The Team

As well as being the founder of Celebrate Aberdeen, I am also managing director of integrated communications agency Citrus:Mix. I have more than 17 years media experience, having worked in both journalism and PR. I launched my career in Aberdeen, working on a marine and construction newswire, before moving to Southampton, where I worked as a reporter for a technology trade magazine. I moved into PR in 1997, working for a London-based technology agency, and returned to Aberdeen in 1999 with a local consultancy. Four years later I established Mackenzie PR, which I headed up until the creation of Citrus:Mix in December, 2011. I have extensive experience of developing and implementing high profile strategic PR campaigns for a wide range of clients, which include a number of third sector organisations. Mackenzie PR won the Northern Star Business Award for 'Socially Responsible Company of the Year' in 2008 and Celebrate Aberdeen was born from a desire to do more for the sector in Aberdeen. 

The Urquhart Partnership is a Human Resource, Training and Recruitment Consultancy with offices in Aberdeen and Manchester. The company is 16 years old and currently employs just over 20 people. We strive for excellence in sourcing, managing and developing people for our clients.

Over the last 16 years, I have gained a broad range of experience in a number of HR related delivery areas such as recruitment and selection, psychometric testing, training and mentoring. I have combined this with a sound understanding of all aspects of running a business including sales and marketing, finance, IT systems, website development etc. My natural strengths are as a creative thinker with strong problem solving / lateral thinking skills.

I am also a member of the VSA Board of Trustees and an Advisory Board Member of Geomec, a Norwgian Geomehcnichs company. Served on the Board as Vice Chair of the Cancer Charity CLAN for 4 years.

I lead the Enterprise & Sustainability Unit for ACVO – the Third Sector Interface for Aberdeen. ACVO exists to develop, support and represent voluntary and community organisations, charities and social enterprises working or based in Aberdeen City of which there are approximately 4,000. Within my role I provide Funding & Business Planning Support – one-to-one, through delivering training, through brokerage and signposting etc. and through special projects such as Celebrate Aberdeen and Business Know How. My team is actively engaged in supporting the Third Sector’s contribution to the reshaping of public services for the City and manages the Aberdeen Impact programme initiated through Celebrate Aberdeen 2011.  I am a member of the local Steering Group of the Common Purpose leadership development programme and a judge of the Trend Magazine Life with Style Awards. I have been in this post for 5 ½ years after 33 years working in charity development, fundraising and media relations in London and the North East and have been volunteering since I could walk.

Celebrate Aberdeen is a project of ACVO – Scottish Charity SC03685 Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations and will receive 100% of net proceeds.

I have been Communications Officer with Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO), the Third Sector Interface for Aberdeen City for over ten years now. My role covers one of our six core activities – ‘Communicating the Sector’ and ensures that the most up-to-date and relevant news is circulated to and about the Third Sector in Aberdeen City. This includes working with the media, production of various information sharing tools, most importantly, the ACVO E-Bulletin which is sent out every week to over 2,000 subscribers in Grampian, maintenance of over 60 third sector and community planning partner websites and organising events to showcase the work of the sector and encourage partnership working.

Andrew is journalist at the Press & Journal, working between the feature and news desks. He previously held positions in public relations and radio in both in-house and agency roles. In the last five years he has worked across the public, private and cultural sectors.  Andrew is delighted to return to the Celebrate Aberdeen committee for the third consecutive year.

Aberdeen based web specialists Red Evolution are a Recommended Agency Register (RAR) approved company who offer web design, web development and search engine optimisation services to businesses throughout the UK. Managing Director Dave Robinson is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered IT Professional who enjoys bridging the gap between the geeks and non-geeks.

Adrian has been working in the Graphics / print / sign industry in Aberdeen for over 20 years. Firstly, he ran his own Franchised Kall Kwik design and print business for 17 years before leaving and setting up Eyecandy Graphics & Signs 3 years ago. Now based at Waterloo Quay in the Harbour the business is continues to grow help business of all sizes with all their Design, Print and Sign needs. Adrian said; "I was delighted to get involved with Celebrate Aberdeen in 2011 and work with all the Sponsors and Charities to help make it the great day it was.."

Stewart has worked at Aberdeen Journals (on and off) over the last 12 years fulfilling a number of roles addressing the advertising needs of a variety of sectors. In his present role he has responsibility for advertising in the B2B sector, mainly Oil & Gas. He has helped MacMillan raise the profile of The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in the past using a variety of mediums, not to mention helping his wife achieve over £5000 in fundraising for the RNIB. Stewart had a very minor role in the 2012 parade and was inspired to get further involved for 2013.