Business in brief: Zoopla | Standard Life | Drum

PROPERTY website Zoopla is said to be mulling a stock market flotation that could value it at more than £1 billion.

Founder Alex Chesterman could net more than £100 million from the share sale after starting the company six years ago, according to reports.

A spokesman said: “We work with various advisers and have recently engaged Credit Suisse to help us explore further strategic opportunities as we continue to grow.”

Standard Life seeks new recruits

Pensions giant Standard Life is recruiting almost 50 staff on the back of growth triggered by regulatory changes.

The abolition of commission for financial advisers and rules forcing companies to provide pensions for their staff has led to an upturn in business for the Edinburgh-based group.

UK chief executive Paul Matthews said the firm is seeking 46 recruits for its customer service division.

Scotshield signs Newcastle deals

Scotshield, the Glasgow-based fire and security systems firm, has secured £2 million in new contracts within six months of opening its office in Newcastle.

Deals include the installation of a new fire alarm system at Rolls-Royce’s base in the city, along with a full security package at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.

Barclays boosts Drum’s finances

Drum Property Group, which is developing the Prime Four Business Park in Aberdeen, today received a £15.4 million funding boost from Barclays.

The deal takes the bank’s total funding for the project to £68m, having provided a £52.6m debt package for phase one last year. Among those taking up space in the second phase are Premier Oil and hotels group De Vere, which is building its first Village “urban resort” in Scotland.