Blog

Agricultural Strategy

AB Associates Ltd is pleased to announce they have been succesful in their application to write Shetland’s Agricultural Strategy.

The project is to provide a new agricultural strategy for Shetland with the vision, “to promote and enhance a diverse, competitive and sustainable agricultural industry in Shetland”.

European Fisheries Fund

The most recent round of successful EFF (European Fisheries Fund) applicants has been published.  Scotland’s fish and processing sector recieved a toal of £9.3 million from the fund.

AB Associates Ltd was involved in a number of local projects and helped 5 local businesses secure over £1.5 million in EFF and Scottish Government Funding.

The deadline for the next round of EFF funding is the 18th December 2009, with a decision expected in early 2009.

Welcome Aboard

AB Associates Ltd would like to welcome Elaine Sinclair to the team. Elaine has taken on the role of Finance and Administration Manager.

A B Associates Ltd wins 6 year contract with the Fisheries Unit of the European Commission

A B Associates has been successful in securing a new contract with DGMARE (new marine department that includes fisheries) which is expected to continue over the next 6 years. This work will focus mainly on technical advice on the development of the EFF (European Fisheries Fund) regulation and Priority Axis 4 EFF regulation in particular. This part of the regulation targets the sustainable development of fisheries areas and provides resources to local groups to undertake actions that seek to maintain and develop jobs, add value to fisheries products, promote the quality of the environment and support co-operation between areas.

We will be working in partnership with three other main groups: Grupo Albo, CPMR and AIDL on the following tasks:

• Setting up an EU wide network for Axis 4 Fisheries dependent areas
• Providing training and technical advice and support for local groups and national networks
• Promoting transnational co-operation
• Ensuring information and good practice exchange
• Analysing the socio-economic conditions in Axis 4 areas
• Setting up website and producing publications and reports
• Organising and running seminars and conferences and other thematic meetings each year

Winning this contract was excellent news for the company and is a welcome endorsement of our expertise.  It will also provide a steady income over several years and helps plan staff resources.  We are looking forward to working in and with the fish dependent communities around Europe.

The first event of the programme was held in Parnu, Estonia in June 2009.  The following are some photos Andrew took while he was there.

15 Years of A B Associates Ltd

A B Associates Ltd is 15 years old! To celebrate, staff and directors had a day out on the isle of Vaila followed by an evening meal at Burrastow House.