Latest news with #Ayrshire-based
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Ayrshire-based civil engineering company cuts project time in half with technology investment
Ayrshire-based civil engineering firm Dalcon Ltd has boosted onsite productivity and halved project timescales by investing in four Trimble® Earthworks excavator systems from SITECH UK & Ireland. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With the help of SITECH, authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, Scotland-based Dalcon Ltd. has invested in four Trimble Earthworks for Excavator systems. This machine control platform is designed to significantly improve productivity, cost efficiencies and sustainability onsite by integrating several advanced technology features. Neil Wilson, Director at Dalcon Ltd, said: 'This is our largest investment in advanced construction technology to date and the effect on productivity has been eye opening, with one project already being eight weeks ahead of schedule, and on track to be completed in half the estimated time. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Since SITECH delivered and installed the systems, we have seen a significant increase in accuracy, efficiency and productivity across multiple projects. By automating processes that were previously achieved manually we have reduced the time taken on excavation jobs. The system enables operators to grade to specification whilst maximising each truck load, helping contractors to achieve more with the same machine. With the help of SITECH, authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, Scotland-based Dalcon Ltd. has invested in four Trimble Earthworks for Excavator systems. 'Reducing downtime is key to enhancing productivity for contractors. By leveraging precision technology, we can minimise the risks of over-digging or striking hazardous areas and minimise the need to wait for updated site-data from surveyors. In addition, the system allows for site connectivity and remote diagnostics which further reduces the risk of downtime. Our team can monitor the integrated machines from anywhere, increasing the ability to run multiple sites as efficiently as possible.' Neil explains how the systems have also made an impact on safety for contractors: 'Crucially, the technology is accessible for operators of all skill levels, and by automating processes we have reduced the need for personnel to be working directly alongside heavy machinery by approximately 25%. The system uses angle sensors and GNSS receivers to provide highly accurate information on the excavator's position and bucket location, which reduces the risk of accidents on site, freeing up personnel for more vital tasks.'
The National
14-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Ayrshire group becomes first multi-venue firm to gain B Corp certificate
Ayrshire-based Buzzworks now joins a select group of businesses recognised for their commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. The B Corp certification comes after a successful year for the company, which saw its turnover increase 18% from £29.9 million to £34.8m in 2024. Buzzworks is also focused on expanding its portfolio, aiming to double its number of venues across various brands like Scotts, House, and Lido. Buzzworks earned its certification following an in-depth evaluation by B Lab, the nonprofit organisation behind the B Corp movement. READ MORE: Edinburgh MoonWalk 2025 to be last in capital after 19 years The company's managing director, Kenny Blair, who was instrumental in leading the business through the rigorous process, said the achievement had been one of the most challenging and rewarding processes the business had ever gone through. 'With our scale, it was no small task but we were absolutely determined to make it happen,' he said. 'At Buzzworks, we've always believed in doing the right thing for our people, through industry-leading training and development initiatives for the communities we operate in, by creating jobs and supporting local charities and for the planet. Becoming a Certified B Corporation is a major step forward in our commitment to all three. 'We are incredibly proud of this achievement. It's a testament to the collective effort of our team and the values we live by every day at Buzzworks.' Blair (above) said the company would continue to work closely with a range of charities and community partners, while also taking significant steps to address its environmental impact – including a commitment to reduce waste and energy consumption. These efforts are underpinned by ongoing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) tracking to measure Buzzworks' progress and ensure continued accountability. Blair added: 'Buzzworks has ambitious plans to double the size of the business, bringing its award-winning culture and values to even more communities. Its three core values – Care with Flair, Grow Forward Together and Value Every Voice – have shaped its B Corp journey and will continue to guide the company's future. 'Renowned for its industry-leading employee benefits, training and development, flexible working options and wellbeing initiatives, Buzzworks remains committed to being a great place to work and grow.'
