It doesn't matter to HIE whether the businesses it supports are large or small. What is important is the client's level of ambition and its potential to grow or contribute to a growing sector.
By joining forces, HIE and its clients can plan for growth, either by expanding their markets or by developing new products or services.
Since launching this Account Management approach in 2008, HIE has created ties with hundreds of Highlands and Islands businesses and social enterprises, and the number is still growing.
HIE's change of focus complemented the introduction of Business Gateway, which is now the first point of contact for all businesses looking for public support and advice. Business Gateway, which is delivered through local authorities, offers assistance with business start up and business development.
An ambitious business can be of any size and in any area of the Highlands and Islands. We works with these businesses to help them realise their ambitions, creating client development plans and appointing a member of staff as a dedicated resource to work alongside the business. Our advisors work with the business to create tailor-made growth plans and from these HIE can provide additional support to help the business realise its aims. This might include specialist advice, access to sectoral and market intelligence, access to business networks, leadership and development and grant assistance.
We believes that helping business make the most of their opportunities - supporting them by putting them in touch with the right networks and markets - is key to their development.
We have extended this way of working to include community groups, particularly in the region's most fragile areas. The approach builds on the success of earlier programmes and adapts the model used for businesses and social enterprises. Alongside other public bodies, HIE staff work alongside the community, giving advice and support to help them create and deliver a growth plan to make the most of their assets.
