New companies in Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey will have the opportunity to start up in a flexible modern environment, backed by full office and business support services with the development of a new £2.25million innovation and incubation centre.

Launched today (Monday, December 15th 2003) Horizon Scotland, at The Enterprise Park, Forres, will provide a launch pad for fledgling companies and become a new focus for research and development activity, providing access to global science and business networks.

Developed by Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE) part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network, the centre is expected to lead to the creation of a significant number of new companies and direct and indirect jobs. The first occupier has already signed up.

Construction of the 1,146sq m building has just started next to MBSE's headquarters at The Enterprise Park, Forres. It will comprise 16 modern office and workshop suites designed to meet the needs of young companies engaged in emerging technology or fast growth sectors.

In a first for the area, Horizon Scotland will provide new technology businesses with access to dedicated laboratory facilities. Companies at the centre will also have access to the latest communication technologies.

Speaking at the official launch of the centre today (Monday, 15th December) Douglas Yule, chief executive of MBSE, said: "It is tremendous to see Horizon Scotland starting to take shape, heralding a new era for innovation and business incubation in Moray Badenoch and Strathspey.

"The centre will offer young companies in the area a superb opportunity to develop and realise their potential in a supportive environment, where they have access to the best advice, practice and sophisticated global information networks.

"As Horizon Scotland develops it will stimulate commercialisation of research and development emanating from the area and encourage entrepreneurial dynamism and creativity. It will also become a significant force in the growth of e-business and high-quality skill development."

Horizon Scotland was officially launched by Professor Bob Cormack, principal of the UHI Millennium Institute, one of the partners in the project.

Prof  Cormack said: "It is important that new start businesses in the region have access to facilities, support and technology at least equivalent to those available elsewhere in the UK.

"Horizon Scotland is an excellent example of how the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network is supporting the development and growth of new sector companies."

The first occupier of a unit at Horizon Scotland will be the Sustainable Development Research Centre (SDRC), a not-for-profit research body that develops international and national academic and commercial partnerships to build models and identify performance indicators to assist in monitoring and measuring sustainable development. The organisation is currently based in temporary buildings near the site.

SDRC director Dr Stephen Tinsley said: "The SDRC are delighted to be the first occupier of Horizon Scotland and are looking forward to moving into their new home.

"This new building signals new thinking in transferring knowledge between the academic and commercial sectors for the benefit of business growth and community development. The concept of Horizon Scotland will be shown to be sound as it will inevitably be copied by other national and international organizations."

Internally, Horizon Scotland will feature attractively designed social areas, break-out zones and a technology demonstration suite, all aimed at encouraging companies using the facility to network and share their experience and expertise.

Principles of sustainable development are being followed in the construction of Horizon Scotland to ensure the environmental impact is minimised. Included in the design are a grass roof, sheep's wool insulation and a system for harvesting rainwater from the roof.

The overall design of the centre and its surroundings aim to link business, art and architecture with the environment in an inspirational way.