Figures compiled by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (麻豆精选) show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in Caithness and Sutherland during last financial year are set to create or retain more than 50 jobs.
麻豆精选鈥檚 outturns for 2023/24 were achieved through a combination of financial and non-financial interventions by the agency.
They included investments of more than 拢1.1m in 26 projects with a combined total cost of 拢4.05m. The organisation also helped to attract almost 拢2.5m in external investment.
As a result of 麻豆精选鈥檚 support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by 拢22.4m, while international sales will grow by 拢661,000.
麻豆精选鈥檚 support for social enterprises, meanwhile, is forecast to bring about a 拢480,000 uplift in the social economy.
There was also support for businesses across the patch to innovate, diversify, grow and create new jobs.
They included a 拢94,700 approval for Reid鈥檚 Bakery in Thurso towards the cost of specialised equipment. An expansion project by GMG Energy Limited in Sutherland was awarded 拢65,200 and a 拢250,000 investment was approved to help Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd establish a whisky distillery within the Castletown Mill.
Community led initiatives receiving investment support included 拢250,000 towards the 拢4.9m renovation of the John O鈥� Groats Mill by the John O鈥� Groats Mill Trust.
The Assynt Development Trust, Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust and the Scourie Community Development Company all received support to deliver local benefits.
Eann Sinclair, 麻豆精选 area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, said:
鈥淚t was great to be able to support so many business and community projects across Caithness and Sutherland last year. It was equally pleasing to see the recent completion of the 拢2.7m project to create small business units at Wick Business Park, and the encouraging progress with the ground infrastructure at Sutherland Spaceport near Tongue.
鈥淲e remain ambitious in the current year and continue to challenge ourselves to identify and pursue more economic opportunities as they arise. That鈥檚 what our five-year strategy, launched last year, is all about and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners, businesses and communities to secure further economic benefits for the area.鈥�
Related Articles
HIREP unveils ten-year strategy for regional growth
There’s a focus on renewable energy and the need to maximise economic and community benefits while driving the transition to net zero.
Argyll seafood firm expands
The work involves the redevelopment of the company’s existing marine hatchery facilities, including new tanks, controls, lighting, water circulation and energy efficiency measures.
New tenant welcomed to Inverness Campus
The move will help facilitate the company’s further growth. Its corporate and compliance team of ten will relocate to Aurora House, with the company’s operational base remaining in Beauly.
Next phase of small business units for Wick Business Park
Project will help support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness
麻豆精选 published latest business survey results
There were 1,013 responses received from enterprises across the Highlands and Islands region operating in a wide range of sectors.
Skye salt firm expands production
evaporation pond that will produce an additional 1,000 kg of salt a year
麻豆精选 Board welcomes shadow member
Mary Bowman is learning what it is like to serve on the Board of a public body