The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Firms in drone project link-up
Two Aberdeen oil service firms have teamed up after taking a shine to one another at the Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC).
Drone firm Air Control Entech (ACE) and rope access specialist Trac Oil and Gas have announced a “strategic partnership” to offer best-in-class inspection and maintenance services in the North Sea.
Bosses from the two companies met through their involvement with the OGTC and decided their offerings were compatible.
The partners said a combination of ACE’s drones and Trac’s inspection prowess would help them “push the boundaries of what’s currently possible”.
The firms continue to operate independently
“It will help that we’ve been offshore and know what the issues are”
but will work together on the development of unmanned aerial vehicles, which can make remote inspections safer and more reliable.
Trac has already trialled ACE drones developed with OGTC funding.
Jan Stander, Trac business delivery manager, said efforts would be made to make sure both companies in the partnership are represented on jobs, which could mean an ACE pilot working with a Trac inspector, for example.
Mr Stander said the speed with which firms produce new models of drone was one of the main reasons for joining forces.
He added: “You could buy a new one on Saturday and by Monday there is a new model again.
“They’re developing very quickly and that’s why we’re partnering with a company that is developing its own.
“It will help that we’ve been offshore and know what the issues are.” A Highland-based cocktail-themed sweet firm is among the latest company to secure valuable Scottish Edge start-up funding.
Tipsy Unicorn Sweets (TUS), co-founded in Nairn by Melissa Sutherland and her husband, Tibor Bandula, was one of seven Young Edge winners announced at the award ceremony in Edinburgh.
The entrepreneurial duo behind TUS produce confectionery flavoured with pina colada, prosecco and raspberry, limoncello and, in a tie-up with another north firm, Rock Rose gin.
They secured £10,000 of Scottish Edge funding to help them develop and grow their business.
Other firms sharing in a £1 million Scottish Edge prize pot included Obanbased adventure wildlife tourism business Cearban, whose experience packages include the chance to go swimming with basking sharks around the Inner Hebrides.
Cearban’s Edge award was worth £50,000, while Forres-based business consultancy came away with £45,000.
Aberdeen company Udrafter, which created an online platform for people to post one-off jobs or tasks
“Edge businesses are the lifeblood of the Scottish economy”
to be completed by skilled students on demand, was another Young Edge winner and also received £10,000.
Edinburgh-based stem cell research business Cytochroma came away with the Higgs Edge science and technology special award and £150,000.
The winning businesses each receives a package of support from Scottish Edge partner organisations.
Finalists had previously pitched their business ideas to judges at an event at Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling.
Scottish Edge is backed by entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter, Royal Bank of Scotland and Scotland Can Do.
Addressing the latest funding round finalists, Sir Tom said: “Edge is not just about money but the embedded support on offer.
“Edge businesses are the lifeblood of the Scottish economy and we are delighted to support you as you grow and prosper – Scotland needs many more like you.”
Guest speaker at the event was Kris Reid, who hails from Beauly and is one of a group of friends who created a new brand of sunglasses.
Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson pledged to make a “significant investment” in their business, Tens, after discovering the firm through a friend while on his exclusive Necker Island retreat in the British Virgin Islands.