AVC PR Partnership

John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable growth was in Aberdeen this week, backing the development of international business in Aberdeen and Scotland, as he officially opened the world headquarters of swelling elastomer specialists SwellFix.

The company, which started life as a Shell research project in the Netherlands relocated to Aberdeen in 2007, choosing Europe’s oil capital as the base for its administration, research and production planning.

With increasing demand for its zonal isolation technology, the company now employs 23 staff in Aberdeen and has regional offices in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur Rio de Janeiro and Houston, as well as sales offices in Moscow, Rijswijk, Abu Dhabi, Calgary, Paris, Bahrain, Jakarta and Port Harcourt.

“To have the support of Mr Swinney today as we cement our future here in the North east of Scotland is a privilege, says Swellfix chief executive officer John Dewar.

“Increasing demand for our product has allowed further research and development here in Aberdeen and that brings with it greater opportunity to grow. Also, our network of regional offices is expanding so we need more staff to support that. As such we expect employee numbers in Aberdeen to increase further before the end of the financial year.”

“Locating to the North east was important for us as it gives us access to the global decision makers within many of the international oil companies. Moreover it is perfectly placed to find the diversity of staff that enables us to continue with our creative and innovative research and development”.

With an enviable record of over 4,500 downhole installations of its swellable elastomer technology, without any failures, Swellfix continues to provide a range of standard and bespoke zonal isolation, cement assurance and other swellable elastomer applications to the oil and gas industry.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said:

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit Swellfix and open the company’s new international headquarters. Swellfix is a global leader in the oil and gas field and I’m delighted the company has chosen Aberdeen as its base.

“The oil and gas sector makes a vital contribution to Scotland’s economy and we welcome the contribution of companies like Swellfix to the industry’s continued development, innovation and growth.”

“Our success is down to the development of swelling elastomer products that address the requirements of both the drilling and completions market segments,” continues John Dewar. “Our products suit all mature oil provinces where oil in water is expected. In many cases we can use a standard range of elastomers, but due to the differences in field conditions it’s not uncommon for us to supply a unique and considered product that carefully matches the elastomer compound to the specific well conditions.”

Swellfix’s extensive range includes both oil and water activated swellable elastomers. When they come into contact with the appropriate liquid they swell to seal in the available space. This makes for an extremely simple and effective zonal isolation or cement assurance tool. More information about Swellfix and its technologies can be found at www.swellfix.com.

July 18, 2008

Notes to editor:

Pictures attached:

Swellfix Swinney 001: L-R, Swellfix CEO John Dewar and Finance Minister John Swinney, discussing Swellfix’s revolutionary swellable elastomer technology.

Swellfix Swinney 015: L-R, Swellfix CEO John Dewar and Finance Minister John Swinney, discussing Swellfix’s revolutionary swellable elastomer technology.

Swellfix Swinney 016: L-R, Swellfix CEO John Dewar and Finance Minister John Swinney, discussing Swellfix’s revolutionary swellable elastomer technology.

Swellfix Swinney 017: Finance Minister John Swinney opens Swellfix World Headquarters

Swellfix:

Swellfix’s extensive range includes both water and oil activated swellable elastomers.  When they come into contact with the appropriate liquid they swell to seal the available space.  This makes them ideal for simple and effective zonal isolation or for situations where cement may fail in the well.

For further ormation:

Mark Guest
The PR Partnership
Tel 01224 248007
DD 01224 216069
Mob 07770 852105
mark@prpartnership.co.uk

The John Clark Motor Group has purchased Clark Commercials, one of Scotland’s longest established independent commercial vehicle businesses, as part of its strategy to develop its business sector services.

In addition to the commercial vehicle business in the Dyce area of Aberdeen, the acquisition includes the Budget car and van rental operation at Aberdeen Airport, Clark Commercials contract hire fleet and the Dunfermline-based MotorChoice multi-franchise sales operation.

Clark Commercials will continue to operate under its existing trading name, as a separate company within the John Clark Motor Group, selling all makes of van from the present 2.2 acre site in the Dyce area of Aberdeen. It will retain all of the 38 employees, taking John Clark Motor Group’s total workforce under the expanded Group, to more than 650 staff.

This latest acquisition will strengthen the John Clark Motor Group’s position as one of the top four motor trade groups in Scotland and one of the top 30 in the UK. With the new acquisition on board, the John Clark Motor Group expects to build turnover by more than £20 million to a projected £300 million for the current financial year. It will also increase the group’s vehicle sales by 1,500 vehicles, mainly light commercials.

Rob McWilliam, currently in charge of the John Clark Motor Group’s Specialist Cars Skoda and Seat dealerships in Aberdeen, has been appointed as the new Dealer Principal at Clark Commercials.

Commenting on the deal, John Clark, Chairman and Managing Director of the John Clark Motor Group, said:

“This acquisition has given us an enlarged operating base, from which we can not only promote service at the other side of Aberdeen city, but have a greater ability to provide cars and light commercial vehicle sales in the North and East of Scotland. It is a stepping stone towards our development of a comprehensive Scotland-wide operation, and fits well with future strategic development plans.

“We are already well established in the commercial sector in the Central Belt through our Edinburgh Van Centre. So, the Clark Commercial acquisition fits well with our strategy to strengthen our commercial vehicle business.

“The acquisition will, additionally fit well with the development of our own John Clark branded contract hire and leasing business.”
Speaking of about the deal Graham Clark, Managing Director, commented:

“We believe that the best way to take Clark Commercials to the next level is for it to become part of a bigger group which will have the managerial and financial resources to develop the full potential of the business.

“The directors of Clark Commercials are happy that we are leaving the business in very capable hands. What makes this move particularly pleasing is that the deal with the John Clark Motor Group keeps the business in local ownership with a family-owned group that has a proven interest in maintaining the personal approach to customer service.”

The deal was supported by Bank of Scotland Corporate. Andrew Robertson, their Director of Commercial Business commented:
“We’ve had a relationship with John Clark Group for many years, and we’re delighted to continue to support their growth. They’re an excellent company and we’ve got no doubt that they’ll make a great success of integrating Clark Commercials into the business.”

Based in Aberdeen, the John Clark Motor Group operates 12 sites in Aberdeen, Dundee, Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh with a range of franchises including Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mini, Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda. The group has a projected turnover of £300 million for the current financial year and employs almost 600 people.

Clark Commercials was established in 1978 as an independent supplier of new and used light commercial vehicles. In 1983 the Clark Commercials took on the local franchise for Budget car and van rental, and in 2001 established the MotorChoice multi-franchise vehicle sales business.

Picture 1

CAPTION:

(Left to right) Graham Clark, Managing Director of Clark Commercials, John Clark, Chairman and Managing Director of John Clark Motor Group and Rob McWilliam, the new John Clark Motor Group Dealer Principal for Clark Commercials.

Horse owners can relax this summer without the worry of sweet-itch affecting their horses thanks to Calor’s bug-busting Midg-E.

The device forms part of the Midgeater Range of products designed to reduce biting midge populations and midge bite irritation in horses which can cause infection, hair loss and deep discomfort at its worst.

Developed in partnership with Dundee-based engineering firm Texol and Advanced Pest Solutions, the Midg-E uses the same technology as the larger, more expensive Midgeaters, but instead of generating its own electricity to drive the fans which blow out the carbon dioxide-based midge attractant and suck midges into the trap, the new machine has a low voltage power supply which is connected to an electric socket.

With summer being the most popular time to buy and sell horses, sweet-itch can be declared as ‘unsoundness’ resulting in the horse failing pre-sale veterinary inspections or causing problems with insurance.

