The group paid a visit to Ashley Ann Ltd (AAL), AGM Batteries, Dunnet Bay Distillers and met representatives from both Wick Harbour Authority and Scrabster Harbour Trust – all organisations that have received support from HIE.
A business breakfast was also held at the Thurso Newton Room with a wider cross section of businesses.
As one of HIE’s account managed companies, AAL is the biggest private sector employer in Wick.
Formed in 1986, it manufactures kitchens, bathrooms and bedroom furniture.
Board members met directors Scott and Gavin Bremner who highlighted the company’s growth over the years, including its recent expansion into the former Caithness Glass Factory building in Wick.
Carroll Buxton, interim chief executive at HIE, said: “We are delighted to have hosted the HIE Board in Caithness. The visit provided us with a great opportunity to hear about business and community issues and allowed us to see first-hand some fantastic projects in the area.
“It is heartening to see some of the local businesses we visited offering incentives including training and work placements to encourage young people to stay in the area. We are very pleased to be able to support these projects and look forward to continuing to work with the company on its growth plans.”
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.
Rural Sutherland hotel steps up use of digital in move to year-round trade
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.
Fourteen delegates from organisations across Europe that are tackling socio-economic challenges will visit the Highlands this week.
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.
Plans to create a spaceport that will launch communications satellites into orbit from the Moine peninsula in Sutherland are set to be unveiled for discussion at public meetings.
