Property solutions in Skye

Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE) has provided premises solutions for two dynamic businesses - helping retain and create employment on the Isle of Skye.

When the West Highland Free Press closed down their commercial printing operation at their Broadford base last year, it created two problems.

Firstly, it left printers Peter Dunlop and Martin Benson out of work.

Secondly, it left the newspaper paying rent for premises too big for their needs.

Peter and Martin, who feared they may have to leave the island to find work on mainland Scotland, decided to set up on their own, launching Strath Print Ltd.

After failing to find appropriate accommodation, it was suggested they lease the empty part of the building where they had previously worked.

An approach was made to SALE for funding to divide the building into two separate entities.

The sub-division has now been completed, thanks to a £120,000 investment from SALE, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network.

It has resulted in the West Highland Free Press having office accommodation perfect for their journalists' needs and Strath Print with a factory also meeting their requirements.

The work was carried out by Tullochs Construct under HIE's network framework agreement.

Andrew Prendergast, SALE's head of infrastructure, said: "This was an unusual project which has benefits for both firms.

"The Free Press was paying overheads for the complete building when only using half of it, while the launch of a printing business means highly-skilled workers can remain in the area."

Martin Benson, a director at Strath Print Ltd, said: "We are very happy with the assistance from the local enterprise company.  When we were made redundant we thought we would have to go out of the area for work.

"We knew there was a good business proposition for a local printing firm offering a professional, prompt and reliable service, so we went to SALE looking for business premises, but there was nothing available.

"Then it was suggested splitting up the Free Press building because the old printing works was not being used.  So we are back in the same redeveloped premises but are working for ourselves in a new factory.  Everyone benefits from the set up."

Strath Print has since expanded, taking on more skilled staff, including another employee made redundant by the Free Press.  The work force now numbers four full-time and two part-time.

Paul Wood, company secretary at the West Highland Free Press, which employs 15 full-time staff, said: "I am delighted with the way the alteration has turned out.

"It was a very unusual project, but it has been beneficial to all parties. There is a lack of office accommodation in Skye and it made sense for the guys we made redundant to stay and use the available space in this building.

"It has worked out perfect for us. It has been designed exactly to our needs."