Helping over 100 new entrepreneurs into business across Argyll and the Islands was just one of many achievements highlighted by Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) when it published its tenth annual report recently.

At the other end of the business scale the report describes how the area attracted an international business operating at the forefront of its industry.

Danish firm Vestas - a world leader in renewable energy announced plans to create 124 jobs at Macrihanish in Kintyre making it one of the major inward investments in the Highlands and Islands in recent years. The investment will help underpin many other jobs in the area and other parts of Scotland, as well as providing a welcome boost for local people. The jobs were part of 594 full-time equivalent posts which the enterprise company helped create or retain throughout Argyll and the Islands during the year.

Chief executive of AIE Ken Abernethy said: "Kintyre continues to be a top priority for us and this is reflected in the fact that a total investment of £18.7 million was made there during the year which included significant private sector investment by businesses themselves as well as several major approvals of EU funding.

"Although the closure of the Jaegar factory during the year was a great disappointment, the completion of a £1.1 million office in Campbeltown at the Kintyre Business Park was very pleasing. We are currently pursuing a number of possible operators for this facility which would be suitable as a high-tech contact centre, and has the potential to create around 100 high quality jobs when fully occupied."

The report includes details of how the award-winning Campbeltown Creamery secured an approval worth £192,000 towards the £1.28 million costs of a major new waste-disposal system, securing the future of 32 jobs at the creamery and the 65 dairy farms which supply it with milk. This development was part of a bigger £2.24 million project which included the re-development of the creamery at Rothesay as well.

Other approvals during the year included a £48,000 grant to Macrihanish Marine Farms towards a £1 million cod hatchery project and £500,000 towards the £8 million expansion of the Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory.

Rothesay's A-listed Winter Garden was backed with a £300,000 contribution towards a new visitor centre and along with Lochaber Enterprise, AIE supported the £41,500 costs of ensuring a year-round service for the community-run ferry linking Mull with Ardnamurchan.

A £5,700 grant to Argyll Catering who are based in Dunoon helped Ian Murray and his wife diversify into location catering for film and television. Demonstrating the significant entrepreneurial spirit which now exists in the area, a total of 127 new businesses were created with help from AIE.

One of these, Crinan based Counterfeit Printers received funding and advice to set up an art firm. In less than a year Ross Ryan who set up the business has exhibited in both New York and Tel Aviv.

Chairman of AIE Angus Johnston said: "Enterprising people are at the heart of our strong communities. Working with local groups, we aim to build confidence and empower people through a range of financial assistance and advice in order that the area can develop in the longer term.

"We see effective partnerships as critical to our success and close ties with communities, local authorities and tourist boards continue to be fostered in order to achieve our aims and help make the area an even better place to live and work."

During the year, AIE contributed £250,499 through 43 community action grants which helped voluntary and community groups raise funds for projects worth £1,109,196. These ranged from a £10,000 contribution to the Brodick Improvements Committee on Arran to a grant of £560 to help Coll Music Society purchase equipment.

Over £1 million was also provided to improve the skills infrastructure in the area through the government training programmes Skillseekers, Modern Apprenticeships and Training for Work - the programme which helps the long term unemployed back to work.

AIE also highlighted how its commitment towards Argyll College demonstrated the importance of skills development in the area and how this will continue to be a key part of the economic development of Argyll and the Islands in the future.

Ken Abernethy said: "The college has enrolled 1,700 students - and it is not standing still. With our support, it will open its tenth learning centre in Lochgilphead in January 2002."

AIE also invested over £1 million in other training assistance during the year which helped businesses develop and individuals to progress their careers."

Key outputs during the year:

* 594 jobs supported against a target of 580;

* 127 businesses started against a target of 120;

* 35 Investors in People recognitions against a target of 30;

* 177 vocational qualifications achieved against a target of 148;

* 34 modern apprenticeships completed against a target of 20.

To receive a copy of the Argyll and the Islands Enterprise annual report call 01546 602281.

Argyll & the Islands Enterprise

Lochaber Enterprise

Vestas

Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory