Recruitment under way for next Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise
The Scottish Government has begun recruitment to appoint a new Chair for the Board of development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
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Stuart has more than 20 years experience as an economic development professional in the Highlands, initially with HIE and more recently as executive chief officer for transformation and economy with The Highland Council.
He has played a key role in a wide range of developments across the Highlands and Islands, working closely with public and private sector stakeholders and recently led the £315 million Inverness and Highland City-Region deal.
Originally from Inverness, Stuart studied geography at the University of Edinburgh, followed by doctorate in town and regional planning at the University of Glasgow. He started his career as a lecturer in land economy at the University of Aberdeen.
Commenting on his new role, he said:
“I am delighted to be taking up this role, leading the Moray team, particularly at a time where there are significant opportunities, including those arising from the Moray Growth Deal and significant investment in the area by the Ministry of Defence and Boeing.
“The area has many global brands helping drive the economy, from whisky, food and drink, textiles and engineering, there are significant opportunities for growth and innovation in all these sectors.
“There are also challenges of course, including uncertainties over Brexit and attracting new talent to the area to ensure that businesses will have access to the skills they need for the future.
“I look forward to working with the team and our partners, particularly Moray Council. Collaboration is the most effective means of strengthening the economy and community resilience of the Moray area.”
The Scottish Government has begun recruitment to appoint a new Chair for the Board of development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba air tòiseachadh a’ trusadh gus Cathraiche ùr fhastadh chun a’ Bhùird aig a’ bhuidheann leasachaidh Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd ’s nan Eilean (HIE).
HIE’s application is for permission to establish infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, to create serviced plots for sale to developers.
There’s a focus on renewable energy and the need to maximise economic and community benefits while driving the transition to net zero.
Over the next three years, the project is expected to generate nearly £1m in turnover and create 12 new jobs.
New state of the art automated plant and machinery, including artificial intelligence (AI), is being installed.
The move will help facilitate the company’s further growth. Its corporate and compliance team of ten will relocate to Aurora House, with the company’s operational base remaining in Beauly.
Project will help support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness
There were 1,013 responses received from enterprises across the Highlands and Islands region operating in a wide range of sectors.
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