The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Entrepreneurs gather to accelerate growth Highlands: Range of industries converge to discuss the way ahead for region
The first in a series of events featuring leading entrepreneurs from a range of industry sectors is taking place in Inverness today.
Development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has teamed up with member network and leadership development organisation Entrepreneurial Scotland to run the programme.
The initiative is aimed at accelerating growth
“Ambition to become most entrepreneurial society in world”
and competitiveness among businesses from throughout the Highlands and Islands.
Today’s event at HIE’s An Lochran headquarters on Inverness Campus will be opened by the agency’s chief executive Charlotte Wright, with an address on economic challenges in the region and ways organisations can work together to achieve success.
Freda Newton, managing director of cruise company Loch Ness by Jacobite, will share her thoughts on achieving success.
The company’s four boats carry more than 100,000 visitors a year to the loch from every corner of the globe.
Paul Grant, chairman of Arbroath-based food firm Mackays, will discuss what success means for his business.
Mr Grant acquired Mackays from United Biscuits in 1995, and has grown the firm from a small jam and marmalade factory with 18 employees to a global brand with annual turnover in excess of £18 million, a workforce of 150 and sales to more than 80 countries.
Ms Wright said: “The Highlands and islands region is becoming increasingly recognised as a region of entrepreneurship; something that is vital for future prosperity and economic growth.
“In teaming up with Entrepreneurial Scotland we will be able to extend the range of support to innovative and entrepreneurial people.
“We are delighted to kick off this programme of tailored events, featuring leading entrepreneurs who will share best practice, future trends and lessons learned from starting, growing and scaling businesses.
“These will encourage greater collaboration amongst entrepreneurs within the region and across the country.”
Sandy Kennedy, Entrepreneurial Scotland chief executive, said: “Scotland is doing something truly special.
“People are beginning to sit up and take notice of our ambition to become the most entrepreneurial society in the world but we have lots more to do at a regional level to help make this a reality.
“Our partnership with HIE will help us to achieve this shared ambition.
“Last week, we launched our new strategy, and one of our key aims is to work with partners such as HIE to help the entrepreneurial movement become much more visible at a local as well as national level.”