Food and drink producers in the Highlands and Islands are invited to come along to the Inverness Caledonian Thistle stadium on September 26 to learn some valuable advice on developing their business operation.

The event, featuring a number of leading speakers, is the first in a new programme of meetings organised by the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Forum. 

It will include a presentation from high-flying designer Campbell Laird from Three Brand Design. Campbell will be explaining how he works with a company to develop its story and its brand and how these translate into practical marketing techniques  using packaging.

Giving a different slant will be Muir Hunter of R R Spink Ltd, a company that has seen great improvement in performance since introducing its new brand and packaging.

Also on the theme of packaging, John Forbes of the WRAP initiative will be talking about opportunities for retailers and their suppliers to reduce the amount of packaging waste.

To start the evening, Fiona Hampton, director of Highland 2007 - the Year of Highland Culture - will describe what is planned for the year and how business can get involved.

Chairman of the Highland and Islands Food and Drink Forum, Dennis Overton said: "The forum continues to gather momentum providing businesses across the area with a growing number of opportunities to meet, learn and expand their horizons. A packed programme is in store for the 06-07 session, accessible to food and drink businesses across the area either by video link, or by coming along to the meetings or entering the awards this autumn. I would encourage producers, distributors, processors and user businesses to get involved.'

Meeting dates for the winter programme are: November 14; January 23; March 20 and May 22.

Forum co-ordinator Shona MacLennan said: "The meeting on September 26 will take place in the stadium's Kingsmills suite, although there will be an opportunity for people unable to come along to join the event by video-conference. It would be helpful if people can book a place in advance, and particularly if they want a video-link."

Shona can be contacted at 01599 534999 or by email at shona@solas-biz.co.uk