RECORD numbers of exhibitors and visitors flocked to the third annual Granite Expo in Aberdeen yesterday (Thursday, October 31st) – and plans are already in place to repeat the event in 2014.
With visitor numbers up 14 per cent to 1,250 and exhibitors up 26 per cent to 135, the event has been hailed as a resounding success.
The event at Aberdeen’s Hilton Treetops Hotel attracted a broad spectrum of businesses ranging from locally-based SMEs to global operators with links to the region. They were visited by a steady stream of visitors throughout the day.
Founder and managing director of event creators, Granite PR, Brett Jackson, commented: “Granite Expo truly lived up to its growing reputation as a giant day of networking, cross-selling and knowledge-sharing. We now look forward to the next Granite Expo which will take place on October 30th, 2014.”
The official opening was performed by Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Club hotel general manager, Peter Walker, who said: “Granite Expo is a fantastic event and brings a cross-section of businesses together and builds relationships so business can be done moving forward. All credit to Brett and his team, and we look forward to 2014.”
Also speaking at the event was First Aberdeen Ltd director and general manager, Duncan Cameron, who added: “”This was my first Granite Expo and I was really impressed with the size of the event and the energy from all participants.
“Granite Expo gave us a fantastic opportunity to showcase the benefits Firstbus can offer employers and the time spent networking allowed us to understand how we can work more effectively with businesses in the city.”
Susan Bree, chief executive of business organisation and Granite Expo sponsor, Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We were first part of Granite Expo last year and found it to be a very valuable exercise. We were impressed by the businesses exhibiting and forged new relationships which have gone from strength to strength.
“This year has been another excellent event, with a strong core of Aberdeen Inspired levy payers represented. It has not only been an opportunity to showcase individual businesses but, from our perspective, an excellent advertisement for the vibrancy and diversity which exists within the city centre.”
Granite Expo 2013 was supported by Aberdeen City Council. Director of Enterprise, Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, Gordon McIntosh, commented: “Aberdeen City Council is proud to have supported such a unique and successful opportunity for the Aberdeen business community.
“The diverse range of exhibitors and speakers demonstrated the City’s entrepreneurial spirit and the excellent opportunities we have to offer. We trust that the show has been profitable for all and we look forward to Granite Expo 2014.”
The competition for the best stand – judged by STV’s Andrea Brymer – was won by Davidsons Specialist Butchers who operate three retail outlets in Aberdeen and Inverurie.
For more information about Granite PR, visit www.granitepr.co.uk or call Granite PR on (01224) 576070. Alternatively, follow Granite PR on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Granite Expo 2013 was sponsored by Aberdeen Inspired, FCM Travel Solutions, STV, Craigendarroch Suites, Deveron Homes, First, Orchid and Ledingham Chalmers. The event was supported by Robert Gordon University, sport Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, VisitAberdeen, Original 106fm, BusinessPlus Scotland, Hilton Aberdeen Treetops and ABN Community.
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Contact: Brett Jackson
Phone: 01224576000
Email: info@granitepr.co.uk
Website: http://www.granitepr.co.uk
