Funding boost for new Isle of Mull recording studio
The project is forecast to generate more than £340,000 turnover in the next three years and create three jobs within five years.
Zero Waste Scotland has appointed a dedicated regional engagement manager to work in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Helen Lavery will support small and medium sized enterprises, micro businesses, social enterprises and other public sector bodies to adopt principles where products are reused, repaired, remanufactured or recycled.
Adopting a circular approach creates more opportunities for businesses to innovate. They can improve their competitiveness by deriving greater returns from fewer materials.
Other benefits can include increased customer loyalty and reduced vulnerability to supply chain volatility.
Commenting on her new role, Helen said:
“There are challenges and opportunities for businesses across the Highlands and Islands that you don’t find anywhere else in Scotland. As the economy battles against the coronavirus pandemic, we are working to support firms that are looking to make greater use of products, services and systems and minimising waste.
“We want to engage with as many organisations as possible, connect businesses that could benefit from working together and help build a resilient and circular economy throughout the region.”
Support is available to businesses across, but not limited to, sectors such as energy, tourism, creative industries, food and drink, and technology and advanced engineering.
Elain MacRae, head of energy strategy at HIE, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Zero Waste Scotland, expanding our offering to include advice, information and support as we begin to emerge from this pandemic.
“Our region has a key role to play in the green recovery. Working with Helen and the team at Zero Waste Scotland, we can ensure that businesses, social enterprises and communities have the tools at their disposal to support the development of best practice in the transition to net-zero.”
MAKAR, a bespoke eco housebuilder in Inverness, is an example of a firm that has already received support from Zero Waste Scotland as it examined ways its complex equipment could be serviced and maintained to ensure ventilation, good air circulation, comfort and health.
By taking the step to ensure MAKAR owned the building system, it reduced the overall cost of maintenance by spreading it out over a long period of time. It also cut the cost of the house by removing the equipment fee. MAKAR could make quality repairs and refurbish parts for use elsewhere. All the while, homeowners would have peace of mind, free from maintaining complicated equipment.
For further details about support available to firms in the Highlands and Islands is available on the Zero Waste Scotland website
Related Articles
Argyll firm to create eDNA lab for aquaculture sector
Underwater ecological survey company Ocean Ecology is developing the state-of-the-art lab in its existing facilities at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) near Oban.
New support programme launched for food and drink sector
Food and Drink TechHUB will provide financial and advice support to help businesses, including social and community enterprises, with commercial growth and net zero transition activities.
Lochaber fabrication firm in further expansion
The improvements will enable the company to continue its growth through increased capacity and efficiencies in production.
Advanced technology will give Caithness firm a competitive edge
The new Leica scanner will enable Envision to offer a broader range of services to existing and new clients.
£250k boost for new whisky distillery in Caithness
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
Project to market a safer sustainable bulk bag
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood
New report highlights economic opportunities in reducing emissions
A new report published today (Tuesday 16 July) outlines significant economic opportunities associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Highlands and Islands.
North mill project a ‘great example’ of how to attract funding into region
£250k helped leverage a further £3.6m in national investment
Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Moray receives £5.6m approval
Plans to establish a new facility in Moray that is expected to support up to 300 manufacturing jobs in the next ten years have secured up to £5.6m capital investment.