The current downturn in the oil and gas sector is the perfect time for entrepreneurs to seek new opportunities and capitalise on the wealth of experience and skills in the area, the leader of Grampian’s foremost business support group said today.
Professor Gary McEwan, Chief Executive of Elevator - a social enterprise which works across Grampian and Tayside to help facilitate the start-up and growth of new and existing businesses - said that despite the city’s recent change in fortune, it was in a strong position to embrace innovation and diversity.
Launching the 16th annual Elevator Awards in Aberdeen, Professor McEwan said: “Aberdeen City and Shire have, unsurprisingly, been heavily reliant on the oil and gas sector over the past few decades and Aberdeen has grown to be among the top five highest growth cities in the UK.
“However, the area also has a long tradition of entrepreneurship and business acumen. There are many exciting opportunities on the horizon, and now is the time for those looking to start their own business to take the initiative and grab those opportunities with both hands.
“Innovation and diversity, as well as a carefully-crafted strategic approach, will be required to steer the region through the difficult times and to ensure the growth and stability of its future economy, but I do believe that the downturn could, and should be, a catalyst for change.”
The Elevator Awards 2016 have 10 categories and aim to commend business excellence, entrepreneurial behaviour and outstanding community contributions made by top businesses in Aberdeen City and Shire. Winners at last year’s awards included up and coming businesses, innovative organisations and firms from a range of sectors including energy, technology, hospitality, beauty and property.
In the last year, Elevator has seen a 20 percent increase in the number of start-up businesses assisted in Aberdeen City and Shire, having supported more than 1,200 businesses to start up and over 800 to grow via delivery of Business Gateway services in the April 2015 to April 2016 year.
Meanwhile, Elevator’s ‘Making It Happen’ conference saw its largest attendance rates in November 2015, with over 1,000 people attending, including college, university and senior stage school pupils, aspiring entrepreneurs and local business owners.
Sir Ian Wood, chairman of Opportunity North East (ONE), encouraged individuals and companies to enter the awards.
“These awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise enterprise and entrepreneurs across the North-east. Our region has an impressive track record for business start-ups and, as we seek to broaden and diversify our economy, we need to celebrate success across all our sectors.”
The Royal Bank of Scotland is the principal partner and sponsor of the awards. Russell Whyte, director, Corporate and Commercial Banking in Aberdeen, said: “The Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted once again to support the Elevator Awards.
“Enterprise and entrepreneurship are crucial to Scotland’s economy and as a bank we are keen supporters of innovative individuals and businesses which are pushing boundaries in their sectors.
“We are sure this year’s competition will showcase some of the great talent that the North East of Scotland has to offer.”
Applications are open now online at www.elevatorawards.com with a closing date of 5pm on Friday, March 11 2016. The black tie awards ceremony will be held at the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel on Thursday, June 30 2016.