HIE FOCUS magazine - Issue 4

from HIE Focus Magazine issue 4

by Highlands and Islands Enterprise

SUMMER 2019 | ISSUE 04

CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

XPONORTH

Rolling out the red carpet for 2,000 delegates and an Oscar winning speaker

SCREEN MACHINE

Mobile cinema pioneer awarded BAFTA

SKYE COMPANY LIGHTS THE WAY FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION

BADACHRO GIN

Family firm develops their own recipe for export success

GOT AN IDEA THAT WILL GROW YOUR BUSINESS?

Take the next step and speak to us to learn about our range of innovation support that will help you achieve your business goals.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: hie.co.uk/innovation

CONTENTS

XpoNorth – creative industries sector support

Oscar award winner Ian Hunter

Screen Machine pioneer receives BAFTA

UK’s first Newton Rooms launched

12 Isle of Skye Candles lights the way for exporting

14 Global tech company serves the world from Orkney

16 Economy update20 Online market place is Open4Business

22 Community Trust begins transformation of former primary school

23 Cyber Security top tips

24 Badachro Gin producers develop their own ingredients for export success

28 Close-knit firm safe in hands of its employees

30 Strengthening Communities Conference Scotland highlights

32 New life sciences and technology hub opens at Inverness Campus

34 Why I love running my business in the Highlands and Islands

Highlands and Islands EnterpriseAn Lòchran, 10 Inverness Campus,Inverness, IV2 5NA

hie.marketing@hient.co.uk +44 (0)1463 245245 hie.co.uk

WELCOME TO OUR SUMMER EDITION OF FOCUS MAGAZINE

I often say that my greatest privilege as chair of HIE is the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Not only is it the most beautiful region in the world, in my opinion, but I also get to meet some of the most inspiring business and community leaders you’ll find anywhere. I hope FOCUS magazine will give you at least a flavour of what I get to see serving on the board of HIE.

In this issue, we’ll journey from the region’s capital, Inverness, as we prepare for creative industries festival XpoNorth; to Skye and Badachro on the west coast to meet the people leading ambitious companies that continue to grow exports, despite the uncertainties around Brexit.

We then travel all the way to Shetland to find out more about the bold decision one business owner took to ensure his company remained on the island after he retired.

Heading south again, in Orkney we learn about the global tech company serving hundreds of clients across the world from its headquarters in Kirkwall.

Our final destination this time is Moray, where it is our pleasure to introduce Margo Page, the entrepreneur who has moved back to Scotland from New York to set up an online fashion business based in Elgin.

Everyone in this edition embodies the ambition, passion and determination that is so typical of those we work with across the region. I’m sure you will find their stories inspiring.

Have a pleasant journey!

To receive future issues of focus magazine by post or email please subscribe: hie.co.uk/focus

SECTOR SUPPORTALL YEAR ROUNDWITH XPONORTH

HIE’s head of creative industries Iain Hamilton explains how HIE can support the obvious, and less obvious, conditions for a thriving creative industries sector.

This summer XpoNorth will be rolling out the red carpet to welcome inspirational creators from areas as diverse as space exploration to international cinema and world-class sport.

XpoNorth is Scotland’s leading creative industries conference and showcase, held annually in Inverness, and set up by HIE to provide specialised support to our creative industries.

All year round, we use industry advisors to give creative businesses from every corner of our region outstanding, tailored assistance to complement more general support.

Amongst a wealth of training, research and support, there is a network of local creative entrepreneurs empowered to advise on where they need help.

It brings access to new markets, new business opportunities at home and abroad, industry and trade body connectivity and student support with increased knowledge and access to industry.

XpoNorth’s digital programme, through the Inverness and City-Region Deal, also provides vital support in promoting the use of data and digital tools to engage more effectively with customers.

This year’s event, on 3 and 4 July at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, will attract more than 2,000 attendees.

Again, it will enable our creative businesses to showcase our huge artistic potential to industry decision-makers, from distinguished freelancers to major multinationals like Warner Bros, YouTube and Universal.

For me, the beauty in XpoNorth lies in how it can link across creative sectors and introduce talents and buyers who might never otherwise have engaged.

But it is concrete results that count – and XpoNorth is proven to deliver.

There have been 260 jobs created from the last three years of our XpoNorth support alone, with a salary increase of £2.9m and the gross value added in goods and services reaching £5.8m.

XpoNorth continues to blaze a trail for the Highlands and Islands by diversifying business, building new networks as well as showcasing and marketing talent internationally.

Equally, it will continue to enhance the skills, sustainability and viability of our wonderful creative sector.

FÒCAS AIR XPONORTH

Bidh neach ealain-shùla, Ian Hunter, aig XpoNorth, aig Taigh -chluiche Cùirt an Easbaig, Inbhir Nis, 3 gu 4 An t-Iuchar.Bidh Ian ag obair anns an stiùidio Hollywood aige fhèin agus e a’ dèanamh filmichean airson 25 bliadhna.

Bhuannaich Ian Oscar airson am buaidh as fheàrr anns am film ‘Instellar’ ann an 2014. Tha XpoNorth ag amas air dreuchdan cruthachail a bhrosnachadh air sgrion, ann an craoladh agus ann an ceòl is foillseachadh air feadh an roinn.

SPEAKERS

There will be a dazzling array of distinguished speakers, including:

• Michaela Magas, European woman innovator of the year 2017 and adviser on innovation to the G7 economies group;

• Ann Chevalley, head of education and culture for the International Olympic Committee/Olympic Museum;

• Micheal Flaherty, co-founder of Walden Media who specialise in films that entertain and educate (Chronicles of Narnia, Bridge to Terabithia);

• Mandar Thakur, chief operating officer of Times Music, Times of India Music Group; and

• Dougie Bruce of Universal Music Publishing, the man who signed Adele among other star performers.

As always, the buzz and energy of XpoNorth – with over 2,000 delegates from multinational representatives to independent freelancers – showcases creative industries as diverse as textile weaving and digital technology.

But the festival really comes alive at night with an array of performing artists and hot musical acts setting the city alight.

Find out more and register at: xponorth.co.uk

XpoNorth on the road at An Lanntair, Stornoway in May 2019

STELLAR EXPLORATION

This year XpoNorth will boldly go where no creative industries conference has gone before – with a voyage into the intricate relationship between science and science fiction.

It was Oscar Wilde who in his wisdom observed: ‘Life imitates art far more often than art imitates life’.

The Irish poet and playwright’s philosophical musings chime with a theme running through this year’s diverse and fascinating XpoNorth festival.

Scientific fact has always inspired science fiction, but just how much has science fiction driven scientific discovery?

The dawn of space technology and the moon landings undoubtedly fired the imaginations of a whole generation of screen-writers such as the makers of hit television series Star Trek.

But did Spock and Captain Kirk’s irresistibly cool, flip-to-activate communicators then go on to inspire mobile phone design?

VISIONARY

Arthur C Clarke, the great science fiction author, dreamt up future technology such as video calling and global satellite TV, while giving an eerily prophetic nod to the internet decades before it became reality.

Anyone with a geeky streak – and maybe even the inquisitive Wilde himself – would be intrigued by main speakers attending XpoNorth at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, from 3 to 4 July.

Ian Hunter, a Scot now working from his own Hollywood studio, is a visual artist and visionary storyteller who has pushed the boundaries of film-making for over 25 years.

Those talents brought him an Oscar for best visual effects in the 2014 blockbuster movie ‘Interstellar’, another strangely predictive work given NASA’s recent black hole imagery.

