Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Ambassadors passionate about creating business in Caithness and North Sutherland

30th May 2011

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has launched an initiative which will call on high profile leaders to promote the advantages of doing business in Caithness and North Sutherland.

A number of top executives working across the UK, who already have business or personal connections with the area, have pledged their support as ambassadors to encourage new inward investment opportunities.

Senior figures in multi nationals like BP and AMEC are amongst those playing a part in promoting the area. Andrew McCree, of energy and environmental company AEA Group, commented: "This is an innovative approach. Caithness and North Sutherland has a number of strong business connections and it is important that these are fully utilised to the benefit of the local economy.

"It is a remarkable part of the world with a talented population and anything that can be done to encourage people or companies from outside the area to invest should be done. We should also not underestimate the ability of people from this area to start up and create their own businesses and I hope the Caithness and North Sutherland Industry Ambassadors can play a part in helping them succeed."

Roy Kirk, HIE's area manager, has held initial meetings in Scotland and in London to help the project gather momentum. As well as the business community these discussions have also drawn on the international experience of Scotland Development International, which creates business links across the world.

Mr Kirk commented: "There are some very talented and well connected business people already working in or with our businesses in Caithness and North Sutherland. We want to encourage these individuals, who are passionate about what the area has to offer, to help us build a business network. Working through HIE we can share information widely on the valuable natural resources we have here, the highly skilled nature of our workforce and the investment opportunities available."

"We have already developed key inward investment material for Caithness and Sutherland. This, plus information from the people and businesses of Caithness and North Sutherland themselves will help us keep our ambassadors up to date with latest developments.

"We can also get feedback on industry perceptions of our area. Having industry experts not only informed on what we have to offer but actively promoting our infrastructure and services is hugely valuable. We are convinced that promoting our business' skills and adaptability is key in showing how we can meet the needs of new business developing here."

Anyone who knows a senior contact in a relevant business outside of the area who might be able to help develop the network can get let HIE know by contacting Eilidh.Gunn[AT]hient.co.uk

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

New Orkney Whisky Distillery In Moves To Create Jobs And Lower EmissionsThumbnail for article : New Orkney Whisky Distillery In Moves To Create Jobs And Lower Emissions
Deerness Distillery Ltd has secured £246,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the £820,000 development.   Construction is underway at the distillery, which was founded by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Adelle Brown.  
Cuts And More Cuts But Still Cash For Arts In Highland - £30,000 For TapestriesThumbnail for article : Cuts And More Cuts But Still Cash For Arts In Highland - £30,000 For Tapestries
The Co-Chairs of the Inverness Castle Delivery Group, Fergus Ewing MSP and Cllr Ian Brown, are delighted to announce the award of £30,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in support of framing the 57 panels that will form the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands.   This financial commitment from HIE has contributed significantly to the preservation of the 57 panels created by communities across the Highlands and Islands, of which 32 will be included in the first exhibition as part of the Inverness Castle Experience.  
£24.5m To Secure £350m Inward InvestmentThumbnail for article : £24.5m To Secure £350m Inward Investment
Sumitomo Electric UK Power Cables Ltd plans to establish major operations in the region, supplying high voltage cables to the growing offshore wind energy sector.   A funding package has been agreed to secure an estimated £350m in inward investment for Scotland, based in the Highlands.  
Property Demand Study Launched By Highlands and Islands Enterprisie
As part of the study, businesses, community groups and social enterprises with future land or property plans are encouraged to complete a short survey by 22 March 2024.   Whether it's interest in land for sale or space to lease, HIE is keen to hear from organisations already based in the region as well as from those that are considering locating a business to the area.  
Shetland Engineering Firm Expands And Creates JobsThumbnail for article : Shetland Engineering Firm Expands And Creates Jobs
L&M Engineering has secured a grant of £58,914 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the development, which is set to boost business turnover by £1.2m and create two jobs over the next three years.   The company is diversifying its operations to cater for additional aquaculture markets.  
Region's Businesses Value Community Links
Most businesses in the Highlands and Islands consider their links with the local community as either equal to or more important than their profitable growth.   This is one of the key findings of the most recent rural business survey commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in partnership with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).  
Support Programme Takes Young Entrepreneurs To The Next Level
Dynamic business support programme, IMPACT30, is aimed at nurturing and empowering the next generation of innovative leaders.   The fully funded programme is for people aged under 35 in a young enterprise and in a key decision-making role.  
Power Boost For Off-grid Island
A project to increase electricity supply and reduce emissions on a west coast island has been awarded more than £25,000 by HIE.   The HIE funding is being used to replace and upgrade high voltage transformers and other associated equipment to enable a major upgrade of the renewable energy supply on the Isle of Muck.  
Region's Young Workforce To Take Part In Pioneering Sustainability Skills ProgrammeThumbnail for article : Region's Young Workforce To Take Part In Pioneering Sustainability Skills Programme
Region's young workforce to take part in pioneering sustainability skills programme.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Zero Waste Scotland and business transformation enterprise Powering Futures have teamed up to provide the fully-funded places on the Highlands and Islands Powering Futures Challenge 2024.  
New Facility For Renewables Industry Trainees
People working in or entering Scotland's growing renewables industry will soon have access to a new training facility in Inverness.   The £1.22m Renewable Energy Training Centre, being established by Aurora Energy Services Ltd, (AES) will be the first of its kind in the region.