1. Few instances of overlap or duplication of service were identified by those
interviewed. This was confirmed by the review of services carried out in this report.
2. Those that were identified were of a relatively minor nature, as follows:
Information
- Slight overlap between Business Information Source and Euro Information Centre.
Advice
- Possible overlap between Local Enterprise Company HIE-marks service and HOST marketing.
- Potential for overlap between SALE and the Council's Area Development Manager. This was not perceived as an issue by most interviewees
Finance
- An element of overlap between Finance For Business (FFB) and Highland Opportunity. This was not raised as an issue by interviewees.
- The potential for overlap where young persons receive assistance from both HIE Start and PSYBT
3. One area of duplication is the letting of commercial and industrial property, in which both the Council and SALE are involved. This however was not raised as a major issue by interviewees.
4. There is evidence of co-operation between organisations, which assists in the delivery of services relevant to clients' needs.
5. Interviewees identified a number of gaps and failings in the current services:
- Confusion surrounding, and lack of awareness of, the business support services available in the area.
- A need for greater pro-activity by service providers in terms of going out to the business community.
- A need to involve the private sector more in the economic development process.
- The recognition that farms and crofts are small businesses.
- The limited financial assistance available to the retail and service sector.
- The need for simple application forms and speedy, and consistency of, decision-making.
- There is too much emphasis on start-ups and larger investment projects.
6. In terms of delivery of services:
- SALE and the Highland Council have a permanent presence in Skye & Lochalsh, and provide access to services across the area.
- Business Information Source has a permanent presence in the area, and can be accessed by office visits, website, email, mail and phone.
- Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust, Highland Opportunity and Highland Prospect can be accessed through the Council's Area Development Manager.
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise can be accessed through the SALE, and has its main base in Inverness. Specialist advice (e.g. Innovation Counselling Service) can be delivered by visits to clients
- Euro Info Centre is based in Inverness, and can be accessed by office visits, website, email, mail and phone.
- Outreach Incubator is based in Inverness and can be accessed either directly or through SALE
- Scottish Agricultural College, Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department, Crofters Commission, Inland Revenue, Customs & Excise (VAT) have staff based in Inverness who visit clients throughout the area
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