AVC PR Partnership

Aberdeen-based Tenants First Housing Co-operative has been short-listed for a prestigious National Home Improvement Council Award, recognising significant achievements in the UK housing arena.

Britain’s largest fully mutual housing co-operative is nominated for the award for best brownfield or recycled building project, focussing on its recently completed Roanheads development in Peterhead.

The former fish factory site was previously turned down by a variety of contractors, put off by considerable levels of hydrocarbon contamination in the ground. Tenants First, however, saw the site as a prime development opportunity, which following a six month demolition and clean up, now accommodates 45 purpose built family homes and eight sheltered houses.

The development is also a Homezone project, an initiative which aims to reclaim residential streets back from traffic, with streets designed to encourage walking, cycling and community activity. Sandy Murray, Chief Executive for Tenants First comments:

“ Roanheads features a Homezone in the St Peter’s Street area – a Netherlands concept specifically developed with pedestrians in mind. Strategically placed features, such as trees, benches and block paving mean cars are secondary to pedestrians, creating a safe, socially inclusive community environment.

“We worked together with local contractors Stewart Milne to create the development using a state-of-the-art closed panel system. This kind of construction is predominantly factory-based, maintaining high standard finishing as well as reducing on-site time. The panels arrived in Peterhead with insulation, doors and windows already intact. High levels of insulation couples with reduced energy bills, meaning the development is also very environmentally friendly.

“Tenants First has transformed the brownfield site and established the wider environment as an attractive, safe and desirable residential community in keeping with Peterhead’s heritage. Our short listing for this award is a significant achievement in itself, recognising our desire to provide innovative affordable housing and our support for regeneration.”

The NHIC Awards luncheon is to be held in London on November 20, 2008, hosted by its President, The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP.

For more information on Tenants First Housing Co-operative visit www.tenantsfirst.com or contact Sandy Murray on 01224 628400.

Image 1

November 03, 2008

ends

For further information:

Lynsey Shepherd
AVC PR Partnership
Tel 01224 248007
DD 01224 217345
lshepherd@avcmedia.com

Ken McEwen
AVC PR Partnership
Tel 01224 248007
DD 01224 216067
kmcewen@avcmedia.com

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF TENANTS FIRST HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE BY
AVC PR PARTNERSHIP LTD

Television personality Timmy Mallett has chosen Aberdeen for the first Scottish exhibition of his paintings.

The exhibition opens on Saturday, October 11, at Artists Gallery – ¬a social company that provides training and work opportunities for people with a disability. Timmy Mallett will make a personal appearance at the Holburn Street gallery on Sunday, October 12, from 12 noon to 3 pm.

Timmy, who is in Aberdeen to headline a gig at Tiger Tiger on Friday night (October 10), explained why he chose Aberdeen as the location for his first Scottish exhibition:

“I’ve always loved painting and I’m delighted that my first-ever Scottish exhibition will be in my favourite Scottish city.

“It’s great to be spending the weekend in Aberdeen. I’ll get to wield ‘Mallett’s Mallet’ and perform my number 1 hit ‘Itsy Bitsy’ at Tiger Tiger on Friday Night; then you can see the results of ‘Mallett’s Palette’ with my first Scottish exhibition at the Artists Gallery on Sunday afternoon.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with my Downs Syndrome brother Martin, who lives at the Camphill Newton Dee village in Aberdeen and also spending time with my good friend Lorraine Kelly who lives down the coast. It will be a top weekend in God’s own country!”

Commenting on the exhibition, Sandy Murray of Artists Gallery, and its sister company Banchory Gallery, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be hosting Timmy’s first-ever Scottish exhibition.

“Timmy’s exhibition runs concurrently with our recently opened show of exclusive album cover artwork signed by David Bowie, Nick Mason, Jimmy Page, Paul Weller, Storm Thorgerson and others. These are prestigious exhibitions to have brought to Aberdeen and are a real source of pride to everyone on team at the Artists Gallery and its sister company Banchory Galllery.”

Timmy Mallett will have between around 15 new paintings on show. Timmy’s love of painting goes back to when he studied History of Art as part of his degree course. In recent years he has developed his own painting skills, encouraged by a keen artistic friendship and interaction with Rolf Harris. “He is an enthusiastic and exciting artist,” Rolf Harris says, “I’m knocked out by his work”.

• Artist’s Gallery is at 403 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 7GS Telephone 01224 585188 The website is http://www.banchorygallery.co.uk, click on the Artists Gallery link.

Photos

Photo 1

Photo 2

ends

For further information:

Ken McEwen
AVC PR Partnership
Tel 01224 248007
DD 01224 216067
Mobile 07768 105449
ken@prpartnership.co.uk
Timmy Mallett’s agent::
John Miles
Tel 01275 854675
john@johnmiles.co.uk

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF ARTISTS GALLERY BY
AVC PR PARTNERSHIP LTD

Editor’s notes:

1. To arrange further background information on Timmy Mallett or to arrange interviews contact John Miles (contact details above).
2. Further photos of Timmy Mallett’s paintings are available from Ken McEwen at AVC PR Partnership (contact details above).
3. Timmy Mallett’s website is at www.timmymallett.co.uk
4. Timmy Mallett’s paintings are at http://www.bucksfineart.com – click on “originals” then “Timmy Mallett”

Tenants First Housing Co-operative, based in Aberdeen, has been highly commended for its operating standards in three reports published this summer. Tenants First is Britain’s largest housing co-operative with 1,200 affordable homes across the North East of Scotland.

In July, Tenants First received a very positive inspection report from the Scottish Housing Regulator. This was immediately followed by an equally positive report from the Care Commission and then the reassessment report for the co-operative’s Investors in People standard.

The Scottish Housing Regulator’s report was the most comprehensive involving a two-week inspection period to examine the effectiveness of housing service delivery. Giving Tenants First a good rating overall, the inspector notes a total of five instances of excellent practice.

The Care Commission report covers three Tenants First sheltered housing developments in Mintlaw, Peterhead and Fraserburgh. It comes at a time when the co-operative is about to take on the direct provision of warden services at its three Aberdeen sheltered housing developments at Aboyne Place, Sheddocksley and Princes Street.

The Care Commission report grades Tenants First as “very good” or “excellent” in all the areas covered by the inspection.
Sandy Murray, Chief Executive of Tenants First, said:

“We are delighted to have received three extremely positive reports in the last two months. Clearly this reflects very well on the dedication and professionalism of all our staff and the strategic leadership of the committee of management.

“A key strategic objective of the co-operative is to be recognised as an organisation which promotes excellence and these results are evidence of what we have achieved to date.”

• The Scottish Housing Regulator’s report can be downloaded at www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk
• Care Commission report can be downloaded at www.carecommission.com
• The Tenants First Housing Co-operative website is at www.tenantsfirst.com

The Spires Serviced Suites in Birmingham has received a gold award for best practice by Marketing Birmingham.

Having launched in the city just over one year ago The Spires has been recognised by Marketing Birmingham as ‘gold standard’ due to its excellent customer service and first class accommodation for both business and leisure guests.

With 31 suites comprising a mix of one and two bedrooms, situated in the heart of Birmingham, close to the NEC, each apartment features separate bathroom, fully functioning kitchen with all mod cons and lounge fitted out to the highest standards with self controlled heating, digital TV, home entertainment system.

Birmingham was also the venue chosen to launch The Spires bespoke Directors Suites. The specialist one-bedroom apartments each feature their own private office, equipped with wi-fi, full sized desk, filing cabinet, USB printer (ideal for printing off your boarding card if checking in online) and a selection of stationery.

Managing Director of The Spires, Margaret Beattie comments:

“We are delighted to receive the award from Marketing Birmingham, particularly as we are the first to receive it. The Spires is all about quality and providing our clients with a comfortable stay, as close to home life as possible. Our suites are perfect for business guests, creating the perfect working environment when away from home on business or relocating because of a new job.

“Our larger suites are particularly popular with families too, as a stay with us means no more drinking a warm bottle of wine perched on the end of a bed with the TV on mute!”

Since opening in Birmingham in April 2007 The Spires has experienced a steady increase in occupancy with popular dates selling out quickly.

“We’re noticing that business and leisure guests are looking for more in their accommodation,” continues Margaret. “Freedom and quality are a must but also, with the current economic climate our customers want to reduce costs where possible – sharing a suite at The Spires is the perfect solution.”

Marketing Birmingham has developed Quality in Birmingham to help the tourism industry in Birmingham, advocating the highest standards of quality, customer care and staff development. This will help Birmingham achieve its goal of making the city and region a place where visitors can enjoy a quality visit, serviced by quality people in a quality destination.

“The Spires is a worthy winner of the Quality in Birmingham award,” said Ivor Marsh of Marketing Birmingham. “It shows that new businesses coming to the city are as committed as we are in developing the quality of service in Birmingham and making it a world class destination.”

