Welcome to your latest IN Touch newsletter
Confidence is vital in creating a better future for the city centre – and right now we are seeing tangible evidence of real belief in the heart of the Granite City.
There are, of course, the thousands of delegates flooding into our restaurants, pubs, hotels and shops as Offshore Europe’s 50th anniversary event is in full swing at P&J Live – a welcome boost for the local economy and all our levy payers.
Then there is the massive vote of confidence that Robert Gordon University made by choosing to order £20,000 worth of Aberdeen Gift Cards as a reward for their long-serving staff – while supporting the hundreds of shops, restaurants, pubs and businesses in the city who are part of the scheme.
We know other businesses will want to join that local revolution in helping their employees and the city– so, please join our special free webinar on Wednesday, 20 September to find out what Aberdeen Gift Card can achieve for your firm, your staff and Aberdeen.
Oodles of confidence was also shown last week when a new restaurant opened its doors on Union Street. The Indo-Chinese fusion flavours of Oodles are already finding favour with diners, and it was a delight to hear the owners talk of their conscious decision to be on the Granite Mile to bring more people into the city centre – and encouraging other businesses to join them.
And just to add even more shine, Jamieson & Carry are polishing up plans for a million-pound expansion of their iconic store, making it even more of a jewel in the crown on Union Street.
Of course, like every other city and large town we have had our challenges recently, but it’s been a sparkling couple of weeks for good news in the city centre… and a welcome boost for the confidence Aberdeen needs to thrive.
Best wishes,
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired
Stories
Aberdeen Gift Card plays a £20,000 winning hand for investment in the heart of the Granite City.
The team at Aberdeen Inspired is delighted at Robert Gordon University placing a £20,000 Aberdeen Gift Card order as part of its new awards scheme for long-service employees. And that considerable spending power will stay in the city at the hundreds of shops, pubs, restaurants, attractions, and businesses that take the Aberdeen Gift Card. Read more here.
Now we want other city businesses to discover for themselves all about what Aberdeen Gift Card can do for their business, employees and the city. We are holding a special free webinar on Wednesday, 20 September, with inspirational speakers from trailblazing businesses who are already part of a local revolution which is making staff rewards matter with the gift card.
Register for the webinar and find out more here.
Levy payers invited to make their voices heard on bus gate
This is your reminder that all Aberdeen Inspired BID levy payers are invited to a special Business Network Meeting on the new roads layout and bus gates introduced by the city council.
This is an opportunity to discuss the changes, raise any specific concerns, find out more about the bus gates, and ask questions of council officials who will be attending. You are also invited to share specific feedback on any impact you have observed since the measures came in or any further driver information you think is needed. For information, there is a link to the council’s own page on the measures here.
This important meeting will shape the position that Aberdeen Inspired takes on these traffic measures as the voice of levy payers. We hope to see as many levy payers as possible at the Douglas Hotel on Thursday, 14 September from 2pm to 4pm.
Provenance Festival is ready to serve up tasty treats across north-east and in the Granite City
Foodie alert … the Provenance Festival 2023 is serving up a feast of the best food and drink the north-east has to offer, with some great events in the heart of Aberdeen.
From special tastings, to a chance to make your own gin, Scottish-inspired tapas to burger and wine pairings, the event will be a mouthwatering treat from 29 September to 8 October.
Find out what’s on offer in the Granite City click here. Explore the full offering right across the north-east at Provenance Festival 2023 here.
Sink your teeth into the world premiere of a north-east version of Dracula at His Majesty’s
There’s a red carpet air about His Majesty’s Theatre this week, with the official world premiere of Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning taking place on Thursday (7 September).
Co-produced by the city’s own Aberdeen Performing Arts with the National Theatre of Scotland, this stunning version of Bram Stoker’s classic vampire tale transports the action to the north-east.
Find out more about this bloodcurdling treat here. Book your tickets now.
New restaurant serves up a boost for Union Street – with a call for others to join them
A warm welcome to Oodles, the acclaimed UK-wide Chinese restaurant chain that has launched its first Scottish venture on Aberdeen’s Union Street.
And franchise partners for Oodles, Naveed Sarwar and Ehsan Ul-Haq, said they had specifically targeted Union Street for their new venture and their other restaurant, Heavenly Desserts, with the two eateries right next door to each other.
Find out more about this tasty new addition to the Granite Mile here.
Image credit: Nason Foster Limited (artist impression)
Jamieson & Carry are bringing sparkle to Union Street with a million-pound expansion
Aberdeen institution Jamieson & Carry have announced plans to expand into the empty unit next to their iconic Union Street store.
It’s a glittering move that sees the family-owned business once again restate their faith in and dedication to Union Street. Find out more here.
Are you ready to salsa in a celebration of Cultural Harmony in the city centre?
The countdown is one to one of the most colourful – and harmonious – nights out in Aberdeen.
Cultural Harmony, with support from Aberdeen Inspired, is taking over Revolucion De Cuba for a Latin Experience on Friday, 8 September.
It’s more than just a mix of food, dance, and music though – it is also a showcase for the charity’s tireless drive to celebrate the rich and inspiring diverse cultures that make Aberdeen such a great and welcoming place to live.
And as well as having a good time, you will be doing good, too, as proceeds from the night will go to local charity Inspire PTL – which supports adults with learning difficulties and additional support needs. What are you waiting for? Get your dancing shoes on and grab your tickets here.
Meet The Levy Payer: Aberdeen Arts Centre
Curtain up in the latest of our series of spotlights on Aberdeen Inspired levy payers. And taking centre stage this week is Aberdeen Arts Centre.
Director Amy Liptrott tells us all about this thriving and vital arts venue – including its plans for a very special year of celebrations to mark its 60th anniversary. Read all about it here.
Read Amy's interview here..
Wish to be featured in a coming Meet the Levy Payers interview? Email Scott.begbie@aberdeenspired.com
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