• Continued support for the arts following sponsorship of Scottish Ballet, Aye Write and Edinburgh International Book Festival in 2021

Rathbone Investment Management is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the opening concert, “‘Neath the Gloamin Star”, at Celtic Connections this year.

With the first concert dating back to 1994, Celtic Connections is the UK’s premier celebration of Celtic music, held every January/February in Glasgow. The music festival is an integral element in showcasing the culture in Glasgow and attracts visitors from all parts of the world.

The title for opening night is an ode to the old Aberdeenshire love song popularised by the late great Tony Cuffe, “Neath the Gloamin’ Star”. The evening will showcase the generation of artists who have succeeded Cuffe and his peers as leaders of the Scots’ folk song revival. With a line-up including Fiona Hunter, Steve Byrne, Paul McKenna, Ellie Beaton, Cameron Nixon and Jenny Sturgeon, plus joint musical directors Hannah Rarity and Innes White, the featured artists have researched and adapted material from archive recordings and other sources, crafting arrangements that highlight both the tradition’s enduring vitality and the performers’ contemporary creativity.

Rathbones’ sponsorship of Celtic Connections follows its support of the Scottish Ballet, Aye Write and Edinburgh International book festival last year in a continued effort to support creativity and wonder through applied craftmanship. The past year has been a challenge for everyone working in the arts industry with losses to income, uncertainty of live performances and closed venues. Rathbones’ recent sponsorships aim to create awareness for the arts at a time when the industry is struggling the most, as well promoting Scotland’s pioneering spirit to champion creativity which chimes well with Rathbones’ own aim to Look Forward.

Angus Kerr, Head of Scotland at Rathbone Investment Management comments: “Celtic Connections is a true celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture and we are honoured to be a sponsor.  It’s an eclectic yet traditional event that showcases the creativity and passion of the Scottish people, and we are delighted to be supporting it this this year, especially at a time when the arts in Scotland and elsewhere have been hard hit by the pandemic.

“Supporting the arts is particularly important as art facilitates a fundamental human need for expression, joy, and creativity.  It also promotes an exploration and representation of cultural narratives and memory. Having both social and economic value, Rathbones is proud to support the industry and local communities. We are looking forward to attending and supporting more events in the coming year.”

THE CO-FOUNDER of an employee-owned campervan firm has announced plans he will be moving into the role of Chairman as the company looks for a new Managing Director.

Simon Poole founded Jerba Campervans in 2006 alongside his wife Cath after deciding to turn his passion for building VW Transporter conversions into a bona fide business.

 

Since then, the North Berwick firm has continued to grow from strength to strength with its annual turnover increasing every year since the business was created.

 

Under the stewardship of Simon, Jerba Campervans adopted employee ownership in 2018 with its 14-strong team benefiting from a yearly, equal profit share, regardless of their position.

 

Recently named Director of the Year for Small-Medium Businesses and the Edinburgh and the Lothians regional award at the Director of the Year Awards last month, Simon has now decided to step back from the day-to-day running of the company.

 

He said: “Running this business has been the greatest thrill of my life. My wife Cath and I bought a T4 campervan from another converter in 2002, we loved it, but we also felt that there were a couple of things that we could improve on, and so we started Jerba.

Now, almost 17 years later, this passion of ours has really flourished into a trusted and recognised business.

 

“It has been fantastic to see the company grow so successfully and this success is down to the remarkable team we have behind us who strive for excellent craftsmanship and customer experience.

 

“I’m now looking to hand the daily reigns over to some capable hands to continue Jerba’s success and innovation and to look after my the wonderful team.”

 

Recently, firm received official accreditation from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as one of a handful of converters to be recognised as a Motorhome Qualified Converter – and the only in Scotland.

 

Jerba Campervans has also been recognised for its ethical tax conduct by the Fair Tax Mark group, and was awarded the Good Business Charter for responsible business practices in 2020.