He followed up that dazzling success with another Academy Award earlier this year for ‘First Man’. Other works like ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008) and ‘Inception’ (2010) have also garnered great plaudits.

Ian’s presence at XpoNorth, Scotland’s leading creative industries festival, is an undoubted coup.

As part of a showreel of his innovative works, he is expected to help illuminate this great symbiosis between science fact and fiction.

Left to right: Ian Hunter, Tristan Myles, Paul Lambert and J. D. Schwalm winners Best Visual Effects award for ‘First Man’. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)

Our aim is to inspire those generating creative content here in the Highlands and Islands… we only have to look at the phenomenon of television’s ‘Outlander’ series to grasp the potential.

JENI OLIVER, HIE’S CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Jeni Oliver, HIE’s creative industries development manager, is a self-confessed sci-fi enthusiast eagerly anticipating Ian’s talk.

“Our aim is to inspire those generating creative content here in the Highlands, as well as buyers looking to recruit them,” she says. “We only have to look at the phenomenon of television’s ‘Outlander’ to grasp the potential.

“We’re thrilled Ian has committed to XpoNorth and is willing to showcase the great projects he has worked on.

“Even now, we’re seeing proposals for a Space Hub in Sutherland, so we’re looking closely at the scientific side of creative content with NASA’s retired chief knowledge officer Ed Hoffman participating.

“We also have Jay O’Callahan, a master storyteller involved in NASA’s 50th anniversary celebrations, who likes to show how story-telling can free our minds and fire the imagination.

“These are folk who work closely with accomplished scientists to translate complex science into compelling stories people of all ages can be inspired by.

“NASA is one of the world’s most recognisable brands but also a vast US Federal Agency. How do they so successfully create that warm bond with people all over the world?

“That’s something we’re really interested in here because we need visionaries and creative minds to inspire audiences and direct science itself.”

DRIVE AND DEDICATION

A humble pioneer of mobile cinema earned the red carpet treatment in recognition of his many years’ service in bringing the silver screen to remote Highlands and Islands communities.

FÒCAS AIR SCREEN MACHINE

Tha an Screen Machine air cuibhlichean air a bhith a’ frithealadh choimhearsnachdan a’ chinn a tuath airson 21 bliadhna.

Bidh i a’ siubhal grunn mhìltean sa bhliadhna a’ toirt fhilmichean bho chùl làraidh gu bailtean air feadh na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean. Tha Iain MacColla air a bhith ag obair dhan t-seirbheis bhon a thòisich i agus chaidh obair na seirbheis aithneachadh le duais shònraichte BAFTA.

Iain MacColl and his wife Liz at the BAFTAs.

It is testament to all the hard work that, not just myself, but everyone at Screen

Machine has put in over the last 21 years.

IAIN MACCOLL, SENIOR SCREEN MACHINE OPERATOR

There are those who go the extra mile for what they love – and then there is Iain MacColl.

The dedicated Screen Machine operator has surely driven to the moon and back to bring the stars of cinema to more isolated corners of the Highlands and Islands.

Certainly, in more than 21 years, an incredible number of miles have been clocked – bringing the magic of the big screen to more than 30,000 people in small and hard to reach communities each year.

It has been a labour of love for the cinema pioneer.

RED CARPET

The Screen Machine operators do everything from driving to location, expanding the trailer into a comfortable 80- seat auditorium, selling tickets, welcoming the audience, projecting the films and then closing up and moving on. Bringing the works of BAFTA winners to an adoring public has become a way of life, but earlier this year it was Iain who received the red carpet treatment after winning one of his own.

Announced as a first winner of the new ‘For the Love of Film’ award, he and wife Liz attended February’s starstudded EE British Academy Awards Ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

FOR THE LOVE OF FILM

Iain, there since the mobile cinema’s 1998 launch, was thrilled with the award but considered it a shared accolade.

“It was amazing to see the work of the Screen Machine being recognised by BAFTA,” says Iain. “It is testament to all the hard work that not just myself, but everyone at Screen Machine has put in over the last 21 years.”

Launched in December last year, the new honour aims to recognise individuals from all across the country who have done something incredible simply for the love of film.

IMPACT

From hundreds of testimonials and nominations, Iain’s story was picked by a panel of experts including BBC radio’s Edith Bowman and Ali Plumb, chaired by Andrew Orr of the BAFTA film committee.

“Iain stood out for long service and the wide-reaching impact of Screen Machine in bringing the cinematic experience to communities across the Highlands and Islands,” says Andrew.

Robert Livingston, director of Regional Screen Scotland, drew great pleasure in Iain’s honour having worked with him since the 1998 launch.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that, without Iain’s dedication, this lifeline service wouldn’t exist today,” he explains. “I’m delighted that his achievement and the wonderful world of the Screen Machine have been recognised in such a prestigious competition.”

A few generations of rural movie enthusiasts would raise a glass to that.

SKILLS OF THE FUTURE STEM FROM TODAY

Pupils from Caithness and Lochaber were the first in Scotland to visit ground-breaking new facilities designed to give schoolchildren a head start in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills of the future.

Children from Pennyland and Caol Primary schools visited the Thurso and Fort William Newton Rooms - the first in the UK. These fully equipped rooms include individual workstations, a laboratory area and an auditorium to allow pupils to enjoy a more immersive experience than they can get in a traditional classrooom.

The facilities originate in Norway, where schools and local employers work together to bring new educational initiatives to rural areas. One such partnership in Bodø allows local children to access flight simulators from Boeing, a major employer in the area.

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

The Newton Rooms have been opened as part of the Science Skills Academy, a multi-million pound partnership between HIE, The Highland Council, the University of the Highlands and Islands, NHS Highland and Skills Development Scotland designed to drive STEM activity across the region. The Science Skills Academy aims to use funding from the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal to equip young people in the Highlands with skills in science, technology, engineering and maths. The Newton Rooms are a key part of the wider Science Skills Academy programme, and it is hoped that further rooms will be created across the region in the future.

In March of this year Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Richard Lochhead MSP joined local head teachers and business leaders to open Scotland’s first Newton Room in Thurso, before Kate Forbes MSP, Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy opened a second in Fort William in April. Drop-in sessions allowed the local community to explore the new facilities, however the most important visitors of the day were the schoolchildren who will benefit from the new educational hubs.

WIDENING ACCESS

Dingwall has recently been announced as the site for a third Newton Room, with further locations to be confirmed across the Highlands. It’s expected that two further rooms will open in 2019, with the fifth opening by mid-2020, when all pupils from P6-S2 in the Highland Council region will be offered the chance to visit a Newton Room at least once per year.

Andrew Johnston, Director for the Science Skills Academy, looks forward to welcoming local employers to work with pupils and teachers in ways that were not previously possible in remote and rural communities.

“A big part of the appeal of Newton Rooms was the success the model has had in Norway of delivering STEM subjects in rural areas, so much so that visits to the Newton Rooms have now been integrated into the national curriculum,” he explains.

“Our main aim in the short term is to encourage pupils to be excited about STEM subjects when choosing what to study as they progress through high school.

“Longer term, it will equip more of the region’s young people for the careers of the future in the Highlands and Islands in computing, engineering, marine, environmental and life sciences. We’re working alongside STEM employers to shape our activities, making sure we have a new generation of skilled and scientifically literate workers who know about the range of exciting careers open to them in the Highlands and Islands.”

Attendees took part in hands-on activities getting to grips with wind turbines and hydro-electricity, as well as being challenged to build tracks to allow balls to travel increasingly further and faster. These fun and engaging tasks introduced pupils to two of six planned modules, focusing on electricity and renewable energy and robotics and mathematics.

