Responding to the easing of the lockdown restrictions which have been in force in Aberdeen city, Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, today said:
“The news that the local lockdown measures are now starting to be lifted is a welcome testament to the hard work undertaken by many organisations and a vital step in making sure the message that Aberdeen is safe and open for business is broadcast loud and clear, both here in the North-east and further afield.
“The impact of the lockdown has been felt by a large number of firms, many of whom were operating in sectors outwith those directly affected by the restrictions so, as a community, we need to continue to work together to ensure this never happens again and that our citizens and our local businesses are given the best possible chance of recovery.
“Encouraging spending is key and rebuilding consumer confidence sits at the heart of that. We believe people will chose to go to places that have clearly made reasonable adjustments to ensure, as best as they can, the safety of their staff and customers. In turn, each and every one of us must take personal responsibility for adjusting our own behaviours in those places.
“The Chamber is also in discussion with MPs and other stakeholders to seek an extension to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme as we have been the only place in the UK unable to take advantage of it and this has proved highly successful in encouraging traffic through the doors in other areas.”