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15 Apr

Aberdeen sports centre offers cafe space rent-free in bid to support post-lockdown recovery

Budding caterers are being offered the chance to snap up an Aberdeen cafe rent free as part of a social enterprise’s bid to help the city recover post-lockdown.

Press and Journal

14 Apr

Laid-off oil worker uses his new business to help young people in Aberdeen back into employment

Oil and gas worker Marko Steiger was made redundant back in May 2020 but has since used his engineering talents to build a hand sanitiser firm from the ground up.

Press and Journal

14 Apr

New locally-sourced ethical farm shop in north-east puts zero waste at heart of its offering

The team behind successful farming business Westerton Farmers near Laurencekirk in Aberdeenshire have launched their second farm shop, this time with food and plastic waste in mind.

Evening Express

13 Apr

North East Now: Farm to plate food producer celebrates Scottish rich wildness with new seasonal pies

Sabrina March, who co-owns Wark Farm alongside Laurel Foreman, said: “We’re very proud of the lamb and wild garlic pie as, for us, they highlight what Wark Farm pies are all about. They’re simple, solid pies, celebrating Scotland’s wild richness.

Evening Express

9 Apr

Plans revealed for ‘spectacular’ new indoor food market in Aberdeen

Ambitious plans have been revealed for a permanent, continental-style indoor market in Aberdeen . Aberdeen Multicultural Centre (AMC) is sounding out support and talks are understood to be at a very early stage with the owners of two city locations.

Press and Journal

9 Apr

North East Now: Business owner says key to brand’s success is down to ‘staying true to who we are’

Bob Christie, founder and managing director at Concept Promotional Merchandise (Concept), had to adapt to very difficult market conditions and get creative to support changing demands when coronavirus hit.

Evening Express

6 Apr

North East businesses reopen as raft of Covid-19 restrictions lifted across Scotland

People in the North East can get a haircut, click and collect shopping is allowed and garden centres can welcome back customers as a raft of Covid-19 restrictions are lifted today.

Evening Express

6 Apr

North East Now: New pet gift venture offers homeware items made from recyclable plastic

A new pet gift business has been launched selling original homeware items made from recyclable plastics. Shadow Shapes was set up in December and combines people’s love for their animals and flair for interior design.

Evening Express

2 Apr

Joyce Scott finds renewed zest for life after launching Aberdeen business All About Lemons

Family-run business All About Lemons is devoted to making fresh, artisan food produce and gifts featuring, you guessed it… lemons.

Evening Express

2 Apr

BrewDog’s planned improvements for Ellon headquarters approved by council

Plans for improvement works at a North East craft brewers headquarters have been approved by council bosses. Brewdog applied for permission to add a pipe bridge to their Ellon site in January.

Evening Express

2 Apr

North East Now: Podcast on environmental issues in Scotland achieves global success

An environmental podcast launched by a North East woman has achieved global success since its launch.

Evening Express

31 Mar

Bid to demolish former Aberdeen nightclub to form new outdoor bar

FourWard Architecture and Masterplanning Ltd have submitted proposals on behalf of the Aberdeen Douglas Hotel to carry out a substantial demolition project on Shiprow.

Evening Express

31 Mar

North East Now: Aberdeen marketing company helps local businesses through lockdown

Bspoq – formerly known as MJS Digital – started in the bedroom of founder Matt Sandham, who in 2019 decided to launch his own company which helps businesses reach their potential and build a lasting brand.

Evening Express

30 Mar

New movie streaming service launched by team behind Aberdeen’s Belmont Filmhouse

The team behind Belmont Filmhouse in Aberdeen has launched a new online movie streaming platform. Audiences can now enjoy specially-curated cinema from the comfort of their own homes.

Press and Journal

30 Mar

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Business in 2021 and Beyond: Chamber launches survey to understand post-pandemic plans

The Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce is determined to understand the key issues, challenges and opportunities that businesses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are facing at this critical time for the North-east economy.

AGCC

29 Mar

North East Now: Local campervan hire service looks to expand after one month in business

A North East campervan hire service is looking forward to a promising future, with expansion plans in place just one month after launching.

Evening Express

26 Mar

Transformational £40m BioHub project in Aberdeen moves to main construction phase

Plans to make Aberdeen one of the most dynamic locations in the UK for life sciences company creation and growth drive ahead with BioHub entering its main construction phase.

AGCC

26 Mar

New AGCC survey asks for business owners’ post-pandemic plans

North-east business chiefs have launched a month-long survey, with the aim of better supporting companies in the wake of the pandemic.

Press and Journal

26 Mar

Duo behind Aberdeen’s first ‘box market’ STAXX say project is ‘more important than ever’ with John Lewis closure

The duo bringing Aberdeen’s first creative social market to the city have spoken out following the news that John Lewis will close its doors in the north-east, and how the community will play a vital part in their forthcoming project.

Evening Express

26 Mar

Local business success celebrated at Northern Star Business Awards

North-east firms from Banff to Banchory are celebrating after being named winners of the region’s longest-standing business awards.

AGCC

24 Mar

North East Now: Local photographer says collaborations proved key to success in lockdown

Iska Birnie, who lives in the Rosemount area of Aberdeen, has collaborated with two north-east firms since the start of the pandemic in order to diversify her offering.

Evening Express

22 Mar

North East Now: Love of crafting leads to skillful mum selling custom decor through new business

Alison’s custom macrame hanging decor and fibre rainbows, available in a variety of colour combinations and made from cotton rope and yarn, have proved popular throughout the multiple lockdowns.

Evening Express

19 Mar

Crafty business owner beats lockdown blues with new arty venture

A North East woman who discovered a love of crafting last winter decided to launch her own business selling custom macrame decor.

Press and Journal

17 Mar

‘The doors will be open at 11am on April 26’: Publicans and hoteliers speak out on lifting of restrictions on Scottish hospitality

Local business owners have been giving their reaction as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced bars, restaurants and cafes can begin reopening on April 26.

Press and Journal

16 Mar

Aberdeenshire farmers The Artisan Grower to move to new home on hotel estate and revive historic walled gardens

Established by Robert and Michelle Sullivan, the husband and wife team will move their one-acre operation to the Macdonald Pittodrie House Hotel at Chapel of Garioch where they will base their veganic veg operation from.

Press and Journal

16 Mar

North East Now: Determination of mother-daughter duo strengthens relationship and business alike

After being left with no way to promote her firm after the Covid-19 outbreak, a north-east business owner feared this would force her to close its doors indefinitely.

Evening Express

15 Mar

Knit It: Aberdeen’s Lucy Fisher lets you knit family and pet portraits

“I’ve always thought that knitting hasn’t really evolved and I think this is key to connect with the younger generations, so I began to wonder how I could make knitting more appealing to the youth and came up with a business idea,” said Lucy.

Evening Express

15 Mar

North East Now: Family-run firm Huntly Herbs reap the benefits of shifting focus to online sales

The team at Huntly Herbs, which offers award-winning organic preserves, was forced to completely restructure the business when the coronavirus outbreak struck. And now, they are selling all their handmade produce through the business’ website.

Evening Express

12 Mar

North East business leader calls for region to not be penalised for high Covid case numbers elsewhere

Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Russell Borthwick appeared on Good Morning Scotland today where he urged First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to give more “clarity” to the business community.

Press and Journal

8 Mar

Pride of Inverurie: Virtual awards ceremony to shine light on North East town

Run by the Inverurie Business Improvement District (BID) and the Inverurie Events Committee, the awards give the people of Inverurie a chance to shine a light on the wealth of talent in their hometown by nominating their peers for a range of awards.

Evening Express

8 Mar

North East Now: Talented entrepreneur opens designer fashion boutique in North East town

A talented entrepreneur defied all odds by opening her own designer fashion boutique in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Evening Express

4 Mar

North East Now: North East mum ‘connects with creative side’ in lockdown by establishing home fragrance firm

A North East mum decided to launch her own business after the lockdown period enabled her to connect with her creative side.

Evening Express

3 Mar

Mum’s the word for the Aberdeen Gift Card

Launched in late November, Aberdeen Inspired are promoting the card as the perfect Mother’s Day gift for mums to spend when the city reopens for business. They are also running a competition with the Evening Express with daily ‘Instant Win’ prizes.

AGCC

3 Mar

North East Now: Home delivery service going swimmingly for Aberdeen’s Granite City Fish

Family-run business Granite City Fish has been offering a wide range of quality fish and seafood in the north-east for almost 60 years.

Evening Express

2 Mar

Cults Railway Station owner speaks out about new cafe plans for historic site

John Mackenzie, who works in the oil and gas industry and runs family business Skyline Trampoline Park and Cafe in Inverurie with his wife, Julie, hopes to turn the rundown building into a cafe.

Evening Express

2 Mar

Owners of Portsoy hotel on what it was like catering for the crew of Peaky Blinders

Filming the latest series of BBC’s hit show Peaky Blinders in Portsoy earlier this month, the cast and crew of the programme pitched up in local venues across the village, one of them being The Station Hotel.

Press and Journal

2 Mar

North East Now: 19-year-old IT professional heads own department at renowned Aberdeen business

Jodie Donald, from Pitmedden, has worked as part of the company since she left school in 2019 at the age of 16. And despite being only 19, the teen is now heading up her own department at the business application firm.

Evening Express

22 Feb

North East Now: Amity Fish Company has ‘big plans for the future’ as it continues to battle economic challenges

“What we did see immediately was a demand from the general public who wanted to be able to source great quality seafood – and so the decision was made to diversify and begin offering a home delivery service across the UK.”

Evening Express

19 Feb

Aberdeenshire’s Forest Farm to open gelateria and farm shop next month

Launching its new farm shop and gelateria in mid March, co-owner Angus Willis, who owns the business with his mum, Anne, and older brother William, is excited about what potential the new opening will bring to the farm.

Evening Express

19 Feb

North East firms awarded £56m in support grants since start of pandemic

Aberdeenshire Council has been giving out financial aid to companies in the region on behalf of the Scottish Government, as well as its economic development and protective services team providing crucial financial support.

Evening Express

19 Feb

Aberdeen firm secures funding to help with impact of pandemic

McCalls, the Aberdeen-based kilt hire firm, has secured funding from a major lender to help it cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Evening Express

18 Feb

Elevate your meals with microgreens produced by Aberdeenshire’s Vertical Shoots Urban Farms

Turning your hobby into a business is not always the goal. But when Brindha Shayana and Sathya Vasudevan discovered their passions for vertical farming, they knew it was the only way forward.

Evening Express

18 Feb

Business rates extended again in new lifeline for struggling North East firms

Business leaders have hailed the decision to extend rates relief for the whole of the next financial year and said it could be the lifeline that helps struggling north east firms survive the coronavirus crisis.

Evening Express

18 Feb

North East Now: Westerton Farmers to open second shop in North East

Known for growing a wonderful variety of vegetables in Fordoun, Westerton Farmers has been selling through their The Spud Hit store since 2017, along with produce from many other local producers. Now, they're expanding further...

Evening Express

15 Feb

North East restaurateur joins forces with taxi firm to get business through lockdown period

Stonehaven businessmen Raj Hamid who owns Indian restaurant Carron to Mumbai and Nu Spice takeaway and Derek Sedge of DMS Taxis have joined forces to help keep their businesses going.

Evening Express

15 Feb

North East Now: Diversification paves route to growth of small Aberdeenshire business

For complementary therapist Kathryn McIntosh, the temporary closure of her massage studio offered the space and opportunity to turn to an idea that had been gestating for several years.

Evening Express

11 Feb

New ‘game-changing’ Aberdeen rapid transport proposal to rival £90m Belfast plan

Transport chiefs claim the flagship project, dubbed the Aberdeen Rapid Transit (ART) system, would create “game-changing” public transport for the region – and look to deliver a prioritised, high-frequency tram-like solution for passengers.

Press and Journal

10 Feb

Hollywood film starring Taron Egerton to start shooting in Aberdeen this month

Peterhead-born director Jon S Baird is taking the cast and crew of Tetris – including Rocketman star Taron Egerton – to his home turf as filming continues on the big-budget movie.

Evening Express

10 Feb

Plans lodged for £21m food and drink hub in Aberdeen

Plans to create a development hub to grow the sector have been lodged with the local authority. Led by ONE, SeedPod aims to put the North East’s manufacturing and processing businesses at the forefront of innovation, productivity and sustainability.

Evening Express

9 Feb

Plans for £30m five-star hotel near Banchory revealed

As well as the 45-suite hotel with two restaurants, a spa and more at Inchmarlo, near Banchory, developers want to build 95 family homes.

Evening Express

8 Feb

City’s creative young people to benefit from £50k award funding

An Aberdeen City Council team is leading on an awards scheme that will see youth art activity in the city benefit from £50k in funding, it was announced today (Friday Feb 5).

