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City Council draft Business Plan

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Recommendations on Aberdeen City Council’s draft Business Plan for the next five will be considered by the Full Council on 15 December.

Finance and Resources Committee members (the Committee) today agreed the recommendations of the City Council’s ruling Administration on the policy options contained in the draft Five Year Business Plan should be presented to the full council for further decisions.

The City Council has published a colour-coded version of the Priority Based Budgeting: Final Draft Report.

The colour green indicates that the Administration is recommending to the Full Council that the savings be accepted.

The colour amber indicates that the Finance and Resources Committee is recommending that further reports be drawn up with more information about the potential impact of making the saving, or with alternative ways of making the saving.

Policy options coloured in red are the budget savings which the Committee recommended should not be accepted at this time but which may be re-visited before the City Council’s budget-setting day in February and in light of the detailed budget settlement for Aberdeen City Council, which will be announced by the Scottish Government on 8 December.

The only exceptions are – lines ACC_SO18 (page 39 of the report) Council-wide Options – permit Chief Executive to decide on management structure savings; line CG_LDS_ 07b (page 38) Corporate governance Stop/Reduce – Council committees aligned to statutory minimum; review in 2012; line CG_LDS_ 07e (page 38) Corporate Governance Stop/Reduce – 5% reduction in Statutory Responsibility Allowances Enhancement; CS_FS03 (page 38) Corporate Governance Stop/Reduce – reduce Fairer Scotland Fund by £750,000, not £1 million, and hold community summit.

Finance and Resources convener Councillor Kevin Stewart said: “No one enters elected office to make cuts but unfortunately the depth of savings we are required to make in these extremely difficult economic times gives us no choice but to do so.

“We have some extremely difficult decisions to make over the next few weeks and months to make sure we get through the next five-year period.

“Those decisions will affect all services right across the council. It is impossible to protect any area from the savings we will have to make. But what this Administration can promise is that we will set a budget according to the priorities of the council, the citizens and our partners.

“We will make sure that the most vulnerable people are protected, that the economy of this city remains vibrant, that school attainment is improved and that we manage our waste better. We will do our best for Aberdeen in these difficult times.

“We will continue to consult closely with the public and our partners in the public sector, voluntary sector and business communities between now and February. But people have the right to know now the Administration’s thinking on how we should balance the books.”

Today’s recommendations from the Committee were on the policy options contained in the Priority Based Budgeting Final Draft Report, which is forming the basis of consultations with the people of Aberdeen, the city’s business, voluntary and academic sectors, and with other public sector partner organisations.

The report – in which £150 million of potential savings were identified – was the result of more than five months of detailed work by City Council officials to define existing services, establish current costs, and then draw up policy options. The review covered more than 200 services and resulted in some 750 options, which are laid out in four categories –

* Transformation or Strategic options, which change the nature of the service delivery;
* Efficiency options, which do not change the nature of a service but focus on efficiency and effectiveness;
* Efficiency-with-barriers options, which would change the nature of service delivery and require some change to legislation;
* Stop/Reduce options, which would cut the level of service or result in a service no longer being delivered.

The 5 Year Business Plan approach is a fundamentally new way of planning future spending and investment in the city and is based on Aberdeen City Council’s six key priorities –

* provide for the needs of the most vulnerable people;
* help to ensure that all schoolchildren reach their potential;
* manage waste better and increase recycling;
* encourage new affordable housing;
* ensure a sustainable economic future for the city;
* ensure efficient and effective delivery of services by the Council and with its partners.

The City Council is making a major effort to gather the views of as many citizens as possible before finalising the Five Year Business Plan. Around 100 Information Points have been set up across the city to allow people to have their say by filling in questionnaires on spending and services. Online comments are being collected on the City Council’s website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk, where the questionnaires are also available. Over 1,000 have been returned so far.

More than 300 people have attended public meetings. In excess of 100 of the city’s top stakeholders have also been involved in consultations.

Aberdeen’s Sea Energy win Green Energy award

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SeaEnergy Renewables has scooped a prize in this year’s Green Energy Awards.

The prestigious accolades – run by industry body Scottish Renewables and now in their ninth year – took place last week in the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. The event was hosted by Fred MacAulay and a keynote speech was delivered by Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore.

