A new strategy document pointing the way ahead for the public and private sectors to successfully promote and support economic development in Moray Badenoch and Strathspey has been launched.

Issues considered in the recently launched local economic development strategy formulated by Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Local Economic Forum (MBS-LEF) include:

* Capitalising on rich potential in the tourism sector,
* Encouraging spin-out developments from the large RAF presence,
* Bolstering the activities of existing businesses and attracting hi-tech and e-business companies to the area.

The publication of the document marks the completion of the second year of operation of MBS-LEF, a partnership including Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE) The Moray Council, The Highland Council and a range of other bodies from tourist boards and colleges to local chambers of commerce and employment services (full list at end of release).

MBS-LEF chairman Jim Johnston said the publication sets out a strategy through which forum partners can energetically co-ordinate, promote and support a dynamic and successful community by working more effectively together.

He added: "The essential objective of the local economic development strategy is to be better co-ordinated when encouraging, promoting and supporting the development of commercial business organisations in the area. This includes the growth and adaptation of existing companies, the formation of new enterprises and the attraction of inward investment projects."

Threats to the area's economic prosperity identified in the document include:

* The poor quality of  the trunk road and rail networks,
* Restricted access to broadband telecommunications,
* River flooding,
* Changes to EU structural funding,
* Labour supply and skill issues  and local housing constraints, 

Mr Johnston said: "The main constraint on economic growth in the area is the poor quality of the trunk road network. The east-west A96 axis and the north-south A95 link and the A9 are all inadequate for the traffic they bear and rail freight services are poor. Access to broadband telecommunications is also restricted particularly in rural Moray and in Badenoch and Strathspey."

He added: "The MBS LEF also helps to make sure that its members are co-ordinated not just to meet the challenges in the area but to also capitalise on opportunities our diverse economic base has the potential to provide. Making sure we make the most of other factors like our high quality environment, high quality produce and the Cairngorms National Park is also a priority".

MBS-LEF was formed as part of a Scotland-wide network of LEFs in 2001 in accordance with the Scottish Executive's commitment to eradicating unnecessary overlap and duplication of local economic development services. MBS-LEF prepared the strategy in accordance with national guidelines issued by the Scottish Executive.

Copies of the report are available from the main offices of all MBS-LEF partners. Alternatively a copy can be obtained by contacting Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise on 01309 696000 or downloading it from the Local Economic Forum section of the MBSE website at www.hie.co.uk/mbse