Aberdeen chosen for business partnership pilot

Aberdeen has been selected to pilot a new project aimed at providing funding and additional support to local businesses.

Business in the Community looks to support small to medium businesses in their recovery from Covid-19 – an issue the north east has been heavily impacted by.

In August, the city was in a 3-week lockdown and will now head into tier 3 restrictions a week before Christmas.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Jenny Laing said: “ “BITC is a national business response network that links business resources to community need and we are delighted to have been chosen to be part of this pilot project as it will help to strengthen the already established partnership working between Community Planning Aberdeen (CPA) and the business community.

"Despite the considerable economic challenges we face as the result of the downturn in the oil and gas sector Aberdeen is an innovative city which has ambitious net zero targets for 2030 and this has been a deciding factor in BITC's decision to chose Aberdeen as the only Scottish representative in this pilot project. 

“Now more than ever, partnership working is crucial for all of us in the public, private and third sector and I would encourage as many business as possible to get involved in the project so they can discover what practical support is available for their business or offer mentoring support to others.”

Small businesses with 2-250 employees across Aberdeen should get in touch if they are looking for additional help over a range of issues from human resources to legal advice.

BITC is the Prince of Wales’ Responsible Business Network where members look to find innovative ways to support businesses future so they and their communities can thrive.

Firms interested in finding out more should visit bitc.org.uk/smallbusiness-eoi.