HIE-lights: February/March 2014

2014 LEGACY

LIFE SCIENCE CENTRE OPEN

SUPERFAST BROADBAND

Page 02

Page 10

Page 11

lights Driving sustainable economic growth across the Highlands and Islands

February/March 2014

Issue No. 11

(L-R) Galen Fulford, Biomatrix Water; John Mackenzie, HIE; David Oxley, HIE, and John Swinney MSP launch Innovate your Business - Page 02

WELCOME / FÀILTE Welcome to HIElights, a regular update on the activities of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

HIE is a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government, with a unique remit which integrates economic and community development. Active across half of Scotland, from Shetland to Argyll and from the Hebrides to Moray, HIE pursues four priorities to achieve sustainable growth: • Supporting businesses and social enterprises to shape and realise their growth aspirations • Strengthening communities and fragile areas • Developing growth sectors, particularly distinctive regional opportunities • Creating the conditions for a competitive and low carbon region HIE has an annual budget of more than £75m and employs around 250 people based in locations around the Highlands and Islands.

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

IN THIS ISSUE Harris Tweed training Loch Eil broadband Vatersay slipway Satellite technology Big Green Challenge Life Science awards

Stay up to date with HIE’s work across the Highlands and Islands at www.hie.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

OUR PRIORITIES

Page 02

Supporting businesses and social enterprises to shape and realise their growth aspirations A’ toirt taic do ghnìomhachasan is iomairtean sòisealta gus na h-amasan aca a dhealbhachadh agus a’ ruigsinn

INNOVATE YOUR BUSINESS HIE is encouraging businesses across the region to grow through new innovation – providing support to deliver new ideas to improve their performance or develop new products and services.

Sustainable Growth John Swinney in Moray.

The pilot programme will provide support in four parts; an innovation enquiry service; innovation clinics; specialist support and a small innovation grant scheme.

The Innovate Your Business programme has been launched with the support of Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and

HIE development manager, John MacKenzie, commented: “We want to work with businesses across the Highlands and Islands to provide

the right support to those with new ideas for their businesses. Whether that is a small change to improve efficiency or research into a new product or service we can offer an assessment, guidance on a strategy and financial support.”

Fireworks explode over Inverness Castle celebrating Hogmanay 2014

HIE WELCOMES THE WORLD IN 2014 There has been much talk and excitement in advance of 2014, and now that this unique year of major events has arrived, we are going to be featuring regular 2014 events updates in HIElights.

This year will see Scotland welcome the world as it hosts the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, alongside a year-long programme of Homecoming events - many of which are set to take place in the Highlands and Islands. A full list of events is available on the Homecoming website - www.visitscotland. com/homecoming HIE now has a team in place to lead and co-ordinate 2014 events activity, in particular to ensure that our region is appropriately represented at these major events and that we

capitalise on the opportunities to promote our region to a truly global audience.

On the run up to 2014, HIE has been involved in running procurement events and webinars aimed at businesses that could benefit from contracts or other business opportunities associated with the new and international audiences that this year will attract to Scotland.

We will continue to provide up to date information through our website and directly with our clients about available opportunities – including sectoral events across Scotland being organised by the Scottish Cities Alliance, business events at ‘Scotland House’ during the Games in Glasgow, and a range of investor and client events which HIE will host at the Ryder Cup.

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY

HIE WANTS TO SUPPORT OUR BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES TO GET THE BEST OUT OF THIS SPECIAL YEAR. TO GET YOU STARTED WE HAVE SOME HINTS AND TIPS OF WAYS TO GET INVOLVED NOW SPREAD THROUGH THIS EDITION OF HIELIGHTS.

www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

Page 03

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY VISITSCOTLAND HAS CREATED A MARKETING TOOLKIT TO HELP BUSINESSES AND PARTNERS MAKE THE MOST OF THIS UNIQUE YEAR OF EVENTS. See www.visitscotland.org/ homecoming2014

HARRIS TWEED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

NEW CAITHNESS DISTILLERY JUST THE TONIC Work has started on the creation of the most northerly distillery on mainland Britain at Dunnet in Caithness.

Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd is building a new micro distillery, and plans to use local ingredients to flavour its hand distilled gin.

Husband and wife Martin and Claire Murray, who live in the village, established the company and aim to have the first gin samples ready by summer 2014.

Martin and Claire Murray

HIE is assisting the project with £83,990 in funding. The agency has also provided advice from our Intellectual Assets and Innovation Adviser, to help the business protect its future products.

Martin commented: “We are absolutely delighted at reaching another significant milestone for our project. We couldn’t have achieved this without the support from HIE, who have been fantastic right from the first time we approached them.”

REGION’S BUSINESSES WIN INVESTMENT IN SCOTTISH EDGE Six budding businesses in the Highlands and the Islands secured £204,000 in investment from the Scottish EDGE in December.

Businesses winning awards of between £19,000 and £50,000 include H&I Adventures from Inverness, Isle of Barra Oysters, CCS Estates from Tain, Dhu from Nairn, CARBONlite Design and Build from Evanton and Angelic Gluten Free.

The Scottish Government works closely

with HIE, Scottish Enterprise, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Prince’s Youth Business Trust, Business Gateway and Entrepreneurial Spark to deliver the project. The initiative has an overall budget of £2 million to support ambitious entrepreneurs and young start up companies.

The next round of the competition is now open and details can be found on HIE’s website www.hie.co.uk/scottishEDGE

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

A new training programme has been developed to ensure that traditional skills are maintained within the Harris Tweed industry as demand for the product continues to grow.

The training opportunities, focused on the sustainable growth of the industry, are funded

by HIE, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, European Social Fund and the Harris Tweed Industry.

Existing or recently trained weavers can take a course in loom maintenance. It will be delivered over a period of six weeks with flexible training options available.

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME FOR OUTER HEBRIDES BUSINESSES A high level training programme for ambitious directors and business owners got underway in the Outer Hebrides for the first time in January.

The programme is part of a HIE funded Leadership for Growth initiative which aims to help businesses and social enterprises become more productive and focused on growth and innovation. Supported by HIE and run by the Institute of Directors (IoD), it also receives funding from the European Social Fund (ESF).

Twenty five directors and senior managers from local organisations participated in the sessions which were designed to encourage businesses to discuss common issues with other likeminded leaders. www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

Page 04

HIE INVESTMENT HELPS PLUG ECONOMIC GAP IN ROTHESAY HIE has agreed an investment of £234,500 to help lay the foundations for a viable future at a long-term derelict gap site in Rothesay.

The grant is being made through the agency as part of the ‘Support for Land Remediation Scheme’ which helps bring derelict sites back into use. The site has been considered an eyesore by locals and visitors since a tenement block was demolished in Guildford Square 25 years ago.

HIE Area Manager Douglas Cowan said: “We are delighted to have been able to agree this funding which makes a redevelopment viable.

The site has been vacant for many years and due to its central location creates a negative impression for visitors. Hopefully our funding will enable work to proceed.”

BUSINESSES URGED TO TARGET CHINA Highlands and Islands businesses interested in exporting to China have an opportunity to access specialist information and advice at a free event in Inverness in March.

Organised by HIE in partnership with Scottish Development International (SDI) and the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), the event comes a matter of weeks after China celebrates its New Year, the beginning of Year of the Horse, on January 31.

The ‘Doing Business in China’ event, held at Eden Court, Inverness on 5 March, will highlight the opportunities and considerations for businesses in this fast growing market.

It will also provide information on routes to market, an understanding of Chinese culture and advice on how to protect your intellectual property.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to access free export advice and one to one sessions with experts from SDI, the CBBC and European patent and trade mark attorneys Murgitroyd & Co, organised through the Smart Exporter programme.

PORTS AND HARBOUR DEVELOPMENTS IN SHETLAND HIE is currently working in partnership with Shetland Islands Council to develop master plans for both the Scalloway and Sullom Voe Harbour areas.

The work aims to ensure that the future infrastructure at Scalloway and Sullom Voe

Sullom Voe

ports are able to meet changing industry needs and anticipate future developments.

Consultants Ironside Farrar have been appointed to undertake the work and the master plans will be completed during 2014.

HIGHLAND BUSINESS LEADERS AT MIT Four Highlands and Islands entrepreneurs have returned from a visit to Boston, sponsored

by HIE, to take part of one of the world’s most prestigious executive education courses.

Ben Wilson from Inverlussa Shellfish Ltd, Isle of Mull, Ben Murray from Keltic Seafare in Dingwall, Barnaby Mercer from the Kildrummy Corporation in Shetland and Giles Huby from Copernicus Technology Ltd in Moray represented the region in a delegation of 15 Scottish companies on the Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

During the week long entrepreneurship development course the participants focused on product innovation, market identification,

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

strategic approach, entrepreneurial marketing, financing, the importance of building an entrepreneurial team and selling and pitching skills. They also expanded their international networks by interacting with around 120 other entrepreneurs from over 20 countries who were also participating on the programme.

The Scottish companies also benefited from a wider programme of events and meetings in Boston set up by the MIT Industrial Liaison Program and SDI, where they made connections to potential new markets, customers, partners, Globalscots and support organisations to help them do business in the US.

www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

Page 05

OUR PRIORITIES Strengthening communities and fragile areas A’ neartachadh choimhearsnachdan agus sgìrean dùbhlanach

HIE SUPPORTS PAIRC COMMUNITY LAND PURCHASE Islanders on Lewis had reason to celebrate at the end of the year when the final funding was secured to allow the community to buy the Pairc Estate where they live.

Having reached an amicable agreement with the landowner, it was announced that the Pairc Trust was to receive £230,000 from the Scottish Land Fund towards the £500,000

purchase price. HIE also announced £76,500 funding, adding to the support already confirmed from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

The purchase marks the end of a ten year campaign by the community, and the final settlement is likely to take place early in 2014.

The community has already developed a business plan for future use of their asset.

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY ARE YOU HOLDING AN EVENT IN SCOTLAND THIS YEAR? ADD IT TO THE HOMECOMING PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE IT TO A TRULY GLOBAL AUDIENCE www.visitscotland.com/ homecoming

FASTER BROADBAND FOR LOCH EIL COMMUNITY Over 300 homes and businesses around the shores of Loch Eil near Fort William are celebrating the rollout of an innovative and ambitious broadband project developed by the local community.

Locheilnet, a not-for-profit community interest company, will provide fast, affordable and reliable wireless broadband being delivered thanks to partnership working between the community, private business and with the help of the public sector.

Through substantial initial funding from local groups Locheilnet successfully built much of the network’s core infrastructure last summer.

With an additional £91,000 awarded by Community Broadband Scotland (CBS), which is delivered by HIE across Scotland, and the continuing invaluable support from local businesses the project can be finished, made resilient and become sustainable.

Locheilnet’s wireless based network works by linking into a leased line hosted by Marine Harvest offices in Lochyside from which it is

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

transmitted to the households via various masts and relay points.

Mark Tate, Director of Community Broadband Scotland, commented: “We are delighted to have helped such an ambitious group to provide a fantastic internet service which will transform the way people, live work and learn around the remote shores of Loch Eil. Our funding will go into ensuring the network is more resilient and reliable through the provision of more robust masts.” www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

Page 06

A’ CHIAD PRÒGRAM CEANNARDAS TRO MHEADHAN NA GÀIDHLIG

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY 2014 IS A CHANCE FOR SCOTLAND TO SHOWCASE EVERYTHING WE DO BEST. KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THE HIE WEBSITE’S 2014 SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS UNIQUE YEAR.

Chaidh prògram a bhios a’ toirt taic dha iomairtean sòisealta, a’ libhrigeadh tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig airson a’ chiad uair.

Chur na h-ochdnar de Ghàidheal crìoch air an teisteanas aca airson ceannardas, ann an Uibhist a Deas, anns an Dùbhlachd. Bha dà latha eile ann an Uig, anns An t-Eilean Sgitheanach sam Faoilleach.

Tha an cùrsa ga ruith le Acadamaidh Iomairt Sòisealta agus thathar mar phàirt den Duais airson Ceannardas. Tha HIE a’ cur taic airgid de £150,000 dhan phròiseact a tha cuideachd a’ faighinn taic bhon Roinn Eòrpa.

Joanna Peteranna

LEADERSHIP LEARNING IN GAELIC IS A WORLD FIRST

VATERSAY SLIPWAY RESTORATION BENEFITS ECONOMY

A project which supports the growth of social enterprise and entrepreneurship through learning programmes has delivered a course entirely through Gaelic for the first time.

HIE is assisting an Outer Hebrides community with a shoreline project designed to develop and diversify the local economy.

A six day leadership programme brought together eight learners from different backgrounds at the Cothrom Centre in South Uist, in December. Additional sessions were run in Skye in January.

Vatersay Community Association is currently restoring access to a slipway by building a sea wall and reinstating a road which was lost due to erosion.

The agency has provided a grant of £16,000 towards the project which is also being funded

by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Crown Estates, EFF Axis 4 and Awards for All.

The old slipway is being renovated and once completed it will allow for future work on a landing and berthing place for up to seven fishing vessels based around the island.

Joanna Peteranna, HIE’s Senior Development Manager, based in Uist, said: “Fishing provides employment opportunities to young people and this project encourages them to remain in the fragile area. In addition, the infrastructure will be in place to allow access to the sea which we hope will encourage the development of leisure and tourism business.”

The Gaelic Medium Leadership course was organised as part of the Award in Leadership programme which is delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy. HIE is providing funding of £150,000 towards the project which is also supported by the European Social Fund and the Scottish Government.

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY HAVE YOU OR YOUR STAFF BEEN SELECTED TO VOLUNTEER AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES? PERHAPS ONE OF YOUR TEAM HAS BEEN NOMINATED AS A BATON BEARER. IF SO, HIE WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU.

CONTACT THE HIE 2014 EVENTS TEAM ON 01463 234 171 Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

GRADUATE SUCCESS ON COLL FOR PROJECT TRUST A Coll based education charity, Project Trust, has praised the benefits of a HIE-led project which places graduates with businesses and social enterprises across the region.

Through the ScotGrad programme, multimedia journalism graduate David Lyon has been working with Project Trust for the past year on a communications system and strategy.

Project Trust provides school leavers with volunteering opportunities of 8-12 months in Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Kerrien Grant, HIE’s account manager, said: “Project Trust has benefited a great deal from the graduate placement and David’s work leaves their communication strategy in a strong position. The social enterprise has

indicated they achieved more than they had hoped in his year with them, completing a comprehensive communications strategy and adding communications skills to the training of the young people who attend the assessment weeks on Coll.”

David commented: “I’ve had the opportunity to take on significant responsibilities and to work closely with senior staff and directors during my time at Project Trust, something that few graduate roles offer. Project Trust is an exciting and interesting organisation and it’s been a pleasure being part of such an enthusiastic team.”

Page 07

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY

SIGN UP FOR SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES @VISITSCOTLAND @EVENTSCOTNEWS @GLASGOW2014 @2014RYDERCUP @HIESCOTLAND

BUSINESSES TO BENEFIT FROM GAELIC INNOVATION AND MARKETING Businesses across the Highlands and Islands are to benefit from significant financial assistance being delivered in a partnership between HIE and Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG).

Three schemes, launched in January will see more than £145,000 being awarded to business or organisations who submit successful applications.

The schemes focus on: “marketing and new markets using Gaelic as an asset”; “business innovation using Gaelic as an asset”; and a Gaelic student summer placement scheme.

CnaG in the delivery of these schemes, and very much look forward to seeing the individual projects which come forward. HIE is confident, and the soon to be published research will evidence this, that Gaelic is a real and substantial asset that communities throughout Scotland can benefit from.

“As these projects bring new jobs, and strengthen existing businesses or organisations, then that in turn supports our communities to be more resilient, and confident that they are taking advantage of a valuable linguistic asset which adds economic and social value.”

Neil Ross, HIE’s Head of Community Growth said: “We are delighted to be working with

GNÌOMHACHASAN GU BHITH BUANNACHD TRO ÙR-GHNÀTHACHAS IS MARGAIDEACHD SA GHÀIDHLIG Tha gnothachasan air feadh na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean dol a bhuannachd bho taic airgid ùr a tha ga lìbhrigeadh ann an compàirteachas eadar Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd ’s nan Eilean agus Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG).

Tha trì sgeamaichean gan cuir air bhog san Fhaoileach anns am bheil luach de £145,000 uile gu lèir dha companaidhean neo buidhnean a nì tagradh soirbheachail.

Tha na sgeamaichean ag amas air: “A’ cleachdadh na Gàidhlig airson margaidheachd

is margaidhean ùra”; “Ùr-gnathachas gnothachais, le Gàidhlig mar so-mhaoin”; agus sgeama greis gnìomhachas samhraidh airson oileanaich.

thèid fianais an rannsachadh ùr fhoillseachadh, gum bheil Gàidhlig na so-mhaoin chudromach air am faodadh coimhearsnachdan air feadh Alba a thogail.

Thuirt Niall Ros, Ceannard Fàs Coimhearsnachdan aig Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd: “Tha sinn toilichte dha rìreabh a bhith ag obair còmhla ri CnaG ann a bhith a’ lìbhrigeadh na sgeamaichean seo, agus tha fiughair oirnn faicinn na pròiseactan fa-leth a thig thugainn. Tha misneachd aig HIE, agus thèid seo dhearbhadh a dh’aithghearr nuair a

“Nuair a thig obraichean ùra às na pròiseactan seo, neo nuair a thèid gnothachasan is bhuidhnean an neartachadh, tha sin a’ cumail taic ri na coimhearsnachdan againn a bhith nas treasa is nas misneachail gum bheil iad a’ gabhail brath air so-mhaoin chànain anns am bheil luach eaconamach is sòisealta.”

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

OUR PRIORITIES

Page 08

Developing growth sectors, particularly distinctive regional opportunities A’ leasachadh roinnean fàis, gu h-àraidh cothroman sònraichte na sgìre

HIE SEARCHES FOR TOURISM AMBASSADORS ACROSS REGION HIE has been looking for 15 experienced tourism businesses to become ambassadors for the region.

Applications have been sought from businesses who can inspire others in the sector, aiming for closer working to make the most of local opportunities.

L to R Professor Phil Wilson, Alex Paterson, Stuart Martin and Peter Morton

SKY IS NO LIMIT FOR THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS The Highlands and Islands’ pioneering role in research into rural digital health is reaching new heights as the region joins forces with space and satellite technology experts.

Close links between HIE and UK independent company Satellite Applications Catapult is set to bring new expertise which could help innovative businesses unlock new opportunities and create growth.

The project builds on HIE’s work to position the region as a prime location for commercialising research and innovation. A variety of sectors

including energy and engineering could benefit from the partnership, but it is expected there will be early focus on digital healthcare, resolving problems associated with delivering high standards of medical services to remote communities.

Alex Paterson, HIE’s Chief Executive, said: “By bringing together businesses, academics and industry experts we can develop products and services which will change the way we live and work, particularly benefiting remote and rural locations.”

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY MILLIONS OF POUNDS WORTH OF CONTRACTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESSES TO PROVIDE GOODS AND SERVICES FOR THE MAJOR EVENTS OF 2014: FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES, VISIT GLASGOW BUSINESS PORTAL AT www.glasgowbusinessportal.co.uk FOR RYDER CUP AND COMMONWEALTH GAMES LOG ON TO PUBLIC CONTRACTS SCOTLAND AT www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

The project is being run by Tourism Intelligence Scotland (TIS) – which is a partnership project involving HIE, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Tourism Alliance, and VisitScotland.

Since 2009 TIS has helped around 7000 businesses access market intelligence through its website, guides, newsletters, workshops and webinars.

The ambassadors will draw on their own experience, share best practice, and raise awareness of existing resources in TIS.

SCOTLAND FOOD AND DRINK OSCARS LAUNCHED The Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards 2014 have been launched in what promises to be the food-lovers’ event of the year.

Known as the Scottish food and drink industry’s ‘Oscars’, the ceremony will be bigger than ever before with more than 500 guests attending the event on 22 May. Last year, six Highlands and Islands food and drink businesses were shortlisted and three went on to win an award. HIE is urging businesses of all sizes from across the region to enter the prestigious awards. www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

Page 09

BIG GREEN CHALLENGE SET TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION HIE’s schools debating competition is set to kick off again. Schools across the region will put forward teams and the pupils will debate issues in the renewable sector, as well as demonstrating their knowledge of topical science issues.

The competition is open to pupils from S1 to S3 and also has industry backing.

Ken Grant

HIE EXPANDS ITS WORK IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR

Rona Campbell, Senior Development Manager at HIE, said: “We’re grateful for the continuing sponsorship from SSE Renewables and Mitsubishi. The competition is a great opportunity for youngsters to hone their debating skills and delve into the fascinating area of renewable energy.

“We need to inspire the next generation to think about future careers across the energy industry. HIE, in partnership with UHI, also delivers the STEMNET Programmes, one of which is the STEM Ambassador Programme.

This encourages pupils to consider studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These subjects can lead to fascinating careers in the renewables sector and businesses are hungry for well qualified people to follow careers in this expanding industry. ‘ The Big Green Challenge culminates with a grand final in June.

HIE’s former Orkney area manager Ken Grant has been appointed to head up the agency’s work in the oil and gas sector.

Ken has over 30 years experience in economic development and he will drive forward the work of the Oil and Gas Task Force with industry body, Energy North.

He commented: “HIE currently works with around 70 businesses that have significant activity in the oil and gas sector. In 2012-13, we invested almost £6million pounds in those companies to support their business growth plans.

“The activity in the oil and gas sector is on a par with the pioneering exploration days of the 1970s and 1980s. Far from winding down, the North Sea and the West of Shetland fields are being developed with renewed vigour. The work is becoming increasingly more complex but this is a sector which provides jobs and a future for remote and rural parts of our region.”

In the coming year, HIE will offer a variety of ways to keep companies up to speed with opportunities in the sector. There will be Access to Oil and Gas workshops, meet the buyer events and expert support to hone the sales pitch from businesses.

REGION’S BUSINESSES AT SCOTTISH LIFE SCIENCES AWARDS Over 30 Highlands and Islands’ representatives from the life sciences sector attended the annual Scottish Enterprise Life Sciences Awards in Edinburgh on 6 February.

The event celebrates the continuing global achievements within the sector, with more than 700 people from the life sciences community both in the UK and abroad attending in Edinburgh.

OpenBrolly from Forres won the ‘Commercial Collaboration’ category for a partner project with NHS Highland. Also nominated in the

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

same category were two further collaborations - Marine Harvest, Scottish Sea Farms and the University of Stirling for a project they are working on at Machrihanish in Argyll and a partnership between Argyll-based Landcatch Natural Selection Ltd and the Roslin Institute.

Forres-based AccuNostics was also nominated for the ‘Life Science Business Leadership’ award. As well as recognising success and achievements, the awards focused on the ongoing work of HIE and Scottish Enterprise to grow and develop a sustainable, globally competitive life sciences sector in Scotland. www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

OUR PRIORITIES

Page 10

Creating the conditions for a competitive and low carbon region A’ cruthachadh àrainneachd airson sgìre le comas farpais is nas lugha de charbon

CENTRE FOR SCIENCE COMES TO LIFE IN ELGIN Elgin’s £6.5 million life sciences centre based at Moray College UHI has opened to students and businesses and hosted its first digital health lecture in January.

The Alexander Graham Bell Centre has been designed to provide a unique range of facilities

for organisations involved in the digital health field, including researchers, students and health practitioners. Initially research and development already underway amongst NHS clinicians in Moray will be a key focus in the building. Further research opportunities and commercialisation will grow over time to allow

businesses and researchers to work together.

The facility was delivered and funded by a partnership of HIE, Moray College UHI, NHS Grampian and the European Regional Development Fund. An official opening is being planned for June.

MORAY FIRM WINS NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

(L to R) Galen Fulford, Eleanor Adams and Michael Shaw

An innovative Moray business has won a leading environmental award for their sustainable practices.

wastewater. The business designs ecological treatment systems that can effectively tackle pollution in waterways.

The 2013 Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland Awards (VIBES) recognises businesses employing environmental best practice.

Mandy Holmes of HIE, which jointly sponsors the awards, said: “Biomatrix Water was formed in 2008 and HIE is delighted that they have won this award. We are working closely with the company to support their research and development as well as future growth ambitions. The focus is on energy and low carbon technology which is a key priority for HIE and Biomatrix Water.”

Biomatrix Water won the Best Micro Business category for making the most significant contribution through technology, innovation and process to improve the treatment of

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

Page 11

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY THE QUEENS BATON RELAY WILL BE COMING TO TOWN NEAR YOU! LISTEN OUT FOR LOCAL INFORMATION ON THE PLANNED ROUTES AND ASSOCIATED EVENTS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.

Alex Paterson, HIE’s Chief Executive with secondary school pupils from Buckie.

FIRST SUPERFAST BROADBAND CONNECTION FOR RURAL SCOTLAND PROJECT A historic north-east fishing community is the first location in Scotland to become superfast broadband enabled as part of a £410m publicly-funded project.

On Tuesday 18 February it was announced that the first cabinet bringing next generation broadband services to rural Scotland is now live in the Moray town of Buckie.

The announcement signals the start of the most challenging next generation broadband project to be undertaken anywhere in the UK. The new fibre backbone will extend to remote communities across Scotland and will provide a platform for future economic development and regeneration across the region.

Around 400 premises in Buckie can now order fibre services and this figure will increase to more than 5,300 as BT engineers complete the local upgrade in the weeks ahead.

Additional locations across Scotland will follow, with broadband infrastructure installed and upgraded across the country.

In the Highlands and Islands this will include other parts of Moray and around Inverness which are due to go live by April.

Alex Paterson, HIE’s Chief Executive, commented: “The introduction of high-speed broadband in Buckie marks the start of a rollout

process which will ensure the Highlands and Islands fulfils its ambition to be a digital region.

“Creating the fibre network which lies at the heart of this project is a massive engineering feat, and the effects for business and communities will be transformational. As well as the social implications in homes across the region, the project has the potential to impact on everything from how we innovate our businesses, and how we deliver our health services to how we open up new markets and attract investors.

Robert Thorburn, BT; Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead; HIE’s Stuart Robertson

MORAY AND ARGYLL SET FOR SUMMER SUPERFAST SERVICES Homes and businesses in Argyll and Moray will be able to receive superfast fibre broadband by this summer, as part of the publicly funded rollout being delivered across the Highlands and Islands.

“Without public investment a fibre network on this scale simply would not have happened commercially and we are committed to ensuring as many people as possible benefit across the region.”

Oban, Taynuilt and Ledaig in Argyll have joined locations in Cullen, Findhorn, Fochabers, and Forres in Moray in a second round of announcements of places in the region where fibre services will be available.

In delivering the Highlands and Islands project BT will rollout more than 800km of new fibre on land, and another 400km of subsea cables connecting the island communities.

With services to go live by July, the areas announced join the initial eight revealed in October, which are set to go live by April.

HIE is also leading the nationwide delivery of the £5m Community Broadband Scotland (CBS) initiative, which forms part of the Scottish Governments national digital strategy.

CBS is a £5 million initiative targeted at those communities that are least likely to benefit from a next generation broadband solution under the Step Change Programme.

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

Hailed as the most ambitious digital infrastructure project in the UK, the £146m Highlands and Islands rural broadband project is being led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivered by BT. It is being delivered over the next three years and will bring fibre broadband services to around 84% of homes and businesses, reaching the majority of premises in every local authority area. www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

Page 12

MAKING THE MOST OF BROADBAND ‘Our Digital Zone’ roadshow is making its way across the Highlands and Islands offering practical advice to individuals, communities and businesses who want to make the most out of digital technology.

Online, offers a wide range of free advice to those taking the first steps in getting online, for people who want to develop their web or social media activity, or who want to discover more about the latest digital technology.

It’s been in Dingwall, Fort William, Oban and Dunoon throughout January and February to share information on how technology can benefit how we live and work.

Adam Beeley, Senior Development Manager IT Engagement at HIE, said: “Since Our Digital Zone was launched last year, we’ve had great feedback from the people and businesses who have taken part. The range of workshops is designed to cater for all levels of knowledge and experience and we have advisors on

The programme, run by a partnership between HIE, Business Gateway and Citizens

NORTH SEA PARTNERS SEEK MAXIMUM BENEFIT, ZERO WASTE HIE is working with international partners to develop a project which will support businesses to design zero waste products.

In the ‘Cradle to Cradle’ project HIE will be working with Scottish based International Resources and Recycling Institute (IRRI).

Called ‘Cradle to Cradle’, the project puts the spotlight on the creation of goods which are made from environmentally friendly, pure materials that can be recycled at the end of their useful lives.

HIE’s Diane Duncan, said: “This is the first time HIE will be delivering an Interreg North Sea fund in the region and we hope to work with businesses to build on their ideas for developing new and sustainable energyrelated technologies. HIE will explore how communities and businesses can best approach markets with these products, build on links they make through their involvement, and provide advice on how to get finance.”

The work forms part of a wider Interreg IVB programme which draws together partners from countries around the North Sea to work on mutually beneficial ideas for commercial development. In November representatives from Scotland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands met in Contin.

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

hand to answer a wide range of questions.

“The roadshow ties in with the rollout of fibre broadband across the region. As fibre broadband becomes more widely available it will make a huge difference to our online experiences, and we want to give people the confidence and skills to take full advantage of it.”

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY TUNE IN FOR ADVICE FROM TOURISM, FOOD AND DRINK AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES EXPERTS ON HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF 2014 – THE YEAR SCOTLAND WELCOMES THE WORLD. REGISTER FOR THE 26TH FEBRUARY WEBINAR AT www.hie.co.uk/growthsectors/tourism/webinarseries

www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

Page 13

ENGAGEMENT Working with government and parliament Ag obair leis an riaghaltas agus a’ Phàrlamaid

NEW ORKNEY AREA MANAGER Former Head of Operations has been appointed as HIE’s Orkney Area Manager.

for powering ahead as a true world leader in marine energy.

Graeme Harrison, who lives in Kirkwall, has been with HIE since 1992 and is delighted to be taking on the top job from Ken Grant, who is now working in Oil and Gas for the agency.

“In Graeme, we have appointed an Area Manager who fully understands the entire range of opportunities and challenges currently facing the islands, and is committed to helping build a positive future for Orkney.

Alex Paterson, HIE Chief Executive, said: “Orkney is one of our most diverse and successful local economies in the Highlands and Islands, notable for long standing achievements in culture, creative industries, tourism and food and drink, and more recently

“He and his team are already doing a great job, and will play a central role in moving economic and community growth in Orkney to the next level.”

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY IF YOU ARE IN THE FOOD AND DRINK SECTOR AND LOOKING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AT HOME AND ABROAD GAIN EXPERT ADVICE AT GOING PLACES - A SCOTTISH CITIES GLOBAL EXCELLENCE CONFERENCE ON 5TH MARCH 2014.

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE VISIT SCOTLAND FOOD AND DRINK AT www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

KATHLEEN BUILDS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LINKS A senior member of staff from HIE has taken up an opportunity in the USA to help attract investment to the Highlands and Islands.

Kathleen Ryan, Head of Operations for the Inner Moray Firth area team, is on a three month secondment to the Boston office of Scottish Development International (SDI).

Kathleen was invited to assist the Boston field office and will be raising awareness of HIE and the opportunities within the Highlands across the SDI Americas team.

As well as her work within SDI, Kathleen will be exploring inward investment opportunities for the HIE area, particularly within the field of life sciences. This work has been supported through independent research to identify companies in diabetes, cardiovascular and marine sciences that are going through significant growth phases and that could potentially have an interest in a location in Scotland.

Kathleen is the first member of HIE staff to undertake this type of secondment with SDI and it is anticipated that it will provide the basis for many more of its kind to further encourage knowledge exchange between the agencies. www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

Page 14

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL IN THE NORTH

BUSINESS TIPS: 2014 LEGACY

HIE’s Area Manager Roy Kirk outlined partnership work taking place in Caithness and Sutherland aimed at attracting inward investment at a well-attended event in the Scottish Parliament in February.

TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE YEAR OF HOMECOMING, WHY NOT CHECK OUT THE LOCAL EVENTS IN YOUR AREA FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT OR SPONSOR AN EVENT.

The event, sponsored by Rob Gibson MSP, had Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing MSP as guest speaker. He spoke very positively about the opportunities available in the north, and of the increasing awareness of the area’s future development potential.

