VIEW FROM The Chamber
Can the business community provide the answer to Lochaber’s short-term worker housing problem?
What do you get if you mix a booming economy, a thriving tourist destination, a rising student population and limited housing stock? Answer: a major housing problem.
This is the situation Lochaber currently finds itself in. But what can be done to improve things? We are all aware of the pressure on housing and, while increased demand is a great sign the area is on the up, the lack of suitable housing is in real danger of limiting business growth and jobs.
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is working closely with Highlands and Islands Enterprise on housing solutions. Chamber members recently invited Kevin Stewart MSP, minister for local government, housing and planning, to join their regular Premium Members Business Forum to discuss the issues and help identify solutions. This forum is made up of major employers in the area, which together employ around 1,200 workers.
The business forum was grateful for Mr Stewart’s update on the Scottish Government’s plans for housing and encouraged by the commitment to increasing housing in the area. While there are significant housing developments already under way for Lochaber, most housing on Highland Council’s zoned development sites will not be ready to live in until 2020/21. Lochaber Chamber of Commerce’s on-going business housing survey suggests the problem is urgent. Sixty-seven per cent said a lack of suitable housing had adversely affected their business and 50 per cent had struggled to recruit staff. Businesses need accommodation for their workforce now if they are to maintain a competitive edge and meet their growth potential.
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is proposing a radical approach. Lesley Benfield, chief executive officer of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, believes local businesses working together could be the key. ‘We’re asking local businesses to work together to find an innovative, short-term solution to provide flexible worker accommodation,’ she said. ‘One possible solution could be creating worker accommodation using high-quality modular housing that is built off-site and could be in place and ready to use in months.
‘We believe there is a lot that business can do to solve our housing problem and we’re excited to work with our members and others in the local community to create a solution that works for Lochaber.’
If you run a business and you haven’t already submitted your views to the Business Housing Survey, please take a few minutes to fill it out at www.lochaberchamber.co.uk or call 705 765 to complete it over the phone.