Meeting to study financial future of city

A major meeting has been announced to examine Aberdeen’s financial future and learn how it could spark an “economic renaissance” spanning the entire country.

Leaders from the worlds of politics, business and industry are expected to attend the State of the Cities Conference at the AECC next month.

Organised by Aberdeen City Council, the event will focus on the economic climate in the north-east and how it could be bolstered by taking inspiration from elsewhere.

Keynote speakers will include finance expert Hanan Morsy and Core Cities UK director Chris Murray.

Local authority leaders

“This is an important date for Aberdeen”

are looking at other ways to bring in cash following the successful issuing of a £370 million bond on the London Stock Exchange in 2016.

The council was the first in Scotland to branch out into the capital markets and the move sparked another first as it secured a credit rating from Moody’s in the process.

Investors quickly snapped up the statebacked package, which was then used to fund projects including The Event Complex Aberdeen at Bucksburn, which will replace the AECC next summer.

Council co-leader Jenny Laing, who will also speak at the conference, said: “This is an important date for Aberdeen.

“It is an opportunity for reflection on the findings of the panel but also to look forward and plan for the future,”

Tickets for the event can be reserved for free at stateofthecities2018. eventbrite.co.uk