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

 

Group To Challenge The Norms In Tackling Housing Issue

13th July 2023


Highlands and Islands Enterprise Newsroom
13 July 2023, 09:50

Group to challenge the norms in tackling housing issue

The first meeting of a sub-group set up to address the housing problem facing the Highlands and Islands took place in Inverness on Wednesday 5 July, with members agreeing to challenge the norms and bring about changes that will better support the housing needs of the region.

The 12-member sub-group was set up by the Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership in recognition of the critical influence the housing crisis is having on businesses and communities across the region.

It is chaired by Stuart Black, chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), with membership including representatives from public agencies, local authorities and representative bodies, including those from the housebuilding industry (see full list in notes).

In its first meeting, members discussed what the group's priorities should be, as well as a rural and island housing action plan and resources required to make real progress.

They agreed to focus on actions to address the business need for suitable accommodation to be available for existing employees and new recruits, enabling businesses to grow and more people to remain in the region.

Actions will include gathering data on economic activity over the next 10 years, including jobs growth projections, as well as on the region's building companies and labour force. This information will be used to inform any potential interventions.

Speaking after the meeting, Stuart Black said, "Housing is a huge issue for the Highlands and Islands and one that impacts the extent to which many different organisations can deliver progress for the region, so it has to be addressed. Achieving success however will take collaboration across a wide range of interests, and that’s why this sub-group was set up.

"There is a big job to be done and it will take some considerable effort to make a real difference. The role of the sub-group is to speed up the process; to focus on the links between housing, jobs and the economy, and to draw from best practice. We’re all very pleased to have got things moving and looking forward to identifying where we can make the most impact in the short, medium and long terms."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership unveils ten-year strategy for regional growth
The Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP)'s Regional Economic Strategy addresses the challenges affecting the region's businesses and communities.   A partnership of public, private and academic organisations in the Highlands and Islands has unveiled its ten-year strategy to deliver sustainable economic growth across the region.  
Argyll seafood firm expands - A history of rising energy costs made things difficult
Loch Fyne company Otter Ferry Seafish Limited to increase production, safeguard the workforce and create new jobs.   A £350,000 expansion project at a seafood company in Argyll will increase production, safeguard the workforce and create new jobs.  
Moray agriculture firm in £400k growth projectThumbnail for article : Moray agriculture firm in £400k growth project
A family run agriculture company in Moray has embarked on a major growth project that will increase production and efficiency, improve product quality and create jobs.   James Taylor & Son, operating at Kintessack near Forres, has secured up to £161,446 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards total project costs of £403,616.  
Limited space for businesses on Digital Tourism Support programme
Businesses in the tourism sector and its supply chain in the Highland Council area are being encouraged to secure a place on the Digital Tourism Support Programme.   The programme is offering support to eligible businesses and social enterprises of up to three days of free, personalised, one-to-one digital advice from industry experts.  
£10 million planned for Port of Nigg projectThumbnail for article : £10 million planned for Port of Nigg project
Public investment is planned for a major redevelopment project at Port of Nigg in the Highlands.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved up to £10 million to support development of the port's Inner East Quay, which will result in the creation of a new heavy-duty quayside and the introduction of roll-on roll-off capability.  
Next phase of small business units for Wick Business Park
A further phase of development is getting under way at Wick Business Park in a move that will support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness.   Park owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded a £1.8m contract to Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd to build a further four new business units.  
Alistair Dodds Chair of HIE to retire in JulyThumbnail for article : Alistair Dodds  Chair of HIE to retire in July
The chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced plans to retire from the role in July.   Alistair Dodds CBE has served on the HIE board for 11 years.  
Cairngorm Mountain Railway returns to serviceThumbnail for article : Cairngorm Mountain Railway returns to service
The funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain resort returned to service on Thursday 27 February 2025.   Scotland's only funicular railway has been out of action since August 2023, while an extensive programme of remediation works has been carried out, led by contractor Balfour Beatty on behalf of estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).  
HIE approves further £863k for Inverness Castle project
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a further £863,000 contribution to the Inverness Castle Experience project.   Led by The Highland Council, the Inverness Castle Experience is a key project within the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.  
Food and drink businesses offered new help with net zero planningThumbnail for article :  Food and drink businesses offered new help with net zero planning
Highland based food and drink producers have until 28 March to enquire about a new support programme aimed at helping businesses in the sector to cut carbon emissions.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is looking for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to take part in the food and drink TechHUB Net Zero Mobilisation programme.