Following a morning meeting with members of the Chamber from the Property Network sector group regarding the review of non-domestic rates, Mr Swinney officially opened Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s new offices at the Hub, Aberdeen Energy Park, Bridge of Don. The purpose built premises are located on the ground floor of the Hub, a new energy-efficient building developed by Buccleuch at the Aberdeen Energy Park.
The new offices allow the Chamber to offer improved training and events in state-of-the-art facilities enabling the Chamber and its members to hold larger events in house and to offer a more tailored service and support.
After the official opening ceremony, Mr Swinney also awarded long standing members of the Chamber with their Platinum Certificates in recognition of 30 years of continuous membership of the Chamber.
During 2012, to celebrate the new office and improved services to members, businesses which have been members continuously for 15 (Bronze), 20 (Silver), 25 (gold) and 30 years (Platinum) will have their commitment and loyalty to the Chamber acknowledged and celebrated at a series of events throughout the year.
The new office, improved services and the development of new areas of activity, are part of a refreshment of the Chamber of Commerce in its 158th year, described as ‘New Office, New Chamber’. Further announcements are planned, including a research function providing market intelligence for businesses in North-east Scotland.
Chamber Chief Executive, Robert Collier, said of the move
“Our new offices will enable us to give better and broader support to our members, and has the added benefit of significantly reducing our energy bills and operating costs. New offices have been taken at The Hub as part of the Chamber’s continuing drive to put Members at the Heart of the Chamber.
Finance Secretary John Swinney said:
"Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce plays an important role in the business community and I am delighted to open their new premises. Members will benefit from the improved training facilities and services at this site as well as from reduced operating costs, thanks to the energy efficient building.
"I would also like to pass on my congratulations to the long-standing members of the Chamber who are having their commitment and loyalty recognised. They have made a wonderful contribution over the years and I am sure they will continue to do so in the future."
John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, awards Chamber members with their Platinum 30 year continuous membership awards as part of the office opening celebrations
