These Master classes will be delivered jointly through commercial partnership between academia and industry professionals and will be useful to those in management positions or progressing to this level, with a degree or relevant work experience. People who have not studied for some time, or those wishing to gauge their abilities at postgraduate level, would benefit from this ‘taster’ course.

The inaugural Master class in Project Management within the Communications Industry will be delivered by University lecturers and industry professionals through a combination of presentations, activities and case study workshops at AVC’s state of the art Business Centre. The communications content is consistent with the University’s MSc Corporate Communication & Public Affairs, and will be delivered by an accredited Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) practitioner. Delegates will also receive expert project management tuition, equipping them with the skills to input models, theories and practiced techniques straight into their every day working environments. This will give delegates a competitive advantage in the currently challenging employment market.

The Master class programme will support Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and give an insight into key management subjects such as project management, budgeting, economics, HR management, leadership and change, business strategy and marketing communications. Delegates will also have the opportunity to carry out an optional assessed assignment which will be graded by the University’s academic staff to test their level of academic ability.

Professor Rita Marcella, Dean of Aberdeen Business School, said: ‘Working within the communications field can be challenging and fast paced. Professionals can benefit from this Masters level training when reacting to news, incidents, economic pressures, new innovations and technology, as well as being able to demonstrate the ability to project manage and ensure the high standard and timely delivery of a communications strategy.

‘These Master classes are a coup for the North east. Delegates would normally have to travel to the central belt, if not London, to attend one-day courses of this calibre. They are also unique in that they will give delegates the opportunity to ‘test the waters’ in postgraduate study and are an excellent opportunity for both companies to provide their employees with Masters level training, and for individuals who want to update their CV with short courses that will enhance their skills immediately in these uncertain economic times.’

Simone Barnett, Head of AVC’s Business and Training Centre commented: ‘The AVC Business Centre is delighted to partner Robert Gordon University throughout these unique and highly valuable Master Class taster sessions, providing a real opportunity for delegates to experience the cross-over between academia and the business world. We are looking forward to the development of a fuller Master class programme, assessing delegate’s business needs to help progress their careers and give them that leading edge.

‘We are also looking for suggestions for topics for our next Master class course. If you think you or members of your team would benefit from a particular business-related short course then please let us know.’

The Master class, which costs £295 and includes lunch and refreshments, will be held at AVC Business Centre, Altens. For further information, or if you would like to attend, contact Jillian Macdonald, AVC Training Co-coordinator, on 01224 248007 or jmacdonald@avcmedia.com

The Aberdeen-based firm recently received accreditation from SAFEcontractor, a programme which recognises very high standards of health and safety practice amongst UK contractors.

Employing 88 people at its Aberdeen headquarters, the accreditation mostly applies to AVC’s audiovisual and media teams, involved in the installation of audiovisual equipment in company premises as well as offshore, the management and technical support of events across the UK and the filming of corporate material both on and offshore.

The company’s application for SAFEcontractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business.

Graeme McGuire, Audiovisual Manager and Health and Safety Officer at AVC comments:

“We are delighted to have received accreditation again this year and proud to work on SAFEcontractor’s principles to ensure our Health and Safety provision is exceptional.

“Working across all industry sectors and particularly in the field of oil and gas, we’ve always respected the Health and Safety requirements of our clients and worked hard to ensure that safe environments are common place and constantly maintained.

“As one of the only suppliers in the field of AV and Media to have achieved this accreditation, it is something to be very proud of and a great achievement.”

SAFEcontractor accreditation is expected to enhance the company’s ability to attract new contracts and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.

SAFEcontractor is operated by international safety, health and environmental risk management specialists, the National Britannia Group. The system is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to food manufacture, property, facilities management, retail and leisure sectors, all of which are big users of contract services.

Darran Hughes, Operations Director for SAFEcontractor at National Britannia said:

“Major organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies.

“More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that AVC has done. The firms’ high standard has set an example, which will hopefully be followed by other companies within the sector.”

Under the SAFEcontractor system, businesses undergo a vetting process, which examines health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice.

