Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), the Dundee-based vertical farming technology manufacturer, has sent its first major consignment of specialist parts to the UAE for the world’s first GigaFarm at Dubai Food Tech Valley.

This infrastructure project is being developed on a 900,000 sq ft plot by Dubai-based group, ReFarm Global (ReFarmTM), as part of an initiative designed to address food security.

The initial shipment will consist of 800 individual trays that sit within the 12-metre-high vertical farming towers. These patented trays are an essential component of IGS’s indoor growing system, offering advanced climate control for optimal crop growth.

ReFarmTM and IGS formally broke ground on the project in November last year.

Architect opts for EOT

Crawford Architecture, established in 1987, has switched from a family-run firm to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

The Montrose-based firm has been involved in numerous local projects such as the regeneration of the old swimming pool into Montrose Playhouse and the ongoing involvement in Project Montrose which aims to revitalise the high street.

After almost 40 years in the business, founder John Crawford is heading into retirement and the transition provides a seamless succession plan.

Waste firm acquired

Perthshire-based Binn Group has acquired R Finnie Skip Hire, a long-established waste management business based in Inverness. The move strengthens Binn Group’s presence across the north of Scotland and the Highlands.

The deal increases the number of employees at Binn by 17 to 140 and Fiona Labrum, who has managed the Shore Road depot for 22 years, will relocate to Inverness to become site manager.

Binn Group plans to invest significantly in its new Highland base — including in people, fleet, and operational infrastructure — and expects to create additional jobs as the site develops.

Accountancy deals

BK Plus has acquired four further accountancy practices as it continues its expansion in Scotland.

The firm made its entry into Scotland by acquiring Cornerstone Accountancy in Glasgow and FourM in Dundee.

It has added Walton Kilgour in Perthshire, Ian MacFarlane in Falkirk, JC Wallace in Glasgow and Bird Simpson in Dundee.