SeaEnergy Renewables won the Best New Business Award. The Awards celebrate Scotland’s success in tackling climate change, creating a low carbon economy and maintaining its global lead in the green energy industry. They recognise innovation, enterprise and excellence in the renewable energy industry, from student and community projects to best business and outstanding contribution to the sector.

Joel Staadecker, the CEO of SeaEnergy Renewables, said:-“SeaEnergy Renewables is thrilled to win the Best New Business Award at the Green Energy Awards this year. SeaEnergy Renewables is Scotland’s only independent offshore wind developer and we are playing a vital role in this emerging industry. Three of our large-scale development sites are offshore Scotland. We are so proud to be a key part of Scotland’s offshore wind industry and to be a major participant in the effort to secure Scotland’s future as a global energy capital. Receiving this outstanding award is really a testament to both our pioneering role in the development of offshore wind and to the truly outstanding people that make up SeaEnergy Renewables.”

New figures from Scottish Renewables show that Scotland is on track to surpass the Government’s target of 31 per cent of all electricity demand to be met from renewables by 2011.

Speaking at the organisation’s annual dinner and awards for outstanding contribution to the growth of the industry in Edinburgh, Chief Executive Niall Stuart acknowledged the part played by companies like SeaEnergy Renewables in driving forward the industry:-“Congratulations to SeaEnergy Renewables. Together, this year’s Green Energy Award winners will deliver huge economic and environmental benefits to communities across Scotland, and it’s all thanks to the determination, ambition and ideas of companies like SeaEnergy Renewables.

Scotland’s renewables industry has grown faster and further than anyone dared to hope even a few years ago. We now have over 4GW of developments in operation – enough to generate 32 per cent of the annual demand for electricity from every home and business in the country.”

Speaking on behalf of All-Energy, sponsors of the Best New Business Award, Judith Patten, Project Director, said:-“All-Energy is delighted to continue to sponsor the ‘Best New Business Award’. Over the years it has been exciting, and rewarding, to see ‘our’ winning companies go from strength to strength. Scotland is rightly proud of the tremendous success stories emanating from many innovative companies who are rising to the challenges and grasping the ‘nettle of opportunity’ offered by the rapidly expanding renewable energy sectors – our ‘Best New Business Award’ winners have certainly been at the forefront. We wish this year’s richly deserved winner much success in the coming months and years, and know they will come to be seen as one of the ‘Best of the Best’.”

Sea Energy has a series of videos on YouTube to explain their technology.  This is one of them

New director at John Clark

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Chris Clark has been appointed as a director at the John Clark Motor Group, the top four Scottish motor group established by his father, John Clark, in 1977.

Chris, age 34, joined the family business in 2007 after ten years working with BMW UK in a number of management roles in sales, marketing and customer service. During his time he built a strong relationship with BMW in the UK and in Germany.

Commenting on Chris’s appointment as a director, John Clark, chairman and managing director said:

“I am delighted that Chris has decided to take up a career in the family business. I have no doubt that the experience he has gained during ten years with BMW UK and the past three years working in various business development roles within the group, will be a great asset to the future development of the John Clark Motor Group.”

Like his father, Chris Clark is an accomplished sportsman and particular passion for motor racing. He is married to Clare, who works for Rolls Royce Motor Cars.

The John Clark Motor Group is Scotland’s fourth largest motor group with an annual turnover of £260 million and 640 employees.

Based in Aberdeen, the group operates BMW, Mini and Audi dealerships in Aberdeen and Dundee, Volkswagen in Aberdeen and Fife, Skoda in Aberdeen and Dundee, Seat in Aberdeen and Land Rover in Edinburgh. The group also holds the Volkswagen LCV franchise for the East of Scotland and owns Clark Commercials in Aberdeen.

The Scotland Bill needs further examination

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The Scottish Government has moved quickly to enable scrutiny of the Scotland Bill by the Scottish Parliament.

In a Ministerial Statement to the Scottish Parliament, External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop announced that a legislative consent memorandum has been lodged today, giving Parliament the maximum amount of time to consider the Bill.

Detailed work will be undertaken by a Parliamentary Committee, but the whole Parliament will have the opportunity to debate the changes proposed.

