December worst in 20 years for our high streets
Scottish retailers have reported the worst December sales figures in 20 years, highlighting continuing woes on the nation’s high streets .
North of Scotland
The world’s largest semi-submersible drilling rig arrives in the Highlands
Bosses at a revamped Highland port have hailed the “culmination of 10 years’ work” as they yesterday welcomed the arrival of the world’s largest semi-submersible drilling rig.
Attollo Offshore to create 20 jobs with tech ‘incubator’
Aberdeen-based Attollo Offshore has announced it will create 20 jobs through a new project to enhance the use of technology offshore.
Nexen changes company name to Cnooc International
Oil and gas operator Nexen has officially changed its name to Cnooc International.
Blasting ‘cannot be ruled out’ in seal death at Aberdeen harbour expansion
An autopsy has found that blasting work carried out at the Aberdeen harbour expansion project “cannot be ruled out” in the death of a young grey seal.
Tourism scheme to give lift for business
A new scheme aimed at north-east tourism businesses is expected to help unleash their potential as major revenue earners.
Hotel staff told jobs are safe in Macdonald cuts
Hospitality workers in the north and north-east have been assured their jobs are safe after Scotland’s biggest luxury hotel group announced up to 50 redundancies.
New welfare service for veterans across the north and north-east
PoppyScotland is to launch a new service to help veterans negotiate the welfare system.
Shell’s Curlew FPSO off to Turkey for scrapping, via Dundee
Oil giant Shell has revealed the vessel for its Curlew field in the North Sea would be taken to Turkey for dismantling.
Rystad targets Aberdeen move in ‘ringing endorsement’ for North Sea
Rystad Energy has announced plans to set up shop in Aberdeen as it forecasts a surge in activity for the UK North Sea.
Aberdeen Bay wind operator to splash £3m community cash
The energy giant behind a controversial north-east wind farm will offer £3 million to the community.
Perenco supplier denies exploitation of non-EU workforce operating in North Sea
A North Sea offshore supplier has denied exploiting non-EU workers – despite paying some little more than £3 an hour.
SPONSORED: Businesses invited to explore their funding options
With a focus on accelerating growth and diversification across the region, companies of all sizes are being encouraged to explore their options to diversify, innovate, invest in their businesses and expand.
Nexen changes name to Cnooc International
Oil and gas operator Nexen has officially changed its name to Cnooc International. The Canadian firm was taken over by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (Cnooc) in February 2013 in a £9.4 billion deal. >> To read more on Energy Voice, click here <<
Stay ahead in business with expert guidance from Highlands and islands entrepreneurs
Highlands and islands entrepreneurs are being offered an opportunity to learn how they can gain a competitive edge over their competitors at a masterclass with a leading expert in Inverness next month.
Scottish SMEs get £100m funding to help expand
Businesses across Scotland will be able to access more than £100 million to help them expand, the Scottish Government has announced.
UK eyes ‘competitive advantage’ with new oilfield decommissioning base
A new research base with the power to transform the UK into a global leader in oilfield demolition opened in a tiny Aberdeenshire village this morning.
‘More oil price upside than downside in the near term,’ observers say
Unpredictability is the only certainty in the world of crude prices. But oil industry observers believe crude prices are more likely to rise than fall over the coming months.
North Sea industry hopes oil settles at $60-70 for longer
Oil prices settling in a sweet spot of $60-70 per barrel would give North Sea firms more confidence to kick on with investment plans, industry experts have said.
Managers encouraged to put their best foot forward towards HR awards
Outstanding HR managers are being encouraged to put their best foot forward and apply for one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the north-east.
New ROV job for M2 Subsea boss after firm ‘shuts’
The boss at M2 Subsea (M2S) has jumped ship to another remotely-operated-vehicle (ROV) specialist after “winding down” the firm — less than three years after its launch.
DNO could become ‘more dominant’ North Sea player with Faroe takeover
DNO could become a “more dominant player” in the North Sea with its takeover of Faroe Petroleum, according to an analyst. Faroe’s board yesterday conceded defeat in a long-running takeover battle and advised shareholders to accept DNO’s bid. >> To read more on Energy Voice, click here <<
Amec purchase leaves Wood ‘uniquely positioned’ for future energy markets
The £2.2 billion acquisition of Amec Foster Wheeler at the end of 2017 has opened up a host of new opportunities for owners Wood.
Faroe Petroleum concedes defeat in takeover battle with DNO
Faroe Petroleum’s board has conceded defeat in its fight against a takeover bid by Norwegian oil explorer DNO.
DNO makes ‘final offer’ to take over Faroe Petroleum
Norwegian oil explorer DNO has increased its offer to acquire Aberdeen-based Faroe Petroleum, as its pursuit of the North Sea firm continues.
Firms get chance to net share of £40m port cash
Opportunities for firms to claim a share of projects worth £40million at a Highland port will be unveiled next week.
Highlands and Islands loses rental prices crown
The Highlands and Islands have lost their crown as the top region in Scotland for property rental price growth, industry figures show.
Photo campaign marks end of production on Brae Bravo
The end of production on a North Sea platform has been marked with a photo campaign after 30 years of operations.
North Sea workers accept OCA pay offer
Unite union members have voted to accept a pay offer from the OCA, according to a offshore union representative.
Expect North Sea exploration fightback in 2019, Woodmac says
A heady cocktail of beefed up budgets and fierce competition for acquisitions will create a “renaissance” for North Sea exploration this year, analysts said.
Hotels perform ‘beyond wildest of expectations’
The boss of the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels (CHFH) has said he expects all three of the group’s West Highland operations to be fully booked for much of this year as Scotland’s tourism bonanza shows no sign of abating.
US firm Sphera swoops for Petrotechnics brand
Scottish technology firm Petrotechnics is now under US ownership following its sale by shareholders including chief executive Phil Murray and the Business Growth Fund (BGF).