Those companies meeting the high standard are included on a database, which is accessible to registered users only via the website: http://www.safecontractor.com

Employer organisations that sign up to the scheme can access the database, which enables them to vet potential contractors before they even set foot on site. These employers agree that, as users of the scheme, they will engage only those who have received accreditation.

Over 100 major nation-wide businesses, from several key sectors, have signed up to use the scheme when selecting contractors for services such as building, cleaning, maintenance, refurbishment or electrical and mechanical work.

For further information:

Lynsey Shepherd
AVC Creative Ltd
Tel 01224 248007
DD 01224 217345
lshepherd@avcmedia.com

Neil Robertson
AVC Creative Ltd
Tel 01224 248007
DD 01224 216068
nrobertson@avcmedia.com

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF AVC MEDIA ENTERPRISES BY AVC CREATIVE LTD

Notes to editors:

The National Britannia Group

The National Britannia Group is one of UK’s largest independent safety, health and environmental risk specialists, employing a total of 450 people within its UK operations. More than 200 of these personnel are scientists or other qualified professionals. The business provides leading edge solutions in disciplines such as health & safety, food safety, water quality control, environmental management, occupational health and hygiene, fire safety and asbestos management. It also operates two major information services on behalf of the UK Health & Safety Executive. Its heavy commitment to research and development has led to the creation of e-riskMANAGER, the world’s first interactive web-based risk management system. For more information visit www.WhatRisk.com

For further information about the National Britannia Group, contact:

Steve McCormack
Working Word Public Relations – 029 2048 8778.

This is a strategic move for AVC, which views this service expansion as a natural progression from current onshore and offshore audiovisual services.  AVC follows this growth with the appointment of a dedicated and experienced manager for Offshore and Security Services, Craig Douglas.  Craig will be responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of projects.

Craig joins the existing audiovisual team at AVC with almost 20 years experience in the offshore industry, having specialised in the offshore installation and maintenance of Satellite TV and radio Entertainment Systems and Hazardous Area CCTV Systems.

George Carnegie, Director for AVC Media Enterprises comments on the expansion of his audiovisual team’s offshore service provision:

“I am delighted to welcome such an experienced offshore engineer to our audiovisual team.  By expanding our audiovisual service provision of offshore security and satellite entertainment systems, we are widening our service offering to fit with our long term growth strategy.  AVC will now be able to design, install and maintain a host of equipment such as Gyro Stabilized Satellite (SeaTel) dishes on offshore vessels, including ships and semi subs.”

AVC has already experienced high demand for offshore services, with service contracts already in place with two major North Sea operators.  Craig continues:

“AVC has experienced a rise in demand for these types of installations, particularly when operators require technological updates or enhancements.  We have the ability to design a bespoke package to meet individual offshore requirements.  From satellite TV systems to CCTV systems with down rig leg applications, we will meet any challenge head on.

“AVC is offering a first class service to the offshore industry, not only personally installing equipment, but also maintaining technologies to ensure longevity.  In my opinion, companies that go that extra mile for the customer will prove themselves as market leaders, which is the type of service we intend to provide.  I am extremely confident AVC will continue to expand its client portfolio in this area and look forward to the challenges my new post will bring.”

• For more information on Offshore and Security Services contact George Carnegie on 01224 248007 or email gcarnegie@avcmedia.com

Following a competitive tendering process and pitch, AVC came out top, fending off strong competition from other established agencies in the region.  The Malt Whisky Trail is a prestigious contract win, incorporating nine of Scotland’s finest Distilleries - Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Strathisla, Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glen Moray, Glen Grant and the only working cooperage in the UK where visitors can experience the ancient art of coopering, Speyside Cooperage.

The contract, also consists of on-going search engine marketing and optimisation, boosts AVC’s credentials as it continues to strengthen its position as one of Scotland’s leading full-service, integrated agencies.

Stewart Buchanan, Design and Creative Development Director for AVC explained more about the agency’s plans for the Malt Whisky Trail website:

“One of AVC’s strengths is our ability to combine highly intricate 3D animation and engineering together with an innovative social networking system and simple site navigation in a new and exciting way.  Our brief was to raise the awareness of the various partners and whisky brands, as part of the Malt Whisky Trail to encourage people to visit the Speyside area.  A key part of this is the beautiful scenery in which the trail lies, which is why we decided to create 3D visualisations of the surrounding mountains and lochs using digital mapping to give an accurate graphical flythrough before focussing on specific world-famous brand distilleries.