The memorandum sets out the Scottish Government’s analysis and position on the Bill and its recommendations for making improvements.

Ms Hyslop said:-“The Bill requires consent of the Scottish Parliament, so we have moved quickly to enable full scrutiny to commence without delay.

“As we have made clear, we welcome many aspects of the Scotland Bill and the further devolution of powers it provides. However, overall, this is a missed opportunity that does not meet the ambitions this Government – nor indeed the majority of the people of Scotland – have for this country.

“The key test for this Bill should be whether it delivers the priorities of the people of Scotland – to grow the economy, to protect jobs and to ensure proper investment in public services. We do not believe the Bill as it stands will deliver on those priorities, and indeed may hinder them. Careful scrutiny is vital to achieve the improvements that we believe should be made.

“We are particularly concerned about the unanswered questions on the financial proposals which would reduce the resources available for public services in Scotland. Unfortunately, the UK Government has so far failed to give the information that will allow proper consideration of this vital element of the Bill.

“The UK Government expects the Scottish Parliament to foot the bill for implementation of the measures in the Bill. The UK Government’s partial Regulatory Impact Assessment, published today, confirmed that Holyrood will be expected to pay these costs, but provides only indicative costs of £45 million to set up HMRC systems and another £4.2 million per year to operate the flawed income tax proposals. The people of Scotland already pay for the costs of running HMRC through their taxes levied by the Treasury, now the UK Government wants them to pay a second time through the money provided in the Scottish Budget for vital public services.

“We urge the Scottish Parliament to consider the proposals very carefully and to ensure the final Bill is one which everyone can say with confidence will be better for Scotland. We will support the Parliament’s process fully and work to ensure the Scotland Bill evolves into a package of measures that delivers for Scotland.”

In the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey (January 2010), 69 per cent of respondents favoured significantly more powers for the Scottish Parliament. On tax (59 per cent) and welfare benefits (60 per cent), a majority want the Scottish Parliament to make the decisions for Scotland.

Schools closed but intranet is open!

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Aberdeenshire Council has been praised for using innovative teaching methods – despite their schools being closed. They arranged a number of learning activities through GLOW – the schools intranet – and elsewhere in West Lothian the council there has also posted a wide range of work for pupils.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:-“Heavy snow and ice is making life difficult across the country. Government, local authorities and businesses are working hard to keep the country moving but, while we all want to see our schools open, some closures are unavoidable.

“That’s bad news for our pupils. While a day or two playing in the snow is undoubtedly good fun, the reality is that they could fall behind in their studies if this weather keeps up.

“That’s why I’d like to highlight some of the good work been done by some of our local authorities in ensuring that their pupils can keep learning even when they can’t physically get to school.

“Aberdeenshire Council have arranged a series of innovative activities on literacy, numeracy and science through GLOW. The SNOW GLOW initiative is available for Primary pupils to log into remotely and has creative writing, photographs, and outdoor activities as part of it.

“In West Lothian, headteachers have been arranging for updated GLOW pages and posting work for pupils, with particularly good examples at Carrondean Primary School and St Margaret’s Academy.

“While I understand that some schools are trying to reopen today and will continue to do so for the rest of the week, the experts are predicting that this weather is set to continue.

“I would urge local authorities and schools to embrace GLOW and other remote learning opportunities and what they can offer for the benefit of pupils who are unable to attend their local school.

“Parents, I am sure, will also play their part in this and encourage our young people to continue their studies from home.”

GLOW cannot be accessed by members of the public without a password.

Tiso move into Aberdeen

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Outdoor equipment and clothing specialist Tiso has relocated to new premises at 1 John Street in Aberdeen after 29 years at their existing location in the Netherkirkgate.

The company has taken a 20 year lease on the new 10,000 sq ft site which is located close to John Lewis, Aberdeen College and Bon Accord Shopping Centre.

FG Burnett acted on behalf the landlord, a local private investor, and has also been retained by Tiso to sell its existing shop. The site at 26 Nethergate provides over 6000 sq ft accommodation and offers in excess of £400,000 are being sought.

Tiso managing director, Chris Tiso, said: “The move to new premises on John Street is a fantastic opportunity for Tiso to develop its already extensive offering of outdoor equipment.