Left to right: Emma Robertson, Science Skills Academy Project Manager, Andrew Johnston, Science Skills Academy Project Director and April Conroy, STEM

Engagement Manager at the opening of the Thurso Newton Room.

Our main aim in the short term is to encourage pupils to be excited about STEM subjects.

ANDREW JOHNSTON, DIRECTOR, SCIENCE SKILLS ACADEMY

SKYE CANDLES LIGHTS THE WAY FOR INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

Having founded Skye Candles as a teenager, renovating a bothy on his uncle’s croft to act as the first workshop, James Robertson is no stranger when it comes to blazing a trail in business.

While many companies press pause on international expansion plans due to continuing Brexit uncertainty, the Isle of Skye Candle Company is lighting the way for Highlands and Islands brands with global ambition.

Skye Candles have been awarded a Brexit Support Grant from the Scottish Government and will use the grant to fund trade visits to the USA and Switzerland as they look to significantly grow exports and enter new markets.

HIE has worked closely with the company as they developed plans to identify and enter new markets, arranging support from marketing students and supplying detailed information on specific foreign markets.

With research showing a significant market for luxury scented goods combined with a high regard for Scottish provenance, Switzerland was identified as a key market for expansion. Skye Candles’ existing close links with major US supermarket Whole Foods make further American expansion an enticing prospect, and James will use his upcoming trade visits to both countries to meet with new distributors who match these ambitions.

“We’ve enjoyed fantastic growth since we were established in 2006,” explains James, “and we don’t want to let the current uncertainty slow us down. There’s no reason we can’t be as big

as household names like Jo Malone, and our ambition is to be a global brand based right here in the Highlands. Getting funding for these trade visits will help us expand into new markets, and as a result we’re looking to build a new production facility and visitor centre here on Skye, creating more well-paid jobs in the area and giving our customers an immersive sensory experience, whatever the weather!”

The company now has five high street stores in Broadford, Edinburgh, Inverness, St Andrews and Glasgow.

Eilidh Ross, HIE account manager, has been a valuable source of support for Skye Candles, and says they’re a great example for other companies on how to plan proactively while market conditions remain unclear.

“Skye Candles have big ambitions for their business and they’re very clear on what they want to achieve. They’ve come from a bothy with a wood burning stove to international wholesaling and a network of five stores across Scotland, winning awards and creating a special edition scent to help restore the Loch Arkaig pine forest along the way. By taking advantage of the new Brexit Support Grant, they’re staying focused on ways to achieve their growth goals, and we can’t wait to see what they do next!”

Centre: James Robertson, Skye Candles and Eilidh Ross, Account Manager HIE with other members of the Skye Candle team.

FUNDING AND SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

The Brexit Support Grant is funded by the Scottish Government and available to small to medium sized enterprises in Scotland. Successful applicants receive amounts between £2,000 and £4,000 to help fund a wide range of Brexit preparation measures, from scenario planning to international market visits.

The Grant is just one of the resources available to help local businesses mitigate the impact of Brexit planning.

HIE has joined forces with Business Gateway, Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland to create PrepareForBrexit.Scot. This website has information on how to apply for Brexit Support Grants, as well as selfassessment tools, checklists, planning guides, details of upcoming events and latest news.

PrepareForBrexit.Scot0300 303 0661

FÒCAS AIR SKYE CANDLES

Tha HIE air a bhith ag obair le Skye Candles fhads a tha iad a’ leasachadh planaichean airson margaidean ùra a thagh.

Fhuair a’ chompanaidh Taic Tabhartas Bhrexit bho Riaghaltas na h-Alba agus cleachdaidh iad seo airson tadhal dhan na Stàitean Aonaichte Aimeireaga agus An Eilbheis airson cuideachadh le bhith a’ reic thallthairis ann am margaidean ùra. Thathar air a’ bheachd gun cuidich an taic seo le leudachaidh agus mar seo tha planaichean aca togalach ùr a’ thogail agus ionad luchd-tadhail, agus cosnaidhean ùra a’ chruthachadh san roinn.

GLOBAL TECH COMPANY SERVING THE WORLD FROM ORKNEY

With a global strategy and identifiable customer base, software company Kyloe says Kirkwall is a perfect fit for its ambitions

If you’d like to get involved in a cutting edge tech industry, but want to maintain a balanced lifestyle and sense of community, take a look at what’s happening on Orkney.

Software company Kyloe is growing a worldwide clientele and a burgeoning workforce from its island-based head office.

Founded in 2015, Kyloe builds products that integrate with Bullhorn – a global leader in Client Relationship Management systems that’s headquartered in the USA.

LOCATION

Thanks to the nature of the services that Kyloe provides, the company is not restricted by location. While co-directors Raymond and Simone Pennie work from Gloucestershire, Fiona and Stewart Morgan opted to live and set up Kyloe’s headquarters in Orkney where Fiona grew up.

“I’m from Orkney myself,” says Fiona Morgan, company secretary and legal director at Orkney-based Kyloe. “And our recruitment focus highlights all the things we feel the Orkney Islands have to offer people who choose to move here.

“So we’re talking about the quality of life you have; the quality of education; the fresh air and the incredible scenery. We’ve attracted people who were spending hours commuting to work in the car or by train, and who were interested in a better work life balance. So far, they haven’t been disappointed!” Stewart explains: “Here, our employees are choosing more than just a job; it’s a very different life to other parts of the UK and we benefit from the innate desire for businesses here to be successful. We work closely with HIE and they’ve taken time to understand our ambitions and help us to grow.”

That growth now sees Kyloe employ around 50 people not only in Orkney, but the rest of the UK and around the world. The team has serviced the needs of around 400 clients in the UK and US, as well as Canada, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, and Asia-Pacific.

HELP FROM HIE

HIE has partnered with Kyloe on a number of projects, helping them to improve and fit out its new premises in Kirkwall as well as supporting Fiona and Stewart to develop their skills through leadership programmes.

Fiona explains: “HIE’s help has enabled our dream to become reality. Our HIE account manager has been very helpful. She tells us about different grants and opportunities that may be useful to our business.

“We’ve built up a really excellent team of technical graduates here in Orkney. In the early days of the business, we identified a specific project we wanted to deliver and HIE told us about ScotGrad. They, along with Business Gateway, helped us recruit young, motivated people to the company.”

Bullhorn’s products are specifically designed for use in the recruitment sector and Kyloe provides a mix of products and services that ensures the best possible relationship between recruitment agencies, employers and candidates – getting the right people into the right role as quickly as possible.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for people like senior account executive Martin Wishart who’s been able to return to his native Orkney and join a global tech company – something that most people have had to leave the island to experience.

YOUNG PEOPLE

It’s especially exciting for the island’s young people. Fiona says: “We’ve developed links with the local college and school – we’ve had school leavers doing placements with us over the summer before they go away to university, and then again after their first year of studies. That’s just one way we’re developing our recruitment pipeline.”

Up-skilling their growing team is a priority for Kyloe this year. Stewart explains: “We’ve hired at pace to scale up our operations, so this year we want to focus on training and mentoring, making sure we’re equipped to deliver our 2021-25 strategy.

“Our developers are tackling exactly the same challenges that any company in Silicon Valley does; each client has a unique approach and our employees have the opportunity to develop their skills through designing solutions to meet their needs.

“Uncertainty over the economy in Europe and to some extent America are aspects we factor in, but we’re increasingly active in Australia and Asia-Pacific, so we have a good balance. Bullhorn are aiming to triple their revenue over the coming three to five years and, as their integration partner, we share that ambition.”

Stuart and Fiona Morgan

Our developers are tackling exactly the same challenges that any company in Silicon

Valley does.

STEWART MORGAN, DIRECTOR

Spaceflight company Orbex has set up a new Scottish base at Enterprise Park Forres

ECONOMY UPDATE: REGION PERFORMS WELL DESPITE CHALLENGES

The Highlands and Islands economy continues to perform well, despite the challenges and uncertainties facing the region.

Professor Lorne Crerar

Hebridean Seaweed is expected to double its workforce following a £7m expansion

Compared to Scotland as a whole there is higher employment, lower unemployment, higher self-employment and relatively more people in high or medium skilled occupations.

School leavers are entering work or further education at higher rates than elsewhere in the country and a similar proportion of adults have degree-level qualifications.

Businesses are consistently optimistic and young people are increasingly positive about the region.

With less than 10% of Scotland’s population across half the country, challenges include out-migration, underemployment and seasonality.

Tackling these and other challenges is what drives HIE’s investment decisions.

In 2018-19, HIE approved £54.6m investment in 564 new projects with a total value of £185m. This will support more than 1,000 across the region and increase turnover among supported enterprises by nearly £118m, and international trade by £46m.

Announcements over the past year included the UK Space Agency support for the HIE-led Space Hub Sutherland development, a vertical launch facility for small satellites. This offers significant opportunities to attract inward investment, create around 400 jobs and deliver Scottish supply chain opportunities.

HIE and Scottish Development International (SDI) secured seven new inward investment projects, bringing more than 260 highly skilled jobs. Unusually, six of these seven projects were from new investors.

American outsourcing firm, Sykes, meanwhile is creating up to 100 homeworking posts across Caithness and Sutherland, the Outer Hebrides, Argyll and the Islands and Moray.

And Lewis-based Hebridean Seaweed, the UK’s largest industrial seaweed processor, embarked on a £7m expansion that is expected to double its workforce to 26.

Professor Lorne Crerar, chair of HIE, attributes this confidence and optimism to many factors.

“The high proportion of SMEs, diversity of growth sectors and variety of transferable skills gives the region’s economy tremendous flexibility to adapt.

“Universities work with industry on research and development as well as developing skills for the future.

“Our infrastructure includes high quality flexible business premises, greater transport links and widespread digital and mobile connectivity.

“When you add the superb environment and quality of life and growth in innovation and entrepreneurship, it’s not surprising to see such confidence and optimism.”

Lorne also points to the importance of the social economy. “The higher proportion of social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands underlines the social economy’s role in rural development,” he says.

“Social enterprises have grown in response to local need, filling gaps where commercial sector interest is missing. Many show amazing innovation and entrepreneurship that matches the private sector.

Spaceflight company, Orbex, established a base in Moray and recruited 12 full time posts. The company’s workforce is expected to reach 130.

“The economic and social benefits to rural communities are significant.

“The HIE model is informing development of the new South of Scotland Economic Partnership, underscoring its success in contributing to economic growth across our region for decades.”

HIE account managers in eight local area teams provide dedicated support to around 600 client companies, social enterprises and communities. A broad range of services is also available to customers who are not account managed.

Almost 800 received support through Innovate your Business and other initiatives between 2015-18. The £220,000 awarded in innovation grants leveraged in more than double that in private sector funding, creating jobs and setting turnover among recipients on course to increase by more than £5m.

Over the next three years HIE aims to support at least 800 businesses with innovation projects and has earmarked £1.9m, including ERDF funding, for this.

The region’s appetite to export remains healthy, with HIE and SDI helping businesses develop products, enter new markets and increase their international sales. Last year saw 423 people take part in HIE’s programme of export training events, while 43 firms received ‘Go Global’ grants totalling £119,000.

HIE also invests heavily in supporting entrepreneurship, providing in-depth programmes, one-off masterclasses and widely accessible webinars.

The Entrepreneurship Development Programme is run by HIE in partnership with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Each year a handful of business and social enterprise delegates benefit from this intensive executive course.

“Developing new products, services or processes helps companies increase productivity while meeting the changing demands of global markets,” says Lorne.

“Exporting is fuelling the growth ambitions of businesses throughout the Highlands and Islands. And there’s no shortage of opportunities, notably in sectors such as food and drink, renewable energy and life sciences; industries that play to the region’s natural advantages and international profile.

“And entrepreneurs make these things happen. It is therefore crucial that we support entrepreneurship and leadership skills development, for businesses and community organisations that are contributing to regional growth.”

Looking ahead, Lorne highlights challenges, opportunities and priorities.

“Leaving the EU raises many issues, and businesses consistently express concern about what it might mean. It’s vital that companies plan for Brexit, and that we continue to support this in collaboration with the Scottish Government and partner agencies.”

Renewable energy already contributes significantly to the economy. Lorne is determined that HIE builds on the region’s international reputation for excellence, and forges partnerships to further strengthen the industry.

Large offshore wind projects, like the Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm (pictured), are contributing a significant amount to the economy

He points to advances in local energy systems on islands, marine energy technology development, including Wave Energy Scotland, and large scale offshore wind projects, as well as subsea engineering and ultra-deepwater capabilities for decommissioning.

“The whole region is exceptionally well-placed to capitalise on the UK and Scottish Governments’ commitments to move to a lower carbon, decentralised and locally based energy system,” he says.

HIE’s plan for the next three years includes energy, the marine economy, food and drink, creative industries, life sciences and tourism, as well as technology, engineering and manufacturing. It includes securing economic and community benefits from the space sector and capitalising on past investment in infrastructure. The agency also has a role in the Fort William 2040 Masterplan to transform the town.

Food and drink is one of the sectors that holds no shortage of growth opportunities

Advocating collaboration and expressing pride in the region’s contribution to Scotland’s economy, Lorne concludes: “We have major untapped potential in our natural environment, infrastructure and skilled people. We will continue to provide leadership and support progress with a place-based approach that benefits all parts of the region.

“I’m not saying this is all easy, and there are some issues, such as housing, connectivity and Brexit, that present serious challenges for us and our partners.

“That’s why strengthened collaboration with Scotland’s other enterprise and skills agencies, along with our local and regional partnerships is so important, and will be central to achieving our vision.”

Malin House at the European Marine Science Park, Argyll, has attracted international firm PatoGen to the region

The economic and social benefits to rural communities are significant.

PROFESSOR LORNE CRERAR, CHAIR OF HIE

ONLINE MARKETPLACE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

A relaunch of Open4Business across all sectors offers contract opportunities for supply chain businesses.

From heritage crafts to multi-million pound surveys, an online marketplace is proving a boon for getting contracts sealed between suppliers and buyers in the Highlands and Islands.

Set up in 2012 by power company SSE, the Open4Business (O4B) web portal generated more than £174m worth of work within the energy sector for a diverse array of businesses and trades.

It was a time of huge investment in the onshore wind sector, with hundreds of millions of pounds of work awarded through first tier contractors like BAM Nuttall, RJ McLeod and Balfour Beatty.

By creating O4B, SSE could ensure small to medium sized enterprises all over the region reaped the rewards. They included heavy engineering businesses as well as niche providers such as a self-taught, dry-stone dyke craftsman from Lochgilphead who secured multiple contracts after joining the portal.

SSE’s Laura Cooper recalls the solo-worker’s success story: “It was a small opportunity in the grand scheme, but grew into much more. The craftsman, by good fortune, had engaged with one of our colleagues at a supplier event. The original contract was modest, but he went on to secure £100,000 of work at four or five other BAM Nuttall sites.”

