One of the questions I’m asked at the beginning of almost every meeting is "how’s business at the Chamber – busy?"
The answer varies between "immensely" and "incredibly.
Why? Well, some of it stems from the downturn in the oil and gas industry which has shed more than 5,000 jobs since late last year.
As a result, some of those made redundant have created their own companies or consultancies and other businesses are looking for further opportunities including networking and forming alliances.
Our members are reaching out to us for a range of support, particularly around international markets.
The Chamber provides business advice to support market entry and export initiatives with access to a global network of expertise.
We also provide a programme of international trade lunch ‘n’ learns as well as one to one meetings.
Our inward trade missions to Aberdeen can generate significant new business opportunities for our members in the region while overseas trade missions provide comprehensive practical information and insights into foreign markets.
To help members network, we run a comprehensive series of around 100 events each year with something to suit every sector – from monthly business breakfasts to our On Leadership dinners.
The number of attendees at our events has been higher than ever this year, evidencing their importance and the demand.
We also provide a range of focused research providing insights into member's staff, customers, competitors and stakeholders enabling them to make better, more informed business decisions and ultimately giving members the edge.
Our research involves asking the right questions of the right people, while good strategy anticipates the future.
It transports our member companies from where they are to where they want to be.
During a downturn our members need us more than ever and we are here to deliver.
After all, we don’t just say we put our members at the heart of the Chamber; we really do.