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).
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Audrey MacIver will be HIE's new area manager for the Inner Moray Firth area from 26 February.
A graduate in Agriculture and Economics from the University of Aberdeen, Audrey first joined HIE in 1993 and has held posts in economics, community development, tourism and energy.
Confirming the appointment, Stuart Black HIE chief executive, said:
“This is a crucial and challenging time for the economy of the Highlands and Islands and Scotland as a whole. The Inner Moray Firth area is a key driver of the wider regional economy and Audrey will lead our efforts to secure benefits from opportunities presented by new and emerging industries as well as the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.
“I’m delighted to welcome Audrey to the role of area manager. She is one of our most experienced senior managers and is already well connected with people across the commercial, public and voluntary sectors. She brings a thorough and in-depth knowledge of the energy sector along with many years’ experience in strategy, communities and skills.”
Commenting on her new role, Audrey said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to the post of area manager, leading a highly capable, committed team in progressing so many exciting transformational opportunities across the Inner Moray Firth area.
“I look forward to working more closely with businesses, communities and partners and making sure the area plays a leading role in the transition to net zero.”
Audrey will take over the area manager role from James Gibbs, who will move to a strategic role leading on HIE’s involvement in securing region-wide benefits from the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport designation.
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).
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.
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.
CMSL board member Tim Hurst will become interim chief executive
More than 200 local school pupils will be exploring robotics, mathematics, and space in Grantown-on-Spey thanks to a unique private-public STEM collaboration.
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.