The fifth annual North East Business Week gets under way on Monday and organisers hope the many events lined up can act as a catalyst for future economic growth.
Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), business support organisation Elevator, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) have organised the programme around the theme Change Driving Growth.
The week ahead will see networking events, seminars and other activities taking place in a variety of north-east locations, covering topics such as how to deliver a pitch and links between business and schools.
Challenging times for the offshore energy industry will also feature, including at a special dinner for key business leaders addressed by Oil and Gas Authority chief executive Andy Samuel.
Elevator chief executive Gary McEwan said: “The north-east economy is going through a period of change – that much is self evident.
“It is also true that the north-east is an area that historically has spawned a huge amount of innovation and creative thinking, not to mention world-class businesses.
“We have immense expertise and experience that would be the envy of many global economies.”
He added: “Our wish at Elevator is to combine this expertise with ambition and entrepreneurial thinking, to seize the moment to unleash the innovative business ideas that have been developing in people’s heads, and bring them to fruition.
“Times of change bring a wealth of opportunities, and our plan is to help people turn those opportunities into impactful new growth businesses.”
North East Business Week was launched in 2011 to highlight the importance of commerce to the region’s economy.
One of the highlights of next week’s activities is the unveiling of AGCC’s 2015 business survey findings.
In a similar study last year, the chamber found rising fuel costs and poor local road infrastructure were having a negative impact on businesses throughout the region.