 

The search for the MD has begun with Simon determined to appoint someone with similar values to himself who understands the ethos of the company and will help drive the company to explore other commercial opportunities in the highly competitive UK campervan and wider vehicle conversion markets.

 

Simon added: “We have a number of exciting plans in the pipeline for 2022 and we need an MD who will bring a fresh, diversified approach to the role.

 

“The candidate must buy into our commitment to the employee ownership model, but develop new strategies to build on the company’s success and open up new opportunities and market areas.”

 

Jerba Campervans specialise in converting Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 Models and is officially recognised by Volkswagen as a converter of the model. In 2015, Jerba Campervans gained a patent for their unique pop-up roof, which they add to all of their Volkswagen conversions.

 

To find out more about Jerba Campervans, visit www.jerbacampervans.co.uk

Acquisition forms important part of Anthesis’ global growth strategy

Anthesis, the largest group of dedicated sustainability professionals globally, has announced the acquisition of Provision Coalition Inc., a Canadian-based consultancy focused on sustainability in the Agri-food sector.

The acquisition is an important part of Anthesis’ growth strategy, following significant minority investment from Palatine Private Equity in March 2021 and building on Anthesis’ growing operations in North America and scaling its impact in the food sector.

Founded as an industry-led non-profit in 2013 by one of Canada’s leading figures in food industry sustainability, CEO Cher Mereweather, Provision Coalition Inc. is a team of eight food and beverage industry sustainability experts based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Provision Coalition Inc. supports food and beverage companies with a holistic approach to sustainability. This embraces people, business strategy, operations, value chains, data and storytelling and is supported by a suite of training and software solutions designed specifically for the food sector.

Transforming minds and building social awareness is a core focus for Anthesis through educational initiatives scaled through digital. Provision Coalition Inc.’s high-impact training, which has helped nearly 100 Canadian food and beverage entrepreneurs in the last year achieve clarity on their purpose and develop a plan for sustainability and circularity, will continue to strengthen this focus. Prior to acquisition, Anthesis and Provision Coalition Inc. have been collaborating on the co-creation of a software platform for the Canadian Agri-food Sustainability Initiative that makes it easier for agricultural producers to assess their compliance with multiple sustainability standards (provincial, national, and international).

With an estimated 58% of Canada’s food production still being wasted, Provision Coalition Inc. has been at the forefront of work to prevent and upcycle waste, identifying $13.5M of potential food loss and waste in the last three years. This focus on impact is strongly aligned with Anthesis’ mission and with its B-Corp status. Provision Coalition Inc. will operate as Anthesis Provision and integrate globally with Anthesis’ existing food and regenerative agriculture team and the broader business supporting leading food industry companies such as Cargill, Nestlé and Danone.

Stuart McLachlan, CEO of Anthesis Group, commented, “2022 will be a significant year for Anthesis as we build on our position as the world’s leading firm of sustainability specialists. This strategic move highlights our commitment to the North American region and our determination to drive change through social awareness and education in one of the world’s largest industries. I am delighted to welcome the Provision Coalition Inc. team to Anthesis. We are aligned on driving impact and our combined strength and market-leading expertise will support our clients as they navigate this decisive decade.”

Cher Mereweather, CEO of Provision Coalition Inc., added, “Our purpose at Provision is to help the food and beverage industry rise to the challenges of creating a more sustainable food system. As we face this decisive decade, we are thrilled to align our strengths and passions with those of the Anthesis team to deliver more impact, faster, to more companies, together. We have been impressed not just by Anthesis’ ambition, but by their values and look forward to amplifying the creative and ground-breaking work that Provision has become known for, by joining the world’s largest group of sustainability experts.”

This is the 14^th M&A activity for Anthesis Group since it was established in 2013. Other acquisitions include Best Foot Forward, UMR GmbH, Caleb Management Services, SecondNature, M4C, LRS Consultancy (who also acquired Urban Mines), TEP ME, Mosaic Sustainability, Enveco SE, Sustain, MADE-BY (IP assets acquisition), GoodBrand, and Spanish sustainability services provider, Lavola.

