Welcoming that the leadership of the private sector participation in the City Deal Governance Group will be carried out by Sir Ian Wood as the chairman of the newly formed private sector led Economic Leadership Board, the Vice Convener of the Finance, Policy and Resources committee, Councillor Ross Thomson, made the following statement at committee this afternoon:
“A UK Government City Region Deal signed, sealed and delivered for Aberdeen will give us the powers and the resources to build on the fantastic economic successes of this great city.
"A successful City Deal bid will have far reaching impacts, from how competitive we are in global markets to our connectivity, from transforming infrastructure to building more affordable homes, and crucially from securing employment to creating even more jobs.
"For Europe’s Energy capital to support its industry, anchor the supply chain, and continue to power the UK economy a City Deal is needed to ensure those goals are delivered.
"An intrinsic part in securing that deal is implementing the right governance framework to ensure the strong and effective leadership that is needed for a project of this scale and significance.
"That is why today’s announcement is music to my ears. To have the North Sea’s most eminent industry leader on board and playing a key role in chairing the new Economic Leadership body and their participation in the delivery of this City Deal which gives our bid unparalleled weight and significance.
"Sir Ian is a veteran of the North Sea oil and gas industry. In recognition of the strategic importance of the industry to our economy and energy security Sir Ian was tasked by the Prime Minister to review UK offshore oil and gas recovery, the Wood Review, which has been welcomed across the political spectrum and its recommendations implemented by the Government. Through the Wood Foundation Sir Ian’s generosity and kindness has contributed to over £130 million to great causes across the globe.
Simply for someone with the stature of Sir Ian Wood, when he speaks everybody listens.
"This is a monumental boost to our ambition and a tremendous coup to have a player of such skill and talent on Team Aberdeen.”