North-east firm Active has announced new deals in the Inverness area totalling approximately £250,000. The contracts have all been secured since the firm launched its new regional office in the Highlands earlier this year.

The specialist air-conditioning, ventilation and sustainable energy solutions company, which has its headquarters in Aberdeen, expanded to the Longman Industrial Estate, Inverness in May. The move resulted in eleven new jobs and the firm plans to recruit additional staff in the area as the business grows.

The new contracts include the supply of air conditioning and ventilation systems to a range of local businesses and public bodies. Almost half of the new deals are for ongoing maintenance services lasting 12 months or more and include work within local schools and colleges, the whisky industry and entertainment venues.

Ian Nicol, managing director of Active, said: “As energy prices continue to rise an increasing number of businesses are looking at ways to make their buildings more efficient. These new contracts demonstrate that there is a need in the community for a firm, such as Active, which can offer sustainable energy solutions.

“Although we have been operating in the Inverness area for a number of years, our new office was a significant investment. I’m delighted to announce these contracts and we are predicting a high level of growth for the business in the coming months.”

Many of the new deals involve supplying highly powerful air-condition systems for server rooms in order to keep IT equipment cool and functioning properly. One such project is for UK wide facilities and engineering services firm Mitie.

John Lemon, senior contracts manager for Mitie Engineering Maintenance (Caledonia) Ltd, said: “An increasing amount of our customers are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills by integrating intelligent heating and cooling systems. By working with Active we are ensuring that our clients receive the best systems and are safe in the knowledge that should anything go wrong an engineer is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Earlier this year Active announced plans to invest £3million in the development of its new headquarters in the Minto Commercial Park, Altens, Aberdeen. The building will be one of the most energy efficient and sustainable buildings in the UK and is due to open early in 2009.

Email: christine@thinkpr.co.uk