Polaris Learning has shown its support for local suppliers after giving its backing to a campaign promoting North-east procurement.
The Oldmeldrum-based company specialises in training, development and competency management systems for businesses in the oil and gas, food and drink, renewables and manufacturing industries.
It has signed up to the Buy North East campaign which aims to place local procurement firmly on the business agenda. The drive was launched in October by the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council as well as Aberdeen Journals and Scottish Enterprise.
Polaris Learning recently revamped its website in partnership with Studio NEC, while it also uses design and print company CP&Co, Clark IT and local companies for meetings, events, office supplies, maintenance and safety, among other things.
Gordon Gibb, director at Polaris Learning, said: “We try to buy locally whenever we can as a rule; however, this campaign has encouraged the entire team to review all our existing processes and try to identify areas where we can engage with additional local providers.
“At times like this it’s more important than ever that we help each other as much as possible and buying locally is as good a way as any to do this. We believe that it’s not only the right thing to do but also builds your network and can unlock new opportunities.
“We know that we can’t always source everything locally but if as many people as possible buy into this campaign then it can only be a good thing for our community now and in the future.”
Established in 1996, Polaris Learning provides competency management services as well as an extensive range of accredited training and qualification programmes from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
As part of the company’s 20th anniversary, staff from Polaris Learning helped create a Scots recipe book with money raised benefiting local charity the Pitscurry Project, a community gardening initiative in Pitcaple that provides work opportunities for adults with disabilities in the Garioch area.
The business has also been approved for the Business Gateway Growth Pipeline, an intensive 18-month programme which will provide across-the-board support covering business strategy, marketing strategy, IT resources and research into overseas markets.