“Over the past 29 years of trading in Aberdeen we have built up a loyal customer base which has been achieved through the integrity of both the brands we stock as well as our investment and priority attached to staff training, and the move larger premises can only strengthen this position.”

FG Burnett director, Richard Noble, said: “The letting of 1 John Street demonstrates continued demand for good quality retail accommodation in Aberdeen city centre. This 10,000 sq ft retail warehouse, with dedicated parking, gives Tiso the platform to continue to grow their business in the city.”

HM Inspector of Prisons on Peterhead

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Conditions at Peterhead Prison remain among the worst of any establishment in Scotland with sanitation and hygiene arrangements being of particular concern, according to a report published today by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.

The report also highlights concerns that there is insufficient provision to address offending behaviour and that very few prisoners are tested in less secure conditions before release.

Despite the poor fabric of the prison, the report commends staff and management for maintaining high standards of prisoner care, and highlights:

* The prison is safe for both prisoners and staff
* The provision of medical and mental health services are good
* There is adequate access to constructive activity during the day

Chief Inspector of Prisons Brigadier Hugh Monro said:

“Conditions in Peterhead Prison remain among the worst of any establishment in Scotland. I am particularly disappointed that the degrading practice of ‘slopping out’ remains.

Given the specialist nature of Peterhead I am concerned about the insufficient provision for addressing offending behaviour and the small number of prisoners who are appropriately prepared and tested prior to release. I have raised these issues in three of my six recommendations to the Scottish Prison Service and the Scottish Government and I would want to see them addressed as a matter of priority.

“My inspection did find many positives in Peterhead Prison with a total of 16 examples of good practice, the majority of which are a testament to the dedication of staff and management who have continued to deliver under difficult circumstances. The fact remains however that these are all overshadowed by the very real issues surrounding the age and fabric of the establishment.”

Look out for Waxwings in Aberdeenshire

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“Keep an eye on the berry trees in your neighbourhood, they could be harbouring flocks of a very special visitor,” that’s the message from RSPB Scotland who are asking to the public to keep an eye out for waxwings. Large numbers of these migrant birds from the north have arrived in recent weeks across Scotland, with the North-east playing host to some of the biggest flocks.

Waxwings are eye-catching birds, about the size of a plump starling, but pinky-brown in colour with striking markings and a punk-rocker crest. Small numbers travel to the UK every year from their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and Northern Russia, with Aberdeen usually one of the best places to look for them. Every few years much larger flocks of the birds appear in what is termed an ‘irruption’, which is thought to be caused by a quest for food, possible in relation to a shortage of berries in their wintering feeding grounds.

This can result in the impressive spectacle of large flocks of these colourful visitors descending on any suitable feeding areas. “The waxwings are not fussy birds and they will eat a wide range of berries and soft fruit,” said David Parnaby, who works at the RSPB Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve, near Crimond. “This means that they are just as likely to turn up in a supermarket car park or busy street as on a peaceful nature reserve – so watch out for any berry trees near you. They have beautiful plumage, a delightful, tinkling, trilling call and they can be really approachable, so they’re an all round great species to brighten up a dull winter’s day”.

Irruptions involve large numbers of waxwings appearing in the UK, sometimes in several waves over the autumn and early winter. If the Scottish berry crop is good these will stay and often break up into smaller flocks.  If the berries run out here, the birds will move on again to England, Ireland or more southern areas in continental Europe. Irruptions used to occur around once every ten years but have become more frequent in recent years and often involve larger numbers. One possible explanation for this might be that climate change has resulted in less consistent weather patterns which could result in more unpredictable berry crops, but it could also be that waxwings are having more productive breeding seasons and are having to ‘irrupt’ from Scandinavia more often in search of food as they put extra pressure on northern berry crops.

Some of the largest flocks seen so far in the region include 1,000 at the Bridge of Don, 800 at Kincorth, 190 in Ellon and 150 at Stonehaven, with flocks of several dozen noted at many locations across the region. “The flocks often strip the berries from an area and then disperse, so anyone who hasn’t seen a waxwing yet should find some trees or bushes that still have plenty of berries on them and keep checking them, as they could well be heading your way soon. If you have planted bird-friendly plants like hawthorn, elder or cotoneaster, you may even be able to see them in your garden and what better reward for wildlife gardening than a close-up view of some of these spectacular visitors?”.

