New Lobster Business Gets CASE Support
8th July 2003
A Caithness couple are embarking on a new business venture with help from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE).
Louise and Peter Sinclair from Keiss are in the process of establishing the Sinclair Bay Lobster Company, which will buy lobsters in the summer months when prices are at their lowest and store them live until the winter when a premium price can be sought for the product. In addition to this, they are also trading shellfish on a weekly basis.
CASE has awarded the Sinclair Bay Lobster Company a business development grant worth £6,000 towards the costs of building and equipping the lobster storage tank and £4,100 via the HIE Starts programme. HIE Starts is an Network-wide initiative which provides valuable business advice and financial support - in the form monthly allowance - to help new businesses negotiate the first 12 months of trading, which are often the hardest.
Louise will be responsible for the day to day running of the Sinclair Bay Lobster Company while Peter continues to work offshore until such times as the business becomes established.
Commenting on their new venture, she said: "Peter and I are delighted to be able to start our own business and we are grateful to CASE for all their advice and support. As far as possible we plan to buy our lobsters and other shellfish locally and sell them to a variety of customers, both nationally and on a more local level to hotels and restaurants. At the moment we are seeking new suppliers, so we would be delighted to hear from any as soon as possible."
Senior business counsellor with CASE, Ian Thomson said: "The HIE Starts programme helps new businesses get off to a good start and is flexible allowing people to start their businesses on a full-time or part-time basis."
Related Businesses
Related Articles
28/11/2025
Workforce North event spotlights Highland economy
EMPLOYERS and educators from across the Highlands have gathered to hear how a new initiative is aiming to transform the region's economy. Workforce North - A Call to Action brought together business leaders and teachers from primary and secondary schools from across the Highland Council area with a wide range of partners geared towards education, learning and skills development at Strathpeffer Pavillion.
25/11/2025
Tartan challenge for UHI students offers £1,500 prize
Students from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership have been challenged to design a tartan and be in with a chance of winning a £1,500 cash prize. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has launched THE COMPETITION to mark 60 years since the regional development agency (then named Highlands and Islands Development Board) was established in November 1965.
25/11/2025
The Rural AI Roadshow - How AI can help your rural business thrive
Scotland's enterprise agencies (Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise) The Scottish AI Alliance and The Data Lab have joined forces to plan and deliver an inspiring and educational Rural AI Roadshow. There will be three, one day, Rural AI Roadshow conferences taking place across Scotland in January 2026.
25/11/2025
Digital and AI innovation round-up for November
Scotland's digital future is accelerating, with AI and tech innovation transforming businesses. In this blog, HIE's Theresa Swayne shares November insights on funding, leadership, and how organisations can harness technology to stay ahead.
25/11/2025
Reflections from SEWF Rural: global lessons for the Highlands and Islands social impact economy
As we mark 60 years since the region's economic and community development agency was established, it's timely to reflect on the global aspects of our work on shaping rural futures. The recent Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) Rural Gathering in Sabah, Malaysia, welcomed changemakers from Australia, Ireland, India, Canada.
19/11/2025
Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide - FREE To Download
Scottish Enterprise's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide provides an overview of more than 150 organisations that support new and growing companies in Scotland. The guide includes incubators, accelerators, specialist industry programmes, co-working spaces and networking organisations.
18/11/2025
Funding approved for Wick Harbour port consultant
A specialist ports consultant has been appointed to develop a long-term strategic plan for Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) in Caithness. WHA has secured £47,775 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Nuclear Restoration Services, NRS Dounreay towards the cost of the services.
16/11/2025
Enterprise and innovation agencies join forces in new framework
Scotland's three enterprise agencies have joined the UK's national innovation agency to agree a collaboration framework that aims to help Scotland become one of the most innovative small nations in the world. The Innovation Collaboration Framework for Scotland brings together Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise and Innovate UK with a commitment to support ambitious businesses to invest in research to drive economic growth, create good jobs and help tackle major societal and environmental challenges.
8/11/2025
£3.4m HIE investment in Arnish Road, Stornoway
The project, led by the Stornoway Port Authority, will involve upgrading the full length of the 3.3km Arnish Moor Road. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a £3.4m contribution to a £7.2m public funding package for a major project to transform road access to strategic industrial and port sites on the Isle of Lewis.
4/11/2025
As HIE reaches 60, new chair says best is yet to come
The newly appointed chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) says the region is on the threshold of a new era of economic growth. Angus Campbell's term as chair began officially on 1 November - 60 years to the day since HIE's forerunner, the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) opened for business with just six employees.
Our Social Media
