an industry report released today.

AGCC

24 Nov

Aberdeen airport cafe which went bust looks to donate all its equipment to North East kitchen

The airport and Joe’s former operator The Restaurant Group are looking to give away an array of high-end commercial kit to a local firm.

Press and Journal

23 Nov

Business leader issues rallying cry as shocking stats lay bare the Covid-19 impact on Aberdeen city centre

"We have to stay focused and driven and have something tangible to bring people safely back into the city centre"

Press and Journal

23 Nov

Staff at Chamber handed cash boost to help support North East businesses

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, which employs 34 people, usually runs a team-building event for its staff in the autumn.

Evening Express

23 Nov

Where food meets art: Why a renowned painter plans to spend the day at an Aberdeenshire butcher’s shop

James Golding of The Connor Brothers will be paying a visit to JK Fine Foods’ new store next month.

Press and Journal

20 Nov

New premises open in Aberdeen to provide local businesses with pop-up space

Based in Aberdeen, The Popup Project will help entrepreneurs avoid the costs of maintaining a permanent location by providing an affordable, rentable 2,200 sq. ft. space to host a range of pop-ups.

Society

19 Nov

Why not purchase your 2020 advent calendar from a North East business?

Take a look at our line-up of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire businesses producing unique advent calendars.

Society

17 Nov

University offers free courses to help Scotland’s workforce upskill and reskill

People in Scotland can once again apply to study for free on a range of career-focused online short courses with the University of Aberdeen, following the huge success of the first phase of its upskilling scheme.

AGCC

16 Nov

Peterhead director Jon S Baird plans to show off north-east in new Hollywood blockbuster

Jon S Baird, who secured a Bafta for Stan and Ollie, has told the Press and Journal he is aiming to shoot parts of his next project in his native North East if he gets the cooperation of the local authorities.

Press and Journal

16 Nov

RGU launches Innovation Accelerator programme to solve key societal challenges

The initiative offers teams of students, staff or alumni access to a five-month, mentor-led development programme as well as seed funding and incubation space to turn creative ideas into viable, high-growth ventures.

Evening Express

11 Nov

Desperate plea to save community larder which has fed thousands during pandemic

An initiative which has helped save thousands of people from hunger during the pandemic could be forced to shut down through a lack of funds.

Press and Journal

11 Nov

Aberdeen FC business group helps companies deal with Covid-19 downturn

A gin distillery, a merchandise company and an accountancy firm are among those reaching their business goals thanks to Aberdeen Football Club.

Evening Express

9 Nov

North East Now: 21-year-old’s mobile car cleaning service has proved ‘highly successful’ over course of pandemic

A North East man who launched a mobile car cleaning service during the coronavirus pandemic says the move has proved “highly successful”.

Evening Express

9 Nov

North East Now: Two local businesses team up to offer new service during tough times

Two independent luxury brands in the North East have joined forces to create a new service offering in the region’s hospitality market.

Press and Journal

6 Nov

Subsea UK to postpone Subsea Expo in light of current COVID restrictions

The world’s largest underwater engineering event - Subsea Expo - which was shaping up to be the sector’s first post-pandemic, large scale physical event, is to be postponed due to the current coronavirus-imposed restrictions.

AGCC

6 Nov

Newly launched digital content agency announces new partnerships and board member

Quantum Digital – Scotland announce two new partnerships and the appointment of a non-executive director.

AGCC

6 Nov

Aberdeen’s Belmont Filmhouse to close temporarily as lockdown hits movie distribution

Aberdeen’s only independent cinema, The Belmont Filmhouse, will close temporarily on Saturday.

Press and Journal

6 Nov

Codona’s: 50 years of white-knuckle fun at Aberdeen attraction

It’s 50 years since Codona’s opened the largest permanent funfair in Scotland in Aberdeen. Gayle Ritchie charts the history of the beachfront attraction and explores the legacy of the famous Codona family.

Press and Journal

5 Nov

North-east outdoor clothing firm used material to make masks for carers during national shortage

The owner of the Hilltrek Outdoor Clothing has revealed how staff began using its reels of material to make masks for care home workers.

Press and Journal

29 Oct

City cinema given funding boost to continue screenings for seniors in aftermath of pandemic

Belmont Filmhouse has been awarded just under £10,000 of National Lottery funding to reinstate the “senior selections” programme after Coivd-19.

Press and Journal

27 Oct

North East woman urges shoppers to give generously during CV19 pandemic

Kerry Brown is a community champion at the Morrisons branch in Banchory. Every one of the supermarket’s stores has a designated community champion who, in addition to their day job, works to raise money and awareness for local and national charities.

Evening Express

27 Oct

Neospace to launch in Aberdeen and offer a new way of working

A brand-new way of working is to be introduced to Aberdeen later this year as Neospace prepares to open its flagship flexible business centre on Riverside Drive.

AGCC

27 Oct

New business clubs for SMEs to help pandemic recovery

Productivity Club Scotland is expanding its offering to Scottish SMEs with the launch of three new clubs to help businesses recover from the economic recession caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

AGCC

27 Oct

The Aberdeen communications firm helping people work from home during lockdown

Aberdeen-based DF Communications has been serving customers in the north-east business community for more than 30 years. The owners have now backed the North East Now campaign set up to promote local businesses battling through the pandemic.

Press and Journal

22 Oct

Aberdeenshire Council supports campaign urging people to buy local in a bid to help economic recovery

The Scotland Loves Local initiative has been launched by the Scotland’s Towns Partnership, with support of the Scottish Government.

Press and Journal

19 Oct

Trump International to build another golf course in north-east after permission is granted

Full planning permission has formally been granted for a second golf course at US President Donald Trump’s resort in Aberdeenshire.

Press and Journal

19 Oct

Local Business Support Fund increased for Aberdeen businesses

The Local Business Support Grant on offer to Aberdeen businesses forced to close by the local lockdown has been increased and businesses yet to apply are being urged to do so before the deadline of 5pm on Monday, October 19, 2020.

AGCC

19 Oct

Sarah Leask puts art and soul into home-run business in Aberdeen

Sarah Leask has always aspired to a career in the art industry. Aberdonian Sarah was an avid fan of painting, drawing and crafting from an early age.

Society

19 Oct

Local entertainment company launch crowdfunder

Inverurie-based film, theatre and entertainment company Right Here Productions aims to raise funds to launch a brand new product.

Society

15 Oct

MHA Henderson Loggie to host start-up business webinar

Accountancy firm MHA Henderson Loggie are to host a webinar on ‘How to start your own business’ on Thursday October 29 from 12.30pm – 2pm.

AGCC

15 Oct

MP Michael Gove to speak at Friday's ChamberCustoms EU exit CountdownToChange webinar

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove will will give an opening address and answer questions on the EU exit changes coming from January 1, 2021 in the latest CountdownToChange webinar.

AGCC

15 Oct

Crowdfunder launched by Aberdeen entrepreneur to help secure business premises in city centre

A crowdfunder has been launched by a north-east brand in order to help secure its own premises.

Society

15 Oct

Free online business support community launches in Aberdeen

Aimed at anyone who runs a business or thinks about setting up a new business venture, The Beautyco Club was created share knowledge and provide motivation, guidance and comfort to those on their business journey.

Society

15 Oct

Still Tours Scotland offer bespoke luxury tours of distilleries

Set in the picturesque town of Ellon, Still Tours Scotland offers bespoke luxury tours of distilleries and a range of whisky tasting events.

Society

13 Oct

Four local creatives to host pop-up store in John Lewis

Hackley, Paper Houses Design, Camban Studio and Helen Ruth Scarves will participate in The Great British Pop-Up, which provides an opportunity for growing and emerging brands to showcase their products to a wider market.

Society

9 Oct

Aberdeen Science Centre partners with Grub to open new cafe

Aberdeen Science Centre has appointed local catering firm Grub Fresh Food to run the new café in the revamped centre, which is due to open this autumn.

