A new online business support service for organisations across the North East of Scotland is launched today at the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC).
The Business Know How North East business support portal at www.businessknowhownortheast.org will make it easy for social enterprises, charities and other third sector organisations to access support with finance, facilities, human resources and much more which is relevant to their needs.
The portal has been developed in partnership with Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO), The Royal Bank of Scotland, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and the Chamber of Commerce as part of their knowledge exchange programme first piloted in 2008.
Alison Chandler, Business Know How Co-ordinator, said: “ACVO regularly hears from third sector organisations in Aberdeen in need of specific local support to develop their businesses. Through Business Know How we know that a range of support exists and is relevant to their needs – for example from organisations such as NHS Grampian Healthy Working Lives, Enterprise North East Trust and Robert Gordon University.”
“This portal will raise awareness of the services available from such organisations and make it easy for third sector organisations to access them. Just this week we have received requests from Northsound Cash for Kids and Alcohol Support Ltd and have been able to help them because of Business Know How.”
George Thom, Director of Business Banking Aberdeen City and Shire, at The Royal Bank of Scotland said: “Many organisations in the third and private sectors face similar challenges, particularly around leadership and financial sustainability in the fast changing economic, social and policy environments. In the past there have been few opportunities for them to work together or exchange experiences and knowledge. The Royal Bank of Scotland, as a provider of specialist banking services, has been delighted to be a leader in the development of Business Know How and sees this portal as delivering a vital message that the business world has a range of relevant support to offer aspiring organisations in the community.”
Gordon Prentice, Business Services Director, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “AGCC is delighted that members of its new Third Sector Network will be amongst the private and third sector organisations coming together today to develop and maintain productive collaboration, knowledge exchange and mutually beneficial links. We believe that collaborative partnerships amongst the sectors can enhance many businesses and their leadership skills plus develop capacity for these businesses and the region“
