View from the Chamber
LAST week we welcomed Charlotte Wright, chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), as guest speaker at our members’ networking breakfast at the Lime Tree Hotel, Fort William.
Thirty people from local member businesses came along to chat over bacon rolls and hear directly from the top about HIE’s vision for the future of the region; and the part it plays in supporting economic growth and communities.
As a Scottish Government agency, HIE’s role is to lead regional growth and development across the Highlands and Islands, supporting the rural economy and improving competitiveness to help build a fairer, more inclusive society.
Charlotte gave us an interesting overview of HIE’s work to deliver on the key themes of investment, innovation, internationalism and inclusive growth. The presentation was followed by a lively Q and A session where chamber members were able to ask questions on the topics they felt most strongly about and share concerns and suggestions across a wide range of business issues.
These are exciting times for Lochaber: the large-scale development coming at Liberty British Aluminium is the biggest manufacturing project in a generation. The subsequent increased need for supporting businesses, housing, transport and community infrastructure will mean huge opportunities for our community – but also challenges. Lochaber Chamber of Commerce’s role is to speak up for the needs of all member businesses, small as well as large, and to help ensure that everyone benefits from the coming developments.
These networking events are an integral part of the chamber of commerce’s remit to connect businesses and are also a great way for the chamber team to hear directly from members about what is important to them.
With so much going on in our local business world, it’s a great time to become a member of Lochaber’s only dedicated business organisation and make sure your voice is heard. At Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to helping our members achieve their business goals. If you’d like to join, call on 01397 705 765 or visit www.lochaberchamber.co.uk.