AGCC

8 Feb

North East Now: Aberdeen video production company to create series of films that highlight local success stories

A media production company is creating a series of films celebrating the success of local projects. Signal is working for Aberdeenshire Council and ORE Catapult to support the promotion of local and national economic development.

Evening Express

5 Feb

Aberdeenshire’s K’s scented company develops sweet scent of success

Describing her new business as small but determined, Kirstin Connell produces a range of luxurious home fragrances that are vegan and cruelty-free.

Society

5 Feb

North East Now: Owner looks forward to successful future with zero-waste and refill store

Replenish has been a welcome addition to the North East food and drink scene since it opened up on Allardice Street in Stonehaven in November.

Evening Express

3 Feb

Grampian Transport Museum curator to step down from role after 38 years

Mike Ward has been curator of the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford since shortly after the site opened to the public. Now, he has announced he will be retiring alongside his wife Mandy, who works as the museum administrator.

Evening Express

1 Feb

Aberdeen’s Clarena offers stylish monochrome and personalised prints

Clare, who works as a digital marketing executive for a luxury packaging company, runs Clarena in her spare time. Graduating from Gray’s and getting a degree in fashion and textile design, Clare’s love for fashion is noticeable in her work.

Society

1 Feb

Founders of Aberdeen studio hope art and creativity can help reinvent city post-lockdown

The founders of one of Aberdeen’s newest studios have hailed the “sense of community” that artists have formed over lockdown.

Press and Journal

1 Feb

Charities enjoy share of £15,000 donation after Aberdeen oil industry workers forego Christmas celebrations

Staff and management at Subsea 7 felt funds reserved for the celebrations and office events should be given to community initiatives this year instead

Press and Journal

1 Feb

North East Now: Virtual dance classes help keep spirits high

A local dance school has been offering virtual classes for members after coronavirus restrictions meant the group could no longer meet face-to-face.

Evening Express

29 Jan

Before and After: New video shows scale of transformation at Aberdeen Science Centre

The centre in Constitution Street, which was shut for two years to allow for a major refurbishment to be carried out, welcomed back members of the public for the first time in November last year.

Evening Express

29 Jan

World’s first hydrogen double deckers to start their routes Aberdeen

Run by First Bus - Scotland’s largest bus operator – in a project led by Aberdeen City Council, the hydrogen buses represent a major step forward in reducing climate change, as cities across the world witness the innovation in the industry.

AGCC

29 Jan

Learn all about Aberdeen's Ruthie's Kaffe

After spending a number of years deliberating the idea, Ruth opened Ruthie’s Kaffe in April 2018. She said: “I’ve worked within the hospitality industry since I was 12 years old..."

Society

27 Jan

RGU to offer fully funded Creative Entrepreneurship course

Robert Gordon University (RGU) has launched the online course Creative Entrepreneurship which has 20 spaces, aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills to transition their creative practice into a viable business.

Evening Express

27 Jan

Aberdeen City Council launches new discretionary business support fund

A new business support fund for businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions has been opened by Aberdeen City Council.

AGCC

26 Jan

Aberdeenshire businesses urged to apply for new discretionary fund as council pays out £1.2 million in business support

Aberdeenshire Council is hoping to support more than 800 small businesses across the region following the setup of a discretionary fund that includes a grant of up to £2,000.

Evening Express

26 Jan

Aberdeen pub owner calls on publicans and restaurateurs to help those in need as she launches free food service

Mandy Miller, who runs Fittie Bar near the harbour, will launch the new service on Thursday to help those in need by giving away free sandwiches and soup for lunch to 50 different families.

Evening Express

26 Jan

Commerce chiefs believe new food and drink business programme could ‘really get economy rolling again’

A new initiative aimed at helping Scotland’s struggling food and drink businesses could “really get the economy rolling again” according to Grampian and Highland commerce chiefs.

Press and Journal

26 Jan

North East Now: CSG continues to support and build solid relationships with local businesses during pandemic

North-east businesses have continued to do what they can to help and support each other throughout the coronavirus pandemic. And independent, family-owned firm CSG – a leader in the commercial office cleaning sector in the area – is one of them.

Evening Express

26 Jan

North East Now: Aberdeen woman put positive spin on being furloughed by launching business

Julie Donald, from Kincorth, was initially furloughed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but later lost her job, said she was “desperate” to occupy her mind in the meantime.

Evening Express

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