Business news in brief: BrewDog | MacLeod | Wood | Asco

Beer maker BrewDog yesterday announced it is three-quarters of the way towards raising £4 million to fund expansion of its brewery and pubs chain.

The firm, based near Aberdeen, has raised £3m in two months through its “Equity for Punks” crowdfunding scheme. More than 10,000 individual investors now own shares in BrewDog.

Co-founder James Watt said: “Raising £3m in just two months demonstrates the epic support behind the craft beer revolution. We are now well past our previous record of raising £2.2m in 2011, and fast approaching our £4m target.”

MacLeod secures £5m funding deal

Construction firm MacLeod has agreed a £5 million finance package to support its activities across Argyll.

The Lochgilphead-based group, which also has interests spanning quarries, property development and a petrol station, employs about 200 people. Co-founder Murdo MacLeod said the funding, from Santander, would pave the way for continued growth.

Recent projects include the building of 32 homes in Campbeltown for a community housing association and the installation of a biomass power system at Islay High School.

Total extends deal with Wood Group

Wood Group, the Aberdeen-based energy services firm, has won a “multi-million dollar, three-year contract extension” from French utilities giant Total to look after gas turbines on its rigs in the Dutch sector of the North Sea.

Iain Murray, president of oil, gas and industrial services for Wood Group’s gas turbine business, said: “Under the existing contract, turbo-driven equipment availability and reliability both now exceed 98 per cent.”

Total has 21 platforms in Dutch waters, suppling 13 per cent of the country’s gas.

Lipp joining oilfield services outfit Asco

Oilfield services firm Asco yesterday named Marianne Lipp as its group finance manager.

Lipp joins from “big four” accountancy firm KPMG, where she set up an oil and gas services team, having previously worked at Deloitte.

Mark Walker, Asco’s chief finance officer, said: “Marianne has been involved in most of the larger oilfield services transactions involving companies in Aberdeen over the past ten years and we are delighted to welcome her to Asco. She arrives at an exciting time for the company, on the back of continuing growth.”