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27 Sep

Atoms to Astronauts science gift range reaches for the stars

During lockdown, science teacher Damian Hardacre started designing notebook covers using the original notes and images of the work of famous scientists. What started off as a hobby quickly developed into a business.

Press and Journal

14 Sep

Father and son open Banchory kilt shop after both losing jobs in lockdown

Father and son Gavin and Lee Taylor both found themselves out of work when the pandemic hammered the economy last year. “We have had this idea for years, for a kilt shop in the area, as the only ones nearby are in Aberdeen or Royal Deeside.

Evening Express

14 Sep

Cute Owl is shining bright

Owner Jennifer Gans-Bona (nee Wales) was inspired to create her company during the first lockdown after realising there was several barriers preventing young children from wearing sunglasses.

Press and Journal

15 Jul

Heartbroken customer launches crowdfunder for owners of Christos Greek Taverna in Aberdeen as it closes its doors

A customer who has been left heartbroken at the news of her favourite Aberdeen restaurant closing has launched a crowdfunder to show her appreciation for the establishment.

Press and Journal

13 Jul

North East Now: Well-known Aberdeen retailer celebrates 50 years in business

IT’S a time for celebration for the Stewart family as its independent store Juniper celebrates 50 years in business.

Press and Journal

12 Jul

Life’s a beach for the man behind six summers of board fun at Inversnecky Cafe

It’s summer on Aberdeen beach and visitors to the coastline have gradually been returning from lockdown to cafe culture and a blast of invigorating sunshine.

Press and Journal

9 Jul

Heartbreak and Covid spur retired oil worker onto business success

Global and personal events of the past 18 months lie behind a new career and now commercial success for retired oil and gas worker Scott Macpherson.

Press and Journal

8 Jul

Young Aberdeen entrepreneur is making her mark

Just months after launching her own personalised gift business, Molly Grace Prints, Molly now has people from Finland, Spain, Italy & Germany placing orders for her customized wine glasses, jumpers, t-shirts, water bottles, tote bags and makeup bags.

Evening Express

8 Jul

'Virtual’ Offshore Europe programme announced for September

Energy transition topics will take centre-stage at the SPE Offshore Europe 2021 virtual conference taking place from September 7 to 10.

Press and Journal

7 Jul

Easyjet reinstates Aberdeen-Manchester route after travel ban lifted

Flights between Aberdeen and Manchester have been reinstated – just days after being pulled due to an emergency travel ban between the two cities.

Press and Journal

6 Jul

North East Now – Oats of Alford still ploughing ahead

When a fire ripped through the mill at the heart of their family business – Oats of Alford – the Medlocks were determined to carry on.

Press and Journal

2 Jul

Aberdeen Football Club secures ‘major’ new advertising deal from Texo

The announcement sees Texo continue its long-standing support to the club, having been the official partner and advertiser at Pittodrie since 2017.

Press and Journal

2 Jul

Commercial property: ‘Flex’ space lettings hat-trick at Aberdeen Business Park

Flex @ Aberdeen Business Park is a new lettings strategy offering flexible terms and incentive packages tailored to meet occupiers’ specific requirements.

Press and Journal

29 Jun

Cheers! Fraserburgh pub’s toy shop takeover is ‘key’ to town centre turnaround

It takes some imagination to see how the tumbledown toy shop on Fraserburgh High Street could become one of the town’s star attractions. But the owner of nearby pub Cheers, Dennis Forsyth, isn’t lacking any vision.

Press and Journal

29 Jun

‘The heart of the community’: New lease of life for Bucksburn Post Office

An Aberdeen community will once again have the chance to take advantage of full-time Post Office services for the first time in two years.

Press and Journal

29 Jun

Belmont Filmhouse’s Senior Selections launched on cinema’s own online movie platform

Independent Aberdeen cinema Belmont Filmhouse has announced its plans to expand its popular online programme of screenings for over 60s.

Press and Journal

29 Jun

North East Now – Diving into the depths of success

The firm, which opened in July last year, is an equipment service provider in every aspect of diving, from recreational, technical and commercial equipment to annual servicing and last minute repairs.

Press and Journal

28 Jun

Transforming the region’s food and drink production

Opportunity North East (One) is behind a string of initiatives to help the region capitalise on the economic potential of its food and drink sector.

Press and Journal

28 Jun

Film fan Charlotte says Aberdeen cinema’s BSL screenings should be inspiration to others

Aberdeen graduate and devoted film fan Charlotte Little is urging larger cinema chains to take note and follow the independent picturehouse’s example.

