Flexible support resource

● Dianne provides business development services to boost sales

The Power Week has received an incredible response from local businesses, with scores of firms taking advantage of the drive since its launch on Monday.

Running until tomorrow, the new campaign is part of the North East Now initiative and was launched to allow city and shire firms the opportunity to boost their exposure online.

The Press and Journal, Evening Express, Society and Original 106 social media accounts have been retweeting information from all companies using the hashtag #northeastisopen throughout the week.

The aim of the Power Week has been to provide firms with the opportunity to share their inspirational stories, news and videos online to highlight everything our region has to offer.

This includes businesses from a wide range of industries including food, drink, fashion, beauty, lifestyle and more which have been forced to adapt and diversify to overcome the impact of Covid-19.

Dianne Gardiner, from Daviot, decided to launch her own firm – Outsource Business Development – a few weeks ago to support these companies. However she has also faced challenges along the way.

She said: “I am providing flexible, cost-effective sales support – which can be carried out at my home office in Daviot – to small and medium-sized enterprises.

“This allows local businesses to have additional support to help restart their business, raise their profile and time to engage with customers.

“They can utilise my services for a short-term campaign or more long term, dependent on their requirements.

“One of the reasons for starting Outsource

Business Development was that most external sales professionals could not get out to meet their clients face to face due to the Covid-19 restrictions and remote working.

“During Aberdeen’s additional lockdown, it resulted in more people either placed back on furlough or working from home again.

“Overcoming these contact obstacles has been difficult, but I have managed to reach out to businesses through social media and my own business connections – I’ve always been determined to find a way around an issue.”

Since its launch in June, the North East Now campaign has pulled together a range of information, directories and blogs aimed at allowing people to find out more about local firms operating throughout the pandemic.

Visit northeastnow. scot to access the hub and find out more.

Photograph by Paul Glendell OPPORTUNITY: Dianne Gardiner launched her business during lockdown.