At a time when jobs are being shed due to the downturn in the energy sector comes some positive news from a leading Aberdeen internet services provider which has expanded its workforce by 20 per cent.
While oil and gas industry redundancies continue to hit the headlines, the expansion by Internet For Business (IFB) is a reminder that there is growth and positivity happening in Aberdeen-anchored businesses.
And with more than half of the new intake at IFB having previously been employed in the oil and gas industry, the new posts have also offered up opportunities to take career paths in a new direction.
IFB’s announcement of the appointment of five key staff raises its workforce total to 22.
Having previously been employed in the energy industry, Teresa Mackenzie and Shonagh Matheson, alongside Andrea MacGillivray, come from an IT background and are pleased to have joined a dynamic digital services firm with a growing client base.
Teresa, an account manager in the business development team says: “It’s great to see a small company recruiting, and this role has been a real change for me.
“It means being willing to adapt, being flexible and stepping outside of your comfort zone, but from the day I started with IFB all of my new colleagues have made me feel very welcome and I enjoy working with everyone. They’ve all been very helpful and supportive.”
Shonagh Matheson comes to IFB with 14 years’ experience in finance departments across various sectors, including private practice, local government and construction with the last six years in the oil and gas industry.
“When I came for my interview at IFB I gained a really positive impression of the company,” she comments.
“In a climate where so many companies are struggling and making staff redundant it was really encouraging to hear how well IFB were doing and the future plans they have for expanding the business.
“I’m excited to be part of that and to see how my role can develop as the company grows.
“I have been made to feel very welcome and I am thoroughly enjoying the daily challenges that my role brings.”
Andrea comes on board as client support analyst, and her last job was on IT service desks, mainly supporting oil companies. She says: “My new role gives me a more varied set of responsibilities for IFB, and I’m enjoying working with the team.”
Making up the set of new recruits are Craig Mathers, who as client support manager has responsibility for the delivery of all contracted services to IFB’s clients, alongside pre-sales technical solutions; and Debbie Mackenzie, who directs and manages the business development team.
Craig has worked in Aberdeen for 20 years says: “I knew of IFB by positive reputation and longevity in the Aberdeen market. Graeme Gordon’s passion and ambition were also infectious and the company’s growth plans including the new Data Centre also attracted me.”
Debbie adds, ”The company has ambitious development plans and I am delighted to have the chance to play a key role in achieving those.”
The staff boost follows IFB moving into its new headquarters and Data Centre in Altens earlier this year, which provides a spacious and modern environment with increased capacity, placing the company in a strong position for the future.
IFB is the anchor partner behind Aberdeen CORE, the state-of-the-art pure fibre network that is helping make Aberdeen Scotland’s first Gigabit City. The firm is converting a strong pipeline of businesses looking to connect to the Aberdeen CORE as the network reaches their area. It has already connected its first customers to the CORE network and is providing live, ultra-fast connectivity services to sites in the city centre.
Since 1996, IFB has been providing critical connectivity and digital services to their growing client base, to become a recognised and innovative Digital Service Provider for core business ICT infrastructure services.
An independent company based in Aberdeen, IFB service clients across the UK, and internationally in a wide range of sectors including energy, public sector, professional services and third sector.
Chief executive officer Graeme Gordon says: “We’re delighted to welcome Teresa, Shonagh, Andrea, Craig and Debbie to IFB. Each comes with a wealth of experience that will stand them in good stead for their positions with us.
“No one wants to see job losses in the energy markets which are an essential component of the Aberdeen, North-east and Scottish economies, but in common with many other firms in the city, we have seen a surge in the numbers of applicants for jobs.
“We’re pleased to be able offer a fresh start, and new challenges to our latest intake and already they are making a positive impact within the team. We welcome them on board.”
The UK’s oil and gas industry expects to continue shedding jobs and heavily cutting its costs, it has been widely reported. The down cycle is largely due to the crash in world oil prices and with Brent crude prices falling to nearly half its average price a year ago, further cuts are expected.
For more information about IFB, visit www.ifb.net or call 0845 270 2101.