A new brand to represent the renewable energy sector of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland was launched on Tuesday 21st Feb 2006 at an event organised by theHighland Renewable Energy Group (HiREG) in Inverness. The HI-energy brand identity has been designed for all those involved with the renewable energy sector to use in order to raise and reinforce awareness of the region and its aspiration to be a leading centre of excellence.
The following are funds approved up to the last day of the month. Please note that the sums relate to approvals, not payments.
The economy of the Highlands and Islands is continuing to improve, with unemployment showing a steady downward trend while population levels are rising. That was the message today (Thursday 26 May) from William Roe, chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
NOTE: This statement from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise has been issued following KPMG's announcement that Caithness white goods manufacturer Norfrost has gone into administration. A copy of the KPMG release follows, for reference.
Busy bees can now get on with the housework, safe in the knowledge they can do so in an environmentally-friendly manner, thanks to the products of a new Caithness business. Kristin Douglas has set up Wax Nostalgic Ltd, based at her home in Halkirk, through which she will produce a range of handmade, environmentally-friendly, products for use around the home, available from her website at http://www.waxnostalgic.co.uk The range will include furniture polish, leather and wood care products, antibacterial and antifungal and general cleaning sprays, all made with a very high content of natural materials such as bees wax, organic and non-organic essential oils, pure vegetable oils and resins.
Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) has announced the introduction of Business Learning Accounts (BLAs), targeting small businesses in the area. Businesses across other parts of the Highlands have already used BLAs to broaden their product range, to establish a market for new crops, for specialised survey training and to diversify and establish sector "best practice".
Geddes Window Systems Ltd, part of the D M Geddes Group based in Halkirk, Caithness has secured a substantial contract for the supply of timber windows to Your Homes Newcastle. The organisation employs 100 workers between its factory and construction interests.
Following the success of a pilot event last year, graduates and employers in Caithness and Sutherland are once again to be given the opportunity to meet and discuss mutual benefits. The second Graduate Fair will take place in Thurso Town Hall, on Thursday 7th April, from 4pm - 7pm.
AEAT Battery Systems Limited (ABSL) in Thurso has embarked on an ambitious development project, with help from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) and supported by the Scottish Executive - which could ultimately result in additional jobs at the company's Thurso plant, Denchi House. The new development will safeguard ABSL's existing 150 employees in Thurso and once technology from the latest research and development projects is proven and commercialised, the company expect the workforce to increase significantly.
A new mastering engineering business based in Wick is hitting all the right notes since opening at the start of the year. Norwick Mastering was set up by David Shearer who spent over 12 years as a mastering engineer with Grampian Records Ltd.
The board of Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) has been strengthened with the appointment of three new directors, who attended their first board meeting this week (Tuesday 1st March). Joining the Local Enterprise Company's board are Steve Burness, Alexander Murray and Iain Young.
People in Caithness and Sutherland who aren't working or who work part time and want to move into full time employment are being encouraged by Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) to take up an individual skills development grant. CASE offers help, advice and funding - up to £750 a year depending on circumstances - to people who can't find work or who are working part-time and want to improve their job prospects.