Advisory / Counseling Services News
6/6/2009
'Everybody Online - Caithness'
'Everybody Online - Caithness', the first project of its kind in the Highlands, is being launched to allow locals who have never had the chance to use the internet to discover what it can do. The project being funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), with the support of BT Scotland, is run by a national charity 'Citizens Online' and aims to use technology to help communities counter social disadvantage.3/5/2009
HIE Commissions Firm To Plan New Future For John o Groats
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has commissioned Edinburgh based planning consultants GVA Grimley to produce a physical masterplan for John O'Groats. The masterplan will provide a sustainable long term model for creating an iconic visitor attraction which will include retail outlets, food and drink offerings and various levels of tourist accommodation.
23/1/2009
Plans For £1 Million Upgrade To Wick High School Unveiled
Plans for a £1 million upgrade of Wick High School have been unveiled to staff and parent representatives. It is hoped that work can start during the summer following a competitive tendering process on a 25-week contract to extend the dining facilities and upgrade and extend the gymnasium changing facilities.22/1/2009
Caithness Voluntary Group Funding Workshops
LEADER funding workshops are being arranged by Caithness Voluntary Group for venues in Wick and Thurso at the end of this month. The sessions, which are free of charge, are being presented by Highland LEADER development officer Fiona Cameron.18/1/2009
International Help For Local Businesses
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is launching an extended programme of international trade development events for 2009. One of the aims of the programme will be to maximise the benefits to local businesses of the new direct flights between Inverness and Dusseldorf in Germany.5/1/2009
HIE Launches Free Business Advice Line
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) today formally launches a campaign to assist businesses to navigate their way through the current economic downturn. The agency has set up a dedicated advice line with business experts on 08000 884 884 offering free tailored advice to businesses of any size and in any sector.
24/12/2008
Breeder element removal tool installed in fast reactor
A versatile remotely-operated machine that will cut the heart out of Dounreay's fast reactor has been installed in the sphere. The retrieval cell is a highly engineered tool that will reach down inside the reactor vessel and remove the remaining breeder elements in a delicate and precise operation.
7/12/2008
HIE Announces Measures To Help Regions Businesses
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) today announced some newly available initiatives, with others soon to be put in place, to help the region's businesses through the current economic difficulties. Chair Willy Roe explained: "The economic situation is extremely challenging and businesses in the region are facing very difficult times.4/11/2008
TIDAL ENERGY DATA SURVEY ANNOUNCED
A new survey is being funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to draw together current data relevant to marine energy developments in the Pentland Firth. By collating the information HIE will be able to help identify gaps that exist in the current data, and underpin future survey work needed to support the industry's development.15/10/2008
Businesses Urged Not To Miss Out On Environmental Savings
When it comes to putting environmental plans into action, companies in the Highlands and Islands could be losing out on savings of up to £1000 per employee. Challenges currently facing businesses including rising raw material and energy costs, customer expectations and environmental legislation will be discussed at the free Envirowise events held in Wick, Inverness, Fort William and Elgin from 28-31 October.15/10/2008
Oban Man Is Recognised As A Top UK Entrepreneur
THE founder of an Oban-based marine biotechnology company - whose groundbreaking work could lead to a cure for MRSA - has been officially recognised as one of the top entrepreneurs in Britain. Dr Andrew Mearns Spragg, chief executive officer of Aquapharm Biodiscovery Limited, was one of the five regional finalist candidates, in the science and technology sector, to win a place in the national finals of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards.14/10/2008
Unst Hydrogen Venture Goes From Strength To Strength
The Pure Energy Centre (PEC) in Unst, Shetland is growing globally, helping to put the Shetland Islands on the map for innovative renewable energy and hydrogen developments. The PEC grew from the Pure Energy Project set up by the Unst Partnership and has seen the development of the first community-owned off-grid renewable hydrogen system in the world.14/10/2008
Launch Of 2008/09 Rural Leadership Programme
Scottish Enterprise (SE) in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) are launching the successful Rural Leadership Programme (RLP) for the third consecutive year. Recruitment is taking place immediately, with the programme running throughout the winter/spring of 2008/09 and a follow up conference completing the programme to take place in early summer 2009.11/10/2008
The Big Green Challenge
a talking point for teenagers in the Highlands and Islands An innovative project by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is helping pupils across Scotland to gain a better understanding and awareness of renewable energy. More than 120 S1 & S3 students from 25 schools across the Highlands and Islands are putting their talking skills to the test in The Big Green Challenge debating competition.11/9/2008
Pentland Firth Grid Connections To Be Investigated
Consultants have been appointed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Scottish Government to identify options for renewable energy producers in the Pentland Firth, between Caithness and Orkney, to connect energy supplies to the grid. Xero Energy Ltd has been awarded the contract through the Pentland Firth Tidal Energy Project.28/7/2008
Extra Caithness Funding Starts To Make A Difference
Extra funding made available by the Scottish Government to assist the economic regeneration of Caithness, is being spent across a rigorous programme of activities driven by Highlands and Island Enterprise (HIE). Twelve million pounds of additional funding was promised to the area for commitment to projects between 2007-2010.5/4/2008
Murdo's Mission For The Tourist Industry
He's white, fluffy, goes by the name of Murdo and is on a mission to help businesses in the Highlands and Islands capture a bigger share of the lucrative tourist market. And while he may be small, this West Highland terrier has taken on the big task as a new canine web-based resource for the region's booming hospitality and tourism sector.
31/3/2008
UKAEA Today Evolved Into Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd
UKAEA Dounreay today evolved into a site licence company, Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd. The site is also changing how it communicates with the media, public and other stakeholders.
20/3/2008
New Management Structure For Highlands And Islands Enterprise
Economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is reorganising its responsibilities and will, in future, focus on three key objectives in order to deliver sustainable economic growth in the region. From April 2008, HIE will concentrate on assisting high-growth businesses and sectors, improving regional competitiveness as well as strengthening communities.11/2/2008
