More than 100 businesses gathered in Aberdeen yesterday to celebrate the richness and diversity of the north-east economy.
For the seventh consecutive year, one-day business showcase Granite Expo provided a platform for companies based in and with links to Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and beyond to exhibit, network, knowledge share and cross sell.
New for this year’s event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen Treetops were an Angus/Dundee showcase as well as a Norway showcase.
Granite Expo was the brainchild of Aberdeen businessman Brett Jackson who is the founder and managing director of Granite PR.
The event, which attracted around 1,000 participants, was again managed by Business Plus Scotland and this year’s main sponsor was Barclays.
Mr Jackson said: “Once again, we have been overwhelmed by the appetite which exists for this event. Since it was established in 2011, it has become a significant date on the business calendar and we are pleased to attract a broad range of new and repeat exhibitors from a myriad of sectors.
“As many businesses continue to face tough trading conditions, opportunities to create or strengthen links are crucial and it is always great to see so many exhibitors, visitors and supporters embracing the possibilities which events such as Granite Expo present.”
Stuart Brown, head of SME Scotland, Barclays added: “Exhibiting and networking opportunities at events like this provide an excellent platform for creating visibility, with exhibitors getting the chance to showcase their offering to the business community.”
The competition for the best stand was won by Charlie House with Bannerman Butcher in second place and Fennel Media in third place.
Susan Crighton of Charlie House said: “This was Charlie House’s first time at Granite Expo and it was a great opportunity to raise the profile of a local charity. We were delighted at the footfall at our stand and the buzz in the room.”