Calor’s Hamish Husband comments: “There’s more to the Midg-E than making midge populated areas more pleasant for people, it can be a major relief for animals too, particularly horses where the Midgeater range has been seen to decrease incidences of sweet-itch. It is small, so easy to set up in a yard and tests have shown when placed outside a stable door can dramatically reduce midge populations and therefore relieve horses of the troublesome symptoms, and horse owners of months of worry.”

Dr Alison Blackwell of Advanced Pest Solutions, and leading midge expert, comments: “The products in the Midgeater range, if used correctly can play a vital role in effective midge management programmes, gradually reducing the overall midge population and complementing immediate means of protection such as traditaional repellent products. It is also important that horse owners consider the layout and management of their yards too, as this too can help reduce midge activity.”

Symptoms of sweet-itch in horses include severe itching, hair loss, skin thickening and flaky dandruff. In some cases weeping sores - exudative dermatitis - can lead to secondary infections.

The disease is a delayed hypersensitivity to insect bites and results in an over-vigorous response by the animal’s immune system. In the process of repelling invading insect saliva the horse attacks some of its own skin cells ‘by mistake’ and the resulting cell damage causes the symptoms of sweet-itch.

Retailing at £379 the Midg-E is a cost effective solution compared to the vets bills and other problems associated with sweet-itch. Midg-E and the other products in the Midgeater range can be purchased online at www.midgeater.co.uk.

Horse-owners can also be prepared for increased midge activity by logging onto the Midge Forecast at www.Midgeforecast.co.uk and larger organisations might consider professional consultancy in helping to reduce their biting insect problem (www.advancedpestsolutions.co.uk).

Notes to editors:

Midgeater (Picture 1)

Pictures attached: Clydesdale cross, Mr Toast, squares up to giant midge to launch the Midg-E

Aberdeen Motoring Solutions (AMS) business has joined the John Clark Motor Group, as the result of a deal concluded by the Aberdeen-based motor group. As a specialist in corporate and internet sales, AMS will strengthen the group’s position in this growing sector of the market.

AMS was established by Andy Smith in 2000 and provides vehicle supply and management services to a broad base of both local and national customers. It has also developed a range of vehicle finance packages which are marketed throughout the UK on the internet.

Commenting on the deal, John Clark, Chairman and Managing Director of the John Clark Motor Group, said:

“Having spent the last few years personally developing the AMS business, Andy’s specialist knowledge in corporate and internet sales, along with contract hire and fleet management services, are unrivalled in the East of Scotland.

“That is why I am delighted that we have reached agreement for him to rejoin the group and use his skills to develop this sector of our business. He will also be able use the group’s strength of resources to take AMS to the next level.

“The AMS brand and experience in this market place will help us to achieve our growth targets. This is part of a wider strategy to strengthen our corporate vehicle sales, finance and management business. The intention is to grow our business by more than 500 vehicles in the coming year and, thereby, to increase our turnover by £10 million.

“We are currently an East of Scotland group, which predominantly sells to private buyers. With AMS on board we will be looking to expand our operations, in terms of both geography and customer base.”

Andy Smith (45), founder and Managing Director of AMS, rejoins the John Clark Motor Group as Group Corporate Sales Manager. He started his career in the motor trade in 1979, initially serving his time as a workshop technician, before working with dealerships in the Aberdeen area as a specialist in corporate vehicle sales. He founded AMS in 2000.

In his new role he will take on multi-franchise support and sales alongside his responsibility for the AMS business and co-ordination of the John Clark Motor Group-branded vehicle leasing operation.

The John Clark Motor Group recently announced record results for its 2007 financial year (ended December 31, 2007), with turnover up 17% on the previous record at £258 million with new and use vehicle sales close to 12,000. Now with 12 sites stretching from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, the group is established as Scotland’s fourth largest motor trade group and within the top 30 across the UK.

Andy Smith & John Clark

CAPTION: Andy Smith of AMS (left) with John Clark, Chairman and Managing Director of the John Clark Motor Group.