THE energy sector is making Aberdeen a place which property investors are finding hard to ignore, according to leading commercial property expert, Angus MacCuish.
Business leaders attending an reception hosted by FG Burnett heard that the buoyancy of the energy sector was having a direct impact on the property market.
FG Burnett managing director, Mr MacCuish, told guests there was much to be positive about but they all had a role to play in selling Aberdeen to potential investors.
He said: “One reassuring and welcome trend we have witnessed is a marked increase in the level interest in Aberdeen and its environs from financiers, who in previous times, would not have bothered making what they perceive to be the long journey north.
“The message that our economy is very active has finally reached London. Our objective must be that once these people have crossed the Brig o’ Dee or touched down at Dyce, that we extol the virtues of this fine city and its long-term investment opportunities.
“We’ve all got a duty, both in the private and public sector, to do everything we can to ensure that our focus is on economic development, and to provide the conditions for future generations to thrive and prosper.”
The progress of a number of major developments and the go-ahead of the much delayed AWPR relief road has been welcomed by the business community, and would bring tangible long-term benefits to the city and region, said Mr MacCuish.
“These larger projects are pivotal to the ongoing success of the north east of Scotland and help secure our position in terms of economic development, which is after all the lifeblood of any region.”
However, he warned that the bubble may burst if a solution is not found to Aberdeen’s chronic shortage of Grade A office space.
He said: “There are a number of challenges going forward and the first must be to deal with the shortage of Grade A office space within Aberdeen. We have to guard against leakage of businesses which could be a consequence of having no ‘ready-made’ space available.
“By leakage, I mean not just losing business from clients who choose to locate elsewhere in Scotland or the UK. Given the international nature of the energy sector we risk leakage to Europe, Africa, the Americas, the Far East and Australasia, where businesses may find it easier to secure not only accommodation fit for 21st century purpose, but also a strong pool of skills sets.
“Our industry needs to be a bit more imaginative in terms of how projects are delivered and in addition to tackling the shortage of business space, we must ensure that we deliver the housing that a growing population requires, and also the leisure facilities to complete the circle.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
FG Burnett Ltd was founded in 1960 and the practice has now grown to become one of the largest independent firms of chartered surveyors and property consultants.
With offices in Aberdeen and Glasgow, FG Burnett provides Scotland-wide coverage for a range of services including sales, lettings and acquisitions; building surveying; development consultancy; investment consultancy; property management; rating consultancy, rent reviews and commercial valuation and compensation.
FG Burnett was a finalist in the Property Awards 2012 in the Office Agency Team of the Year category.
The majority of FG Burnett’s technical staff are members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and using state of the art Information Technology, delivers professional expertise and intimate knowledge of the market place.
Website: www.fgburnett.co.uk
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Website: http://www.fg.burnett.co.uk