The Spires has serviced suites in Birmingham, Glasgow and Aberdeen. For more information and bookings visit www.thespires.co.uk or call 0845 270 0090.

September 1 2008

Ends

Notes to editors:

Pictures attached: Birmingham kitchen and Birmingham lounge

Press trips are available – for more information please contact:

Mark Guest
AVC PR Partnership
T: 01224 248007
E: mguest@avcmedia.com

Issued on behalf of The Spires Serviced Suites by AVC PR Partnership

The Academy Shopping Centre in Aberdeen is the first venue in Scotland to install the new Quickie mobile phone chargers.

Supplied in the North east by Albyn Services Limited, the products in the Quickie range allow a customer to top up the power on their mobile phones for a small charge.

The Q10 units are equipped with connections for all makes of mobile phone and other hand held devices. The powerful pulse charge supplied by Quickie gives a typical mobile phone enough charge to last up to 8-hours in just ten minutes.

Jenny Hall, Business Development Executive for Quickie comments:

“The Quickie machines are popular in the Far East and the concept is great. Regularly travelling, particularly with business, I am all too aware of how inconvenient it is to run out of charge on the mobile, Blackberry or PDA.

“We rely on digital applications for just about all our personal information and sometimes there is nowhere you can plug in your phone and charge it as you typically would at home. I was so inspired by the Quickie products I couldn’t wait to bring them to Scotland.”

The Academy Shopping Centre in Aberdeen is the first venue in Scotland to install the Quickie machine. With two machines placed in the main shopping concourse already, the Centre is hoping to add more in the coming months.

Centre Manager at The Academy, John Macfarlane adds:

“The Quickie machine is great and going down really well with our customers. We’ve got the perfect set up in The Academy for them too – the relaxed area and the situation of the Quickies within our seating areas means that more and more people are taking advantage of them.

“It only costs £1 for a top up and we are seeing all ages use them – from business people needing to make important calls to teenagers making their first shopping trips alone, keeping in contact with their parents.”

All the customer has to do is select the correct charger for their phone, place £1 in the coin slot and charging starts. The Charging panel includes connectors for all mobile phone brands including; Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, O2, Motorola, LG, NEC, Panasonic and Sagem. When charging is complete phones and mobile devices can be cleaned under UV light.

There are currently two products in the Quickie range the Q10, capable of charging up to 10 mobile phones at one time and the larger Q18, which has the ability to charge up to 20 phones/devices.

Notes to editors:

Pictures attached:

Image 1: Business Development Executive for Quickie, Jennifer Hall explains the machine to a shopper at The Academy.

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.

Forfar-based Balhousie Care Group has recently received an order of 15 Minis for its care managers and other key staff.
The cars, 14 manual Mini Cooper Diesels and one automatic Mini Cooper Diesel, were chosen due to their suitability for the group’s managers, who cover many miles a day as the Group’s homes are situated across Scotland.
Also important in the choice of fleet car is the Mini’s efficiency, as Balhousie Care Group Director Andrew Morgan comments,
“There are many issues to consider when choosing a fleet car and the Mini proved the most suitable option for our managers for a number of reasons. Not only does it suit in and out of town driving and is easy to manoeuvre, it is also a very environmentally friendly car.”
The Mini Diesel is one of the greenest cars currently on the market benefiting from a significant improvement in both fuel consumption and emissions. 72.4mpg is achievable from the Cooper 1.6-litre, 4 cylinder, 16V engine, with CO2 emissions now 104g/km.

“We have looked into various ways of developing a more environmentally friendly work ethic and due to the wide geographical spread of our homes, fuel efficiency is important.  The nature of our work means we have to be able to cover a number of miles a day and in some cases we have to react quickly to incidents – for that reason the Mini again proved to be the best option for us,” continues Andrew.
With the Mini becoming a more popular fleet car, Colin Gourlay of John Clark BMW, Tayside adds,
“The Mini is an excellent fleet car. Not only is it practical and fuel efficient, it’s also a really attractive car that our clients’ employees love to drive. Also, the servicing and maintenance that is offered with Mini means it is a cost effective choice which does not leave the customer out of pocket when it comes time to change, update or upgrade vehicles.”
“The Mini Clubman is also becoming a more popular choice for a fleet car as it is still very efficient but with the extra space is a far more flexible car.”
John Clark Tayside is currently expanding with a dedicated Mini Dealership due to open at its Rutherford Road site later this year.