Scottish Parliament asked to balance the scales of justice

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In a petition backed by comedian Frankie Boyle and author Iain Banks, campaigners called  on the Scottish Parliament this week to investigate the barriers people face when they try to stand up for the environment.

Lego stunt w/Robin Harper: Robin Harper MSP inspects the scales of environmental justice. Robin Harper MSP inspects the scales of environmental justice.On Tuesday 8 November Friends of the Earth Scotland submitted the petition – which raised over 1000 signatures across Scotland and is backed by top lawyers, academics and organisations including SCVO and RSPB Scotland – to members of the Scottish Parliament Public Petitions Committee.

The petition also pointed out that the current situation leaves the Scottish Government in breach of the United Nations ‘Aarhus’ Convention that requires ‘fair, equitable and affordable’ access to justice on environmental matters.

Currently individuals, communities or campaigners face impossible costs to challenge decisions that potentially break environmental law, as demonstrated in the ongoing case against the development of a new coal fired power station in Hunterston, and by Aberdeenshire pensioner Molly Forbes’ wrangle with Trump’s golf development.

Juliet Swann, Head of Projects and Campaigns, said: “For too long, money and power have been seen to outweigh communities and the environment in the legal process. It’s time to tip the scales of justice so that communities and individuals can defend their rights.

“We want to see the barriers to standing up for your environment removed. Communities should not face massive expenses just because they tried to defend their environment. Individuals should not have to cough up tens of thousands of pounds to challenge decisions that could damage Scotland’s environment forever.

“The Scottish Government should introduce legislation enabling individuals, communities and interest groups to access justice in environmental matters without fear of prohibitive cost.”

Girl Geeks comes to Aberdeen

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A networking organisation for business people interested in technology, creativity and computing has announced the keynote speakers for its latest event, which will be held in Aberdeen later this month.

The Girl Geek Scotland event will take place on Tuesday, November 23, from 6.00pm – 9.30pm at Carmelite Hotel, Stirling Street, Aberdeen and is the third event of its kind to take place in the North-east.

Speaking on the evening will be Jacqueline Davey, Vice President for Business Partner Organisation and Midmarket UKI at IBM.

Jacqueline has worked for IBM for 20 years in a variety of roles, originally joining as company secretary, and then moving on to a technical role as a systems programmer. This led to her securing subsequent senior roles in marketing, sales, sales management, european operations and business leadership.

Jacqueline is the chair of the IBM UK Women’s Leadership Team, responsible for the development and execution of the gender diversity agenda for IBM in the UK. Jacqueline is also a much sought after speaker on the business circuit.

Joining Jacqueline in speaking at the event will be Carolyn Pearson, CEO and founder of maiden-voyage.com.

maiden-voyage.com is a global social network aimed at business women who travel alone. The site gives women the opportunity to arrange to meet up rather than having to spend free time on business trips alone.

In February, maiden-voyage.com won the Business Travel and Meetings Show Innovation Awards and in September, Carolyn was also named Forward Ladies Technology Business Woman of the Year.

Prior to setting up maiden-voyage.com, Carolyn held various senior technology roles, including head of business systems at ITV Productions.

Event organiser, Sheryl Newman, operations director at Aberdeen head-quartered Easthaven Group, which is sponsoring the event, is delighted to be welcoming such influential speakers to the event.

Sheryl said: “We are delighted to have once again secured such a high calibre of speakers and both Carolyn and Jacqueline have got a huge amount of knowledge and experience to share with those who attend.

“Although this is a Girl Geek event, it is definitely not restricted to women and in the past, male attendees have also gained a lot from the experience and we are hoping to see a really strong turn out from across the North-east business community.”

Tickets for the event, which cost £10, are available by visiting www.girlgeekscotland.co.uk or by contacting Sheryl on 01224 289 772.

Girl Geek Scotland is a non-profit networking organisation. The Scottish group was formed in 2009 and has already developed a strong following throughout Aberdeen and the North-east of Scotland.

Easthaven is a global training consultancy which specialises in the design and delivery of learning interventions which are relevant and practical across all industries. The company provides a service designed to suit individual business environments, addressing business goals and ensuring learning is fun and engaging for staff.