“We also wanted to build and maintain communication between partners of the Malt Whisky Trail, allowing information sharing, such as access to distillery slideshows.  To achieve this we are developing a social networking style delivery, incorporating links to photo sharing site Flickr and other social networking sites Facebook and Bebo.  The quality of our design, combined with impressive 3D animation was second to none, showcasing our talents in adapting to meet specific briefs, requirements and styles.

“With account wins such as this, AVC is establishing itself as one of the most capable and talented full-service agencies in Scotland and is ever increasing in confidence.  Unlike many other agencies that outsource digital and web development, we have it all in-house.  This is one of our key strengths and has meant AVC has continued to grow where others have had to cut staff numbers.  We have some of the most talented and dedicated individuals working here and with creative thinking and innovation we are winning some fantastic new business.”

With the Malt Whisky Trail site due to launch in late May, AVC is set to showcase the delights of the world’s leading Malt Whisky brands with style and innovation.

For more information on Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com (please note the new Malt Whisky Trail site goes live end of May 2009)

For a full list of services available at AVC Media Enterprises visit www.avcmedia.com or call 01224 248007

AVC combined aspects of PR, public affairs, direct marketing and design to help HIE present its plan to the residents of Inverness and the Highlands, stakeholders and key decision makers. The campus is one of the largest developments HIE has ever proposed in the Highlands.

A pre-planning application presentation of the campus proposals was hosted by the Inverness Chamber of Commerce on Friday, (March 27, 2009), which highlighted the academic, social and economic benefits Inverness Campus will bring to the Highlands and Islands. Simone Barnett, Head of Communication and Development for AVC commented on AVC’s work on the project:

“This is a huge project for AVC, fitting with our strategy to expand our work within the public sector. The project is the result of months of hard work coming together successfully to create an attractive, but more importantly, an informative package which outlines HIE’s vision for the Campus.”

AVC’s project team provided branding, media relations, a series of exhibition boards, newsletter and a dedicated website with Gaelic translation, as well as a direct mail shot. The team is also producing a corporate brochure for the project and planning the next phase of the project communications strategy. AVC PR Partnership initiated community council meetings and produced all copy for the exhibition as well as handling media for the public exhibition and various other consultations.

“AVC was able to prove its capability for this project by offering HIE a unique and broad ranging creative skill set, incorporating our wide ranging expertise to form an integrated team, in-house,” continues Simone. “With our industry knowledge and skilled teams, we are looking forward to the on-going support and challenges the project has to bring.”

It is anticipated that the Inverness Campus will play a major role in the future of UHI Millennium Institute, the prospective University of the Highlands and Islands, and will allow a number of key education and research bodies to come together and create a modern academic environment in the Highlands. It is also the preferred location for new premises for Inverness College, as well as new consultancy and veterinary services for the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and a further extension to the Centre for Health Science (CfHS) which is based at Raigmore. The Campus will also allow UHI to expand its facilities and will provide the local community with modern sports amenities.

The proposed site lies on a 120-acre site at Beechwood, Inverness, situated between the A9 trunk road and the main Inverness to Perth railway line.

• For more information on services available at AVC visit www.avcmedia.com

• For more information on the Inverness Campus Project visit www.invernesscampus.co.uk

Aerial View

Hub Street View

Lesley Little, Director for AVC Media Enterprises was invited to present to Grassroots representatives from UEFA’s 53 Member Associations, as well as other influential figures including, UEFA’s Technical Director Andy Roxburgh, the Scottish Football Association’s Technical Director Jim Fleeting and German footballing legend, Hansi Müller.  This provided the chance for technical exchange and discussion with National Football Associations, who will be the first to receive and benefit from the TactX tool and its unique delivery system.

Lesley explains more about TactX and its social networking style online delivery:

“TactX is a newly advanced software package which launches ten years after our very successful TactFOOT package. This was adopted by clubs of all sizes from international level clubs such as Glasgow Rangers, Inter Milan and Barcelona to Academies at Junior and Amateur level, as well as prominent Universities such as Harvard and Notre Dame in the USA.

