While the primary focus must, of course, be on saving lives, it is also incumbent on those of us responsible for supporting Scotland’s economy to be doing all we can to help businesses, workers and communities through this time of extraordinary challenge.
The UK and Scottish Governments have already outlined unprecedented financial and economic measures.
To complement those measures, Scotland’s three enterprise agencies are working together with their partners to support businesses the length and breadth of the country.
Together we are committing to do whatever we can to support you at this critical time.
We will:
- Help you quickly identify and access any available support for your business or community organisation through the FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot website and a dedicated helpline 0300 303 0660.
- Urgently review our budgets so that we can reprioritise our resources to support economic resilience now and economic recovery in the future.
- Deploy our networks at home and abroad to connect individuals and businesses who can help and learn from each other.
- Use our privileged relationship with businesses to listen, to gather intelligence on the fast-moving economic landscape, and to feed that insight into policy and operational decisions.
These key steps will help businesses, workers and communities right now and, of course, we will maintain our partnership with government, other public agencies and local authorities, who are all playing a critical role.
Thank you
Carroll Buxton, Interim Chief Executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Steve Dunlop, Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise
Nick Halfhide, Interim Chief Executive, South of Scotland Enterprise
Related Articles
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.
New fund announced to support growth in life sciences sector
The funding can help cover the costs of equipment, new technology or fixtures and fittings, or to construct, adapt or upgrade business premises or other infrastructure.
Cairngorm Mountain chief executive to retire
CMSL board member Tim Hurst will become interim chief executive
50 plus jobs supported by HIE in Caithness and Sutherland in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
650+ jobs supported by HIE in Inner Moray Firth in 2023/24
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
Argyll's new £8.1m building will strengthen marine industries
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
£1.3m investment approved by HIE in the Outer Hebrides 2023/24
As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.
New director of area operations
Joanna Peteranna took up the role on 1 July.
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.