Businesses in Shetland are being invited to take part in an online survey to explore how they can improve their competitiveness and profitability by adopting new ideas.

The survey at http://www.survey.sqw.co.uk/shetland closes on August 28. The findings will form part of a study commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Shetland Islands Council aimed at identifying research and development and other activities that could promote business innovation in Shetland.

The survey has been devised by economic development consultants SQW Consulting who are now calling for Shetland-based businesses to share their views and experiences.

To coincide with the survey, a series of workshops have been organised for business people in Shetland who are interested in becoming more engaged with innovation to sustain longer-term growth. Constraints and opportunities associated with innovation in Shetland will be explored as well as ways in which the public sector can work with businesses to develop their innovative activity.

Workshops and locations are:

- Monday 8 September, Islesburgh Community Centre, 2:30pm - 5pm

- Tuesday 9 September, Mid Yell Community Centre, 10:30am - 1pm 

- Tuesday 9 September, Brae Community Hall, 3pm - 5:30pm

Admission to the workshops is free and refreshments will be provided. Places are limited and those interested should contact Julie Ramage at SQW Consulting on 0131 225 4007 or jramage@sqw.co.uk

Rachel Hunter, of HIE's Shetland area team, said: "Entrepreneurship and innovation are central to the creative process in the economy and to promoting growth, increasing productivity and creating jobs. Although Shetland's overall economic performance has been relatively strong, it is likely that businesses will need to become more engaged with innovation to sustain their longer-term success. The event aims to encourage businesses to be forward-thinking in their approach to product and business development. We welcome anyone interested to register for the workshops and urge them to participate in the online survey."