Bright new future for Shetland's economic development services

Shetland's key economic development agencies are set to meet the needs of local business in delivering the Scottish Government's new economic strategy, with a one-stop-shop in a new and innovative office in Lerwick.

Shetland Islands Council Economic Development Unit and Shetland Development Trust are to co-locate with HIE Shetland when they move into newly completed premises, Solarhus, in May.

Ann Black area director of HIE Shetland said: "We are forging ahead on the integration of public services. A single entry point will give customers a more streamlined and joined up service. We believe that Shetland is leading the way in finding the most effective use of our resources and achieving best value for the public purse."

Interim head of economic development at Shetland Islands Council, Neil Grant, said: "We are delighted to be moving in with our partner agencies to provide a more seamless business advice provision. Shared services will allow us to work more efficiently and effectively. We are already working closely with the HIE Shetland team and sharing facilities over the last couple of months has helped us to become familiarised with each others operations."

The new offices in Shetland were designed by well known developer, the late Dr Winkelman, in partnership with Scot Actec Ltd bringing world leading energy efficient construction methods and technologies to bear on the design of this innovative demonstration building.

Josie Simpson, chair of Shetland Development Trust said: "The soon to be completed building at North Ness is purposely built to put customer service as the top priority. We see the new building as a symbol of the new future for economic development."