Business Briefs - May 26

Troon-based software specialist Serendipity EMS, which has supplied Kilmarnock Football Club with a new ticketing system, has announced ambitions to win similar contracts throughout the UK.

Serendipity EMS’s E2E (End-to-End) CSM (Cohesive Sales & Marketing) module went live at Kilmarnock FC’s Rugby Park ground at the start of this season and the firm said it is now actively seeking more football clubs with which to partner.

The software delivers true CLM (Closed Loop Marketing), which the firm says makes the entire sales process transparent, highlighting where sales originate as well as which marketing collateral is responsible for driving sales.

Nanette Aitken, founder of Serendipity EMS, said: “Kilmarnock FC’s new chairman, Jim Mann, has driven the installation of new technologies at the club and, having seen the benefits that our innovative product has been delivering throughout the season, we are convinced that there is significant scope for further contract wins within the football sector throughout the UK.

“Our goal is to change the way football clubs manage their operations by giving clubs better management tools than they are using at present.

“In addition to our ticketing solution, our software offers a significant marketing toolset which can help clubs manage and process all their marketing and hospitality offerings, enabling them to realise operational efficiencies to the ultimate benefit of their fans.

“We are actively seeking football clubs to work with us and there will be a definite price advantage for them doing so as there are no upfront costs for the installation of our system.”

Aberdeen-based fire and safety specialist OTEAC has bought HVAC & Refrigeration Engineering in a deal worth £10.25 million.

Aberdeen-based HVAC&R managing director Raymond Davidson looks set to net a multi-million pound windfall on the back of the agreement.

Backed by Lonsdale Capital Partners, which acquired OTEAC in 2013, the deal provides evidence that investors still see life in the North Sea.

David Gasparro, partner at Lonsdale Capital Partners, said: “We have been very impressed by the HVAC&R management team and it is a natural add on to Oteac. Both companies have seen significant growth.”

The chief executive of OTEAC, Bill Hogarty added: “There are many new avenues to develop and grow by combining these two companies.”

HVAC&R will retain its name as part of the OTEAC Group.

Its 108 employees will more than double OTEAC’s existing staff of 80.

Graham’s The Family Dairy is broadening its support for both Scottish farmers and customers with the launch of its Lighter Slightly Salted Spreadable Scottish Butter and Organic Spreadable Scottish Butter.

The family-owned farming and dairy business has invested £1 million at its Aithrey Kerse Farm in Bridge of Allan to increase its spreadable butter capacity and capabilities as well as creating more flexibility in its production.

Part of the investment was generated via a Food Processing, Marketing and Grant Co-operation (FMPC) from the Scottish Government.