
A new website which makes it easier for businesses to get information and support is one of the measures in a refreshed Economic Action Plan for Scotland.
The specialist advisors from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will be offering support to nurture, develop and drive businesses forward, as part of the Innovate Your Business (IYB) programme.
Gillian Galloway, head of innovation at HIE, said: “Our Innovate Your Business programme aims to sharpen skills, support and help grow your business.
“We want to see good ideas flourish across all parts of the Highlands and Islands and our advisors are ready to support businesses develop new products and services, and new ways of working.”
Steve Macfarlane from Glenuig Inn received the support recently, he said:
“I knew what I wanted to do, and the funding matched. It helped me get further down the line with my project.
“I wanted to move forward with this project to help grow the business and the innovation team offered useful, financial support to help me reach my bigger goal”
Local businesses with no more than 250 employees can receive up to £15,000 through the HIE Small Innovation Grant. For those who are further along on their innovation journey, skilled consultants will be on hand offering expert innovation assistance.
Karen Scofield Seal from Oceanium based in Oban said:
“We received a small grant to support a research project. It’s been really helpful as it gave us data that has helped move the business forward.”
Businesses with access to the right support and advice can get their growth plans off the ground. HIE’s support has already successfully supported more than 700 businesses in the region and the HIE Small Innovation Grants have increased turnover by £5.2million.
For the latest details on where the campaign will be touring and to access the specialist advisors, businesses can sign up for HIE’s innovation newsletter here: innovation.hie.co.uk.
A new website which makes it easier for businesses to get information and support is one of the measures in a refreshed Economic Action Plan for Scotland.
Dr Stuart Black has been appointed area manager for HIE in Moray.
Eleven young people from the Highlands have become the first to complete a year-long business support programme designed to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Martin Johnson, HIE’s interim director of strategy and regional economy, looks at the importance of islands in the country’s economy.
Staff at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in Stornoway will join Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Comhairle) at its HQ on Sandwick Road next week.
Ambitious new plans to improve visitor facilities on the Isle of Gigha have secured a £135,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Fourteen delegates from organisations across Europe that are tackling socio-economic challenges will visit the Highlands this week.
An ambitious new programme of activities is being developed for the food and drink industry to raise awareness of innovation and opportunities presented by new technologies.
A public exhibition will be held later this month to review progress on a masterplan for the area’s future.
Martin Johnson, HIE's regional head of international and key sectors, explores the ups and downs for businesses of leaving the EU.
The vast majority of businesses in the Highlands and Islands are using fair work practices to help attract and retain staff.