Maureen Robertson looking to boost QBE in Scotland

QBE wants to "ensure" that its Scottish business grows after appointing Maureen Robertson as commercial manager and leader of its operations north of the Border.

The Australian specialist insurance firm's 20 staff in Glasgow will be led by Robertson, who joins from Aon, where she was broking director for Scotland and the North of England.

Elliot Miller, general manager north and Ireland, QBE European Operations, says: "I'm delighted that such an experienced senior insurance manager as Maureen Robertson will be leading our successful team in Glasgow.

"I am certain her presence and reputation in the Scottish market will see QBE continue to develop and profitably expand our business offering to our brokers and clients."

Also toasting her success is Susie Davidson, who has been named as global public relations manager for Highland Park and the Macallan, two of the single malt whiskies owned by the Edrington Group.

With 13 years of agency experience, Davidson was most recently based in Edinburgh as a director of PR-led communications firm Smarts.

She is charged with driving PR across Asia, Europe and the United States.

Ken Grier, malts director at Edrington, says: "PR is an integral part of our strategy and Susie's appointment strengthens our capability."

If any drink is spilt during the celebrations then maybe Edrington can call on the services of Spotless, which is "cleaning up" in the North East.

The cleaning company's Aberdeen division has won contracts worth more than 150,000 during the first half of its financial year and has recruited an extra 25 staff in the past six months to cope with demand, taking its headcount in the Granite City to 70.

Roger Green set up the firm in Edinburgh 22 years ago and opened the Aberdeen branch in 2007. Regional manager Rod Leach says: "We are delighted to announce these deals, which, as well as creating jobs, are crucial to the company's organic growth."