SSE has now passed ownership of O4B to HIE for an ambitious relaunch. The plan is to broaden, re-energise and enrich the portal’s use across every sector.

GREAT POTENTIAL

The drystone craftsman’s case illustrates exactly why HIE believes that the re-energising of the portal holds great economic potential.

The beauty of O4B lies in the variety of businesses that can benefit.

Civil engineers RJ McLeod became one of the biggest users, building strong bonds of trust with many local suppliers.

Corrie Construction in Fort William was awarded over £3m in contracts from RJ McLeod alone in building and fencing works.

INVESTMENT

There was great variety in the scale of contract awarded, from the cleaning company picking up a few hundred pounds worth of business to the largest single contract awarded – over £6m for an ecological survey for SSE.

In 2018 SSE passed O4B to HIE so it could be extended to include new industries and developers and encourage them to advertise their requirements on the portal.

HIE has now appointed Inverness Chamber of Commerce to promote and manage the portal for the next two years. The two organisations will work together to further develop the platform, to include opportunities in other key sectors.

The increasing energy-related activity across the region – on and offshore - creates new opportunities for local supply chain firms. It also allows top tier contractors to get a strong appreciation of what is available locally.

Elain MacRae, head of energy strategy at HIE, says. “We congratulate SSE for creating a tremendous asset. It has been fantastic in bringing a wealth of opportunity directly to local businesses and, driving up local involvement in projects across the region. But there remains great untapped potential.

“We want to see many more ambitious businesses across the Highlands and Islands enlisted and to encourage more large companies and investors to use it, helping them unearth the wealth of talent and expertise in our area.”

Nolan Miller, SSE’s strategic supplier manager, was involved in O4B from early on. He wholeheartedly embraces the relaunch: “With HIE agreeing to take ownership, we see huge Potential. There is now the scope and vision to broaden the reach into new areas of investment and through the whole of the Highlands and Islands.”

Sandra McCaughey has recently joined Inverness Chamber of Commerce and will bring a wealth of expertise to driving the success of O4B.

Drawing on broad experience from diverse roles in the public and private sectors, Sandra knows what makes businesses tick.

Sandra McCaughey

More than that, she instinctively understands the unique challenges of living and working in the Highlands and Islands.

EXPERIENCE

Brought up in Caithness, Sandra spent over 18 years of working life with HIE.

Leaving HIE in 2010, Sandra continued to diversify her portfolio of experience, working in consultancy, with Caithness Chamber of Commerce and in supporting the Dounreay nuclear plant to diversify.

She also worked with companies like Caithness Renewables, Highland and Islands Airports and several of her own business enterprises.

With O4B now the focus of her energies, Sandra brings to the table knowledge, energy and enthusiasm.

“We’d like to ensure we get as many buyers and suppliers as possible on the portal in the short-term,” Sandra says. “Energy will remain a major focus with considerable opportunities in that sector.

“It’s important to make sure local businesses can access those opportunities. Once we get the portal fully operational and delivering results, then we would look to roll it out across different sectors.

“Inverness Chamber of Commerce is well-placed to deliver. It’s right at the heart of what we do. We have the expertise and connections to be trusted by businesses and we’ll be working hard to make sure people do get access to this great opportunity.

“It is a fantastic way of fulfilling the needs of both buyers and suppliers and developing opportunities for the region’s SME business community.

“Although we’re based in Inverness, this is for the whole of the Highlands and Islands area. We will be proactive right across the entire region.”

For more information visit: o4b-highlandsandislands.com

A world of opportunity awaits… we’re ready to take Open4Business to the next level.

ELAIN MACRAE, HIE’S HEAD OF ENERGY STRATEGY

ATH-LEASACHADH AIR SEANN SGOIL BHRADHAGAIR

Tha planaichean gus goireasan ùra coimhearsnachd a thogail air taobh siar Eilean Leòdhais ceum nas fhaide air adhart.

Tha Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhradhagair is Àrnoil air £100,000 fhaighinn bho HIE airson ath-nuadhachadh seann bhun-sgoil Bhradhagair.

Tha a’ choimhearsnachd air iomadh dùbhlan a choinneachadh, nam measg goireasan ionadail gan dùnadh sna bliadhnaichean mu dheireadh. Thàinig an t-Urras gu bith ann am pàirt mar fhreagairt do na dùnaidhean sin agus gus a’ choimhearsnachd ath-bheothachadh. Nuair a dhùin an sgoil ann an 2012, ghabh a’ choimhearsnachd seilbh air dà bhliadhna an dèidh sin.

Tha a’ choimhearsnachd air a bhith a’ cruinneachadh airgead airson leasachadh mòr a dhèanamh agus thòisich obair leasachaidh o chionn ghoirid. Tha a’ bhuidheann an dùil ionad ioma-ghnìomhach a chruthachadh le fòcas air Gàidhlig is turasachd chultarach a thuilleadh air a bhith a’ tabhann cothroman sòisealta is ionnsachaidh.

Tha diofar rudan a’ dol aig Ionad Ghrinneabhat a h-uile seachdain agus tha an àite cudromach san sgìre airson daoine a thoirt còmhla.

Tha Catriona Chaimbeul, Cathraiche na buidhne gu math toilichte leis an t-airgead a tha iad air cruinneachadh airson an leudachadh. Thuirt i: “Tha sinn an dùil cafaidh a chur air chois agus thèid àite coimhearsnachd a chruthachadh san togalach cuideachd, àite taisbeanaidh airson nithean eachdraidheil is cultarach a shealltainn, obair luchd-ealain ionadail agus òstail le deich leapannan airson luchd-turais a bhith a’ fuireach ann.”

’S e dà bhaile san aon nàbachd a th’ann am Bràdhagair is Arnol le mu 400 neach a’ fuireach annta.

Thuirt Raonaid NicChoinnich, Manaidsear Sgioba roinn Innse Gall aig HIE: “Tha sinn air leth toilichte gun urrainn dhuinn a’ choimhearsnachd cuideachadh. Tha iad gu math làidir a thaobh Gàidhlig agus tha na planaichean adhartach aca airson athbheothachadh agus an sgìre a leasachadh mar àite fuirich is obrach agus a’ toirt cothrom dhan togalach a bhith na sàr ionad ùr coimhearsnachd.”

Lìbhrigidh Ionad Grinneabhat an goireas aig cridhe nam bailtean mu chuairt a bheir daoine còmhla agus tha mi a’ toirt taing dhan fheadhainn a dh’obraich cho cruaidh gus cuideachadh leis an ìre seo a ruighinn.”

Tha a’ pròiseact cuideachd a’ faighinn taic bho bhuidhnean eile mar Regeneration Capital Grant Fund aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba.

FOCUS ON GRINNEABHAT

A community trust in the Outer Hebrides is creating enhanced community facilities at the site of an old school.

Bragar and Arnol Community Trust acquired the former Bragal Primary School after it closed in 2012. Renamed as Grinneabhat, the group plans to create a multi-purpose hub with a focus on Gaelic and cultural tourism as well as offering social and learning opportunities.

HIE has been working with the group to find ways of improving the local economy, create employment opportunities and encourage more young people to stay in the area. The Trust has been awarded £100,000 from HIE to support the project.

The new building will house a café, community space to showcase historical displays and a 10-bed hostel for the growing number of passing visitors.

SMALL BUSINESSES CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE CYBER SECURITY RISKS

A few simple steps can protect your cash flow and reputation against cyber attack. HIE is on hand to help...

