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