“TactX is unique as it can be used by coaches of all levels from elite, right down to the dad who coaches his child’s football team at the weekend.  From organising training drills to devising match tactics and analysing performances, TactX is a radical software package which allows users to demonstrate player moves via high quality 3D animations.  Developed from motion capture video, animations can be easily created, edited and viewed from various different angles.

“This new generation of coaching software is set to be made available online via UEFA’s Training Ground in June 2009 through a revolutionary interface.  It will include a social networking format delivery, where coaches can join each other’s forums and share coaching methods including drills and tactics.  It has the potential to become the world’s largest communication network for football coaches and is something that has never been seen in this field before.

“Our TactX team at AVC has worked tirelessly to create coaching software that is a radical advancement from our previous package – something that would really make National Associations sit up and be amazed.  By considering what we had learnt from TactFOOT and evolving it, AVC has created a tool which allows for easy creation of coaching exercises, whilst impressing the user with highly advanced 3D animation at runtime, motion capture through a revolutionary interface.  This combines to make TactX incredibly user-friendly and provide the user with a completely unique experience, regardless of actual experience and ability.”

TactX will be primarily supplied to UEFA’s Member Associations before being made accessible to the public via the UEFA.com’s Training Ground in June 2009.  This will see AVC Media Enterprises naturally progress its long-standing and successful working history with UEFA’s Technical Department and Coach Education, benefiting the football family worldwide.

• For more information on TactX visit www.tactfoot.com/tactx

• For a full list of services available at AVC Media Enterprises visit www.avcmedia.com

TactX Screen 1
TactX Screen 2
UEFA Presentation

The survey which covers corporate production companies throughout the UK, quizzed managers about their project work, clients and budgets. Rankings were then based upon company corporate turnover and its reputation amongst its peers and staff.

This is a huge achievement for AVC, beating off tough competition to be ranked best in Scotland and 27th overall in the UK. Two major corporate credits from the last year which helped AVC achieve its corporate 50 ranking include, ‘Our Way’ for KCA Deutag and ‘Bacton Fire’ for Shell. Jamie Baikie, Media Production Manager for AVC comments:

“This superb ranking has come as a welcome boost to AVC’s media productions team and goes to prove that as a group of dedicated and talented individuals, we strive to, and succeed in surpassing client requirements, regardless of budget size. Undoubtedly, corporate production budgets have faced cuts in recent economic times but regardless, AVC still achieved a turnover of £3 million for corporate work alone in the past year.

“We have responded to a shift in client requirements, picking up a rise in personnel training and HSE productions as well as onshore/offshore inductions. This type of production is a stead-fast requirement for the Oil and Gas industry and is our core business in this region. We have ambitious plans to broaden our service offering, particularly within the 3D animation and visualisation market. This can be applied not only to the Oil and Gas sector, but also to the construction industry – our options are wide open.”

“The ability to offer a range of productions means that AVC is able to shift and adjust to changing times where others may not be so successful. Our corporate 50 ranking is justice to this and looking forward, we are enthusiastic for what the next year has to offer.”

• For more information on the range of media productions offered by AVC visit www.avcmedia.com or call 01224 248007
• For more information on Televisual’s corporate 50 visit www.televisual.com to buy the March 2009 edition

• Image 1 - Oman Desert
• Image 2 - Dawn Siberia

New wins have been achieved across a variety of AVC services, including design, web and integrated projects for clients including Grampian Police, RGU E-learning, Prodrill, Glenfiddich Distillery, Forest Enterprise, John Clark Motorcycles, Nescamp, Landmark Centre and Aberdeen Drilling Consultants.

The company has also strengthened its presence in the PR market, as AVC PR Partnership also expands its portfolio, with six new client gains since the beginning of 2009. These include businesses in the computer software, business systems, energy, retail and property sectors, with a mix of requirements from media relations to public affairs and located throughout Scotland.

Spencer Buchan, Director of AVC comments:

“The tough economic climate means there has been a clear shift in client requirements. This has proved to be particularly beneficial to our creative and communication services, especially within the digital marketing field. There is a marked increase in demand within these areas, leading to a variety of projects involving further in-house integrated services across advertising, PR and design.