Daily Record
07-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Firm at centre of NHS corruption scandal moves business to new company as directors jailed
Four men were jailed for a total of 29 years following a major investigation into the award of lucrative NHS contracts to Ayrshire-based telecommunications firm, Oricom. The firm at the centre of a £6m NHS corruption scandal is set to move its business to a new company linked to its jailed directors. Four men found guilty following a major investigation into the award of lucrative NHS contracts to an Ayrshire-based telecommunications firm were jailed for a total of 29 years on Thursday. Oricom directors Adam Sharoudi, 41, and Gavin Brown, 48, secured major deals with the illegal help of NHS telecoms chiefs Alan Hush, 68, and 60 year-old Gavin Cox. The probe was first revealed by the Daily Record after an NHS counter fraud team swooped on Oricom's offices in Irvine in 2015. Now a letter to customers from a current Oricom boss has revealed the service is to be managed by a company called Freestyle Communications Limited. Service Delivery Director David Ross said the change, set to take place from June 19, was 'part of a long-term plan to improve how we deliver your service'. Convicted directors Brown and Sharoudi were named on Companies House as having 'significant control' of Freestyle in May 2023, but filed a cessation in August last year. Prosecutors proved, during a mammoth three-month trial, that contracts for the supply and maintenance of telecoms equipment by Oricom broke rules on financial wrongdoing in the tendering process. Hush was jailed for eight years after being found guilty of nine charges. Cox was locked up for six years for the two jurors convicted him of. Sharoudi was also handed an eight year term having been convicted of seven charges. Brown was jailed for seven years for a total of six. Lord Arthurson said: "The reach and character of the corruption and, in particular, the corrupt relationship engaged by all of you was on a grand scale.' Hush was the telecommunications manager at NHS Lothian and then NHS Scotland video conferencing manager. Cox held the post of head of IT and infrastructure at NHS Lanarkshire. The pair abused their powers as 'public servants' to push deals through. One contract alone was worth £3.1m. In return, Hush got £18,231 of cash bungs and gifts, Cox a total of more than £70,000. All four men had denied the charges, spanning between 2010 and 2015, included bribery, corruption, fraud, theft as well as others under the Proceeds of Crime Act. In Oricom's letter to customers, Ross said the firm was 'moving to a dedicated telecoms management company focused solely on service delivery and support'. He said: 'Your contract terms, pricing, and service all remain unchanged. You'll continue to receive uninterrupted service. You'll still have access to the same support team under the new structure. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'Why are we making this change? By moving your account to Freestyle Communications, we're simplifying operations and placing service management in the hands of a team 100% focused on telecoms. 'Freestyle Communications is part of the same group and is fully regulated by Ofcom.' Current directors of Freestyle are named as Ross, Stephanie Brown and Simon Agnew. Brown and Sharoudi resigned as directors of Oricom earlier this month, following their convictions at the High Court in Glasgow. They have also been banned from being a company director for the next 10 years and will face proceeds of crime proceedings. Over 250 witnesses were also interviewed and tens of thousands of text messages and emails reviewed as part of the probe. Gordon Young, Head of NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services it was a 'landmark conviction' of 'individuals who sought to exploit the NHS for personal gain'. We approached Oricom for comment.
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Scotsman
05-06-2025
- Scotsman
Four men jailed over ‘egregious' NHS bribery and corruption offences
Judge condemns corruption 'on a grand scale' at end of 65-day trial Sign up to the daily Crime UK newsletter. All the latest crime news and trials from across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Four men convicted of bribery and corrupt practices over the awarding of NHS contracts worth £6 million have been jailed. Alan Hush, 68, Adam Sharoudi, 41, Gavin Brown, 48, and Gavin Cox, 60, were convicted following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow which followed an investigation at health boards across Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The offences, which took place between 2010 and 2017, included bribery, corruption, and other offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Hush and Sharoudi were additionally convicted of charges of fraud. Sharoudi and Brown, directors of Ayrshire-based telecommunications firm Oricom Ltd, were jailed for eight years and seven years respectively when they were sentenced at the court on Thursday, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said. Hush, who was telecommunications manager at NHS Lothian, was sentenced to eight years in jail, while Cox, who was head of IT and infrastructure at NHS Lanarkshire, was jailed for six years. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a sentencing statement later published online, Lord Arthurson said: 'The public are entitled to expect that their fellow citizens will not seek to subvert public officials in the diligent exercise of their duties, and public officials in their turn should know that succumbing to bribery will result in the handing down by the court of immediate and significant custodial terms. 'The reach and character of the corruption and in particular the corrupt relationships engaged in by all of you, when considered as a whole, was on a grand scale.' The trial at the High Court in Glasgow lasted 65 days. 