Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider MON 28TH JUL 2025    12:37:21 AM BST
This site uses cookies, by continuing to use this site you accept the terms of our privacy policy
Back To Top
Caithness.Org Quick Links
Home
Construction
Leisure
Manufacturing
Misc.
Primary
Professional
Public
Retail
Tourism
Transport
Site Map
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Feed 2.0 Loading...

Firms Urged To Embrace Diversity To Improve Business Performance

22nd October 2007

Businesses in the Highlands and Islands are being urged to embrace diversity to improve performance and productivity.

A new initiative, Equality Matters in Business, (EMB) has been jointly set up by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Enterprise to highlight the positive benefits of employing a diverse workforce and considering diversity in service delivery across all equality strands - gender, race, age, disability, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Liz Scott, equalities manager at HIE, said: "Much of the focus on diversity to date has been on employment law and compliance, but we recognise that there are other real benefits of embracing diversity which can make a positive difference to the way businesses work.

"Equality in business is about increasing market share and delivering improved performance and productivity, as well as recognising and building on the strengths that people from different backgrounds can bring to business."

The events are being organised in partnership with the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI). SCDI Highlands and Islands area manager Gareth Williams said: "Businesses need to understand how new equalities legislation will affect them, and how they can better attract, retain and motivate their workforces as the labour market becomes ever more competitive. These events will do both, providing information on both the national and local pictures to help companies plan their future employment policies in support of continued business growth."

The EMB programme will raise business awareness and provide businesses with support in adopting equal opportunity policies and procedures. A series of workshops is now underway in Elgin and Inverness, with plans to hold events in other venues across the Highlands and Islands early next year.

In addition free information and guidance on any aspect of implementing equality and diversity in the workplace is also available to businesses through the Business Gateway Enquiry Service on 0845 609 6611. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5 pm.

See Highlands and Islands enterprise web site at www.hie.co.uk

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

HIE holding drop-ins for Wick Business Park expansion plansThumbnail for article : HIE holding drop-ins for Wick Business Park expansion plans
People in the Wick area of Caithness are being invited to share their views on proposals to expand Wick Business Park.   Following the successful development of phase one, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is planning a second phase of development on land next to the existing business park.  
Salmon farm company to convert waste to useable product
A project to recycle waste at an aquaculture hatchery in Wester Ross has secured up to £630,290 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   Bakkafrost Scotland limited is leading the project, which has a total investment value of more than £2.5m.  
Renewable energy firm ENERCON welcomed to Wick Business Park
Wick Business Park has welcomed wind energy technology company ENERCON as the first occupant of one of four new units completed last year.   ENERCON specialises in designing, producing, installing and servicing onshore wind turbines and has been operating in the Caithness area since 2013.  
New recruits at HIE Caithness and Sutherland teamThumbnail for article : New recruits at HIE Caithness and Sutherland team
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed new members to its Caithness and Sutherland team as the agency settles into its new premises and works to expand its client portfolio.   Claire Wilson has joined as head of business growth and investment.  
Applications open for the 2025/26 Scottish Rural Leadership Programme
Businesses in the Highlands and Islands are invited to apply to the 2025/26 Scottish Rural Leadership Programme.   The initiative is designed to empower rural business owners and senior leaders across Scotland with the skills, confidence and strategic insight needed to drive innovation and growth in their communities.  
Recruitment under way for next Chair of Highlands and Islands EnterpriseThumbnail for article : Recruitment under way for next Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise
The Scottish Government has begun recruitment to appoint a new Chair for the Board of development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   Applications are currently being invited through the government's public appointments website with a closing date of 7 July 2025.  
Renewable energy training centre officially opened in InvernessThumbnail for article : Renewable energy training centre officially opened in Inverness
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, has officially opened Aurora's pioneering Renewable Energy Training Centre in Inverness - the only facility of its kind serving the Highlands.   The £1.2m training centre has already demonstrated its importance to Scotland's net-zero ambitions, training to more than 1,000 people in its first year and gearing up to train more than 2,000 workers annually who will be central to the country's renewable energy future.  
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will invest up to £24 million at Kishorn Port
A multi-million pound investment is being made in one of Scotland's most strategically important ports.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will invest up to £24 million at Kishorn Port in the west Highlands to enhance its capacity and capabilities, with an expanded dry dock and land reclamation enabling the manufacture of floating offshore wind foundations.  
Commercial diver training company in Argyll to scope expansionThumbnail for article : Commercial diver training company in Argyll to scope expansion
A commercial diver training company in Argyll is exploring the potential to expand the business to include closed bell diver training.   Dunoon based Professional Diving Academy (PDA) has secured £5,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help cover associated market assessment consultancy costs.  
New green training skills facilities open in Stornoway - Fosgladh Goireasan Trèanaidh Sgilean Uaine ann an SteòrnabhaghThumbnail for article : New green training skills facilities open in Stornoway - Fosgladh Goireasan Trèanaidh Sgilean Uaine ann an Steòrnabhagh
The new, state-of-the-art Technology and Innovation Centre at UHI North, West and Hebrides' Stornoway campus officially opened following a £2.3m investment.   It is the first capital project to be delivered under the Islands Growth Deal, a ten-year package that seeks to drive economic growth and the creation of sustainable jobs across Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides.