The picturesque Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer in the Scottish Highlands is the location for one of the country's newest event management companies.

'bluethistle events' has been set up by Janice Urquhart to offer a comprehensive range of business event management services, including product launches, executive dinners, seminars, team building events and off-site board meetings - even ceilidhs and parties can be catered for.

Janice said: "We aim to capitalise on the excellent access that now exists to the many modern and sophisticated facilities the Highlands of Scotland has to offer. Our emphasis is on quality, service and peace of mind, but the essential ingredient in many of our events will be the superb natural environment of the Highlands. This is an internationally recognised setting - and one that can help to ensure that clients are relaxed and ready to do business.

"Event management is a growing sector and a wide range of organisations - both here in the Highlands, but also from much further afield - are starting to see the benefits of using a dedicated event management service to organise everything from travel and venues to entertainment and catering. I believe that local knowledge and experience can go a long way to getting the best from any business event held in the Highlands."

Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network helped Janice to set up the company with advice on how to produce a business plan. A £3,000 (pounds) business start-up grant has also been approved which is paid weekly to provide Janice with an income during the first few months of trading which are usually the hardest.

Advisory services manager at RACE, Kenny MacKay said: "The start-up grant gives Janice a cushion while she starts to bring in an income of her own but advice and guidance are still available through our business counselling service. The potential for attracting business from outwith the area is also important as it has significant spin-off benefits for local hotels and conference venues."

'bluethistle events' will operate alongside bluethistle media which is being developed by Janice's business partner and husband Neil. This parallel development builds on Neil's existing corporate writing business which for the past nine years has produced a wide range of advertising and marketing communications including annual reports, corporate brochures, newsletters, exhibitions, videos and websites.

Neil takes an impressive client list to bluethistle which includes some of Scotland's leading advertising and graphic design agencies as well as numerous multi-national companies and public sector organisations.

For further information on the full range of services offered by bluethistle contact Janice Urquhart on 01997 421429 or visit the website at www.bluethistle.com