Celera Support Services, which has specialised in international offshore catering services for the past 10 years has reinforced a commitment to the future of its own city centre through investment in new premises, a Director-level appointment and the launch of a partnership specifically designed to encourage a return to the workplace.
Having successfully navigated the challenges associated with global COVID-19 related restrictions, Celera Support Services has invested a six-figure sum in the Back Wynd premises, designed to facilitate company growth and diversification, whilst reflecting its owner’s desire to help regenerate the heart of Aberdeen.
The company aims to increase its city-based team to 14 within the next two years, with a focus upon three key pillars; city centre daytime hospitality, onshore corporate catering and offshore activity across the North Sea, West Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf of Mexico.
Leading the growth strategy is recently-appointed Operations Director, Lee Kemp, who takes up his new role after a year as Celera’s Operations Manager. Company owner, John Wigglesworth comments:
“Despite the pressures of 2020/21, we have continued to support clients across the Middle East and kept our international team employed. Now is the time to invest in both Aberdeen and the growth of Celera. With 30 years’ global offshore industry experience, Lee brings unrivalled industry knowledge, technical and strategic skills to drive Celera forward on both a domestic and international basis.”
John, who bought and invested in coffee shop and second-hand bookstore, Books and Beans, in early 2020 is also passionate about encouraging locals back to their city centre and sees a successful post-pandemic return to the workplace as one of the key levers to supporting the community’s wellbeing. Working in partnership with Books and Beans, Celera is currently trialling a range of unique corporate catering solutions in conjunction with a key north-east organisation.
John continues:
“As the co-founder and driver of the development of the Bonnymuir Green Community Trust - which has seen over 14,000 visits in 2021 - I have witnessed first-hand the physical and mental benefits brought by providing a safe, calm environment for relaxation, communication, individual thought and, indeed, consumption of good food! This is also what Books and Beans has always been about and we believe this can play a key part in facilitating a smoother, healthier transition from home working to office-based or hybrid models.
“As seen by the support for café culture on Belmont Street, including a 4,000+ signature petition to keep the area pedestrianised, a vibrant daytime city centre drives people to visit Aberdeen and enjoy our lovely city; we all have a responsibility to make sure that happens.”
Celera’s strategy of city centre revitalisation is consolidated by its current bid to lease one of three pavilions within the redeveloped Union Terrace Gardens, which have been designed to enhance the area with cafes, restaurants, or cultural spaces.