Press and Journal

28 Jun

Proof in the provender with Udny home grown business

When Liz Campbell was growing up, she quickly learnt a valuable lesson on the family farm – nothing went to waste.

Evening Express

25 Jun

Granite City business Northwood (Aberdeen) expands into Aberdeenshire

Managing director Laura Mearns said she and the rest of the firm’s 12-strong team were “really excited” by the potential for the new shop to help grow the business across Aberdeen city and shire.

Press and Journal

24 Jun

North East ‘girl boss’ and her team making big waves in business after move to new studio

A North East design, print and embroidery company is reporting “steady growth” just months after relocating from Aberdeen to a purpose-built studio in Kintore.

Press and Journal

24 Jun

Business leaders come out in support of Aberdeen Inspired as ballot nears close

Three city business leaders have joined forces in a plea to support a vote to retain the business improvement district (Bid), Aberdeen Inspired.

Press and Journal

24 Jun

Small business focus: Neil Christie got hooked on technology at the dawn of the internet

Each week, the P&J ask small businesses key questions. Here they speak to Neil Christie, owner of Aberdeen firm Converged Communication Solutions.

Press and Journal

24 Jun

North East Now: Lillia Bridal is the boutique dreams are made of

Once Limara Angus had finally fulfilled her first dream of becoming a mum she knew it was the time to make her second one come true... Read more about the latest NEN feature here.

Press and Journal

17 Jun

Chamber announces appointment of new chairman

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) has announced the appointment of industrialist Bob Keiller as its new chair and has published accounts which reveal the impact of the pandemic on the business group’s finances.

Press and Journal

17 Jun

North East’s Rod Stewart launches new Aberdeen Music Tuition studio

Aberdeen Music Tuition is coming out of lockdown stronger than ever with the launch of a new music studio.

Press and Journal

17 Jun

North East Now: GS Creative Design flourishing after leap of faith

When Gemma Stewart got made redundant during the Covid-19 lockdown she grabbed the opportunity to follow her dream and launch her graphic design business full-time.

Press and Journal

16 Jun

Aberdeen Artists Society: Virtual exhibition prize winners revealed

The society, which is known for showcasing works from both professionals and amateur creatives, officially launched its online exhibition on Saturday June 12.

Press and Journal

11 Jun

Aberdeen recruitment firm wins £3m CalMac crew contract

Aberdeen-based recruitment firm Genesis Personnel has won a contract worth more than £3million to supply crew for the UK’s largest ferry operator, Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac).

Press and Journal

10 Jun

Kaseum Technology grows Aberdeen Energy Park footprint by 30%

Energy services firm Kaseum Technology has grown its footprint at Moorfield Group’s Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks in Bridge of Don.

Press and Journal

9 Jun

North freight firm invests £1.5m in link-ups to Aberdeen

Freight and haulage company Northwards has announced a £1.5 million investment in new vehicles to service Northern Isles ferry connections in Aberdeen.

Press and Journal

8 Jun

North East Now: Castleton Farm grows and produces traditional Scottish food

Located in the heart of the Howe of the Mearns in south Aberdeenshire, the successful family-run business – that is one of the most northerly soft fruit growers in the country – is owned by Ross and Anna Mitchell.

Evening Express

7 Jun

Small business focus: Anne Esson went from receptionist to sales job and then running her own firm in Aberdeen

Each week the P&J ask small businesses key questions. Here they speak to Anne Esson, managing director of Aberdeen firm Protect-Net UK.

Press and Journal

7 Jun

Soft play centres and funfairs in Aberdeen celebrate reopening for the first time in 15 months

It has been a long 15 months for soft play centres and funfairs but they are finally able to reopen from today. Businesses around the North and North East will now be opening their doors after the region moved into Level 1 on Saturday.

Evening Express

4 Jun

Lord Provost: Rubislaw Quarry a superior training spot for astronauts than 50m Cornwall pool

First opened in the 18th century, Rubislaw Quarry’s deepest point is around 142 metres (465ft) below the surface, putting Cornwall’s Blue Abyss – promoted by Major Tim Peake – to shame.

Press and Journal

4 Jun

Skateboard designer posts about week of zero sales to tackle ‘facade of success’ on social media

Gary Kemp, who runs Doric Skateboards, fears that it has become taboo for business owners to admit to any failings online. The entrepreneur behind Doric Skateboards is now keen to challenge the “facade of success” many people present to the world.

