View from the Chamber
THIS week, Lochaber Chamber of Commerce CEO Lesley Benfield discusses the importance of the marine environment to businesses in Lochaber and exciting new developments in this area.
Lesley writes: ‘We all know that our area’s marine environment of coastline and lochs encompasses some of the world’s most beautiful and varied waters for outdoor sports, marine wildlife, scenery and heritage.
‘But it’s sometimes easy to forget that it is also extremely important to our local economy, with more than 15 per cent of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce membership having business interests in marine or inland waterways.
‘Within the chamber’s membership, many tourism businesses offer waterbased activities, include canyoning, white-water rafting, canal trips, wildlife-watching, cruising, sea kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing, diving, scenic boat trips and more. The popularity of these activities brings visitors to the area that also benefits accommodation, food and retail providers.
‘But the marine environment is also crucially important to some of the area’s biggest employers and non-tourism businesses which rely on marine infrastructure for their livelihoods: marine haulage, transport, diver training, harbours, marinas, mooring maintenance and installation, ferries, boat yards, commercial fishing, aquaculture, fish farms and seafood production.
‘Within the marine environment, Lochaber has two top priority projects of national importance which are significant for job creation and economic impact: the Fort William Pontoons (short-stay) allow visiting cruise ships to bring their passengers ashore in tenders, but are equally suitable for some other vessels; and the planned creation of the Thomas Telford Corpach Marina, a fully-serviced yacht facility, together with a public slipway which will offer valuable new facilities.
‘Businesses in Lochaber are ideally placed to benefit from the opportunities that our marine environment offers. At the chamber, we’re committed to helping our members achieve their business goals.
‘If you’d like to join our thriving Chamber of Commerce please, give us a call on 01397 705 765.’