Bright Purple’s Singapore operation played host to the Edinburgh ‘Inspiring Capital’ yacht when it visited the nation as part of the Round the World Clipper Race 11-12. Teaming up with Marketing Edinburgh, the IT and financial services recruitment firm hosted a drinks reception on board the vessel, aptly named The Purple Beastie, when it dropped anchor in Singapore.

Bright Purple’s support of the clipper is part of a campaign to promote Edinburgh around the world as a quality place to both visit and do business. Bright Purple began trading in the Scottish capital city in 1995 where it continues to retain its headquarters. The company, which also runs a thriving London operation, opened its Singapore office in May last year. In January it launched a second global operation in Lithuania targeting the Baltic region, Scandinavia, eastern and central Europe.

Singapore is one of the many international anchor points for the competitors of the Round the World Clipper Race 11-12. Following its stop-over, the Purple Beastie and its nine fellow competitor vessels resumed their journeys with race 8 on the South China Sea from Singapore to Qingdao in China. The ship is led by a professional skipper with the remainder of its crew made up of people with little or no sailing experience who have paid for the privilege of sailing one or more legs of the race.

The event is run by Clipper Ventures fronted by Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, the first man to single-handedly sail around the world.

Iain Geddes, Bright Purple’s Singapore Director said: “We were delighted to get clients on board The Purple Beastie, meet the crews and hear some of their exciting stories. As a company with strong Edinburgh roots we are also very keen to help promote the Scottish capital as a beautiful, historic city with a thriving and dynamic business community. The Inspiring Capital sponsorship of the Purple Beastie is a great way to raise Edinburgh’s international profile and, as a company that is proud of its Scottish heritage, we are very pleased to lend our support in these efforts.”