The workshop will be held in the Ben Nevis Hotel, Fort William, between 10.30am and 1pm on 12 September and is being run by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
It forms part of the Co-Innovate programme, launched in 2017 to encourage research and innovation among small to medium enterprises in some of the most fragile areas of western Scotland.
Vicki Hazley, Co-Innovate programme manager at HIE, said:
“The workshop will explain how the Co-innovate programme can benefit businesses in Lochaber. Innovation means different things to different sectors and businesses and goes well beyond technology development.
“Co-Innovate specifically addresses the challenges of growing a business through innovation in remote and rural areas. It helps businesses identify opportunities for growth and gives practical support to make that happen.
“Consultancy, research and development funding and support for input from cross border academic institutions are some of the ways Co-Innovate can help.”
The five-year £14.6 million Co-Innovate programme is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA programme and managed by the Special EU programmes Body.
In Scotland it encourages and supports innovation in SMEs in Argyll and Bute, Lochaber, Skye, the Outer Hebrides, Ayrshire and Arran, and Dumfries and Galloway. It also covers Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The initiative brings together key development agencies including HIE to deliver the programme in Scotland.
Anyone interested should contact vicki.hazley@hient.co.uk
Related Articles
Skye salt firm expands production
evaporation pond that will produce an additional 1,000 kg of salt a year
West coast sand mine steps up production
Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited is set to double its production and increase annual turnover by more than £2.6m.
Funding award to Canna community visitor hub
A major project to create a new visitor hub on the island of Canna in Lochaber has secured a £20,000 contribution from HIE.
Contract awarded for Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray
A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).
New support programme launched for food and drink sector
Food and Drink TechHUB will provide financial and advice support to help businesses, including social and community enterprises, with commercial growth and net zero transition activities.
Lochaber fabrication firm in further expansion
The improvements will enable the company to continue its growth through increased capacity and efficiencies in production.
Businesses offered support with automation, robotics and AI
Grants of up to £5,000 available until March 2025
‘Unplugged in Stornoway’ event aims to drive tech entrepreneurship
People interested in developing and applying their ideas on the use of technology to start or grow a business can attend in person or online.
Project to market a safer sustainable bulk bag
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood
50 jobs supported by HIE in Lochaber Skye and Wester Ross in 2023/24
Figures show that businesses and communities supported by HIE across Lochaber Skye and Wester Ross during last financial year are set to create or retain around 50 jobs, including 15 in fragile areas.
Kintyre distillery to expand product range
Beinn an Tuirc Distillery is investigating the development of two new canned ready to drink (RTD) cocktail recipes.