Raymond Edgar Project Director Football Club Plc Pittodrie Street Pittodrie Stadium Aberdeen AB24 5QH

E: [email protected]

27 April 2018

Dear Raymond,

Following the announcement earlier this week (24 April 2018) that Aberdeen Football club have now received official planning permission from and in response to comments made last week that “local companies will be awarded contracts for the construction of the community sports hub, training facilities and stadium” I would like to welcome this early and positive statement.

At the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), we believe and our research has consistently shown the economic benefits of buying from small, local firms. Take our research with the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES). It shows that every £1 spent with local SMEs generated an additional 63p of benefit for local economy, compared to just 40p when it is spent with large local firms. If you spend money with a local smaller firm, more money will stay in your local neighbourhood and that should create more jobs and opportunities, a clear positive for a community project.

There are thousands of small businesses and FSB members in the Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and indeed across the North East, that I’m sure will be eager to hear about getting involved in what is a major project for the area.

To that end, we would welcome the opportunity to work with Aberdeen Football club, and its principal contractor and sub-contractors when they are appointed, to arrange a “Meet the buyer” event in Aberdeen to ensure our members and indeed small business across the region are given the opportunity to become involved in the development

From similar events that have taken place across , businesses have found such events invaluable and a great way of showcasing the products and services they offer, direct to those responsible.

I look forward to hearing from you and how we can work together to support the local community and local businesses.

Best regards

David Groundwater Development Manager- North East Scotland Federation of Small Businesses M 07825 029 319 E [email protected]

T 0141 221 0775 A 74 Berkeley Street, Registered Office: National Federation of Self Employed and Small Businesses Limited, E [email protected] , Sir Frank Whittle Way, Blackpool Business Park, Blackpool, FY4 2FE

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