An opportunity for entrepreneurs to share ideas with potential investors, is being organised in Inverness by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) together with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

An 'influencers' dinner being held at the Marriott Hotel tomorrow (Thursday, November 8) will be packed to capacity with some of the Highlands and Islands' leading innovators, together with representatives of Highland Venture Capital (HVC) a 20-strong group of business angels.

Innovators and the investors will be urged to develop mutually beneficial relationships by Iain Scott, chairman of HVC and Peter Shakeshaft, chairman of LINC Scotland, the umbrella organisation for the Scottish business angel network.

Sandy Cumming, chief executive of HIE said: "We are delighted to be playing a role in developing relationships which release business potential. There is no shortage of good ideas or technological expertise in this region, while business angels provide two vital components for success - funding and confidence. We hope that by promoting events such as this, entrepreneurial ideas will find the right support to succeed in the Highlands and Islands."

Mr Shakeshaft explained: "Raising funds to start up a new business has never been easy, but catching the eye of a business angel can catapult clever ideas into commercial success.

"The good news is that Scotland is punching above its weight, accounting for over 25 per cent of the total angel investment in the UK. There are around 1,500 active Scottish business angels and last year members of LINC invested a record £11m in high-growth companies."

Gareth Williams, SCDI Highlands and Islands Manager, said: "The right chemistry is critical to a successful deal between business angel investors and the management of an up and coming company. Angels are ready to play a growing role in the success of the Highlands and Islands' economy and we hope that this dinner will build fruitful relationships."

Iain Scott added: "When Highland Venture Capital was created last year our stated preference was to invest in local companies and help them become global players. So far we have received 80 submissions for investment of which a number are being considered. Only a quarter of them are based locally but events like this dinner will strengthen local contacts with members, and entrepreneurs with bright business ideas."