Scottish Cities Alliance

A new inward investment hub for Aberdeen was officially launched this week.

Informed by the Aberdeen Inward Investment Plan, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils have jointly established Invest Aberdeen with an aim of growing investment into the region.

The region is currently benefiting from a £9billion investment pipeline, including harbour and airport expansions, city centre developments and transport and digital improvements, creating significant investment opportunities and further bolstering the region’s strong business credentials.

Local business leaders and stakeholders came together at the official launch to hear more about the ambitions and remit of Invest Aberdeen which plays a key role in the delivery of the ambitious Regional Economic Strategy.

With a core team of five complemented by colleagues in public and private sector organisations, the Invest Aberdeen team offers a one-stop-shop for exploring business opportunities in the region. From identifying property to recruitment and finance solutions to business and planning support, the team is in place to deliver a tailored service to meet investor criteria.

Invest Aberdeen will also work to raise the profile of the significant opportunities on offer in key international markets, exhibiting at next week’s Offshore Northern Seas (ONS) conference and exhibition in Stavanger is next on the agenda.

The launch event, sponsored by Muse Developments, was held in Marischal Square, a £107million mixed use development which has transformed the heart of Aberdeen. Guests heard about the region’s sector strengths and the importance of their role as ambassadors.

Allan McEwan, CityFibre’s Aberdeen City Development Manager, also discussed the £40million investment in digital infrastructure underway, which will make Aberdeen Scotland’s first city in which nearly every home and business will have access to gigabit-speed broadband.

Co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, Cllr Jenny Laing said: “It is no secret that Aberdeen has benefited from a buoyant oil and gas sector and has been a global leader in the industry for over 50 years. We are now building on key skills garnered from our experiences in oil and gas to see other areas of industry grow and flourish; renewables, low carbon, life sciences, food and drink and digital.

“Inward investment is crucial to the success of a regional economy and the work of Invest Aberdeen will play a fundamental role in highlighting the huge opportunities for businesses in these sectors and beyond. The new £333million TECA, Events Complex Aberdeen, represents the largest single investment in conference, exhibition and concert venues in the history of the UK. Aberdeen is the first city in Scotland to be awarded a credit rating and is in the top ten UK cities for business start-ups. Examples such as these demonstrate the business confidence in the region, and we’re delighted that Invest Aberdeen will provide a front door to the many opportunities here.”

Steve Turner, regional director Scotland at Muse Developments, said: “Invest Aberdeen share our vision of creating long-term positive impact on the local economy.

“Marischal Square has delivered a vibrant mixed-use development supporting the city’s justifiable position as one of the UK’s leading business destinations and is attracting investment and jobs back into the heart of the city centre.

“The ongoing investment in transport and digital infrastructure has created new opportunities in the region and Invest Aberdeen will be well positioned to support businesses seeking to take advantage of Aberdeen’s offerings.”

Allan McEwan of CityFibre said: “In February, Aberdeen became the first Scottish city to benefit from our strategic partnership with Vodafone, which aims to deliver full fibre to 1million homes across the UK by 2021. Aberdeen is in an excellent position to transform its economic future by embracing the digital age.

“Ultimately, full fibre will allow the city to be more innovative and more productive, while attracting inward investment and boosting the local economy for generations to come. We’re very excited to be working with Invest Aberdeen as it steps up its mission to reaffirm this dynamic city’s place on the global enterprise map.”

To find out more about Invest Aberdeen and opportunities in the Aberdeen City Region visit www.investaberdeen.co.uk or follow @Invest_Aberdeen on Twitter.