Business representatives from Subsea 7 and JGC Engineering spoke of the benefits of doing business from the north, and HIE’s Roy Kirk provided the context for partner support. In addition to speaking at the Scottish Parliament event Mr Ewing also visited Caithness, spending two days in a series of meetings with local businesses and Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership members, including HIE.

www.visitscotland. com/info/events

CANADIAN CONNECTION OVER THE SEA A high level Canadian delegation of marine researchers and experts have been in Argyll to meet with HIE and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Dunstaffnage.

The group from Nova Scotia wanted to explore how they might work with Scottish organisations, particularly those involved in research and development work in the field of Ocean Technology.

The similarities between the two nations

extend well beyond the shared heritage and culture, with particular interests in themes including oceanography, marine technology, renewable energy devices and monitoring.

Led by the Canadian High Commission, with support from Scottish Development International, the Canadian delegates heard from experts at SAMS and were able to see first hand the technology that supports and enables world-leading research to be undertaken in Argyll.

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

Dunstaffnage provides an exceptional base from which to design, test and deploy ocean technologies. The European Marine Science Park, at Dunstaffnage, provides bespoke premises for businesses working in this field. Further details on the European Marine Science Park can be found at www. europeanmarinesciencepark.com.

www.hie.co.uk

February / March 2014

KEY FACTS

Things you may not know about the Highlands and Islands Rudan inntinneach mun Ghàidhealtachd ‘s nan Eilean

Population of the Highlands and Islands is 466,112 (2011). This represents an increase of 7.5% since 2001 and compares to a 4.6% increase overall in Scotland.

Tha àireamh-sluaigh na Gàidhealtachd is na h-Eileanan aig 466,112 (2011) – àrdachadh air 7.5% bho 2001 an taca ri 4.6% àrdachadh gu h-iomlainn ann an Alba.

Employment rate in the Highlands and Islands at 75%, is significantly higher than the rate for Scotland at 70.6% (2013).

Tha an ìre-cosnaidh anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus na h-Eileanan (75%) nas àirde na ann an Alba (70.6%) (2013).

Self-employment rate in the Highlands and Islands is 10.6%, which compares to 7.9% in Scotland (2013).

Tha an ìre fèin-fhastaichte anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd is na h-Eileanan aig 10.6%, an taca ri 7.9% ann an Alba (2013).

Page 15

The Highlands and Islands area covers over 50% (39,900 sq km) of Scotland’s land mass, despite having only 9% of Scotland’s population. Population density is 12 people per sq km, compared to 127 people per sq km in the rest of Scotland.

Tha an roinn a’ còmhdachadh còrr air 50% (39,900sq cm) de meallfearainn na h-Alba, a dh’ aindeoin 9% de sluaigh na h-Alba. Tha dlùths àireamh an t-sluaigh 12 duine gach cilemeatair ceàrnagach an taca ri 127 duines gach cileameatair ceàrnagach ann an àiteanan eile air feadh Alba.

Claimant count unemployment in the Highlands and Islands over the past few years has been consistently below the Scottish and UK rates. (November 2013: Highlands and Islands 1.9%, Scotland 3.2%, UK 3.1%.).

Tha cìon-cosnaidh cunntais neach-tagraidh air a bhith tòrr nas lugha na ìre Alba agus RA air na cuid bliadhnaichean a dh’fhalbh. (An t-Samhain 2013: A’ Ghàidhealtachd is na h- Eileanan 1.9%, Alba 3.2%, RA 3.1%.)

The female dominated sectors of education, human health and social work are the largest employment sectors, employing nearly 30% of the workforce in the region.

‘S iad na roinnean-obrach fo bhuaidh boireannaich (foghlam, slàinte daonna agus obair shòisealta) na h-earrannan fastaidh as motha, a’ fastadh 30% de luchd-obrach san roinn.

The business start-up rate is higher in our region compared to Scotland with 3.5 new start-ups per 1,000 of the population compared to 2.6 per 1,000 in Scotland (2012).

Tha an ìre aig a bheil daoine a’ tòiseachadh gnìomhachasan nas àirde nar roinn an taca ri Alba, le 3.5 daoine ùr gach 1,000 den sluaigh againn, an taca ri 2.6 gach 1,000 ann an Alba ann an 2012.

Gross annual pay for all employee jobs in the Highlands and Islands of £18,971 is around 9% lower than the equivalent for Scotland (2012).

Bha am pàigheadh bliadhnail de £18,971 airson a h-uile luchd-obrach sa Ghàidhealtachd is na h-Eileanan, timcheall air 9% nas lugha Alba gu lèir (2012).

• (This information provides the latest available data from the most reliable sources.)

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

www.hie.co.uk

lights www.hie.co.uk info@hient.co.uk Published by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, All images are copyright Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

All written material Crown Copyright.

Ambitious for Scotland Àrd-amasach airson Alba