One of the benefits of running a successful company is the ability to give something back to the community. We have an informal but proactive policy of supporting community events and associations, such as the Lerwick Folk Festival, Up Helly Aa, and various sporting activities. We have sponsored school children to undertake charity events in other countries, and to attend the World Scout Jamboree.
The Aberdeen office has recently taken part in the ICE Bridge to Schools project which is a fun way of promoting the work that engineers do. Pupils try their hands at building bridges which might tempt some of them to think about becoming engineers. The Aberdeen office sponsored the Burns Supper in January 2020, that was organised to support the Archie Foundation. The Archie Foundation charity started with a simple mission – to make a difference for local sick children, providing much-needed extras not already catered for by the NHS.
We were delighted to sponsor the installation of a fresh water well at a school in Zambia; prior to which water was collected from a contaminated shallow sump hole in the nearest village or by making a round trip of approximately 1¼ miles a day to the nearest river. Although less contaminated than the sump hole, the river is also used by wild and domestic animals, with the associated general risks to health and to the safety of the pupils. Our former Senior Partner, James Simpson, visited the school to see the well in action.
We enjoy the opportunity to provide work experience for school children and university students who are interested in engineering or architecture; and we have gone on to employ some of them after they have graduated from university. We recently took on four apprentice engineers and a fresh batch of graduates.
We have participated in the Architect In The House scheme organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the housing and homelessness charity Shelter. This innovative scheme, matches homeowners with local RIBA/RIAS chartered Architects who will donate an hour of their time for a design consultation. The homeowners are in turn encouraged to donate at least £40 to Shelter.
We occasionally carry out pro-bono work (or for substantially reduced rates) for community projects and charities.
Launch of Siri, a new Shetland yoal for the Lerwick rowing team, sponsored by Arch Henderson
Shetland Folk Festival Foy sponsored by Arch Henderson
James Simpson, on a visit to a school in Zambia to see the newly installed fresh water well. He taught them to sing the Northern Lights of Aberdeen.
Fireball world championship in Thailand. One of our engineers, John Manson, competed in this race, thanks to sponsorship.
Oriana Grains on work experience at Dales Voe. She is now studying engineering at Aberdeen University