Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE) has outlined plans for how it will allocate its £6.15m operational budget during the next financial year, as part of a three year strategy.

INE is the local enterprise company contracted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to deliver economic and community development programmes for the Inverness and Nairn area.  These are delivered under the strategic headings of making global connections, developing skills, strengthening communities, and growing businesses.

Developing the skills base in the area's workforce is a major aim for INE and this is underlined by an investment allocation of nearly £2.3m for the year ahead. The construction, tourism and manufacturing sectors will be targeted in particular, as will access to development through e-based courses and local learning centres.  There are also proposals for a management centre for Inverness College and INE is continuing to emphasise the importance of the UHI Millennium Institute project.

More then £1.4m has been allocated to making global connections, promoting the area to inward investors and helping local businesses to compete in global markets.  Activities in this area include proposals for a business park and property development at Inverness Airport.

Small business start-up units are to be provided in rural areas, and advance business space is to be created at Balmakeith in Nairn.  Advice on broadband technology will be delivered to around 100 businesses over the next three years and INE is pledging to work with others to improve transport infrastructure, especially in Inverness city centre, and develop commuter rail services.  Support for improved air links between Inverness and destinations the UK and Europe will also continue.

Growing businesses also carries a £1.4m budget for next year with the main priorities including innovation, development of e-business and helping new businesses with marketing finance and planning.  Creative industries, including the proposed film studio, and tourism projects, including research into visitor needs, will also be targeted over the three years.

To the fourth strategic heading of strengthening communities, INE has allocated a budget of £283,000 for the year ahead.  This will be used to help fund community initiatives in partnership with other bodies and to lever in external funding from sources such as the Scottish Executive and European Commission.

Priorities over the three years include building a sustainable social economy, increasing investment in the cultural sector, including Gaelic and the second venue project at Eden Court Theatre, and helping communities to benefit from renewable energy and waste minimisation initiatives.

Acting chief executive at INE, Stuart Black, said:  "More and more people and organisations are recognising that the Highlands is a good place to live and work.  With Inverness and Nairn at the heart of the region, the area has become one of the fastest growing local economies in Scotland.  This is of course great news, but it is important to ensure that the area continues to deliver according to the expectations of those coming here to live or to do business.  For example, both Inverness and Nairn need good business premises and people need to be able to commute to and from both locations.  That's why we have prioritised developments such as those at Balmakeith in Nairn, and the commuter transport infrastructure.

"Transport to and from the region is also a priority for us and we will continue to work with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) and HIE to improve air links with the rest of the UK and continental Europe.

"As well as attracting inward investors it is important to consolidate their presence in the area, as the proposed healthcare cluster and research and development facilities will do for Inverness Medical.  Equally we must support existing locally-based businesses in their marketing and growth strategies."

The development of the three-year strategy and allocation of next year's budget has been overseen by the board of INE.  Commenting on the plans, chairman Ken Mackie, said:  "I very much welcome the INE business plan.  The economic and community development needs of this area are complex and challenging.  While INE's plans and priorities are ambitious, they are very appropriate for an area that includes the business, social and transport hub for most of the Highlands and Islands as a whole.  We have some exciting times ahead for the enterprise company and I believe the business plan will ensure that INE is well placed to fully deliver its remit over the next three years."