Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its business priorities manifesto ahead of the local elections on 5th May.
With an emphasis on delivery, the proposals call on local politicians to create the conditions for growth and enterprise in the years ahead, seize the opportunities of energy transition, transform city and town centres and build the infrastructure needed for the North-east to realise its economic potential.
Click here to download the manifesto.
The document contains some longstanding Chamber priorities such as reform of non-domestic rates and working with local schools, colleges and universities to develop the skills needed in the growth industries of the future.
In addition, it sets out proposals for a regional Net Zero Jobs Strategy led by local authorities in partnership with business to unlock employment opportunities in the years ahead.
Proposals to breathe new life into city and town centres include the appointment of a Regeneration Director to lead public debate and delivery on transformational plans, with practical solutions on bringing land and buildings back into use, securing finance for city centre buyers and a pilot scheme to boost Aberdeen’s night time economy through extending free public transport.
Infrastructure priorities include securing the North-east’s bid for a Green Freeport, upgrading rail infrastructure to the central belt and to the north of Aberdeen, besides action on decarbonising travel by road and better mobile and broadband connectivity.
The business manifesto will be shared this Thursday (14th April) at AGCC’s local election hustings. Click here to register to attend.
Introducing the proposals, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Russell Borthwick said: “The next five years will be a critical period for the North-east of Scotland.
“We want to see bold leadership from local authorities in creating the business environment we need to enable the region to flourish. And this starts now, as parties and candidates set out their respective visions ahead of May’s local council elections.
“More important still, is how they will put those promises into action once the results are in. The decisions taken in the coming months will set the course for how we recover from the pandemic, create the conditions urgently needed for growth and enterprise, realise the potential of our city and town centres and ensure the necessary investment and infrastructure is in place to support these challenges.
“Our collective mission is to transform Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire into the Net Zero Energy Capital of Europe while diversifying our economy, building on other key sector strengths in tourism, life sciences, food, drink, agriculture, digital and creative industries.
“Ambition is nice, but delivery is everything.
“Governments and opposition parties at all levels - local, Scottish and UK - must work together to create the conditions that will allow the private sector to take the lead on delivering this vision.”