Improve productivity and build capability

Improving productivity can help your organisation work more efficiently, strengthen performance and make the most of new opportunities. From specialist advice and funding to practical guidance and expertise, we can help you build capability and improve the way your organisation operates.

How we can help

Improve the way you work

Explore funding, specialist advice and practical support to help improve efficiency, adopt technology and strengthen organisational performance.

HIE Digital Specialist Advice Grant

Funding of up to £5,000 is available to help organisations access specialist digital expertise and explore opportunities to adopt technology, improve productivity and solve business challenges.

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HIE Digital and Technology Adoption Capital Grant

Capital funding of up to £20,000 is available to help organisations invest in digital technology that improves productivity, efficiency and business performance.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mentoring Programme 2026/27

Get personalised mentoring to explore how artificial intelligence could benefit your organisation, identify opportunities and develop a clear plan for adoption.

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Technology Advice and Mentoring Grant

Access up to £5,000 to help cover the cost of specialist technology advice and mentoring. Get independent expertise to explore digital and technology opportunities, improve business performance, develop new products or services, and make informed decisions about technology investments.

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Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS)

A Scotland-wide service delivered by Scottish Enterprise, providing expert support to help manufacturers reduce costs, improve efficiency and strengthen operational performance.

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More ways we can help

Build capability for future growth

Improving productivity often goes hand in hand with developing new ideas, investing in people and creating a stronger organisation. Explore additional support to build skills, improve workplace practices and identify new opportunities.

HIE Innovation Programme

Access to advice, expertise, workshops and funding to help organisations develop new products and services, improve processes and explore new opportunities.

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Technology Kickstart Grant

Funding of up to £10,000 is available to help organisations research, test and develop early-stage digital or technology-led products, services and processes.

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Technology Development Grant

Access funding of up to £15,000 to help develop and implement technology solutions within your organisation. The grant can support projects that improve products, services, processes or digital capabilities, helping businesses innovate, improve performance and create new opportunities for growth.

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Fair Work

Guidance to help organisations implement fair work principles that benefit employees and business performance.

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Zero Waste Scotland

A national service delivered by Zero Waste Scotland, providing advice and support to help organisations improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and lower environmental impact.

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Fair work in tourism

Guidance and resources to help tourism businesses understand and implement Fair Work practices, creating positive workplaces that benefit both employees and employers.

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Browse all support services

What's on

Explore upcoming events and webinars designed to help you improve productivity.

05/11/2026

AI Scotland Roadshow - Shetland

Explore practical ways to adopt AI responsibly, save time and unlock new opportunities for your organisation.

Location: Shetland Museum and Archives, Lerwick Time: 09:30am - 01:45pm

05/11/2026

Idea to impact - Shetland

Join this informal event to discover how to turn tech ideas into real business opportunities. Hear from local businesses and learn how to access support, funding and expert advice.

Location: Shetland Museum and Archives, Lerwick Time: 02:00pm - 04:00pm

10/11/2026

AI Scotland Roadshow - Oban

Explore practical ways to adopt AI responsibly, save time and unlock new opportunities for your organisation.

Location: SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science), Dunbeg Time: 09:30am - 01:45pm

10/11/2026

Idea to impact - Bute

Join this informal event to discover how to turn tech ideas into real business opportunities. Hear from local businesses and learn how to access support, funding and expert advice.

Location: Bute Yard, Rothsay Time: 12:00pm - 02:00pm

12/11/2026

Idea to impact - Mull

Join this informal event to discover how to turn tech ideas into real business opportunities. Hear from local businesses and learn how to access support, funding and expert advice.

Location: An Tobar, Tobermory Time: 12:00pm - 02:00pm

17/11/2026

AI Scotland Roadshow - Fort William

Explore practical ways to adopt AI responsibly, save time and unlock new opportunities for your organisation.

Location: The Nevis Centre, Fort William Time: 09:30am - 01:45pm

17/11/2026

Idea to impact - Fort William

Join this informal event to discover how to turn tech ideas into real business opportunities. Hear from local businesses and learn how to access support, funding and expert advice.

Location: The Nevis Centre, Fort William Time: 06:00pm - 08:00pm

02/12/2026

Idea to impact - Thurso

Join this informal event to discover how to turn tech ideas into real business opportunities. Hear from local businesses and learn how to access support, funding and expert advice.

Location: The Park Hotel, Thurso Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm

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SUCCESS STORIES

Organisations we've supported

Discover how organisations across the Highlands and Islands have improved productivity and strengthened capability with support from HIE. From adopting new technology to improving processes and performance, explore real stories and the impact they've made.

Miele’s Gelateria

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Miele’s Gelateria is proving that heritage and innovation can work hand in hand to build a thriving business.

Miele’s Gelateria

Highland Cinema

Seeking to streamline operations and improve the customer experience, Highland Cinema applied for support through the Northern Innovation Hub’s (NIH) Digital Tourism Support.

Highland Cinema

Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka and VanFill Ltd

Inspirational entrepreneur Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka attributes a move to the Highlands as a key component of her new role as a tech founder.

Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka and VanFill Ltd

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, open since 1970, offers over 20 attractions ranging from wildlife exhibits to thrill rides, set against the Cairngorms National Park.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

H&I Adventures

After spending early two decades crafting unforgettable guided mountain biking holidays across the world, H&I Adventures advancing digital innovation with HIE support.

H&I Adventures

Ethnologic and the creation of MEG

Linda Shore, a design researcher and research fellow at the Glasgow School of Art’s Highlands and Islands campus, is pioneering a new approach to menopause support through technology.

Ethnologic and the creation of MEG

Loch Ness Hub - digital

Community-owned Loch Ness Hub supports visitors with luggage transfers and e-bike hire. To meet rising demand and boost real-time support, they turned to the Digital Tourism Support programme.

Loch Ness Hub - digital

Gather Deli

Gather Deli is an independent food producer and retailer rooted in a strong connection to the island’s agricultural community.

Gather Deli

The Dunes Larder

The Dunes Larder in North Uist, led by Anne MacLellan, is a growing food and drink business rooted in crofting, tourism and local supply chains.

The Dunes Larder

Modular West

HIE has been supporting Modular West, based on the Isle of Barra, for a number of years. Read about their development and how they're plugging a vital gap in the Island housing market.

Modular West

Support from our partners

Discover additional resources, guidance and partner support to help improve productivity, build digital capability and strengthen organisational performance.

AI Scotland

AI Scotland helps businesses understand, adopt and scale the use of AI. Part of Scotland's Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026-2031, it provides practical guidance to help organisations improve productivity, build capability and adopt AI effectively.

CyberScotland Partnership

Guidance, resources and support to help organisations improve cyber resilience, strengthen cyber security and stay secure online.

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations - Digital

Guidance, resources and training for charities, community groups and voluntary organisations looking to improve digital skills, adopt technology and strengthen their impact.

The Data Lab – hands-on data & AI for SMEs

Practical support to help SMEs understand, adopt and make better use of data and artificial intelligence to improve business performance.

FIND THE RIGHT SUPPORT

Explore related support

You may also be interested in support to develop new products, improve processes, build skills, grow sales, become more resilient or strengthen your community.

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Develop new products, processes and services

Explore programmes, funding and specialist support to help develop ideas, create new products and services, adopt technology and find better ways of working.

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Support

Reach new markets and grow sales

Access advice, expertise and support to find new customers, enter new markets and grow sales.

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Support

Become greener and more resilient

Find funding, advice and practical support to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency and build resilience for the future.

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Support

Build leadership, skills and a stronger workplace

Access leadership development, workforce support and practical resources to build skills, strengthen teams and create a more effective workplace.

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Support

Strengthen your community

Find funding, advice and practical support to develop community projects, grow local assets and create lasting benefits for people within your community.

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Support FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to some of the most common questions about productivity, digital technologies, leadership, workplace practices and business improvement.

Support is available to help organisations improve productivity through technology adoption, process improvement, digital solutions, workforce development and specialist advice. The most appropriate support will depend on your organisation's goals and opportunities for growth.

Support is available to help organisations adopt digital technologies, improve efficiency through automation, make better use of data, explore artificial intelligence and improve business performance. Whether you're just getting started or looking to build on existing capabilities, we can help you take the next step.

Yes. Support is available to help organisations identify suitable technologies, assess opportunities, access specialist advice and invest in solutions that improve productivity, efficiency and business performance.

Yes. Artificial intelligence can offer opportunities to improve products, services and business processes, but it's important to understand both the benefits and potential risks. Support is available to help organisations explore AI, identify practical applications and adopt it in a responsible and trustworthy way.

Yes. You don't need technical expertise or a clear AI strategy to get started. Support is available to help you understand where AI could add value, identify practical opportunities and assess potential risks, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

No. Digital support is available to organisations at different stages of digital adoption. Whether you're exploring new technologies, improving existing systems or considering AI and automation, specialist guidance can help you make informed decisions.

Manufacturing and operational support can help organisations improve efficiency, strengthen processes, adopt new technologies and identify opportunities to improve performance and competitiveness.

Fair Work aims to create workplaces where people are respected, supported and able to contribute effectively. Fair Work practices can help organisations improve employee engagement, wellbeing, retention and organisational performance.

Yes. Many organisations find that reducing waste, improving resource efficiency and adopting more sustainable practices can reduce costs, improve resilience and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

Yes. Some support includes funding to help organisations adopt technologies, improve processes and invest in productivity improvements. Other support focuses on specialist advice, mentoring, training, workshops and practical guidance. The most appropriate support will depend on your organisation's objectives and stage of development.

If you're looking to improve productivity, develop new capabilities or strengthen your organisation's performance, we can help you identify the most appropriate support based on your goals, opportunities and challenges. If you can't find the support you're looking for on our website, please contact us to discuss your options.

GET IN TOUCH

Not found what you’re looking for?

If you’re not sure what support is right for you, or can’t find what you need, get in touch with our team and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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