While incidents at large companies like Marriott and British Airways may gain headlines, smaller organisations are more likely to suffer cyber attacks. Almost half of UK small businesses were victims of hackers in 2018, suffering data theft and blows to both their reputation and their bottom line.

Hackers look for security weaknesses and vulnerable systems, regardless of the size of the company or industry. Most of their success comes when organisations haven’t taken basic precautions.

You can help protect your business with these cyber security steps:

1. PROTECT PASSWORDS. Passwords should be unique to users and systems – never duplicated or shared, even with colleagues. Make them stronger by combining words, replacing letters with numbers and avoiding easy to guess options like names, favourite teams or significant dates.

2. IMPLEMENT ACCESS CONTROL. Don’t give all employees access to all systems by default. Grant specific access to people who need specific information, and use administrator accounts to dictate who can make changes like deleting and re-setting systems. Update permissions when employees leave and disable any temporary or test accounts.

3. INSTALL UPDATES. Install security patches and system updates when they become available – these often address security weaknesses.

4. SCAN FOR MALWARE. Install a reputable scanning programme on your IT equipment to identify malware and block viruses.

5. MAKE IT A PRIORITY. Manage cyber security as one of your organisational risks. Make sure everybody knows their responsibilities and how and when to seek support or report issues.

HIE offers cyber security help and advice to all businesses in the region. Contact the team at HiDigital@hient.co.uk to discuss the right support for you, including funding towards accreditation through the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme.

47% of small businesses suffered a cyber breach or attack during the last 12 months (source: Companies House)

Free advice and resources are also available from the National Cyber

Security Centre at: ncsc.gov.uk

Download detailed factsheets on everything from apps and passwords to malware and social media at sbrcentre.co.uk/services

We haven’t taken the easy route. We’re distinct in our ethos and want to stay true to it. We’ll grow, but grow slowly with selected partners… we’re not really interested in gaining volume at the expense of price and perceived value.

GORDON QUINN, DISTILLER AND CO-OWNER, BADACHRO DISTILLERY

BADACHRO IN A BOTTLE

Small is beautiful for a family firm expanding into Europe – but at its own pace.

When you have poured generous measures of time, love and energy into creating an extraordinary product, it’s only natural to go to extraordinary lengths to protect it.

In safeguarding the integrity of Badachro Distillery’s smallbatch, botanically-scented gin, Gordon and Vanessa Quinn have done something extraordinarily brave for any small producer.

The husband and wife team have boldly rebuffed the advances of big supermarket and multiple chains in a determined effort to ensure none of the magic, character and provenance is lost.

This is a business that embraces growth, but not growth at any cost.

IMPORTANCE OF PACE

Currently producing 500-600 bottles of award-winning spirit every month, the small family firm, nestled in a beautiful corner of the north-west Highlands, is enjoying expansion into new European export markets.

But they are striving to do so at a manageable pace, on their own terms. As Gordon explains, it is no easy balance to strike.

“We haven’t taken the easy route. We’re distinct in our ethos and want to stay true to it,” he says. “One of the multiples came to us last year and asked if we could supply 3,500 bottles.

We looked at it closely, but realised within the timescale we wouldn’t have enough of our hand-picked botanicals left because they stop growing in October.

“They suggested we go and buy some in from outside and we probably could have, but that’s not what we’re about in terms of authenticity. Sometimes we feel a little naïve sticking to our guns so vehemently, but that’s what we are.

“We’ll grow, but grow slowly with selected partners. We’re really not interested in gaining volume at the expense of price and perceived value. It is about delivering the best product we can and if that means on a lower volume than demand, so be it.”

Gordon and Vanessa Quinn

MY DELILAH

Badachro Gin is truly artisanal in nature. Gordon personally distils every drop in a 50-litre copper still nicknamed ‘Delilah’, using primarily wild local ingredients like bog myrtle, gorse blossom and elderflower, hand-picked from nearby hills, woodlands and shores.

Just over 30 years ago, Gordon, a keen hillwalker, fell in love with the place, travelling up regularly from native Edinburgh. Vanessa first visited on a school trip from native Munich and was similarly smitten, returning whenever she could during university in Edinburgh.

They were fated to meet. Sheltering from the elements at the Badachro Inn, the future couple mingled with the same crowd and eventually met. To the astonishment of friends, they were married within 12 weeks.

Gordon worked for Pepsi Cola in the Middle East, but they returned to Badachro with baby in arms in 2007 to a plot of land they had bought 11 years previous, building a family home and bed and breakfast business.

Guests would bemoan the lack of something distinctly local to take home and, needing a productive pursuit during long, quiet winters, the idea hatched.

“I trained originally in tourism but also did a horticultural apprenticeship – and Gordon came up with the idea of turning that into a drink!” Vanessa recalls. “Gordon did a course with the International Brewers and Distillers’ Institute and then went and worked in a Perthshire distillery for a bit. He came back with ‘Delilah’ our still.

“It was really just for our own guests but then the local pub asked if they could have some and it spread right around the loch and beyond.”

HIE SUPPORT

London became an area of success along with plenty more in Scotland, before the pair sought to capitalise on Vanessa’s German heritage.

Gordon might characterise the couple self-deprecatorily as naïve within the industry, but there is ingenuity in the way they have broken new export markets.

“We were keen to leverage Vanessa’s language and knowledge of the culture and export to Germany,” Gordon explains. “We went on various HIE courses and gained export contacts and an idea of the mechanics involved.

“We tried through traditional methods to find an importer in Germany interested in distributing us, but were banging our heads against the wall. We were told there were enough German gins and non-German gins. It was getting painful, so we decided to approach it from another angle.

FÒCAS AIR BADACHRO GIN

Chaidh Badachro Gin air bhog le Gordon agus Vanessa Quinn air Taobh Siar Rois far am bi iad a’ togail lusaich airson an sine.

Tha ainm aca airson a’ phoit dhubh ‘Delilah’ agus bidh iad a’ cleachdadh còinneach-dhearg, dromain, conasg, ùr-bhlàth agus eile bho choilltean agus cladaichean faisg air Badachro.

INDEPENDENT

“Vanessa went over to Germany and went around various bars, shops and clubs with little samples. We found a shop that specialises in international spirits and they were quite keen. Through the bars in Munich, we got names of distributors and hassled them.

“About a year ago, after much discussion, the shop imported initially only about 10 cases of our gin. We went in the back door, if you like – instead of getting an importer to distribute on our behalf, we created the demand first.

“We’re now in shops and bars in Munich and a few others in Berlin. We’ve looked at France and Austria, but encountered similar difficulties, but we are basically only two people with a couple of part-time employees running a small bed and breakfast business and our own little distillery.

“Our vision and plan is to grow outwith the multiples, sticking to the independent trade. We can’t do what we do on a mass production basis. We’re keen to grow, but not at any cost. We’re keen to keep it premium, artisan, provenancebased – something special with a personal connection for the consumer.

“Our story is the key differentiator because there are obviously so many gins on the market now. Competition is extremely voluminous and differentiating yourself is the hardest thing to do.”

CLOSE-KNIT FIRM SECURE IN EMPLOYEES’ HANDS

How this retiring business owner took steps to safeguard his employees’ jobs – and his company’s future – on Shetland.

Laurence Odie Knitwear is one of the largest producers of real Shetland knitwear, with roots on the island dating back to the early 1900s. When owner Laurence Odie began thinking about retiring in 2015, he wanted to find a way to keep the company on the island – preserving jobs and the business’ long heritage: “When I started the new company I was keen to retain the business in Shetland – and that’s also my aim as I exit,” he explains. And so Laurence started looking into an employee ownership trust, where he hands the future of his company to those who know it best – its employees.

