Welcome to
Argyll Enterprise Week
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has teamed up with Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway to host the first Argyll Enterprise Week, in Oban, from October 31 to November 4. Businesses, social enterprises and potential entrepreneurs across Argyll and the Islands are invited to take advantage of free workshops, seminars, networking events and discussions designed to provide support and inspiration in achieving their business goals. ‘Argyll and the Islands has been recognised as one of Scotland’s most promising regions. Our geography alone gives us a number of key niche business sectors, from tourism to renewables. Regeneration is creating new opportunities across the area,’ said Councillor Aileen Morton, policy lead for sustainable development. ‘Talent and ambition is in evidence in our people and in our communities. Argyll Enterprise Week is about building on this promise.’ The week has three objectives. Firstly it looks to connect organisations. The geography of Argyll and Bute makes it difficult for people to come together and when they do, things happen, ideas get developed, collaborations are born and opportunities emerge. Secondly the event looks to inform, presenting the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge to help move an organisation forward. Finally the event looks to inspire, by presenting case studies and sharing learning. David Smart, Head of Special Projects at Highlands and Islands Enterprise said: ‘It is vital that Argyll and the Islands is home to significant numbers of confident, growing enterprises that provide secure, well paid jobs. The programme for the week has been carefully created to be of interest to the widest possible range of businesses and social enterprises in Argyll and Bute. We want the event to celebrate existing enterprise across Argyll and the Islands, stimulate fresh ideas and create new connections and collaborations. That’s what Argyll Enterprise Week is all about and with more than 200 bookings already made for activities within the week we are looking forward to a great event.’