Aberdeen Launches Online Toolkit to Support City Centre Businesses
In an exciting new initiative, Aberdeen City Council has unveiled an online toolkit aimed at helping city centre businesses thrive in a challenging economic environment. From grants and training opportunities to guidance on navigating the digital landscape, this toolkit is designed to empower local businesses and foster a more vibrant city centre.
It’s no secret that recent years have been tough for high streets across the country, and Aberdeen is no exception. The shift in consumer habits, the aftermath of the pandemic, and the ongoing pressures of rising energy and living costs have significantly altered how people interact with their local high streets.
Councillor Ian Yuill, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, acknowledged these challenges. “Shifts in consumer behaviour, pandemic recovery, and rising energy and living costs have all had an impact on why and how often people visit their local high street,” he said. “The new business toolkit will be a help to shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars in the city centre to further develop and diversify their offering to customers in line with changing consumer habits.”
The toolkit is a one-stop-shop for city centre businesses seeking support. It includes:
Event Information: Details about city centre events and guidance for businesses or groups interested in organising their own events.
Grant Opportunities: Information on grants available to support business events or operational needs.
Digital Support: Resources for digital training, website reviews, and expert help, including webinars to boost online presence.
Promotional Tools: A simple communications toolkit to help businesses promote themselves and the city centre effectively.
Additionally, the toolkit incorporates new footfall data, offering a broader and more comprehensive understanding of customer activity in the city centre.
As part of this initiative, Aberdeen City Council, in collaboration with the Aberdeen Grampian Chamber of Commerce, is offering free tailored training sessions. These sessions, tailored specifically for city centre businesses, will be held on:
Monday, 10 February, at the Art Gallery
Tuesday, 18 February, at Marischal College
Thursday, 20 March, at Marischal College
The training aims to equip businesses with practical skills and insights to navigate today’s challenging market and adapt to evolving consumer needs.
Councillor Alex McLellan, Finance and Resources Convener, explained the broader vision behind the initiative: “A mix of functions including retail, hospitality, culture, leisure, work, green spaces and residential is required to deliver a truly vibrant city centre which attracts locals, visitors, residents and tourists again and again.”
He emphasised the importance of local businesses in creating a strong sense of place, saying, “Embedding local businesses at the heart of the city centre contributes to the sense of place and creates a cornerstone for our city centre economy and local communities. This toolkit will help local businesses to achieve that goal while remaining flexible.”
The initiative highlights Aberdeen’s commitment to revitalising its city centre by putting local businesses at the forefront of its strategy. High streets have long been a cornerstone of community life, but with changing habits and economic pressures, they must adapt to remain relevant and appealing.
This toolkit provides not just financial support but also practical tools to help businesses evolve, whether by diversifying their offerings, improving their digital presence, or hosting engaging events that draw people back into the city centre.
For city centre businesses, this is an opportunity to leverage the resources and training offered by the council to grow and thrive. Whether you’re a café owner looking to expand your customer base, a retailer aiming to enhance your online store, or a local group considering hosting an event, the toolkit has something to offer.
Business owners can access the toolkit, along with details about the free training sessions, on the council’s website at Business Toolkit | Aberdeen City Council.
This initiative is more than just a support programme; it’s a step towards reimagining Aberdeen’s city centre as a vibrant, multifaceted space that caters to locals, visitors, and tourists alike. By helping businesses adapt to modern challenges and opportunities, the council is laying the groundwork for a thriving community hub.
As Councillor Yuill pointed out, these efforts are critical in responding to a rapidly changing landscape. With the right tools and support, Aberdeen’s city centre businesses can look forward to a brighter future.