Financial terms of the deal will not be announced.

Having discussed their original business plan over a pint of beer, Steve Johnstone and Dan Hay are raising a glass to 10 successful years in charge of Alliance Creative.

From those early conversations in an Edinburgh bar a decade ago, the pair have established the firm as Scotland’s biggest creative collective and are looking to build an even stronger brand going forward.

From humble beginnings, the Alliance now has a core team covering print and digital design, web development and motion graphics all backed up by a dedicated project management team. The business boasts a further network of more than 100 specialists drawn from a wide range of creative disciplines, all based throughout Scotland.

From TV/video and artwork to copywriting and brand strategy, they provide creative services to a diverse UK-wide client base, including the likes of Virgin Money, Phoenix Group, VELUX, Macdonald Hotels, ZSL London Zoo, National Museums Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland and Edinburgh Napier University.

“We’re a completely different company to the one which started out in 2011, but that has been a gradual process,” said Dan. “We have had to change with the times and I’d like to think we have managed that quite successfully.

“Steve and I knew each other for over 20 years before setting this up. It was all about attracting people we trusted who had a really good name in our industry. We are very selective about the people we get involved with, meaning our clients know we only supply a high-calibre workforce.

“The reputation we have built up has really helped us expand our client base.”

Co-founder Steve admitted it took a ‘lightbulb’ moment a few years ago when the business model was changed to allow the Edinburgh-based company to grow and unleash its potential.

“At the outset we felt compelled to do everything ourselves, but about four years ago we had a massive ‘growing up’ period when we realised we had to change to take the business to the next level,” he said.

“We looked at our roles as directors and learned to step back and entrust our staff with more of the management of day-to-day operations. The staff know that their input is crucial to driving success, as well as shaping their own career paths, essentially making sure we are playing everyone to their strengths.

“We want to give greater ownership to the people who work in our business. In other agency cultures, the feeling of self-worth and inclusivity had often been eroded and we are proud to have bucked that trend. It’s not about Dan and I always calling the shots, we want to give people a voice in determining the direction in which the business is going, and also how they live their lives outwith work.”

It’s appropriate that the foundations for Alliance Creative were first discussed over a beer or two as the social aspect of business life continues to play an important role in the company’s progress.“It’s always been a key driver to foster a real community aspect to our business, by re-addressing things like paying everyone for every hour they work and paying them on time. These complaints were common in our industry and ones we felt we could put right,” said Steve.

“We are proud to have brought a bit of stability to the self-employed in our sector, making sure people’s rates remain appropriate and them not having to chase invoices either, even though we maybe as a business hadn’t been paid ourselves by our clients.

“We have managed to do that from very early on and it has been a big plus for us as a company. It helps enforce that element of trust, we can’t underplay how important that is. We also applied an overtime payment structure for any out-of-hours work they conduct, something that seems to be very rare these days, in our experience.

“Socially, we also realised the need for regular get-togethers. We have a focused event for just the Alliance folk, hosting a summer and Christmas party as a ‘thank you’ as well as a few other Friday ‘gatherings’. It’s hugely important to us, giving people a sense of belonging to an organisation rather than just being out there on their own.

“It’s something we have had a lot of positive feedback about and aim to continue.”

While delighted to celebrate 10 years of driving change in the industry, the pair are relieved to have coped with the challenges of Covid over the last 24 months or so, staffing levels having actually risen by 25% during the pandemic.

“We had to knuckle down and protect the core part of the business, which thankfully we managed to do,” said Dan. “Everyone pulled together when they needed to and were brilliant.

“The last couple of years have been tough but everyone has been so patient and understanding as we figured out the best way forward for the business. We had to furlough everyone at the start so it was just myself and Steve doing the work, but gradually we were able to bring them back as the workload increased again.

