HIE’s new head of business growth keen to support more businesses

The newly appointed head of business growth for Highlands and Island Enterprise (HIE) in Argyll and the Islands is to focus on expanding the agency’s portfolio of business clients.

Liam Orr, originally from Benderloch near Oban, took up the post in early December and leads HIE’s business growth team across an area covering Argyll and Bute, Arran and the Cumbraes.

A first-class honours degree graduate in accountancy from Glasgow Caledonian University, Liam joins HIE after six years with the West Highland Housing Association, where he worked in finance and business roles.

Previous experience also includes working in a family marine tourism business and for an Oban-based accountancy firm whose clients included many small to medium enterprises in tourism, hospitality and agriculture.

As well as developing projects and partnerships to support economic capacity and confidence across the patch, Liam says the team is looking to grow the agency’s portfolio of business clients.

He added:

“There are many new and emerging business opportunities across Argyll and the Islands, particularly around the marine economy and life sciences, as well as tourism and food and drink. This, coupled with the strong business and entrepreneurial ethos that prevails here means the area is well placed to see welcome economic growth in the coming years.

“I look forward to working with the team and our partners to expand our client portfolio so we can support more businesses and social enterprises as they seek to benefit from new opportunities as they arise.”

HIE’s area manager Morag Goodfellow, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Liam to the team. With his qualifications and experience, and wealth of local business knowledge, he will be a great asset to us as we look to expand our client portfolio and support business growth.”