North-East businesswoman signs up to bolster private-sector input on partnership

Press and Journal – 11/10/2010

Leading businesswoman Jeanette Forbes has joined the management team of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF).

The public-private sector partnership has appointed her to strengthen its private sector representation on the team, which manages the delivery of the region’s economic development strategy.

Ms Forbes is CEO of Aberdeen based PCL Group, an IT company servicing primarily the marine and offshore industries internationally.

She said: “I am delighted to be able to give something back to the region where I have built a highly successful business.

“However, if businesses like mine are to continue to grow and prosper, the long-term strategy has to be about creating jobs and wealth that supports the local communities.

“Aberdeen City and Shire needs more investment in major infrastructure if we are to remain open for business in coming years.

“ACSEF faces huge challenges in ensuring this region secures that investment and delivers its action plan for economic growth and an enhanced quality of life.

“Already, much had been achieved through partnership working and I am keen to be involved in furthering that collaboration by providing the team with a greater understanding of the private sector and the specific needs of small to medium-sized businesses.”

Ms Forbes joins a team whose other members include Iain Gabriel of Aberdeenshire Council, Gordon McIntosh of Aberdeen City Council, Maggie McGinlay of Scottish Enterprise, Bob Collier of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Moira Whyte of Skills Development Scotland and ACSEF development manager Rita Stephen.

Shona Anderson, VisitScotland’s interim regional director for Aberdeen City and Shire, is also joining the management team, replacing Ken Massie, who has been seconded into a national role at VisitScotland.