Aberdeen entrepreneurs are being urged to turn their New Year’s resolutions into reality at a January event aimed at filling Union Street’s empty units with vibrant new businesses.
More than 20,000 new UK companies are expected to be registered in January as the new year inspires a record number of people to bring business ideas to life.
The team behind efforts to regenerate the Granite Mile – where new business can access grants of up to £35,000 – is hoping to tap into that wave of ambition with a special start-up event at The Music Hall.
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Our Union Street was set-up in March 2023 to arrest soaring vacancy rates and plummeting footfall, and has since helped cut the number of empty shops from 48 to 28.
To drive vacancies down further, the organisation is looking for local entrepreneurs to follow LoLo+Co Boutique, Thistle Taverns and 474 by Cup by launching new, locally-led enterprises.
Bob Keiller, chairman of Our Union Street, said: “We have made good progress on reducing the number of vacant units on Union Street – and to keep that momentum, we need local entrepreneurs taking that first step to turn their ideas into reality.
“The start of the year is a perfect time to make that leap, and this event will give budding business owners the tools, advice, and confidence they need to succeed.”
The event – being held on January 13th from 6pm – will provide aspiring business owners with practical advice, resources, and the inspiration they need to turn their ideas into reality.
Mr Keiller will be among the speakers and will be joined by Jen Lawrie of Aberdeen City Council, who will share details of the financial incentives on offer, and Jamie Hutcheon from Business Gateway, who will outline support available to start-ups.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, will also share details of how the organisation is planning to swell Union Street footfall with its events in 2025.
Over the next 18-months, major investment will transform the Granite Mile into a high street fit for the 21st century - and for a limited time, incoming businesses can take advantage of generous incentives.
New occupiers taking on long-term vacant units could benefit from up to two years rent and business rate free. Grants of up to £35,000 are also being offered to incoming businesses through Aberdeen City Council’s empty shops scheme.
There are also a number of support packages which have been donated by other city businesses to help support the regeneration effort.
David White, a volunteer who has been helping connect new businesses with new premises, said: “There has never been a better time to set-up on Union Street, with the wrap-around support and funding being offered to start-ups.
“Entrepreneurial energy can breathe new life into our high street, creating bustling, attractive destinations for both locals and visitors.”
Our Union Street is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation which is seeking to restore pride and prosperity to Union Street, which sits at the heart of Aberdeen City Centre.
It has been set-up by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Opportunity North East, with additional support from Shell, which recently relocated to the street.
AB15 Limited – owned and run by Bob Keiller and his business partner Derrick Thomson – is also funding the organisation, and both businessmen have committed to running the campaign free of charge.
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