A ground breaking, £2 million business incubation centre has opened at The Enterprise Park, Forres.

Horizon Scotland , which was officially opened by Scottish entrepreneur Giovanni Benedetti on Thursday 11 November, aims to become a UK and worldwide centre of excellence for innovative and dynamic ideas.

The concept for the new centre was developed by Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE) to provide a range of innovation and incubation units combined with unique on-site support from the enterprise company itself.

Chief executive of MBSE Douglas Yule explained: “Horizon Scotland provides high quality, creative space for new and young companies and those working in research and development or technology sectors.

“We have created an environment that will act as a catalyst for these ideas, products and services to germinate and grow to commercialisation. Along with offices, workshop and laboratory space, MBSE are also on hand to provide specialist business advice and financial backing if necessary.”

Horizon Scotland has been built largely from locally sustainable materials, including Scottish larch cladding, sandstone from Hopeman, and a complete timber frame, sheepswool insulation and a green roof.

It embraces the newest technology and communications, including sophisticated fibre optic connections and variable bandwidth technology, offering occupants the scope to realise worldwide potential.

Horizon Scotland was built by Robertson Construction Northern Ltd, who used a large number of local sub-contractors. Construction costs were assisted by 40 per cent funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

Business development director for Horizon Scotland David Williams reports a healthy level of interest from potential tenants.

“We are already speaking to several interested parties about taking space at Horizon Scotland and will be increasing our marketing effort to others in the weeks and months ahead,” he said. 

“With one tenant already employing five people, and two more arriving soon, we are confident it won’t be long before we have established the beginnings of a thriving network of small, dynamic companies.”

Councillor Alasdair Urquhart, vice-convenor of Moray Council said: “There has obviously been a great deal of planning in this high quality development. It comes at an important time when we are looking forward to the future needs of our growing economy.”

Mr Benedetti, who bought a small dry cleaning shop as a 19 year old and is now chairman and major shareholder of a plc with an annual turnover of around £65 million, was highly impressed.

“Starting your own business is an exciting and thrilling prospect,” he said. “It is also hard work which is why I tell people to do their homework and take as much advice and guidance as they can, and as importantly, maintain the drive and ambition to bring the project to market.

“Facilities like Horizon Scotland provide this kind of support. It is great to have the technical facilities married with the nearby business advice and guidance at the enterprise company.”

An on-site art exhibition and artistic landscaping drew praise from James Boyle, chairman of the Scottish Executive’s Cultural Commission, who commented on how art should inspire ideas in other areas of endeavour.

“Dullness is not an option here,” he enthused. Who can fail to be inspired by sheep grazing on the roof of this facility?  It is designed to exhilarate and offers an environment which simply demands a response from the user. Smile when you enter this building, and make sure you are good enough for it.”

Link to Horizon Scotland web site