“We have an amazing team behind us and Covid showed just how well they get on and want to support each other. Securing jobs for our workforce has been a major highlight of the past couple of years. That experience, as tough as it was, has us in a good place to push on this year and we’re really looking forward to the future.”

So what does 2022 have in store for Alliance Creative?

“Big idea creative campaigns are one of the things we want more of in the new year, as is strategic planning – we are confident in our services, and have a lot to offer,” added Steve.

“We are the agency alternative. The depth and breadth of high-quality creatives you can tap into with the Alliance is unrivalled in Scotland, so we’re as good as any agency out there in terms of the level of experience on offer, we just want to put them all to good use.”

For anyone looking to market their business more effectively in 2022, it costs nothing to have a quick chat with the Alliance – maybe over something cold and refreshing!

SP Energy Networks has completed a £34million investment project as part of its reinforcement of the electricity network across Edinburgh and the Lothians to support the uptake of greener energy solutions.

The investment at Currie substation will help to futureproof the power grid for generations to come, supporting the transition to new green technology like electric vehicles and heating that will be crucial to the Scottish Government’s ambitious net zero emissions targets.

The network provider, which manages the electricity network in Central and Southern Scotland, has modernised the Currie substation, which was originally built in the 1950s, by replacing old technology that had reached the end of its operational lifespan.

The work carried out included the use of environmentally friendly gas as an insulator, making it one of the greenest substations in the country. Old oil circuit breakers were replaced with modern alternatives, while degraded concrete structures have given way to galvanised steel.

The project, which started in early 2017, will contribute to a resilient energy supply to over 90,000 homes and businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothians including Livingston, Broxburn and South Queensferry.

Pearse Murray, SP Transmission Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “The £34million upgrade project we’ve completed in Currie is part of a major investment programme we are undertaking to ensure our transmission network can deliver a secure and reliable service now and far into the future.

“I’m very proud of the work the team has carried out, which ensures that strategic hubs like Currie continue to play a vital role in our work to deliver clean, green energy throughout our network.”

Currie substation joins a number of other SP Energy Networks substations across the country that have been upgraded to become more environmentally friendly with similar work planned across more of the network operator’s substations.

The transmission network takes electricity generated from power stations and windfarms and transports it at high voltage through over 4,000 kilometers of overhead and 320 kilometers of underground lines to electricity distribution supply points, from where it is reduced in voltage in stages so that it can be used in homes, businesses and other facilities.

SP Energy Networks has been working closely with communities across Lothian, keeping them up-to-date with the works in their local area. The community relations team has helped deliver the XP overhead line refurbishment between Curry and Kaimes substations along with the ongoing ZA overhead line refurbishment on the line which runs from Cockenzie and Eccles

SP Energy Networks owns and manages overhead and underground powerlines in Southern and Central Scotland as well as Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and North Shropshire.

For more information about SP Energy Networks and its services, visit: spenergynetworks.co.uk

Influential electrical body SELECT has launched a new Associate Membership scheme that will give manufacturers and service providers the chance to become part of Scotland’s largest construction trade association.

Eight leading industry organisations have already signed up as founder members of the new scheme rolled out by the campaigning trade body for the electrical sector in Scotland.

As well as offering Associate Members a wide range of benefits, the initiative will also allow them to build beneficial relationships with SELECT’s 1,260 member businesses, who between them have an annual turnover of around £1 billion.

Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communications at SELECT, said: “Associate Member schemes are frequently used by modern trade associations to help develop a mutually complementary network of industry-specific partners.

“Designed to accommodate organisations who don’t meet the usual criteria of membership, our new scheme will give some of the industry’s biggest names the opportunity to ally themselves with an established and successful trade body.

“At the same time it will allows us trade to build stronger relationships with organisations that can offer relevant and useful services to our members.”

