Between sessions of the Highlands and Islands Convention, First Minister Donald Dewar will officially open a new high-technology business start up facility in Inverness today (Monday, 24 March).

The Green House at Beechwood Business Park already houses five new high-tech businesses and aims to attract more in the fields of biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, related software and internet applications development.

The Green House was developed by Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Network and is also the headquarters of the local enterprise company.

Managing agents at the Green House, New Park Management (NPM), deliver support services for tenant companies, as well as the 'Outreach Incubator' - a new advice and support resource for technology-based ventures, designed to support entrepreneurs through the initial challenging stages prior to and during the set up of high-tech businesses. This allows individuals and small companies to realise the commercial potential of their ideas.

NPM has considerable experience of managing high-tech companies and were responsible for the success of an innovative and highly successful science park on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

The dedicated Green House premises offer tenants extensive purpose-built accommodation including a business library and meeting, conference and training facilities. Professional presentations can also be made in the 100 seat lecture theatre that is equipped with LCD projection facilities, a first class sound system and video conferencing equipment.

Chairman at INE, Ken Mackie said: "These 'incubator units' provide tenants with state-of-the-art facilities as well as convenient access to the full range of services offered by INE, from business development and advice to marketing and training.

"The existing five tenants occupy 46% of the space available at the Green House and another five fledgling, high tech businesses have already shown interest."

Mr Dewar will unveil a commemorative plaque to officially open the facility following a short tour of the Green House to meet some of the existing businesses.

The diverse range of tenants at the Green House include Strathnairn Management who develop IT solutions to increase efficiency in the construction industry, and the Highlands and Islands Health Research Institute - a collaborative research and development venture looking into ways of improving the health of patients in rural areas.

Chief executive at HIE, Iain Robertson said: "The healthcare, science and E-commerce sectors have been identified as key growth areas for the future of the Highlands and Islands economy. The Green House provides the environment and expertise that allows these innovative businesses and organisations to develop the new ideas which will see the Highlands and Islands becoming leaders in these fields.

"These cutting-edge developments are a good example of the business benefits the area has to offer, including a highly skilled workforce and an excellent support infrastructure."