Enterprising project will benefit economy of Argyll
A NEW event to support Argyll and Bute’s business community and encourage enterprise was announced last 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 will be invited to take advantage of free workshops, seminars, networking events and discussions to provide support and inspiration in achieving their business goals. Central to the week will be a business support trade fair, bringing together a wide range of public and private organisations that can provide support.
Argyll Enterprise Week will cover a range of themes supporting economic growth, including finance, internationalisation, digital and innovation, as well as focusing on the potential for growth in the tourism, food and drink, creative industries and social enterprise sectors within Argyll.
Councillor Aileen Morton, policy lead for sustainable development, said: ‘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. Talent and ambition is in evidence in our people and in our communities. Argyll Enterprise Week is about building on this promise. It’s a chance for businesses to come together, share experiences, stimulate new ideas and create connections. I would encourage everyone with a business to get involved.’
The Argyll and Bute Economic Forum reported in February this year that the region has real strengths particularly in areas such as food and drink, tourism, creative industries and life sciences.
David Smart, head of special projects at HIE, said addressing population decline and realising the region’s potential needs a joined up approach.
He added: ‘It is vital Argyll and the Islands is home to significant numbers of confident, growing enterprises that provide secure, well paid jobs. We need to recognise and celebrate the enterprise we have here, encourage more of it and make it contagious. That’s what Argyll Enterprise Week is all about.
‘ We want the event to celebrate existing enterprise across Argyll and the Islands, stimulate fresh ideas and create new connections and collaborations.
‘We are confident people interested in enterprise will be inspired by the range and content of the activities and look forward to sharing more details soon about what’s planned for Argyll Enterprise Week.’
The event programme will be published at the end of August, when the activities will open for bookings. For more information visit www.hie.co.uk/ argyll enter prise week or call the local Business Gateway team on 01546 604555.