New Look For Highlands' Largest B2B Exhibition

27th July 2006

This year's Highland Spotlight exhibition sees some exciting changes to the format. Not only is there a new date - Tuesday 5 September 2006 - but there are also new features in the form of the Young Business Zone and the NSIG Energy Zone, adding to the already successful Fusion IT Zone.

Now in its fifth year, Highland Spotlight is the largest business-to-business exhibition in the Highlands and the premier business networking event for the area. This year's show will attract around 100 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors from throughout the Highlands, as well as Moray and Aberdeen.

Commenting on plans for this year's event, Paula Nicol, Events Manager for organisers Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: "Highland Spotlight is all about creating a platform for Highland businesses to showcase their products and services to a wide audience, raise their profile, make contacts and find new customers.

"Every year, we aim to attract more business visitors and this year is no exception", she continued. "We have a comprehensive visitor marketing campaign in place, including direct mail, Highland wide press coverage and radio advertising, to ensure as many people as possible attend. As well as bringing an exciting new dimension to this year's Highland Spotlight, the Fusion IT Zone, Young Business Zone and NSIG Energy Zone will each attract additional visitors to the event, which is good news for everyone."

Highland Spotlight was first launched in 2002, when Inverness Chamber of Commerce decided to fill the gap for a high quality exhibition in the Highlands. Thanks to the annual event, businesses and their customers can now meet and talk and see what's on offer in the Highlands without the need to travel to exhibitions in Aberdeen, the Central Belt or even further afield - saving time and money.

As Simon Cole-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, puts it: "Whether you're a new company looking to make contacts and raise awareness of your business or an established company seeking new customers, Highland Spotlight provides the opportunity - and all right here in the Highlands."

Mr Cole-Hamilton also stressed the vital role played by the event sponsors - Macrae & Dick, Tesco, HiJobs, The Inverness Courier, Highland Printers and HIE Inverness & East Highland. "Without them, the cost to businesses would inevitably be much higher. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors for their support, which allows us to continue creating a high quality, yet affordable, exhibition."

"Spotlight is all about showcasing the wide range of businesses operating in the Highlands and allowing business visitors to find new suppliers and make new contacts, all under one roof", she continued. "In addition, the zones create a dynamic focus on particular sectors. On the one hand, the Fusion IT Zone and NSIG Energy Zone each offer a collection of IT and energy related companies, who are able to meet your business needs in these areas, working either individually or in collaboration. On the other, the Young Business Zone provides a one-stop source of information and advice for new businesses or those thinking of starting up in business, while also creating a platform for a number of young companies to show what they have to offer."

Highland Spotlight was first launched in 2002, when Inverness Chamber of Commerce decided to fill the gap for a high quality exhibition in the Highlands. Thanks to the annual event, businesses and their customers can now meet and talk and see what's on offer in the Highlands without the need to travel to exhibitions in Aberdeen, the Central Belt or even further afield - saving time and money.

As Simon Cole-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, puts it: "A huge range of products and services can now be delivered in the Highlands. Whether you want to find new suppliers, make new contacts and network or simply see what's on offer, Highland Spotlight provides the opportunity - and all right here in the Highlands."

Highland Spotlight 2006 takes place at Inverness Leisure on Tuesday 5 September from 10am - 6pm. Further details about exhibiting can be found by visiting www.highlandspotlight.co.uk or by calling Inverness Chamber of Commerce on 01463 718131.

Admission to the exhibition is free and everyone is welcome. There is still time for Caithness and Sutherland companies to thnk about a stand at the exhibition. contact the organisers for more information.