The eight founding members of the new SELECT scheme are:

• Aico – European market leader in home life safety
• Flexel – manufacturer of innovative electric heating systems and accessories
• Linian – innovative UK manufacturer of cable-fixing products
• Luceco Group – global manufacturer and distributor of high-quality electrical products
• Megger – industry leader in electrical test and measurement
• simPRO – leading job management software solution for service, project and maintenance contractors
• Tala Training – leading provider of health and safety training and consultancy services
• Thorn Lighting – internationally leading supplier of integral lighting solutions.

Mr Mason said: “The response to our new category of membership has been extremely positive, with these leading enterprises enthusiastically signing up well before the official launch.

“We are delighted that so many well-respected industry names have already joined us and we look forward to welcoming many more in the weeks and months to come.”

The scheme, which was formally launched on January 1, is open to service providers, manufacturers and any other commercial organisations related to the electrical industry. They do not have to be UK-based and may have a European or international remit.

Among the benefits are a prominent logo and biography on a dedicated section of the SELECT website, networking and promotional opportunities, the chance to host webinars and events and the ability to promote goods and services via a wide range of member communications.

Associate Members will also be eligible for preferential discounts on advertising, sponsorship and events, including the association’s popular Toolbox Talk roadshows, which are due to tour Scotland in May and June after a two-year absence.

Mr Mason added: “SELECT has always been a strong advocate of collaboration and cooperation within the construction sector and we believe this new initiative will allow members and Associate Members alike to enhance and expand their networks to everyone’s benefit.”

Founded in 1900, SELECT was first trade association in the world to serve the electrical industry and is today regarded as an exemplar in the construction sector, especially in the fields of training, technical skills and communications.

It delivers a wide range of services to around 18,500 professionals and apprentices, trains more than 3,500 electricians each year, and is committed to regulation of the electrical industry for a safer Scotland.

• UK CFOs focused on business expansion in 2022
• Record* number of CFOs say increasing capital investment is a strong priority for their business in the year ahead
• Overwhelming majority of CFOs expect greater investment in digital technology and workforce skills over the next three years
• Despite rising inflation and the emergence of the Omicron variant, CFO risk appetite has nudged higher
• CFOs expect productivity to grow faster in the next three years, than in the years before the pandemic

Finance leaders are focused on growth, with a record 37% rating an increase in capital investment as a strong priority for their business in the next 12 months, according to Deloitte’s UK CFO Survey Q4 2021. Expansionary strategies, including introducing new products and services, expanding into new markets and raising investment are a greater focus now than at any time since the question was first asked in 2009.

CFOs cite growth in demand at home and abroad, and the climate transition as the main drivers of investment. On the type of investment, an overwhelming majority of CFOs expect to invest more in digital technology (94%) and workforce skills (77%) over the next three years, than in the years before than pandemic. Also, most CFOs (84%) expect productivity to grow faster in the next three years, than in the years before the pandemic.

Conducted between 1 and 14 December 2021, Deloitte’s latest quarterly CFO Survey captured sentiment amongst the UK’s largest businesses, against a backdrop of the emergence of the Omicron variant, the government triggering its ‘Plan B’ restrictions and rising inflation. The latest survey saw 85 CFOs participate, including CFOs of 21 FTSE 100 and 29 FTSE 250 companies. The combined market value of the 60 UK-listed companies that participated is £493 billion, approximately 19% of the UK quoted equity market.

Recovery and risk outlook

CFOs rate persistent labour shortages, the pandemic, climate change and higher inflation respectively as the top risks facing their businesses. Compared to this time last year, CFOs have reduced their risk rating for the COVID-19 pandemic. By contrast, labour and supply shortages have emerged as significant short-term risks over the last year, resulting in a higher risk rating for inflation.

In terms of recovery of demand for their own businesses’ products and services, 59% of CFOs state that it already returned to pre-pandemic levels at the end of 2021. Around a quarter (27%) expect demand to return in Q3 2022 or later, consistent with findings from the previous edition of the survey.

Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte, says: “Like equity markets, which rallied into the new year, CFOs seem to be looking past Omicron and plan to focus their businesses on growth in 2022.