Press and Journal

3 Jun

Popular North East playbarn to reopen for business following year-long closure

Hoodles at Oldmeldrum will welcome its first stream of customers through the doors this weekend as restrictions across the region ease.

Evening Express

1 Jun

World’s oldest building society opens new branch in Aberdeen

The Scottish Building Society (SBS) has invested £500,000 to open a branch in Aberdeen, bucking a trend among lenders to abandon high street bank outlets.

Press and Journal

28 May

Plans brewing to make Parisian-style cafe culture a permanent feature of Aberdeen city centre

Big plans are brewing to make cafe culture a permanent feature in Aberdeen post-Covid.

Press and Journal

24 May

Brewery owner claims SeedPod will be ‘amazing asset’ for food and drink sector

Aberdeen’s new SeedPod food and drink hub will be an “amazing asset” for the industry in the north-east, according to a leading brewery owner.

Press and Journal

21 May

Food and drink sector in line for jobs boost as £21 million hub gets green light

SeedPod, a project led by Opportunity North East (One), will be built on the outskirts of Aberdeen at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Craibstone campus.

Press and Journal

21 May

EasyJet boss signals extra flights for Aberdeen and Inverness as the airline targets pent-up demand

EasyJet will ramp up its Aberdeen-Gatwick service to daily flights as soon as there is enough demand to justify the increase, the budget airline’s UK boss has said.

Press and Journal

21 May

Aberdeenshire’s Cakes by Kirsty creates stunning wedding bakes

Setting up her business 15 years ago after completing a sugar craft course and making cakes for her and her friends’ children, Kirsty’s diary is now full with wedding and celebration cake orders.

Evening Express

19 May

The Research Chamber launches

A newly expanded research and insight service is helping Scottish businesses make better decisions and unlock growth as they start to recover from the impact of the coronavirus.

AGCC

18 May

‘I want to try everything’: Aberdeen turned out in numbers to celebrate restrictions easing

With hospitality now open indoors, not even the mixed Aberdeen weather could slow down the North East’s plans. For the first time since Christmas, doors opened and punters visited their favourite hospitality venues.

Press and Journal

18 May

Hollywood meets the Highlanders as Dougray Scott helps Aberdeen museum project

Dougray Scott is helping the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen to welcome back the public next month by providing the voiceover for a new film which chronicles the history of the world-famous regiment.

Press and Journal

17 May

North East Now: Video production company helps local charities

A young woman who launched her own video production company during the pandemic aims to help charities and individuals across the North East. Erin Smith, 22, from Oldmeldrum, set up Pink Sphynx Media in October last year.

Press and Journal

14 May

New outdoor exhibition celebrates rural creatives from across Aberdeenshire

AB53 Creatives will be in the grounds of Delgatie Castle in Turriff for two weeks, starting from Saturday, May 15. It can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Evening Express

12 May

Plan to revitalise Aberdeen beach approved by councillors

Included in the £150 million plans are improved active travel links between the city centre and the beach, while there is also the possibility for a new football stadium and leisure facilities.

Press and Journal

12 May

North East Now: Entrepreneur strikes gold with new sports marketing agency

An entrepreneur from the North East has been commended by sportspeople across the UK since launching his own agency earlier this year.

Evening Express

10 May

Have your say: Which design for Aberdeen BHS building is best?

Earlier this week, Aberdeen City Council released striking new images along with a report detailing plans to transform an iconic high street building into a bustling indoor market.

Evening Express

7 May

‘Thrilled to have our streets back’: Stonehaven Spaces for People measures to be removed ahead of the summer season

Stonehaven residents are to embrace a long-awaited “feeling of freedom” when physical distancing measures are scaled back ahead of the summer season.

Evening Express

6 May

North East Now: Virtual fitness classes watched across UK as instructor switches to online

A North East dance and fitness instructor has spoken of how virtual classes have been necessary over the past 12 months for the survival of her business.

Evening Express

5 May

First images: Aberdeen council unveils ambitious plans to turn former BHS into food market

Aberdeen City Council could make a surprise bid for the former BHS and indoor market buildings – revealing ambitious plans to build a new market in their place.

Press and Journal

4 May

North East Now: Husband and wife duo produce woodcraft furniture in Aberdeen

An Aberdeen couple has been creating woodcraft products and furniture since starting their own business in lockdown.

Evening Express

3 May

North East mum selling crafts to raise funds for The Captain Tom Foundation

A North East mum who started her own business making macrame and fibre decor has been selling her custom products to raise funds for The Captain Tom Foundation.

