Businesses across Aberdeen have shared their aspirations for better outcomes for people, families and communities, at a packed event organised by Community Planning Aberdeen in partnership with Business in the Community.
Established in 2020 by Community Planning Aberdeen and Business in the Community (BITC), Aberdeen Responsible Business Network has grown to 230 members and 35 actively engaged Responsible Business Partners.
This year’s event focused on the refreshing of the city’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) and opportunities for businesses to support place-based projects in partnership with Business in the Community (BITC).
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Christian Allard, chair of the Community Planning Aberdeen Board, said: “The Aberdeen Responsible Business Network provides a real opportunity for the business community to contribute towards lasting, transformational change by working with Community Planning Aberdeen to deliver the city’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP).
“The increasing number of businesses joining the network reflects the continuing hard work and commitment of Community Planning Aberdeen and Business in the Community. If they haven’t already, I would encourage all businesses to consider their social responsibility and invite them to contact Community Planning Aberdeen and be part of positive outcomes for all in our great city.”
Louisa Macdonell, Director Scotland, Business in the Community, said: “Fantastic to hear from so many forward-thinking businesses keen to work collaboratively to support communities in Aberdeen. The role of business to work in partnership with communities and Aberdeen City Council will be crucial to the success our Place project in Aberdeen which aims to address social and environmental needs in the city.”
Assad Malic, chief communications and sustainability officer at Greene King, said: “Our Releasing Potential initiative aims to provide employment for people leaving prison and in 2022 we set ourselves a target of recruiting 300 prison leavers across the UK by 2025.
“Working collaboratively with HMP Grampian, the Scottish Prison Service and Aberdeen City Council to install a training kitchen has been a fantastic experience, which we hope can now be replicated in other prisons across Scotland.”
Presentations delivered by keynote speakers included:
- Community Planning Aberdeen: Aberdeen – A place where all people can prosper.
- Business in the Community (BITC): Taking a place based approach to Responsible Business.
- Greene King: Supporting our economy with the rising cost of living.
- Total Energies: Empowering communities by increasing capacity.
- Code the City: Enabling communities to use technology and open data for public good.
Further information on the Responsible Business Network can be found here.
Community Planning Aberdeen is the name for the local partnership of public, private and third sector organisations and communities working together to improve people’s lives across Aberdeen.