The company, which is based in Hoswick, a village in the south mainland of Shetland employs 14 people, and has been owned by Laurence since 2004. Its knitwear products are in demand around the world, with Japan, Europe and the USA its main markets.

A LONG AND ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY

The textile industry in Shetland dates back to before the 1900s, and still today it is renowned worldwide for its quality produce, using the finest natural wool from native sheep. In 1923, Laurence J Smith founded a small grocer shop in Hoswick, Shetland, with a sideline in knitwear. In the 1930s he expanded this interest and established a small woollen mill. The business grew and the current premises was opened in 1969 by HM the Queen. The business stayed in family ownership until the late 1980s when it was sold outside Shetland.

Laurence Odie started his working life at Norman Tulloch Knitwear in 1969, progressing through the ranks from a handframe knitter to manager. In 1993, this business was bought over by Laurence J Smith Ltd – which then ceased trading altogether in December 2003. Laurence knew he couldn’t let this happen and, by February 2004, he’d bought the assets and started the business Laurence Odie Knitwear.

PROTECTING A LEGACY

Laurence Odie Knitwear is today a strong and stable business with a committed team of employees – many of whom have been with the business since its inception. “I recognise that one of the most important assets of the company is its employees – and, when people come to us, they tend to stay,” says Laurence. “I wanted to see the business continue and I didn’t want it to leave the island, so I gave the employees the opportunity to take it over with an employee ownership trust. The transfer went through in March this year. HIE were very much involved, and they helped finance some of the legal process.

Help and advice came from Co-operative Development Scotland, followed by Carole Leslie, an employee ownership specialist. Still be consulting for a few years, and will be able to retire gradually. It’s early days, but it was definitely the right decision.”

Louise Laurenson has been with Laurence Odie since 2011, and she is now one of the directors. “When Laurence first told us about his idea of an employee ownership trust, most of us had never heard of it. We went to a presentation in the town hall, where we heard from three other employee-owned companies and the stories that came out of it were very interesting. We came away wanting to know more.

“If Laurence had sold the company, things would change – they’d have other ideas. It may not even stay on the island. But doing it this way means a local company stays on Shetland, employing local people.

“This is a continuation of Laurence’s company and we’re here to keep it going. We don’t expect there to be much change, just natural, gradual progression. Laurence has been in the industry all his life and it’s important to him that it carries on – and it’s important to us, too.”

Louise Laurenson

Laurence Odie

COULD AN EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP TRUST WORK FOR YOUR COMPANY?

Interested in learning more about employee ownership trusts? Get in touch with your local HIE office and we’ll be happy to help.

Laurence was supported by Carole Leslie, Employee Ownership Specialist, W: ownershipassociates.co.uk T: 01786 611066

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP TRUST

I recognise that one of the most important assets of the company is its employees – and, when people come to us, they tend to stay.

LAURENCE ODIE, DIRECTOR

• It’s free of capital gains tax for the seller

• Owner can continue to guide the business

• Ensures continuity for employees and customers

• Collaborative transaction avoids adversity

• Evidence shows employee-owned businesses perform well.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES:

CONFERENCE RECAP

Strong communities that ‘pull together’ and make things happen collectively are a feature of life in the Highlands and Islands that draws people to live here. Now the region’s experience in community empowerment is contributing to worldwide debate on how we’ll all live in decades to come.

This year, HIE’s Strengthening Communities Conference Scotland 2019 attracted over 250 delegates and high profile speakers from the UK and abroad. Sarah Skerratt and Matthew Taylor were among them. We caught up with them to hear their thoughts on community development. First, Zoe Laird from HIE explains the concept behind this year’s conference.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE, AND HOW TO DELIVER IT!

Dr Zoe Laird Regional head of communities infrastructure, HIE

Our programme this year had two specific strands that responded directly to what communities told us they wanted.

The first showcased high-capacity communities and topic speakers who shared the benefits and the challenges of their initiatives through their motivating and inspiring stories.

The second strand was about the ‘how to do it’ elements that many community groups and social enterprises struggle with from time to time and where the key to their success can lie. This strand confirmed that there is plenty of support out there to help – often delivered by HIE or its sectoral stakeholders.

Our aim is to encourage commercially and financially sustainable approaches to community-led development. A community organisation might be working towards being independent of grant funding as well as specific project outcomes; we know that either can take several years, sometimes a decade or more to achieve. We’ve been privileged to work with communities on that journey. The overarching theme of our conference this year is ‘learning and growing together’ because we’re continually sharing experiences with one another, and this learning – how to be better contributors to society – doesn’t have an end point.

HOW MUCH SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM COMMUNITIES?

Professor Sarah Skerratt, FRSA Director of Policy Engagement at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)

Community resilience is gaining ground, with a greater focus on rural communities ‘rolling up their sleeves’, doing things for themselves and showing they can meet their needs and plan their futures.

Policy expectations have also increased – with new policies for rural broadband, land reform, and rural health and social care.

Against this backdrop, communities are celebrated in national news when they dig their own trenches, buy up community facilities, or create their own services.

We have to be careful though. Not all rural communities start from the same place with similar resources. We must question whether it’s right for communities to be expected to develop their own infrastructure and services – particularly those who don’t have the people, money, power or connections. So let’s celebrate and be cautious, remembering that social justice must be at the heart of all that we do.

Neville Matin

HOW TO DEVELOP ‘CREATIVE COMMUNITIES WITH A CAUSE’

Matthew Taylor Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

A conference is an opportunity to take stock and ask some of the big questions: How are we doing? What makes places thrive?

Well, psychologists say that people have three core sets of motivations; mastery, connectedness and autonomy. At the social or community level, we can translate this into three ways of getting things done: the hierarchical, based on authority and expertise; the solidaristic, based on values and belonging; and the individualistic based on freedom and personal ambition.

Successful change is likely to be achieved when we align all three drives. This isn’t easy. Public services find it hard to mobilise creativity and innovation, big business finds it hard to speak authentically to values.

CASE STUDY

SHARING INSIGHTS: WHY BUSINESS MATTERS!

A small community on Shetland is grasping commercial business opportunities for community gain. At this year’s Strengthening Communities Conference Scotland, Hoswick Visitor Centre was showcased to offer delegates some key insights into why business matters to communities too.

Hoswick Visitor Centre is housed in a former knitwear factory in the south of Shetland. The centre’s transformation began in 2001 when the building was bought by Sandwick Social Economic Development (SSED) company. Since then its ambitious owners have managed to extend and refit it to provide a popular café, craft outlet and a base for local groups like the Brownies and the history club.

SSED member Neville Martin explains: “We have two big opportunities. We’re close to the ferry pier serving the island of Mousa that has an outstanding Iron Age broch, and we’re ideally positioned to benefit from the rapidly increasing cruise liner business that is coming to the Shetland Islands.

The best social enterprises combine leadership, values and entrepreneurialism in a powerful mix described by author Charles Leadbeater as ‘creative communities with a cause’. So the question here is how can social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands individually exemplify this ideal? How, in a place with such a strong sense of connection, can they work together, and with their partners, so that the whole region feels this way?

“HIE’s workshops have helped us to gear our focus towards the areas where we have a particular advantage. This year we’re fully equipped to give a good experience to tour bus passengers from the cruise liners and that business, in turn, will fuel more investment for our community facilities.”

Running the facility as a commercial business and a popular community centre has proven that a social enterprise such as Hoswick Visitor Centre can reap the benefits of both worlds.