Press and Journal

3 May

North East Now: Ambitious local teenager lands role with leading consultancy

An ambitious 18-year-old has landed a role with a leading north-east consultancy after self-funding her studies.

Press and Journal

30 Apr

Aberdeen social enterprise Glencraft wins prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Aberdeen charity Glencraft, the luxury mattress maker that has supported disadvantaged people for 178 years, has won a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

AGCC

30 Apr

Inverurie town centre bucks national trend

Inverurie town centre has emerged from lockdown with more businesses than there were prior to the first lockdown last year.

AGCC

29 Apr

Entrepreneur Chris Herd nets $13m investment after quitting Highland League football to focus on start-up

Granite City-based Chris Herd, 31, has gone from architecture studies at Robert Gordon University (RGU), jobs in the oil and gas industry and Highland League football to multi-million-pound-backed entrepreneurship in little more than a decade.

Press and Journal

29 Apr

New North East substation project moves forward

Balfour Beatty have teamed up with SSEN Transmission for the project at Peterhead Power Station and construction began five months ago.

Press and Journal

28 Apr

Boost for Aberdeen as Flybe snaps up three daily slots to London

Air passengers in the North East have been given a boost after newly-resurrected Flybe snapped up 36 weekly flights to London.

Press and Journal

27 Apr

Axe hurling bar plans for Aberdeen Market approved

Plans for an axe-throwing bar, completing a four-floor takeover of Aberdeen‘s former British Home Stores shop and indoor market building, have been approved.

Press and Journal

27 Apr

Aberdeen-born Brian Morrison writes and illustrates his first children’s book

Aiming to show his daughter Myla that even though we cannot travel during lockdown, we can go anywhere in our imagination, one man wrote and illustrated his first children’s book while he was furloughed.

Press and Journal

27 Apr

North East Now: Aberdeen mum aims to empower women through support services

Louise Dredge launched the firm in August last year, which involves her providing support for new and expecting mums, and their partners and families.

Evening Express

22 Apr

North East woman rediscovers passion for art in lockdown after losing job

Angela Gray, from Inverurie, worked in the oil industry for over two decades before losing her job as a senior quality co-ordinator last June due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Evening Express

20 Apr

Korea move Gangnam Style for Deeside Mineral Water

A Scottish mineral water company has won a major contract to supply bottles to the famous Gangnam District of Seoul in South Korea.

AGCC

20 Apr

Nominations open for Northern Star Business Awards 2022

Now in their 18th year, the high profile awards recognise companies around the region for exceptional accomplishments across a range of fields, from energy to innovation, customer service to people development.

AGCC

20 Apr

Inverurie community choose their finalists for the Pride of Inverurie awards

From teachers to posties, from support groups to local shop floors, Inverurie has chosen their finalists for Pride of Inverurie.

AGCC

19 Apr

New online hub promoting Aberdeen businesses launches

Aberdeen Retail & Hospitality Listings is offering a free listing service for the city’s retail and hospitality firms to share any updates regarding their offering or services in order to provide support.

Evening Express

19 Apr

North East Now: Butterfly Effect to open second store in north-east town

Butterfly Effect Insch was launched by Lauren Brook in August 2019 after around one year of planning. And from Saturday April 24, the public will also have the opportunity to visit Butterfly Effect Banchory, situated in Scott Skinner Square.

Evening Express

16 Apr

Seaspiracy – Scottish fisherman on what fishing sustainably in Scotland looks like

The Seaspiracy film has experienced backlash over its claims about the seafood and fishing industry. Here, Julia Bryce speaks to those in the industry to tell their side of the story...

Press and Journal

16 Apr

‘Cafe culture’ key to Aberdeen’s future as group pledges £15m investment in city centre

The organisation has pledged to invest up to £15 million towards revamping the city centre. Central to Aberdeen Inspired’s plans is the introduction of “cafe culture” in the city, characterised by outdoor hospitality.

Evening Express

16 Apr

Save our Shops: Aberdeen’s Bon Accord centre still plans to expand

The Bon Accord Centre has planning permission for a major redevelopment which includes a hotel and a roof over part of George Street. Proposals for a cinema were also lodged earlier this year.

Evening Express

16 Apr

North East Now: Laings shortlisted for three national awards as it reopens to the public

Darren Walker, Laings director, said: “Being named finalists in the kitchen and bathroom retailer and bathroom showroom categories is a welcome boost for the whole team.

Evening Express

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