AGCC

6 Oct

The Grill: Iconic Aberdeen pub celebrates its milestone 150th birthday

The owners of The Grill are asking people to share their memories and stories of The Grill to help it celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Press and Journal

6 Oct

Staff and customers ‘buzzing’ as Aberdeen cinema records busiest Saturday since reopening

Despite having tight restrictions on customer numbers, the independent Belmont Filmhouse recorded its best day in months over the weekend.

Press and Journal

6 Oct

210 Bistro introduces 'Work from 210' concept

Fed up with working from home? An Aberdeen bistro may have the perfect solution. 210 Bistro, located on Market Street, is set to trial its “Work From 210” concept.

Society

2 Oct

Established north-east electronic artists launch Aberdeen dj academy

Founded by two of the region’s established electronic artists, James Campbell and Ronnie Pacitti, Aberdeen DJ Academy has officially opened its doors.

Society

29 Sep

Plans lodged to open dessert parlour in Aberdeen city centre

Breakneck Comedy moved to new premises at Castlegate earlier this month, leaving the 3,400sq ft unit at 22-24 King Street empty. Plans have now been submitted to ACC, requesting permission to turn the venue into a restaurant.

Press and Journal

25 Sep

ScotRail offers free journeys for North East jobseekers

North East residents who are out of work will be able to take advantage of free travel under a new initiative. ScotRail has announced it is offering free journeys to jobseekers attending interviews to help people back into work.

Evening Express

25 Sep

Recruitment drive for volunteer to help north-east lifeboat crew

A North-east lifeboat crew is looking for a volunteer press officer. The RNLI team at Stonehaven has launched a recruitment drive for the post.

Evening Express

25 Sep

Innovative virtual work experience launched for UK architectural, planning and construction students

Halliday Fraser Munro has set up a Virtual Studio for students who would otherwise miss out on 2020 placements and internships.

AGCC

25 Sep

Acumen Employee Benefits holds free event to help businesses thrive in fast-changing sector

How can businesses keep pace with the accelerated evolution of employee benefits while looking after their people and keeping costs down? AEB's event hopes to answer this and more.

AGCC

25 Sep

Whisky Hammer to host open weekend

Whisky Hammer, a popular family-run whisky auction service which aims to bring an exciting array of whiskies to drinks-lovers all over the world, will run the event at its premises near Ellon from 10am to 5pm this Saturday and Sunday.

Society

21 Sep

Redundancy proved to be creative spark for Aberdeen artist

An Aberdeen man made redundant from the oil industry has turned his passion for painting into a new career.

Evening Express

21 Sep

RGU named Scottish University Of The Year by national further education guide

Higher education experts have named Robert Gordon University the best of its kind in Scotland.

Press and Journal

21 Sep

Aberdeen’s first ‘box market’ made out of 30 shipping containers set to launch next summer

STAXX Aberdeen will bring a new, innovative concept to the city centre, with an opening date of late summer next year.

Society

14 Sep

Launch of an innovative online directory of Scotland’s rural businesses

Join an online directory connecting businesses in every sector and corner of Scotland’s vibrant rural business community.

Rural Enterprise Directory Scotland

14 Sep

NEN Power Week: Dianne Gardiner decided to launch Outsource Business Development to support SMEs

“I launched Outsource Business Development in August 2020 following, providing flexible, cost effective sales support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Press and Journal

14 Sep

NEN Power Week: Organisers celebrate success of week devoted to boosting popularity of local traders

The North East Now Power Week has been hailed as a great success as the campaign drew to a close.

Press and Journal

14 Sep

NEN Power Week: Aberdeen swap shop makes clothes shopping guilt-free for all

“For those that aren’t aware of the way my business works, you take in items you no longer wear and swap them for something you will wear – it’s as simple as that..."

Press and Journal

11 Sep

NEN Power Week: Sonya Angus: The Unique Boutique.

“I’ve always worked hard in life and was so lucky to achieve my dream of having my own shop... But lockdown snatched that from me, and I realised I had possibly taken it all for granted a bit..."

Evening Express

11 Sep

NEN PW: Outsource Business Development

"I launched Outsource Business Development in August following interest and inquiries from my business contacts and provide flexible, cost effective sales support..."

Evening Express