'A betrayal of public trust' Sineidin Corrins, deputy procurator fiscal for specialist casework at COPFS, said: 'This is an outstanding result for justice in Scotland. 'As prosecutors, we have shown an unwavering commitment to pursuing and investigating this matter. This was a betrayal of public trust. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'These four men colluded to create a sophisticated criminal scheme. The public will rightly be shocked by the scale of their criminality. 'The scale of this offending against our public health service is particularly egregious. 'The systematic abuse of position by public officials, who accepted inappropriate benefits including cash, holidays and entertainment in exchange for contract advantages, strikes at the heart of public trust. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It serves as a reminder that procurement processes exist to ensure fair competition and value for public money. When these processes are corrupted, all of society bears the cost. 'The prosecutorial journey has been complex and demanding. It required forensic examination of thousands of documents, hundreds of witness statements, and detailed financial analyses to establish the full extent of this criminal activity. 'The digital evidence, particularly text messages and emails exchanged between the accused, proved pivotal in exposing the true nature of these arrangements. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'This was a meticulous investigation and one which reflects the enduring partnership working between specialist Crown Office prosecutors, NHS Counter Fraud Services and Police Scotland, who worked tirelessly over many years. 'Their unflinching dedication to serving the interests of justice, regardless of complexity or duration, deserves recognition.' The four men will now be subject to confiscation action under proceeds of crime legislation to recover monies illegally obtained. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Brown and Sharoudi were also banned from being company directors for 10 years. Gordon Young, head of NHSScotland Counter Fraud Services at NHS National Services Scotland, said: 'This is a landmark conviction for fraud, bribery and corruption of individuals who sought to exploit the NHS for personal gain. 'This successful prosecution reaffirms NHS Scotland's commitment to safeguarding vital funds for patient care as intended by the taxpayer.
The National
05-06-2025
- The National
4 men jailed over £6.5m NHS Scotland corruption and bribery
Alan Hush, 68, Adam Sharoudi, 41, Gavin Brown, 48, and Gavin Cox, 60, were convicted following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow, which followed an investigation at health boards across Scotland. The offences, which took place between 2010 and 2017, included bribery, corruption, and other offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Hush and Sharoudi were additionally convicted of charges of fraud. Sharoudi and Brown, directors of Ayrshire-based telecommunications firm Oricom Ltd, were jailed for eight years and seven years respectively when they were sentenced at the court on Thursday, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said. READ MORE: Douglas Ross accused of 'bullying witnesses' in key Holyrood committee Hush, who was the telecommunications manager at NHS Lothian, was sentenced to eight years in jail, while Cox, who was head of IT and infrastructure at NHS Lanarkshire, was jailed for six years. In a sentencing statement later published online, Lord Arthurson said: 'The public are entitled to expect that their fellow citizens will not seek to subvert public officials in the diligent exercise of their duties, and public officials in their turn should know that succumbing to bribery will result in the handing down by the court of immediate and significant custodial terms. 'The reach and character of the corruption and in particular the corrupt relationships engaged in by all of you, when considered as a whole, was on a grand scale.' The trial at the High Court in Glasgow lasted 65 days. Sineidin Corrins, deputy procurator fiscal for specialist casework at COPFS, said: 'This is an outstanding result for justice in Scotland. 'As prosecutors, we have shown an unwavering commitment to pursuing and investigating this matter. This was a betrayal of public trust. (Image: PA) 'These four men colluded to create a sophisticated criminal scheme. The public will rightly be shocked by the scale of their criminality. 'The scale of this offending against our public health service is particularly egregious. 'The systematic abuse of position by public officials, who accepted inappropriate benefits including cash, holidays and entertainment in exchange for contract advantages, strikes at the heart of public trust. 'It serves as a reminder that procurement processes exist to ensure fair competition and value for public money. When these processes are corrupted, all of society bears the cost. 'The prosecutorial journey has been complex and demanding. It required forensic examination of thousands of documents, hundreds of witness statements, and detailed financial analyses to establish the full extent of this criminal activity. 'The digital evidence, particularly text messages and emails exchanged between the accused, proved pivotal in exposing the true nature of these arrangements. 'This was a meticulous investigation and one which reflects the enduring partnership working between specialist Crown Office prosecutors, NHS Counter Fraud Services and Police Scotland, who worked tirelessly over many years. 'Their unflinching dedication to serving the interests of justice, regardless of complexity or duration, deserves recognition.' The four men will now be subject to confiscation action under proceeds of crime legislation to recover monies illegally obtained. Brown and Sharoudi were also banned from being company directors for 10 years.