“It is a measure both of the remarkable snap-back in activity from the pandemic and the scale of the challenge today that CFOs rate labour shortages as the greatest risk to business. This is ahead of even the pandemic, in second place. Strikingly, the worries that dominated the risk list in recent years – above all Brexit and weak global growth – have dropped sharply down the risk rankings.”

Labour market and supply chains

Almost half of the CFOs surveyed (46%) reported that their businesses have faced significant or severe recruitment difficulties over the last three months. Things are expected to improve in 2022, with 24% of CFOs expecting significant or severe recruitment difficulties in a year’s time.

There has been an uptick in the proportion of CFOs (37%) reporting that their businesses have experienced significant or severe supply chain disruption over the past three months, compared to the previous edition of the survey (28%). They expect some easing of constraints, with one in five CFOs (19%) anticipating similar levels of disruption in one year’s time.

Richard Houston, senior partner and CEO of Deloitte, comments: “CFOs are going into 2022 with their sights set on expansion. Investment in technology and skills are key priorities for business as they seek to grow, innovate and build resilience.”

Shepherd and Wedderburn has been awarded Platinum Employer Partner accreditation by STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, attaining the highest of three accreditation levels awarded under STEP’s Employer Partnership Programme.

The firm previously held gold accreditation under the scheme but this has been upgraded to reflect the strength of the policies, practices and structures that support its private wealth and tax offering.

To achieve platinum accreditation, an organisation must show that the importance of learning and development is championed throughout the organisation, and demonstrate a positive work and learning environment.

Trent Weber, Senior Manager Employer Partnerships at STEP, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the team at Shepherd and Wedderburn since they joined the programme in early 2020. I’m very pleased that they were able to achieve this highest level of accreditation. It’s testament to the strong L&D provision and supportive environment that they have in place for their people.”

Gillian Campbell, Shepherd and Wedderburn’s Head of Private Wealth and Tax in the north of Scotland and the firm’s official STEP student mentor, said: “Our prestigious award from STEP validates the quality of the learning opportunities and support that we offer our professionals to be the best they can be in their chosen career. It also reflects our unwavering commitment to providing legal advice and client service of the highest quality.”

The platinum accreditation tops a year of resounding success for the firm’s private wealth and tax team, which was recently ranked as a Tier 1 practice in the latest Legal 500 directory.

In April, the team was bolstered by the acquisition of the Dentons’ Scottish private client team, creating one of Scotland’s largest private wealth and tax offerings and expanding the specialist asset protection, personal tax planning, trusts, executries and succession planning support available to clients.

Staff at Edinburgh Airport have voted for The Larder to become the airport’s corporate charity of the year for 2022.

The Larder is based in West Lothian and works to provide training for young people around issues such as employability, health, wellbeing and life skills, as well as learning how to cook and using food as a way to promote social change.

The social enterprise provides direct work experience for young people within its cafes, which also provide nutritious and affordable food for people within local communities.

The Larder was one of more than 50 charities and organisations that applied to become the airport’s charity partner for 2022, eventually coming out on top of a staff vote. The criteria for 2022 was changed to align with the airport’s Greater Good sustainability strategy and partner with a group supporting one or more of the key pillars in the strategy:

• Zero Carbon – charities who are working to mitigate and reduce the impacts of climate change
• Enhancing Scotland – charities playing their part in managing environmental impacts such as water consumption, waste generation and improved re-use and recycling
• Scotland’s Best Business – charities supporting people into employment or providing community mental and physical health and wellbeing initiatives
• Trusted Neighbour – charities carrying out essential and vital work in our local communities

Gordon Robertson, Director of Communications and Sustainability at Edinburgh Airport said:

“We know the pandemic has created many issues for many people and industries but it has been some of the most vulnerable people in our communities that have been hit hardest and the charities that have continued to serve and support their local areas deserve enormous praise and gratitude.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be working with The Larder, a social enterprise that has such a positive impact in the areas it operates in and on the lives of the people it helps. We want to do what we can to help raise awareness of their work, raise vital funding and allow us to learn from each other. I know our people at Edinburgh Airport are looking forward to our work together – a feast of opportunities awaits!”

