A special event focusing on the economic impact of Aberdeen harbour and ferry services to the Northern Isles will kick off a series of seminars planned for North East Business Week (NEBW) on Monday.
Guests are invited to board a Northlink ferry for the seminar which will feature presentations from Stuart Garrett, managing director of Serco NorthLink Ferries and Colin Parker, chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour, as well as an opportunity for networking and a buffet lunch.
Mr Garrett will explore the background to the Orkney/Shetland link and examine the trade and economic benefits which the ferry services generate through the movement of passengers and goods. He will also look ahead to the future of the services and what infrastructure might be needed to support growth.
Mr Parker will outline the range of goods handled through the harbour and also the extent of global connections and trade routes accessible from Aberdeen.
In addition he will provide an update on the harbour’s own plans to develop new infrastructure to meet growing demand.
The event is hosted by NEBW partner, the Scottish Council for Development & Industry (SCDI).
NEBW is an initiative by the region’s four principal business organisations – Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise North East Trust, Federation of Small Businesses and SCDI.
Business week runs from April 28 to 2nd May 2 focusing on key areas relevant to the future business growth and prosperity of the region.
SCDI’s regional director, Ian Armstrong said: “The 2014 Business Week will be a fantastic series of events and activity focusing on what is a critical set of issues for the north-east. If the economy is to be enabled to grow and flourish, then addressing and improving our connectivity will be absolutely vital. The range of events and speakers examining transport and mobile/broadband connectivity issues is a great opportunity for members to be informed and bring influence to bear on a variety of key decision makers”
Further information is available at www.northeastbusinessweek.co.uk