Norwegian energy services firm Aker is to create 500 jobs in Aberdeenshire over the next two years, increasing its headcount in the region to 3,200. Demand for the companys services has grown in the North Sea and in international markets. Leif Borge is the chief executive.

Steel Engineering Ltd has secured a contract to build a tidal energy device for Oceanflow Energy. Steel Engineering expects renewables work to treble its turnover in the three to five years to 2015/17. The company also expects to double its current workforce of 120 over the same period.

Construction company UBC has ceased trading with the loss of 230 jobs as administrators decided the groups financial position was untenable.

Building firm, UBC Group which employs 277 people in Scotland has gone into administration. The Group will continue to trade whilst looking for a buyer. The Company has an annual turnover of £31m.