The north-east business community was yesterday urged to support the regional economy at an event held to promote and celebrate local commerce.
Russell Borthwick, the chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) asked businesses to think about how they can help keep the tens of millions of pounds spent by local companies circulating within the region.
He was speaking at the inaugural Ultimate Business Show, organised by the chamber and held at the AECC, which attracted over 750 visitors across the day.
The event, the first of its kind for the chamber, attracted 75 local exhibitors and offered attendees a range of presentations through out the day offering insights into the latest trends in marketing and procurement.
Mr Borthwick said: “The Ultimate Business Show has proved a great success, not least in its aim to promote and celebrate commerce in north-east Scotland.
“It presents the perfect platform for attendees to source products or services locally that can help save them money, while helping keep the north-east economy buoyant.
“At a time when the regional economy is feeling the draught from the oil and gas sector downturn, it is more important than ever that we ‘Think North-east First’.
“We have brought together 75 of the highest profile businesses in the region who are ready and willing to talk about how they can help other companies work differently, smarter, provide solutions and save money.
“Tens of millions of pounds are spent every year by local organisations with companies based elsewhere in the UK and further afield.
“We are asking them to consider how we can keep this cash circulating in and contributing to the regional economy.”
The day kicked off with a breakfast event with speakers from Facebook – appearing in Aberdeen for the first time – and The Leith Agency, the brand makers behind Irn Bru and CalMac.
An event on procurement was presented by Craig Innes, head of commercial and procurement services for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils. He revealed that a new procurement portal for businesses with an AB postcode will launch next week, giving access the £500,000 combined spend of both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils.
The north-east is home to 23% of enterprises in Scotland. Of these, just 2,000 – one in 13 – does business with the public sector in Scotland.
“We are trying to grow that number that compete for public sector business as there is big opportunity there,” he said.
Seona Shand, membership network manager at the Chamber, said: “Feedback from stand holders and attendees has been phenomenal and chamber members have been really supportive of the focus on local procurement initiatives.”
The event was sponsored by the Press & Journal, XIC and Aberdeen Audio Visual.