An innovative performance-improving process, used by many blue-chip companies and professional athletes around the world, is now being made available to businesses in the Highlands.

Inverness man and lecturer in sports psychology, Donald MacNaughton, has been awarded £2,900 start-up assistance by Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE) to set up his own consultancy, 'Zoned in Performance'.

Through this he uses Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) to offer top quality motivational and creative training.  NLP is an internationally recognised process that reinforces positive associations to help enhance performance in any field,

The services of Zoned in Performance are primarily aimed at local businesses that are already investing in staff training.   Executive coaching is also being provided for entrepreneurs and chief executives in the Highlands.

Organisations such as Lloyds TSB, Highland Council, the Highland Institute of Sport and Albyn Housing are among those on the client list.

"There is a tremendous degree of ambition, innovation and creativity among people in the Highlands", explained Mr MacNaughton.  "The aim of my new business is to complement this by using NLP to help businesses, sportsmen and women, and ambitious individuals to make the most of their potential.  NLP is a recognised technique which maximises the use of positive associations to enhance performance of individuals, whatever their role, and I am certain it will benefit those who genuinely want to enhance their performance."

Business start-up advisor at INE, Maria Peter, added:  "Zoned in Performance will provide Highland-based businesses and individuals with access to a unique method of improving performance.  This is in line with the high levels of creativity and innovation, not to mention ambition that exists among Highland companies.  I am delighted we have been able to provide start-up assistance to Mr MacNaughton and we look forward to working with him on his company's future development."