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Advisory / Counseling Services News


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.  
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.  
HIE Launches Free Business Advice LineThumbnail for article : 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.  
Breeder element removal tool installed in fast reactorThumbnail for article : 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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
Murdo's Mission For The Tourist IndustryThumbnail for article : 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.  
UKAEA Today Evolved Into Dounreay Site Restoration LtdThumbnail for article : 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.  
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.  
Approvals List January 2008 - HIE CAITHNESS AND SUTHERLAND
The approvals list for HIE Caithness and Sutherland is in two sections.  The first details assistance given to businesses, community groups and other public sector authorities to deliver specific projects.  
Louise Smith Joins Project To Promote Pentland Firth EnergyThumbnail for article : Louise Smith Joins Project To Promote Pentland Firth Energy
Louise Smith has been appointed to progress an important marine project set to play a crucial role in revitalising the economy of Caithness following the de-commissioning of Dounreay.  Civil engineer Louise Smith takes up the two-year post of project manager with the Pentland Firth Tidal Energy Project next Tuesday (12 February 2008).  
APPROVALS LIST - HIE CAITHNESS AND SUTHERLAND - December 2007
The approvals list for HIE Caithness and Sutherland is in two sections.  The first details assistance given to businesses, community groups and other public sector authorities to deliver specific projects.  
Could Bog Myrtle Be A New Cash Crop In The North?Thumbnail for article : Could Bog Myrtle Be A New Cash Crop In The North?
Plans for one of the UK's biggest cosmetic makers to turn bog myrtle into an income-earning crop have moved a step closer with approved funding of £201,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   Boots Company PLC has developed products using the essential oil extracted from bog myrtle, a native plant of the Highlands and Islands.