“There has been significant strategic growth of AVC’s core business in the past year, with particular development of our creative services to produce a fully-integrated media and communications agency. Now that staff within different divisions are in place and have had time to find their feet, we are performing very well as a combined team. By pulling together and offering our clients the best and most cost-effective services possible, we have managed to maintain a strong market position.

“Ending the financial year on such a high has given us great enthusiasm for the year ahead - we are at the beginning of a great new phase for AVC and I am looking forward to the challenges and successes 2009 brings to our teams.”

Keith Main, Chairman and CEO is short-listed in the Aberdeen and Grampian Director of the Year category, whilst Spencer Buchan is short-listed in the Emerging Director of the Year category. This is a significant achievement both on a personal and company level, recognising their dedicated and enthusiastic outlook to the profession of directorship, as Spencer explains:

“AVC prides itself on its unique, motivational and enthusiastic leadership style which actively encourages our employees to develop. With close mentoring we have implemented a structure that will secure AVC’s long term future and maintain a shared vision. These award short-listings alone are testament to AVC’s investment and dedication to its employees, showing that we work to enhance potential and build on overall business acumen.

“Keith has worked tirelessly over the past 32 years, building a highly successful media and communications business from scratch. As the visionary for AVC’s growth and development, Keith provides strategic leadership for the company, at the same time developing and empowering the management team. His hands-on approach has seen him expand AVC to just under 100 staff and mature a team of knowledgeable, ambitious and dedicated leaders.

“On a personal level, it is an exciting prospect to be short-listed for the emerging director award,” Spencer continues. “Since commencing with AVC, I have been given some fantastic opportunities, including four acquisitions in the last 24 months, almost trebling AVC’s turnover, profit and staff numbers. With vision and enthusiasm for the future, I hope to continue Keith’s hugely creditable reputation locally, nationally and globally.”

Keith and Spencer’s nominations also recognise individual strengths and career achievements including how they have boosted company performance, contributed towards the wider community and their individual views towards corporate governance.

Award winners are to be announced at a gala reception and dinner ceremony on Thursday, March 5th, at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.

• For a full list of AVC’s services visit www.avcmedia.com or contact 01224 248007.
• For further information on the IoD Director of the Year Awards visit www.iodscotland.com

February 23, 2009 ends

Notes to Editors:

High resolution jpegs attached:

Keith Main: Director, Chairman and CEO of AVC Media Enterprises
Spencer Buchan: Director of AVC Media Enterprises.

Employees at the media and communications agency are taking part in a week-long campaign in the build up to one of the most commercial days of the year, set to encourage staff to sign up to the NHS organ donor register and help make a difference.

Kat Macpherson, communications executive for AVC explains the motivation behind the campaign:

“Valentines Day is an increasingly commercial affair, with the sale of flowers alone in 2008 thought to have come in at over £50million in the UK. Here at AVC, we wanted to make a difference and raise awareness of the importance of organ donation at a time when hearts are a popular topic. The gift of life costs nothing but is the greatest gift you will ever make.

“We have almost 100 staff here at AVC, and just over half have chosen to join the organ donor register this week so far. Several staff I’ve spoken to have always considered organ donation but have just never got round to it – it’s really easy to do, either online or by filling out a form. We are also providing our business centre delegates with the chance to sign up and together AVC will hopefully add a significant number to the donor register, helping to improve life quality throughout Scotland.”

There are currently over 600 people in Scotland waiting for an organ transplant and almost 32% of Scotland’s population on the organ donor register. Carolyn Reid, Donor Transplant Coordinator, from NHS Grampian added:

“We are always delighted when organisations run organ donor campaigns to try and increase the number of registered donors throughout the country. Organ donation is often at the back of everyone’s mind until someone close to them is affected - as anyone that has will tell you, this can be a harrowing time, but one donor alone can change the life of several people and their families. We are really pleased that AVC has chosen to mark Valentines Day in this way as every new registered donor will make a valuable difference.”

• For more information on how to become a registered organ donor visit www.uktransplant.org.uk or select the link to the NHS organ donor website at www.avcmedia.com
• Image 1