The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Young professionals take time
Industry: Best in business mingle with mentors to celebrate
The inaugural Aberdeen Young Professionals Ball brought glitz and glamour to the Granite City as recent graduates mingled with their mentors at a stylish soiree to celebrate success in the workplace.
Established in 2009, the north-east network aims to develop the next generation of energy professionals. Young engineers were joined by colleagues from the finance, recruitment, HR andlegal sectors at the “steampunk” themed black tie event on Friday for a night of entertainment, dancing and fine food and drink from sponsor Sodexho.
Compere was Xtra Factor host and comedian Matt Richardson who had the audience in stitches.
A champagne reception was given a fresh twistwith Fierce beer offering a range of Aberdeenshire craft ales andAberdeen-based award winning chocolatiers Cocoa Ooze surprising guests with a free sweet treat of alcohol-infused candy. After dinner it was on to the award for the night.
Mentee of the year went to Dean Reid, who couldn't attend due to other commitments, but left a video message thanking the AYP network for their support.
The night raised £1,204 for Clan Cancer Support and Christopher’s Clan Challenge, thanks to words fromAYPcommitteemember Claire Fleming.
More entertainment came from saxophonist Konrad, band Burlesque and DJ Stephen Jackson before the party moved to Babylon nightclub.
Sponsors of the event were delighted with the night. Dan Baker, of AVC Immedia, said: “It was a pleasure to collaborate with the AYP team helping bring the ‘ steampunk' theme to life, using the latest in lighting and visual technology, and also a great opportunity to get our new branding out to a range of business professionals.”
Jill Butler-Rennie, director of Fairy Tale Events, said:“Wework with a lot of corporate clients and relish the challenge of taking their brief and creating a fabulous look for an event. The AYP ‘ steampunk’ theme perfectly matches the ethos and ambition of the groupandallowed us to explore new design ideas for the centrepieces, chair and table dressing."
Jamie Hutcheon, director of Cocoa Ooze, said: “Cocoa Ooze were delighted to be involved with the AYP ball. For its first year it was a huge success with a great evening of entertainment and networking." Adam Findlay, managing director of Original 106, said:“We are delighted to have our newchart radio station Original 106 Chart partner up with the Press and Journal around this fantastic dinner. Celebrating and marking local business excellence is the sign of a thriving and vibrant local economy.”
Dave Grant, managing director of Fierce Beer, said “Fierce Beer is excited and proud to be part of this event which celebrates and showcases the breadth and depth of local talent thatwe have in the north-east.”
“The steampunk theme perfectly matches the group’s ethos”