NORTH EAST RISES TO BUSINESS TALENT CHALLENGE

28th October 2013, Aberdeen and the North-East is rising to the challenge of creating inspiring work environments in an effort to attract and retain talent, according to energy and property experts.

The ‘battle for talent’ was debated at a seminar at Robert Gordon University, hosted by Steelcase Solutions, the leading workplace consultants.

Angus MacCuish, Vice President of Aberdeen And Grampian Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of Property Consultants, FG Burnett, told the audience: “Aberdeen is adapting more quickly than other areas, and the multiple developments underway – as well as the clever interpretation of existing buildings and spaces – is evidence that our city is embracing the needs of a sophisticated workforce. Providing the best facilities will enable us to maintain our position as one of the UK’s most important economic powerhouses.

“In the past 10 years we have seen a massive change in the mindset of companies who have grasped the importance of providing the right working environment and who raised the ante in terms of the quality of space they provide for their staff compared to what was deemed acceptable a decade ago.

“For all the energy sector is famed for pushing frontiers it was only recently that in Aberdeen the context of quality of space was given the importance that I believe it deserves. But typically, once this industry gets something between its teeth there is no holding back, and we just have to look at the way the cityscape has changed in the last few years.”

David Rennie, International Head of Oil and Gas at Scottish Enterprise, said: “In the oil and gas sector we are seeing the quality of the company environment being an important driver in attracting talent.

“More than ever before people have expectations regarding the quality of life and quality of working environment. There have been great strides made in the North-East in recent years and the challenge in future will be how to maintain this momentum so Aberdeen can preserve and enhance the formidable energy sector it now enjoys.”

Adele Wilson, North-East regional manager for Steelcase Solutions, said: “The battle for talent is a global phenomenon and it is particularly relevant in Aberdeen and the North-East where there is a flourishing economy. In such a vibrant situation there is a real imperative for companies to attract and retain the best staff.”

ENDS

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About Steelcase Solutions: Steelcase Solutions are workplace experts, serving customers from our offices in Aberdeen, London, Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester. Whether you design them, manage them or work in them, we can help you create high performance, sustainable work environments that bring people together to focus, collaborate, socialise and learn. We study how work gets done and understand how to deliver great spaces by applying an insight led approach to social, environmental, technological and spatial demands. We offer the broadest range of interior services, from the most basic fit-out to a complex office project, our holistic approach supports you the customer through each stage, from understanding and translating your specific business need, from concept through to practical completion and on-going post occupation service and support. Our track record and research driven knowledge of work, workplace and the worker is embedded in everything we do, helping you to innovate, motivate, capture and retain the best people, while building on your brand and business culture. We improve what you do.