Over 120 entrepreneurs gathered with Our Union Street for a unique event aimed at filling empty units with dynamic new businesses.
Aspiring store owners were encouraged to turn their New Year’s resolutions into achievable goals at a well-attended event held at the Music Hall.
It is anticipated that over 20,000 new companies in the UK will be registered in January, as the new year motivates a record number of individuals to realise their business concepts.
The team focused on revitalising the Granite Mile – where new enterprises can access grants of up to £35,000 – aimed to harness this wave of motivation with a dedicated start-up event last night.
Our Union Street (OUS) was established in March 2023 to combat rising vacancy rates and declining foot traffic, and has successfully reduced the number of vacant shops from 48 to 28.
OUS chairman Bob Keiller pointed out how competitive Aberdeen’s rental and rate costs are compared to other cities, while Jen Lawie from Aberdeen City Council detailed how businesses can obtain grant funding to aid their ambitions.
Jamie Hutcheon discussed how Business Gateway can assist start-ups, while Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, explained the organisation’s plans to increase foot traffic on Union Street with its events in 2025.
Ryan Crighton, Policy Director at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, described how significant investment will revamp the Granite Mile into a modern high street over the next 18 months.
David White, a volunteer dedicated to linking new businesses with available spaces, stated: “There has never been a better time to set-up on Union Street, with the wrap-around support and funding being offered to start-ups.
“Entrepreneurial energy can breathe new life into our high street, creating bustling, attractive destinations for both locals and visitors.”
Our Union Street is a community-driven, non-profit organisation focused on restoring pride and prosperity to Union Street, located in the heart of Aberdeen City Centre.
It has been initiated by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council, and Opportunity North East, with additional backing from Shell, which has recently moved to the street.
AB15 Limited – co-owned by Bob Keiller and his business partner Derrick Thomson – is also supporting the organisation financially, and both entrepreneurs have pledged to run the campaign at no cost.
