RSM calls for new thinking to re-energise the Aberdeen City Region

Representatives from the world of business, academia and culture came together this week at the Aberdeen Economic Summit to discuss how the City Region could shape its economic future.

The event, “Aberdeen, Scotland - the Next Chapter”, sponsored by RSM, RBS and ACSEF took place at Robert Gordon University and its objective was to discuss the environment needed to ensure that the Aberdeen City Region continues to thrive.

The programme included interactive discussion and presentations from a specially selected team of local, national and international experts and contributors who provided their own perspectives to the debate.

Ewan Grant, Scottish head of corporate finance at RSM, strategic partner for the Aberdeen Economic Summit said: “It has been said that when Aberdeen prospers, Scotland prospers. A re-energised Aberdeen City-region therefore represents one of the greatest social and economic opportunities for Scotland today. But in order to seize this opportunity we need to challenge traditional thinking around new value creation and innovation, and engage with all stakeholders.

“By bringing together leaders from business, social and cultural spheres to discuss, collaborate and develop a forward looking plan, we have been able to discuss how to establish the right environment which allows the development of new technologies, helps great businesses to flourish and ensures a bright economic future for Aberdeen and the North East.”

Meril Markley from RSM in Houston, Texas also gave a presentation to delegates and talked about the common bonds between the two cities. She explained the role that tax policy had to play in encouraging innovation and supporting the development of new technologies and provided examples of five companies in Houston who are leading the way in innovation. These included wellbore surveying firm Gyrodata which has manufacturing operations in both Houston and Aberdeen.

Meril Markley said: “Aberdeen and Houston share a long history and a future together at the crossroads of energy and technology. Despite the challenges of record low oil prices, Houston will continue to thrive and to strengthen its bonds with Aberdeen.”

RSM established itself in Aberdeen in 2014 following the merger with local firm Simpson Forsyth. The Aberdeen office, one of five RSM offices in Scotland, now has five partners and 40 staff providing a full service offering to clients.