Leaders of the north-east’s councils have warmly welcomed the formation of the multi-million pound private sector initiative designed to secure the region’s post-oil future.
Opportunity North East (One), launched by energy industry doyen Sir Ian Wood yesterday, will enjoy a £50million funding pot – £25million from the Wood Foundation charity and the rest from Scottish Enterprise (SE) and other public and private sources.
It will work to boost various sectors across the region in a bid to save tens of thousands of jobs.
The group is also signed up as the private sector partner for the £2.9billion city deal bid for the north-east.
Last night leaders of both Aberdeen City Council and neighbouring Aberdeenshire Council said they welcomed the initiative and looked forward to close collaboration.
One will include representatives from both councils on its board, although it is understood none have yet been selected.
Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing said the plan came at a “critical juncture” with the region looking to move away from its heavy reliance on oil and gas.
She said: “The recent downturn in the oil and gas sector has underlined the challenges we face as a region, which will require close partnership working and collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as our university institutions.
“We look forward to working as part of the board on the emerging economic strategy to secure the future prosperity of the region.”
Richard Thomson, co-leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said the “high calibre” business figures chosen for positions in the board showed the “sense of purpose” in the group.
He said: “The establishment of the One board is an exciting development at what is a crucial time for the economy of north-east Scotland.
“It brings together a group of extremely high calibre individuals from the private sector, who bring real expertise and knowledge of the main areas of economic success and opportunity which we have in the north-east, giving the new body a real sense of purpose.
“One will serve as the regional advisory board for Scottish Enterprise, and both Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils will play their parts by making their own appointments to the new body.”