Aberdeen’s online business community has registered its 6,000th member and aims to bring more North-east firms together in 2017.
ABNCommunity.com, run by business development and networking specialist Aberdeen Business Network (ABN), is a free-to-use website focused on supporting the growth of businesses and organisations.
Described as Aberdeen’s own LinkedIn, ABNCommunity.com provides users with the opportunity to enhance their online visibility, make new connections, swap contact details, follow up conversations had at offline networking events, and win business.
The current membership covers all business sectors in Aberdeen City and Shire, from sole traders to multinationals, as well as the education, public and third sectors.
Andrew Smith, director at ABN, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that ABNCommunity now has more than 6,000 members. The membership has been absolutely fantastic in encouraging their colleagues, friends and associates to join us online.
“Having a large network of companies and contacts to tap into across the region can only benefit firms as we continue to face a challenging business climate.
“With a growing network space, the potential for creating and developing new relationships and winning new business for each member increases.
“Our aim moving forward is to continue to grow throughout 2017 and help more local firms to connect with each other and ultimately boost our regional economy.”
Gillian Macleod of Newmachar-based GLAM Beauty Therapy was the 6000th business person to join ABNCommunity.
Since its launch in July 2008, ABNCommunity has grown from a standing start to a network of more than 6,000 members. Users of the platform can tap into the wider group’s expertise to seek advice, comment on forum posts, and make and receive recommendations on common business problems such as which suppliers to use.
The community continues to grow at an average rate of more than 60 new members per month and ABN is already aiming towards its next target – reaching membership of 10,000 people.
Aberdeen Business Network (ABN) hosts monthly networking and business skills development events at various venues across the city which compliments online membership at ABNCommunity.com.
More than £12 million worth of business has been won by local members - a result of the strong connections established through online and offline networking.
For more information visit www.abncommunity.com.