The new service is exclusive to high-end sporting events and offers VIP packages for events such as Premiership football, Formula 1, horse racing and golfing events, providing a dedicated hosting service for clients and their guests. Exclusive personal concierge treatment is provided pre through to post event, with The Epic Group boasting executive aircraft travel and champagne at 37,000 feet while also providing transfer from the airport to the sporting event by luxury coach.

Mike Wilson, owner of The Epic Group said, “This unique service offering results in a corporate entertainment experience never seen before in the North East. It is an exciting time for us here at The Epic Group Scotland Ltd. The success of our recent trips to Old Trafford has led us to expand this type of high-end corporate hospitality and entertainment, including packages next year to the Grand National, the British Open and the Ryder Cup.”

AVC will provide marketing and PR consultancy, develop a new brochure as well as design and develop a whole new website, which will be launched later this year.

“The new website will reflect the exclusive nature of the service and we hope this will help open new doors for us and encourage new clients to use our services”, added Mike Wilson.

Spencer Buchan, AVC Director said, “We are delighted to have been commissioned by The Epic Group to design its new website and provide additional marketing support to raise the profile of what we can see being a very successful venture for the group. The new site will reflect the quality of this unique service offering in Aberdeen and we look forward to working with the team on this exciting project.”

By filming key figures at the bi-annual energy industry exhibition, AVC is responsible for screening influential speakers, topical coverage and curtain raising features throughout the week on behalf of Upstream - the international oil and gas newspaper. All filming will be streamed within the exhibition via 13 screens, as well as globally on Upstream’s website.

Spencer Buchan, Director for AVC Media Enterprises comments:

“We are delighted to partner with such a highly respected and well established energy sector news source, bringing the best of Offshore Europe to the industry. This valuable contract comes in addition to a record number of DVD and interactive based stand productions for Offshore Europe this year, with our media division creating over 15 productions for a number of SME’s and blue chip energy majors.

“Historically, Offshore Europe has contributed bi-annually to around 10 of AVC’s productions, but this year we have seen that figure rise to over 15 – an increase of over 50%, with project work coming in at a record £120,000. This holds a positive indication with regards to the current climate, with a renewed confidence circulating within the energy industry. It’s great to be able to support both local and international companies as they aim to attract and recruit new talent via their stands here at Offshore Europe. We look forward to a fantastic week!”

• For more information on AVC’s work with Upstream at Offshore Europe 2009 visit AVC’s stand – 1284 or view online at www.upstreamonline.com
• For a full list of services available at AVC Media Enterprises visit www.avcmedia.com, call 01224 248007 or meet AVC at stand 1284.

ENDS

For further information:

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

Kat MacPherson
AVC Creative Ltd
Tel 01224 248007
DD 01224 217379
kmacpherson@avcmedia.com

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF AVC MEDIA ENTERPRISES BY
AVC CREATIVE LTD

Wednesday, 26 August saw Road Safety Grampian, in collaboration with AVC Media Enterprises and Baker Hughes, launch the ground breaking DVD, “Road to Hell” issuing a stark reminder to drivers of all ages to take care on the roads.

Previously delayed due to a court case, the re-worked film will highlight the true consequences and destruction cause by Road Traffic Collisions, focusing on the personal accounts from the people affected by these incidents.

The DVD, funded by Baker Hughes and produced by AVC’s media production team, focuses on the many different ways in which families can be affected by a Road Traffic Collision.

Watch Manager Willie Tocher of Road Safety Grampian said:

“The Road to Hell DVD is a hard hitting film where real people describe their personal experiences caused as a result of Road Traffic Collisions. Road Safety Grampian personnel will use this resource as part of our educational presentations at corporate events, businesses and community groups to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the Northeast roads.”

Baker Hughes funded the production of the DVD, and has been heavily involved from the outset. HSE Manager, Sandra Rae commented:

“Baker Hughes is delighted to sponsor the making of this DVD, and hope that it will help people to understand that it is everyone’s responsibility to drive safely, not just for our own safety but for that of others as well.”

AVC’s media production team created the DVD with the hope that the hard hitting messages it contains will force people to think differently about their driving habits and make a change in their behaviour.

Gavin Gilmour, Programme Editor, commented:

“It became clear early on that this project was going to be very different to anything I had done before. Dealing with such powerful and emotional material obviously had an effect on you, whether it be consciously or subconsciously. It was very emotionally draining, but you realise that this pales in comparison to the trauma these people are going through and it makes it all the more important that we succeed in delivering a powerful DVD that serves justice to their experiences.”

This hard-hitting DVD highlights the real-life consequences caused as the result of Road Traffic Collisions. The DVD will be used as part of the presentations that Road Safety Grampian take to businesses and community groups as part of their continuing campaigns to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the Northeast roads.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

The real-life accounts depicted in the DVD come from:

Fiona Willox whose son, Shaun (age 18), died in a collision while being driven to work by his Uncle.

Kim McGee whose son, Tony (age 19), died as the result of a collision on the Persley Road.

Trevor Eakin who, while riding his motorbike, was hit side on by a car. Trevor is now paralysed.

Ian and Rosalind Dick whose daughter, Rebecca (age 15), died in a collision just outside Keith.

END OF NOTES

For further details please contact:

Lynsey Shepherd
PR Account Executive
AVC Media Enterprises
Tel: 01224 217345
lshepherd@avcmedia.com

Jillian Burns
Media & PR Officer
Grampian Fire & Rescue Service
Tel: 01224 788742
Email: jillian.burns@grampianfrs.org.uk

The media and communications experts, who work in partnership with British Sky Broadcasting Ltd to provide offshore entertainment to installations, fishing fleets, ferries, yachts, support ships and MoD vessels in the North Sea, recommend thorough planning to prevent loss of services.

George Carnegie, Director of AVC Media Enterprises’ Audiovisual division explained:

“With 2010 just over 4 months away it is essential to plan now for the digital switchover. This is particularly significant to operators who might have a large number of installations and vessels to consider, or for large organisations such as nursing homes, hotels and hospitals. Strategic switchover planning will enable organisations to consider upgrade or adaptation options and make time for installation prior to the digital switch over. This way, organisations will ensure digital entertainment remains a viable option throughout the North-east and the North Sea.

“By tailoring a switchover plan, organisations and offshore operators will be able to consider additional budgetary requirements essential to this change. Some aerial systems, particularly communal systems used to provide television signals to a number of different locations, might also need some upgrading and maintenance.”

AVC’s audiovisual team is currently working on and offshore to maintain, upgrade and install digital technologies across Scotland, UK and Europe before the switchover.

Aberdeenshire’s Durris transmitter is due for switchover in September 2010.

• For more information on the digital switchover, tailoring an upgrade or a general audiovisual enquiry contact George Carnegie on 01224 248007 or by email gcarnegie@avcmedia.com
• AVC’s subsidiary company, Remote Data Services is a member of the Confederation of Aerial Industries which is the recognised body for the aerial and satellite industry
• For a full list of transmitter switchover dates visit www.digitaluk.co.uk/when_do_i_switch/
• For a full list of services available at AVC Media Enterprises visit www.avcmedia.com or call 01224 248007

ENDS

For further information:

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

Dawn Campbell
AVC Creative Ltd
Tel 01224 248007
DD 01224 216069
dcampbell@avcmedia.com

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF AVC MEDIA ENTERPRISES BY
AVC CREATIVE LTD

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