The Unst Response Team was established following news that RAF Saxa Vord in Unst would close as of March 2006.
The Unst Response Team is: -
Fiona Stirling, (Unst Response Team Leader)
Marie Robertson (Development Manager)
Josie McMillan (Part-Time Support Officer)
We also work closely with the SIC Economic Development Unit (EDU). Indeed, the Unst Response Team is jointly managed by Ann Black (Chief Executive of HIE Shetland) and Douglas Irvine (SIC EDU Service Manager). We can also provide a link to the Shetland Development Trust.
We are based at Unit 2, Hagdale Industrial Estate in Baltasound, Unst. However, we are happy to go out and about and meet you where ever is most convenient for you. We also have telephone and video-conferencing facilities and encourage general community and business use of these.
North Isles Economic Development Services
The services offered through the Unst Response Team office are for the whole of the North Isles (Unst, Yell and Fetlar). The closure of RAF Saxa Vord was a prime driver in deciding to set up a Response Team. However, economic fragility is common across all three North Isles; infrastructure is inextricably linked and there are opportunities in working together. The aim is for a North Isles approach to economic development.
What is the role of Unst Response Team?
Summed up in one statement, our role is to: -
“Broaden and diversify the North Isles economy and further develop the entrepreneurial culture of the North Isles.”
This is a large, complex and long term task that requires input from a range of agencies, businesses and individuals. It is hoped that in the 3 years of the Unst Response Team, we can facilitate some new developments that will help the economy of the North Isles. Regeneration, however, is everybody’s business and our ultimate success will lie with the ideas, energy, motivation, forward thinking and persistence of individuals, businesses and communities within the North Isles.
Over the next 3 years the Unst Response Team will focus on: -
• Supporting business start up ideas, including advice, information and training for business start ups, e.g. assistance in putting together a business plan
• Advice and support for existing businesses e.g. new marketing ideas
• Financial assistance for new and existing businesses (that are in line with HIE Shetland’s business plan)
• Assistance with training for businesses e.g. financial help with company training plans, support to gain Investors in People status
• Advice and support (sometimes financial) for community enterprises
• Offering training and opportunities to develop skills in new areas where there is economic development potential
• Researching other areas where there is development potential (this could include business infrastructure)
• Making a case for public sector job dispersal and trying to re-locate a few public sector jobs to the North Isles
• Identifying potential inward investors and selling the North Isles to them as a business location
• Generally, helping ensure the North Isles have a high profile amongst agencies, politicians, etc and acting as a point of contact for North Isles matters (particularly in the economic development sector)
• Keeping the North Isles abreast of Shetland wide economic development opportunities and strategic projects that could have an impact in the North Isles e.g. Shetland Tourism Plan, Food and Drink Park Feasibility Study
It is hoped that by basing a team in Unst, this will make these services more accessible for North Isles residents and provide a local means of support.
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