Record numbers of new business start-ups was a key outcome during what was a busy year for Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE).

It is one of a range of statistics detailing the local enterprise company's performance over the last year which were revealed today in conjunction with Highlands and Islands Enterprise's year-end results announcement.

The results have been made known ahead of the publication of the Network's annual report later this year, and show that RACE has performed well in all its strategic operational themes of growing businesses, strengthening communities, developing skills and making global connections.

During 2002 to 2003, RACE's delivery of the HIE Starts scheme - a European funded initiative to provide new businesses with regular income and advice during the first few months of trading - led to 61 new businesses setting up compared to 25 during the previous year.  The development agency also helped support the creation and retention of 253 jobs in the area, compared to a target of 230.

The development agency also assisted 25 businesses to develop their e-commerce activity and 65 businesses received support to engage in research and innovation projects - more than four times the target figure.

Last year's surge in hi-tech projects is due in part to RACE's efforts to establish Alness Point as a centre for research and development.  This included assistance for Mupor's £2.5million expansion of its manufacturing facility, support for PICT in its work to foster innovate technology research, and a £125,000 grant for North Highland College, who were welcomed as the newest tenants in the park

Uptake of the national Investors in People standard maintained a steady pace last year with 55 companies receiving recognition for their commitment to improving competitiveness through the development of staff skills and motivation.

Strengthening communities is a high priority for RACE and last year saw the enterprise agency assist with a variety of projects, from the provision of new village halls in the fragile communities of Seaboard and Applecross to mooring pontoons at Gairloch Harbour.  In total, 28 community facilities received assistance, and RACE also supported 28 cultural and arts events in the area, more than doubling its target.

The development agency achieved considerable success with its developing skills remit as the number of young people participating in the Modern Apprentices and Skillseekers programmes rose steeply from the previous year.  A total of 151 young people received vocational qualifications through Skillseekers last year and there were 415 people engaged in the Modern Apprentices programme compared to a target of 240.

RACE chief executive, Gordon Cox said:  "Ross and Cromarty Enterprise made steady progress last year and I am pleased with our results.   Looking to this current year, we will continue our efforts to provide high quality accommodation for businesses looking to set up or expand, and construction has already started on a new building at Alness Point Business Park.

"The area is enjoying low levels of unemployment at the moment and we remain committed to working with our partners to address the needs of the people in the remaining pockets of unemployment. 

"Uncertainty in the oil sector remains, but the emergence of renewable energy could provide our area's skilled manufacturing workers with an alternative source of employment and help kick-start activity in the Nigg yard.   We are committed to assisting companies who want to follow Isleburn's lead and diversify from oil related work into renewable energy."