Sandy Cumming, chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), has welcomed today's announcement on local economic forums and the status of local enterprise companies by Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Wendy Alexander:

"We were fully involved in the consultation process which led to these conclusions and very much share the minister's commitment to ensure our customers receive the highest possible standards of service," said Mr Cumming.

"As a network, we have always recognised the need to work with our economic development partners in a well co-ordinated way which avoids unnecessary duplication.

"The local economic forums will offer a new, formal structure for such partnership working in the future and we are committed to playing a full part in making them a success.

"Equally, the change in status of our local enterprise companies reflects an evolution of the current model to ensure that the needs and aspirations of local people, businesses and communities remain at the heart of all we do."

[Note - this response relates to Scottish Executive news release SE3150/2000 - 'Staying Ahead of the Game - Wendy Alexander streamlines local economic delivery', issued on Wednesday 6 December.]