CITIES OUTLOOK IS BRIGHT FOR ABERDEEN Aberdeen has been named as the top-performing UK city for business increases over a two year period. According to the Cities Outlook 2014 report published today, the Granite City was also second only to London in terms of new business start-ups and one of the top 10 cities with the fastest private sector jobs growth between 2010 and 2012. The report, by leading urban economic think tank, Centre for Cities, reveals that the Granite City, which is ranked eighth in terms of private sector jobs growth, saw 4,900 jobs created, representing 2.2% jobs growth over that two year period. Aberdeen City Council leader Barney Crockett said: Aberdeen is not only the business centre for Scotland, but is also key to the private sector strength of the UK. It is a powerful driver of the UK economy. The city is renowned for successful business start-ups and its strength has been widely remarked on during the past few years, because where many other areas have struggled and watched helplessly as businesses have folded around them, we have seen private firms develop and grow in strength. Not only that, Aberdeen has also attracted huge levels of national and international investment, with many major companies choosing to locate headquarter offices and set up new bases here. Aberdeen has been ranked as the best city to live and work in Scotland – and second best in the UK– in the 2013 Good Growth for Cities index. It was placed second only to Reading and Bracknell. The results of the PWC and Demos report showed that Aberdeen is growing more successfully than almost every other British city, including London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. It was ranked second in the UK Competitiveness Index 2013. Councillor Crockett continued: Aberdeen is clearly open for business and is a city of opportunity for all. We are welcoming big businesses, which bring new jobs with them, to Aberdeen on a very regular basis, as well as supporting SMEs and encouraging new business start-ups. There is a great deal of public and private sector partnership working here, which must be supported by all levels of government, as well as the council, to ensure the citys continuing strength and business drive. Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure Gordon McIntosh added: Aberdeen is an internationally recognised business centre with globally competitive industries, excellent academic and research capabilities and a highly skilled workforce. We have drive and ambition and the enviable position as one of the top five energy cities in the world. The international energy business has created a level of expertise and knowledge which has helped the citys businesses and industry sectors to flourish, underpinning the citys energy capital status. The attractiveness of Aberdeen as the city to invest in, despite the challenging economic climate elsewhere in the UK is demonstrated by the size and scope of industrial and commercial developments being undertaken in the city. Susan Bree, chief executive of business organisation Aberdeen Inspired, said: The report is one of a number in the past 12 months to have highlighted positive messages surrounding our city, whether in terms of job creation or, as our own research has highlighted, the potential for growth within the retail sector in the year ahead. Encouraging new enterprises into the business improvement district is a major part of Aberdeen Inspireds remit and we are making great strides in that as part of our commitment to invest in excess of £1million annually as an organisation. There is no room for complacency and still work to be done, but it is encouraging to see tangible signs of progress on many fronts.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 12:48:24 +0000
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