One of the UK’s most respected regeneration tzars has praised Aberdeen for efforts to diversify the local economy.
Sir Howard Bernstein mastermind the regeneration of Manchester following the 1996 IRA bombing that devastated the city centre.
And last night, speaking exclusively to the Press and Journal, Sir Howard drew parallels with the northern powerhouse.
He said: “What is very interesting around the Aberdeen Manchester comparisons is that, certainly in the 60s and 70s Manchester was most recognised for its manufacturing and reproduction capabilities.
“And of course globalisation eradicated most of that capability, overnight almost and left us with dereliction of which on a scale which was unprecedented.
“What we have seen in Aberdeen is that the oil and gas industry, which has driven so much growth in this part of the world, is now facing its own challenges.
“And of course, what that creates is a requirement to diversify the economy – how do you use the benefit of the success they have created to invest in new sectors of activity.”
He added: “That process is unfolding as we speak .
“That’s what I’ve seen and everyone deserves to be congratulated.”
Sir Howard, former Manchester City Council chief executive, made the remarks ahead of an evening event, organised by the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce.
He said: “All cities and all succesful economies need to have a diversified business base because being a one trick pony leads you very vulnerable to cyclical or global trends.
“Anyone who doesn’t appreciate that is going to face significant difficulties in the future. Aberdeen recognised that, Manchester recognised that. It maybe shouldn’t have been recognised so late but that transition to a global diversified economy is a long term process but one which has to be effectively led by the business and public sector.”
Sir Howard’s final message on securing the north-east’s economy was a simple one.
“Keep working together,” he said.
“You’ve got a vibrant business community here.”
Steve Phimister of Shell UK introduced Sir Horward at the event.
He said: “If anything good has come out about the last few years it has been seeing what aberdeen and Aberdeenshire could be like without oil.
“I don’t know about you but I didn’t like what I saw.”
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