Highland Activities

A business which started life with two enthusiasts working out of a shed in a field in Lochaber now boasts centres in three different
locations, a sales office, 16 permanent staff and ambitious plans on how it can continue to grow.

Andy Burton and Ian Brown run Highland Activities, a multi-activity outdoor company. They believe their success is in no small part thanks to the support of Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The development agency supported their set up - a function since transferred to Business Gateway - and over the past two years has provided a dedicated business adviser to help grow the business beyond even Andy and Ian's expectations.

Andy commented: "We had no idea how the business would take off. HIE has helped make what was only a dream
a reality."

"We have had help each step of the way with everything from developing financial systems, marketing, delivery of business
projects through graduate placement, to investment in our expansion. Most recently it was HIE's introduction to Clan Donald which means we will be offering new activities in Skye in the spring. We are delighted."

Highland Activities is one of hundreds of local businesses across the region to benefit from a way of working more deeply with clients, called account management, which HIE introduced just over two years ago.

Across the agency's network of offices, account managers and around 500 ambitious businesses and social enterprises of all shapes and sizes have been working together to secure growth by developing products, services, or by targeting new markets. Many more businesses have been assisted by HIE with advice or partner working.

"Through our area teams, Highlands and Islands Enterprise is working with hundreds of businesses and social enterprises all across the region," said Charlotte Wright, Director of Business and Sector Development.

"Account management is all about putting the needs of the client first. It enables us to build deep and lasting relationships with individual businesses, to really get to know their needs and potential, and to customise the advice and assistance HIE can offer them.

"Clients benefit from having an account manager help them design and deliver a plan for growth which will meet their particular needs. They also know they have a direct line to someone within HIE who they can call or email any time they want to discuss a business issue.

"Crucially, from HIE's point of view, we can ensure that our work with individual clients is aligned with our priorities to help us achieve wider economic and community growth."