Left to right: Chris Martin, Social Enterprise Scotland; Darah Zahran, Scottish Enterprise; Aileen Campbell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government; Rob Dickson, South of Scotland Economic Partnership and Douglas Cowan, HIE, at the Strengthening Communities Conference Scotland 2019.

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

A boost for expanding life sciences and technology companies as co-working space NEXUS takes a new location on Inverness Campus.

NEXUS, the business hub for small life sciences and technology companies, has moved into the new HIE-owned Solasta House on Inverness Campus. Originally based in the Campus’ Aurora House, NEXUS offers flexible working space including office, lab and desk areas, alongside shared facilities.

Currently, NEXUS is home to eight ambitious companies – Aseptium, CorporateHealth International, 4c Engineering, AgileCadence, Capella IP, Organlike, Interactive Health and Orbital Diagnostics.

With an ethos of collaborative working, there are excellent opportunities for companies to be part of both the NEXUS community and the wider Campus network, including NHS Highland and the University of the Highlands and Islands. HIE runs a programme of networking and information events throughout the year to help facilitate this collaborative environment.

The NEXUS project is part of the Northern Innovation Hub, led by HIE with funding from the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal and the European Regional Development Fund Scotland Programme 2014-2020.

AGILECADENCE

Technology company AgileCadence is a leading provider of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and AX, and is expanding into the IoT and AI.

The company quickly outgrew its first Inverness-based office, and has recently moved into a large suite in NEXUS.

Miles Cameron, chief technology officer, explains: “We are headquartered in Perth, but we’re locating our Technology and Innovation Hub in NEXUS which will allow our services in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to evolve. We’re receiving a lot of interest with a constant stream of people stopping by the office. There’s such a positive vibe in the building – we’re all very connected. It’s a great community with so many opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

“A big focus of ours is to provide opportunities to help graduates and skilled people to establish a career in the technology industry, so we’re excited about the link with the university. The location is perfect – being so close to the airport means it’s really easy for national and international clients to get here. Not only that, but the views are stunning – everyone’s very impressed when they visit.”

agilecadence.com

Miles Cameron

Alan White

Left to right: Jonathan Fairfoull, Ilja Magdenko, Alessio Renna, Reece Moyes and Dr Pierre Bonnin.

INTERACTIVE HEALTH

Interactive Health develops health and wellbeing platforms alongside academia, institutes and healthcare practitioners.

Digital health company Interactive Health has recently taken up one of the desk spaces in NEXUS.

Alan White, solutions architect, says: “We’ve only been in NEXUS a matter of weeks, but it gives us great potential for collaboration. We’re currently speaking to OrganLike about working together, and we’ve been bouncing ideas around with Aseptium. In fact, we’re sharing a resource with Aseptium, Klementyna de Sternberg Stojalowska, who’s responsible for our corporate communications.

“We work closely with NHS Highland, and being based in NEXUS gives us ready access to their RD&I [research, development and innovation] team. We’ve very recently been awarded a SMART Scotland grant of £100,000 for our next project, which will involve working with the Directorate of Public Health in NHS Highland, so the location couldn’t be better.

“We just have the one desk for now. I generally use it two or three days a week, and other members of staff use it on different days but at NEXUS we have the flexibility to expand if needed.”

ihmobilehealth.com

ASEPTIUM

Aseptium provides innovative decontamination solutions that reduce infections carried by dirty surgical instruments.

Dr Pierre Bonnin joined Aseptium through the ScotGrad programme, which helped bridge the gap between Pierre’s former world of academia and the world of work. Pierre has welcomed the opportunity to work closely with other graduates both within Aseptium and other companies based in NEXUS.

Design Engineer Jonathan Fairfoull joined Aseptium at the same time as Pierre, and there are plenty of other young graduates in the building, including Alessio Renna from 4c Engineering, together with Reece Moyes and Ilja Magdenko from CorporateHealth International.

“Being part of Nexus is a great way to meet other graduates,” explains Pierre. “Although we don’t tend to have common projects, there are lots of informal and organised events – ranging from lunches to barbecues and even go-karting.

“Everyone in NEXUS is very keen to share knowledge and facilities. For example, when something is new for Aseptium it’s very easy for us to speak to others and ask their opinions and advice – and we do the same for them. It’s just a very nice place to be – we’re all on the same page.”

aseptium.com

To discover more about NEXUS and how it might work for you, please get in touch with Claire Munro, HIE development manager, on 01463 383968 / claire.munro@hient.co.uk

WHY I LOVE RUNNING MY BUSINESS IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS…

MARGO PAGE

Managing director, Great Scot (Scotland) Ltd

Born in Lanarkshire, Margo worked in the heart of Manhattan’s fashion industry for almost 20 years. On returning to Scotland, she found Elgin offered everything she needed to build a global luxury fashion label. Great Scot is a rapidly growing business selling vintage inspired classic clothing, primarily made from tweeds. The company’s customers are based all over the world, with an online following of over 80,000

Why is Great Scot based in Elgin?

Although we lived in New York and my husband is from Texas, we wanted our daughter to go to school in Scotland. I started Great Scot from home in Speyside and needed to expand. I realised Elgin had everything I needed to run our digital business, with great digital infrastructure and easy access to major carriers and hubs in Inverness and Aberdeen.

What do you like best about running your business in Elgin?

Elgin’s distribution links mean we can take an order at 3pm and have it on a New York doorstep the next morning. We use fast, free global shipping as a USP against major retailers and it works – 98% of our reviews are five star and two-thirds of those praise our fast delivery.

There’s also a great talent pool, and we’re growing an enthusiastic team who can put their specialist skills and education to use.

What challenges does your location present, and how have you overcome them?

Our biggest challenge is the lack of large commercial buildings. We’re based in a lovely historic building but it can be difficult to navigate big orders and full clothes rails over 100 spiral steps! We’re creative in arranging offsite warehousing, but long-term we need a big, flat, open space, and HIE is helping us find it.

How has HIE supported your business to thrive in Elgin?

I’ve been building fashion brands a long time, and I love that HIE is there with what I need, when I need it, but let me just get on with things in the meantime. They take time to understand our business and our markets. As well as helping us look for new space, they’ve helped us mitigate the cost of R&D in the Far East, and they’ve been a great source of support on intellectual property.

What’s unique or ideal about Elgin as a business location?

In many ways Elgin couldn’t be more different from my old life in Manhattan – but I do still have a Starbucks next door! There’s no unpleasant commute to slog through here, and I love combining the connectivity my business needs with the fresh air, beaches, bens and rivers that add so much to my quality of life.

Talk us through your ideal work day…

I take my dog for an early run by the Spey and get to the office around eight. I start every day by bringing everyone together and brainstorming ways to move the business forward. I love the sense of camaraderie when the whole team is here, working away on different things. Whether we’re designing new styles or drafting contracts, it feels like a real team effort.

Sometimes we’ll have visitors, for example from a mill we might be designing an exclusive tweed with, and I love welcoming customers to the showroom. It’s not something we advertise, but when people are visiting Scotland and drive for hours just to see us, the least we can do is pour some champagne and give them a tour!

Our other big challenge is the perception that we’re isolated. Lots of suppliers automatically add outrageous charges to Highland deliveries, despite the great logistical links we have here in Elgin. It makes me even more determined not to do the same on our outgoing orders! We vet our suppliers and build close relationships to avoid excess charges.

Margo Page (right) with members of her team

I realised Elgin had everything I needed to run our digital business, with great digital infrastructure and easy access to major carriers and hubs in Inverness and Aberdeen.

MARGO PAGE, MANAGING DIRECTOR

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This article is from:

HIE Focus Magazine issue 4