Global plans for recruitment firm

Oil and gas recruitment expert Jo McIntosh is leading a new firm in Aberdeen which has plans to expand globally.

McIntosh, who started her career working for Royal Bank of Scotland and Aberdeen Asset Management, has since built a reputation for sourcing staff for oil and gas firms in the Granite City.

She is now director of Caerus Resources, which offers recruitment services for clients and candidates in the North Sea industry and beyond.

The company is currently in a temporary office before it moves to refurbished premises in the West End. It plans to open an outlet in the Middle East in the next six months.

Smiths Gore welcomes Paton

Edinburgh property agent Patrick “Paddy” Paton is moving to Smiths Gore to help develop its Scottish business.

Paton, who has been with Knight Frank for the last five years, joins his former mentor John Coleman, who left Knight Frank last year to head up the residential and farms agency business at Smiths Gore.

Paton’s appointment follows Richard Girdwood’s move to Smiths Gore the previous week. He joined from Strutt & Parker to become head of residential agency for Berwickshire and Northumberland.

Coleman said: “These are two very good agents who will be invaluable to Smiths Gore.”

Board reshuffle for Aberdeen Harbour

Aberdeen Harbour has changed two board members as well as reappointing chairman Chris Lloyd for another three-year term.

Malcolm Laing, a corporate lawyer and partner at Ledingham Chalmers, and Howard Woodcock, the current chief executive of Bibby Offshore Holdings, replace the departing Anne Scott and David Young.

Lloyd said: “Both Malcolm and Howard’s proven track records across the maritime and legal sectors will bring an invaluable expertise to the table as we continue to implement our ambitious development strategy.

“I have no doubt that, together, they will help us build on the successes experienced by Aberdeen Harbour in recent years. I would also like to thank Anne and David for their valued contribution.”

Mediation proves fruitful for Core

Edinburgh lawyer John Sturrock QC had a busy year resolving disputes through his Core Solutions Group.

Turnover at the firm expanded by nearly 15 per cent, with nearly 100 mediation days during 2011. Core also offers training in mediation and works throughout the UK.

Sturrock said: “Mediation offers speedy and cost-effective ways to help bring problems and disputes to a conclusion at a time when most businesses and individuals simply cannot afford long-running unresolved conflict.”