Angela Moohan, CEO, The Larder, said:

“We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have been chosen, and are so thankful for all of the staff at Edinburgh Airport who voted for us to be their Charity of the Year. We know that The Larder changes lives for many, and this accolade pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of our amazing team of staff and volunteers.

“This recognition, along with the feedback that we get from the people that we support, tells us that we are doing the right things at this very challenging time. We would be unable to do any of our work without the support of our partners and we are very excited to enter into this new partnership with Edinburgh Airport.”

Connectivity, cyber security and data hosting and management specialist IFB, has invested £500,000 to accelerate its expansion plans which includes a new partnership with Scotland’s leading hybrid cloud managed service provider, Brightsolid.

The long-term agreement provides IFB with access to new and considerable data centre hosting capacity, and with the addition of core network upgrades, will also support the Aberdeen headquartered firm’s business customers with 10-times the UK average internet speeds, increased cyber security and additional support for office and home working.

IFB has been providing connectivity, data centre cyber protection, cloud and telephony solutions since 1995 and has over 700 business customers in the public sector, business services, education, and industrial industries across Scotland and the UK.

The firm has experienced substantial interest in its business-critical services since the coronavirus pandemic ushered in a new era of remote working and companies became more data driven to continue operating productively. Organisations scaling up or using technologies which require more and better access to data and cloud-based software and IT infrastructure, have also necessitated an increased demand across IFB’s service range.

This collaboration with Brightsolid is part of IFB’s ongoing growth strategy to further fortify its operational excellence in delivering digital transformation and adoption for businesses across the country. The increased data centre capacity and storage, and new cloud services, come hand in glove with investment in new ‘fibre to the premise’ ultrafast gigabit internet access. Earlier this year, the firm also launched its Threat Intelligence Platform to help companies identify and mitigate potential system vulnerabilities, as well as simplifying cyber security accreditations.

IFB CEO Graeme Gordon, said: “In the last couple of years, businesses have evolved and working practices have changed. This has resulted in a rapid upsurge in the need for essential and secure data management with dependable network connectivity so people can remain productive, conduct meetings and collaborate virtually, email securely, and protect and store confidential company documents with confidence.

“We are 100% committed to maximizing our customers’ uptime and productivity and have always prided ourselves in meeting their needs. Through this £500,000 long-term investment and the partnership with Brightsolid, we have bolstered existing services delivering a substantial increase in data centre hosting capacity. Our investment also enables us to increase our capacity to deliver greater internet bandwidth meaning we are able to provide and support speeds 10-times faster than the UK average, assisting customers to connect with their data in less than a millisecond and remain productive. Through our combined expertise and infrastructure, we can ensure our clients receive a reliable, scalable, safe and cost-effective solution for the hybrid working environment.

“This development fuels our ambitious growth plans as we continue to elevate our position as one of Scotland’s leading data management and preferred network connectivity providers, trusted for delivering and managing solutions that enable our customers to work from anywhere at any time.”

Brightsolid has over 25 years’ experience in data centre hosting and cloud services. Under the arrangement, IFB’s UK business network will connect to Brightsolid’s tier III designed secure data centres in Aberdeen and Dundee integrating these into IFB’s current infrastructure to provide safe, data hosting, high-capacity internet access and wide area network solutions

Brightsolid’s CEO, Elaine Maddison, said: “We are delighted that IFB has chosen Brightsolid’s data centre to underpin their ambitious growth plans. Brightsolid and IFB have worked together for some time providing complementary services to customers and this is a natural extension of our existing partnership.”

IFB was a finalist in the ‘Customer First’ and ‘Inspiration from Innovation’ categories for the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s Northern Star Business Awards, further cementing the firm’s position in the local market and its commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.