An international business event has celebrated its seventh consecutive year in the North East by attracting a wider audience than ever before.
The annual Aberdeen-Houston Gateway, hosted by Granite PR and this year held in association with the Greater Houston Partnership, has become a much-anticipated fixture on the business calendar, annually sparking interest from both sides of the Atlantic in the opportunity to network and knowledge share on an international platform.
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One highlight of the busy week was the flagship Scottish showcase lunch at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, Aberdeen during which networking and knowledge sharing opportunities were augmented by speakers from both sides of the Atlantic who shared their experiences and examined how to further strengthen the links between the regions.
The leading line-up of Houston business representatives taking part included Jeffrey Blair (Greater Houston Partnership), Alan McCartney (OMNI Flow), Andrew Derry (British International School of Houston), Andy Grieve (Hampco and G-Tech Innovation Center), Frank Landreneau (PKF Texas), Lorna Ramsay (Houston Grampian Association) and Derek Blackwood OBE (Global Scot).
In addition to a series of meetings and one-to-one sessions, their packed visit included Monday’s (March 25th) technology showcase featuring presentations from innovative companies Subsea Technology & Rentals, Network DNA and Appetite for Business, plus a visit to Aberdeen’s Marischal College and afternoon tea with the Lord Provost.
In a bid to lengthen the bridge created by the event, a new portion was added, enabling delegates who have made the trip across the Atlantic to explore Dundee and Angus. In addition to visits to the V&A and RRS Discovery, a series of tours and meetings will include: “Houston Meets Dundee.” The latter will be held in association with Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce to create a platform from which Scottish and American delegates can explore links between counterpart cities and regions.
Commenting on the 2019 event, Andy Grieve of Hampco said: “I left Aberdeen in 2005 with my wife, a toddler and a baby to set up the business in Houston but with little prior knowledge or support network there. I wish the Aberdeen-Houston Gateway had been around at that time and I encourage anyone thinking of doing the same to tap into this excellent network.”
Granite PR founder and managing director, and Aberdeen-Houston Gateway creator Brett Jackson added: “We are again indebted to all those who have thrown their support behind the Aberdeen-Houston Gateway, particularly those who will make the journey from Texas to be with us.
“The number of delegates involved in the 2019 Aberdeen-Houston Gateway represents year-on-year growth in excess of 20%, clearly demonstrating the appetite for knowledge which exists among companies keen to expand their corporate horizons.”
