The newly appointed head of business growth for Highlands and Island Enterprise (HIE) in Argyll and the Islands is to focus on expanding the agency’s portfolio of business clients.
Liam Orr, originally from Benderloch near Oban, took up the post in early December and leads HIE’s business growth team across an area covering Argyll and Bute, Arran and the Cumbraes.
A first-class honours degree graduate in accountancy from Glasgow Caledonian University, Liam joins HIE after six years with the West Highland Housing Association, where he worked in finance and business roles.
Previous experience also includes working in a family marine tourism business and for an Oban-based accountancy firm whose clients included many small to medium enterprises in tourism, hospitality and agriculture.
As well as developing projects and partnerships to support economic capacity and confidence across the patch, Liam says the team is looking to grow the agency’s portfolio of business clients.
He added:
“There are many new and emerging business opportunities across Argyll and the Islands, particularly around the marine economy and life sciences, as well as tourism and food and drink. This, coupled with the strong business and entrepreneurial ethos that prevails here means the area is well placed to see welcome economic growth in the coming years.
“I look forward to working with the team and our partners to expand our client portfolio so we can support more businesses and social enterprises as they seek to benefit from new opportunities as they arise.”
HIE’s area manager Morag Goodfellow, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Liam to the team. With his qualifications and experience, and wealth of local business knowledge, he will be a great asset to us as we look to expand our client portfolio and support business growth.”
Related Articles
Area team leader appointed at HIE in Orkney
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has announced a new senior appointment to lead its Orkney based team.
Argyll chocolate firm expands to meet growing demand
Fetcha Chocolates Limited is investing in new equipment to quadruple its capacity, increase turnover and create employment.
Argyll marine firm scales up with new high tech survey vessel
The project by Oban based Tritonia Scientific Limited will support four jobs and is forecast to increase the company’s turnover by more than £1m within three years.
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).
Funding boost for new Isle of Mull recording studio
The project is forecast to generate more than £340,000 turnover in the next three years and create three jobs within five years.
Scottish aquaculture industry gears up for Aqua Nor 2025
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will return to Norway to host the Scottish Pavilion at Aqua Nor 2025.
Argyll firm to create eDNA lab for aquaculture sector
Underwater ecological survey company Ocean Ecology is developing the state-of-the-art lab in its existing facilities at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) near Oban.
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.
New fund announced to support growth in life sciences sector
The funding can help cover the costs of equipment, new technology or fixtures and fittings, or to construct, adapt or upgrade business premises or other infrastructure.