Local economic forum launches new strategy for growth

A new strategy document pointing the way ahead for the public and private sectors to successfully promote and support economic development in Inverness and East Highland has been launched.  The area covers the commuting hinterland of Inverness. 

The local economic forum covering the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey has been adapted to include members from Easter Ross and Black Isle and is now called Inverness and East Highland Local Economic Forum (IEHLEF).  The forum now matches the boundaries of the new local enterprise company, HIE Inverness and East Highland. 

Among the issues highlighted in the recently published local economic development strategy are:  The urgent need to address the shortage of all types of accommodation for a growing population; Improvement to transport networks serving the area, notably the A9 and A96; the threat to growth posed by skills shortages and encouraging young creative entrepreneurs to locate and develop their business in the area. 

IEHLEF has members drawn from key public and private sector organisations including, HIE Inverness and East Highland, The Highland Council, Inverness College UHI, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, Inverness Chamber of Commerce, JobCentrePlus, Federation of Small Businesses, Cairngorms National park Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage, and Scottish Council for Development and Industry. 

IEHLEF chairman Councillor Bob Wynd said the new strategy document provided a valuable focus on the priorities facing the public and private sectors in the Inverness and East Highland area. 

Mr Wynd said:  "Now that we have produced the new strategy we look forward to working in partnership with other bodies to address the priority issues we have highlighted."

Simon Cole Hamilton, Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said:  "With regard to the problem of the A9 and A96, in particular, an upgrading to dual carriageway would have the highest possible impact in economic and safety terms which would help ensure the continuing prosperity of our area."