Today's guest blog post comes from friend of Elevator and neighbour based in The Hub (downstairs from Elevator's Centre for Entrepreneurship in Aberdeen).
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
October sees the launch of Buy North East, a campaign which aims to put the issue of local procurement firmly on to the regional business agenda.
It’s an initiative I strongly believe in, as part of the Chamber’s commitment to creating the buoyant, diversified economic environment that lets our member businesses be more successful.
Both local authorities are behind the campaign – Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council – as well as Aberdeen Journals, Scottish Enterprise and the Chamber.
We know that many millions of pounds are spent every year by organisations from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with companies based elsewhere in the UK or further afield with the impact that the expenditure does not circulate in the local economy.
At a time when many businesses and individuals are feeling the draught from the oil and gas downturn, it is more important than ever that we collectively do all we can to help the regional economy with the aim of protecting and creating jobs here.
The campaign aims to get this issue firmly on to the agenda of private, public and third sector organisations in the region, providing stimulus and practical advice to both buyers and sellers, with the result that more business is done between companies based in the city and Aberdeenshire.
It is important to point out that a lot of related work is already being driven by the public sector.
This initiative is not designed to change that, but simply to help to amplify and aggregate it as part of a wider, multi-partner campaign.
So, where do you come in?
Well, you can follow the campaign throughout October and November in the Press & Journal, Evening Express and www.buynortheast.co.uk, but we’d much rather you took an active part.
We are asking that every local company or organisation signs up to the pledge to support the campaign, puts “Buy North East” on their next board agenda, and then aims to move at least one contract or piece of business to a local supplier.
Signing the pledge at www.buynortheast.co.uk adds your organisation’s name to the Buy North East Roll of Honour, which is published on the same website.
To maintain the momentum, the eight-week campaign in the Press & Journal and the Evening Express highlights success stories from companies on the roll of honour.
Buying North East means a lot more than just keeping money circulating in the regional economy, and the warm glow of the CSR box ticked. Local provenance can be a huge selling point, and the environmental impact of fewer road or air miles benefits every person living within the area.
We hope to highlight information on upcoming tenders, events to help business with positive procurement as well as examples of the competitive pricing and service levels available locally.
So go on, join in, and add your organisation’s name to the Buy North East Roll of Honour.
We are proud of our region and what it can achieve, so please do get behind the campaign and underline your commitment to Buying North East.
Full details are available at www.buynortheast.co.uk
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