A leading Aberdeen business networking organisation with more than 7,000 online members and a multi-million pound track record in facilitating deals has a new owner.

Entrepreneur Leigh Reid has quit her job in the energy sector and acquired ABN (Aberdeen Business Network) from director Andrew Smith, who launched the company in 2008. 

ABN has six different networking services which help local companies build relationships and pursue their growth ambitions. It’s estimated that in the past six years alone clients have secured deals worth more than £25m.

The company also runs 16 face-to-face networking events each year and has more than 7,000 members on its online networking service, ABN Community. In addition, it offers 1-2-1 networking services and networking training.

Leigh has a career spanning 18 years in business development, sales, recruitment and logistics. ABN has been part of her growth strategy with firms she has worked for since she joined the networking organisation in January 2019. ABN members come from a broad range of industry sectors including energy, finance, legal, technology, leisure and hospitality, property and start-ups. 

Leigh said: “The opportunity to own and run ABN is simply too good to ignore – I had to go for it. I’ve seen the value of ABN services in recent times as it has helped businesses to develop and proposer, even during Covid-19.

“I’ve had lots of support and encouragement from family and friends. It is a challenge but one I’m very much looking forward to taking on. I really enjoy networking and seeing people grow their business. There are huge opportunities at ABN.”

Andrew said: “I’m thrilled someone with Leigh’s energy and enthusiasm for ABN and networking is going to take the business on the next stage of its journey. We had a great deal of interest from people looking to acquire the business, but I’m pleased that it’s Leigh. She’s the right fit.

“I’m delighted she is taking on a business I set up 14 years ago to help build relationships and win more work for our clients. We have distinct services which proved to be extremely resilient during the pandemic. Everyone associated with ABN will undoubtedly wish Leigh every success and will support her going forward.”

Andrew, who was named Entrepreneurial Supporter of the Year at the 2019 Elevator Awards in Aberdeen, is taking a short break over the festive period before considering a number of business opportunities.

ABN’s core service – its ‘Ten’ groups – sees 10 business people meet face-to-face once every two weeks to support and advise each other to win new business. There are plans to add more Ten groups at the start of next year. 

In addition, there is ABN 1-2-1 – a ‘matchmaking’ service where individuals request meetings with others looking to grow their businesses. Networkers can also buy an ABN Gold membership that entitles them to a range of benefits and discounts.

ABN will hold its annual awards event at 8848 Restaurant in Aberdeen on Wednesday, December 14. Categories include Best Networker and Best Online Member.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Aberdeen Business Network   l   KeyFacts Energy news: Aberdeen Focus