50 plus jobs supported by HIE in Caithness and Sutherland in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
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This Friday we’re launching our ‘HIE time to innovate’ #HIEtime campaign.
Kick starting on Innovation Day (February 16), we’re dedicating 24-hours to innovation and urging dynamic businesses in the region to find out how our innovation services can benefit them.
The campaign builds on the successful work of our Innovation Team. In the past two years the team has supported more than 500 local companies, awarded 30 small business grants, directly increased turnover through its funding by £2.2m and boosted employment by almost 80.
Oban-based Crùbag, a textile company inspired by marine research and oceans, is one of those businesses whose innovation journey has been enriched by HIE’s support.
Owner and founder, Jessica Giannotti shares some of her story here.
“HIE has always been on my side from the very beginning. I’ve benefited from their courses, mentorship, network introductions and small grant funding. It’s been a generous, very human, informative experience. An essential one too, as often businesses are left to fend for them themselves but partnering with HIE gives you that extra edge.”
As a vehement advocate of innovation, Giannotti is fully behind the ‘HIE time to innovate’ #HIE time campaign. She believes innovation is a crucial factor in business growth:
“For me innovation is something that should always be present in our business discussions. If we don’t solve problems we become stagnant.”
Starting on Friday 16 February, with 24-hours dedicated to innovation, ‘HIE time to innovate’ #HIEtime will roll out a number of campaign initiatives, ranging from digital content provided by online experts, peer influencers and industry leaders to hyper localised events delivering networking opportunities to local communities.
The campaign will be underpinned by HIE’s core innovation offering which provides:
Businesses looking to sign up to access HIE’s innovation services can visit www.hie.co.uk/hietime
HIE 24-hour Innovation Hotline
When: 16 February, midnight to midnight
What: hotline providing expert info on what funding and innovation resources are available from HIE
Call: 0300 013 5041
HIE Innovation Expert Consultations
When: Monday 19 February to Friday 23 February
What: one on one support through consultations with the opportunity to apply for funding
Call: 0300 013 5041 to book your session
#HIEtime
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.
Joanna Peteranna took up the role on 1 July.
A new report published today (Tuesday 16 July) outlines significant economic opportunities associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Highlands and Islands.
Figures show HIE approved £1.5m investment across 18 Shetland projects in 2023-24
Figures compiled by HIE show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in 2023/24 are set to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs across the region.
Six talented young people working at HIE over the past two years have secured permanent positions, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to HIE’s economic and community development efforts.
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, has approved three-year terms as non-executive directors for Allan Clow and Melanie Collett.
Event in Portree on Saturday 27 April to encourage more people into the profession
The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Scotland’s enterprise agencies and the world’s largest shipbuilding company could bring economic benefits for the Highlands and Islands.