Work starts on new business units in Benbecula
HIE has appointed Benbecula company D Macdonald (Building Contractors) Ltd to create seven new units at Eabhal. Business Park
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Seven new business units are to be developed at Eabhal Business Park in Balivanich, Benbecula, in the Outer Hebrides.
HIE has today initiated a competitive tendering process to secure contractors for the development works.
The project forms part of wider investment by HIE to create flexible workspaces in rural locations around the region.
The first phase of the Benbecula project was completed in 2020. This saw five small units developed at the business park, following a high level of interest from local firms. They are now fully occupied with the last lease concluding in July 2021.
The new units will be for commercial, office or industrial use and have been designed by Balivanich firm, Fraser Architecture, to meet modern building standards and to maximise the efficiency of the internal areas. Recycled material will be used to provide the building with increased insulation.
This latest project is part of a series of small business units being developed by HIE across the Highlands and Islands to meet increasing demand from local businesses for small, affordable premises. The units will be around 40-60m² each in size.
Joanna Peteranna, HIE’s area manager for the Outer Hebrides, said:
“Many small firms want to expand, remain in the local area and employ more people and this depends on the availability of suitable premises. Such availability is also vital in attracting new businesses into the islands. We’ve seen very high demand for small and affordable premises in Benbecula and this project helps to addresses that demand.
“We are keen to offer small units that are appropriate to the changing needs of local businesses, and incoming firms, as they adopt new ways of working to meet new challenges.”
HIE has appointed Benbecula company D Macdonald (Building Contractors) Ltd to create seven new units at Eabhal. Business Park
A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).
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.
People interested in developing and applying their ideas on the use of technology to start or grow a business can attend in person or online.
A 200-seater auditorium specifically designed for music and performance is to be built in South Uist.
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
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.
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in Moray are forecast to see combined turnover rise by more than £85m and international sales by almost £14m.
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.