The newly launched North-East Now website has been hailed as a “much-needed step towards recovery” for local businesses operating through the pandemic.
With so many north-east firms adapting and diversifying to overcome the impact of coronavirus, North-East Now will share inspirational and positive stories, encouraging people to do what they can to support the local economy in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Consumers who aim to support local firms are provided with a one-stop online resource with the site.
It pulls together a range of information, directories and blogs, making it easy for people to support local firms from industries including food, drink, fashion, beauty and lifestyle.
The new resource also explains which local products are available in shops and supermarkets, making it easy for people to choose north-east brands in their weekly shop.
Driven by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, the initiative is also supported by creative agency Hampton, Aberdeen Journals, Original 106 and VisitAberdeenshire, with Aberdeen Journals preparing to host a social media “power hour” this week.
This will involve the Evening Express, Press and Journal, Society and Original 106 Twitter accounts retweeting every tweet from local businesses using the hashtag #northeastisopen between noon and 1pm on Thursday. Firms are encouraged to post a picture of themselves at their business holding up a sign which reads #northeastisopen.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, says the initiative is a “much welcomed and needed step as we push towards recovery”.
He said: “Aberdeen Inspired is delighted to see Aberdeen Journals – alongside the other companies and organisations which drove the campaign – continue to grab the initiative and this time through the exciting development of the North-East Now website and social media driven ‘power hour’, in promoting our north-east businesses.
“If ever there was time for such support it is now, and we all realise that it is so important to highlight our great businesses – across the sectors – and for the public to endorse this through ‘buying local’.”
Visit northeastnow.scot to find out more.
POWER HOUR
Aberdeen Journals’ power hour will take place on Thursday from noon-1pm on Twitter. To take part and spread the message that your business is open throughout the pandemic, just follow the steps below: