HIE

Seeking your views on the opportunities and challenges for the Highlands and Islands.

The Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP) has launched a consultation on their draft strategy. HIREP brings together public, private, third sector and academic partners, committed to delivering prosperity and opportunity across the region.

They want to hear from those living and working in the region to ensure all views are considered in shaping the final strategy.

The survey is open until noon on Tuesday 13 August.

Find out more and provide feedback: https://ow.ly/9O5r50SG35X

🚨 There are still places available to join us on a learning journey to the National Subsea Centre. We will be joined by experts from the Aquaculture and Energy industries who will share their expertise. This event is open to all sectors.

🔬 One of those experts is, Emma Corse who has 15 years of Higher Education experience in strategy, policy, governance and project management, with an interest in Research and Innovation. She has recently started her transition in to the Energy Industry and is responsible for identifying, researching, developing, managing and delivering programmes and facilities to support successful delivery of ETZ’s supply chain development ambitions.

📍 National Subsea Centre, 3 International Avenue, Aberdeen, AB21 0BH
📅 Wednesday 21 August, 9am-4pm

Register your interest here: https://bit.ly/4acit3l

🚀 Register your interest for IMPACT30 and get ready to start your business journey!

📧 Simply complete the enquiry form on our website and one of our team will get back to you shortly.

Don't miss this chance to shape your future: https://ow.ly/kZzX50SM59B

ORIC requires a chairperson who will provide leadership to the board to ensure that it represents the best interests of ORIC and works effectively to set out company strategy and direction.

Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC) is a joint venture between us and Orkney Islands Council to create a campus which supports the growth of research and innovation activity in Orkney’s world-leading marine renewables, energy and low carbon sectors.

Apply: https://ow.ly/B91750SLXSX
Closing date: Midnight 11 August 2024
Find out more about ORIC: https://ow.ly/uLo350SLXSW

🧩 Does your business need support? Find out more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) at our informative session in Orkney.

We have a full agenda, including:
🤝 An overview of KTP schemes and its delivery with Dr Ian Heywood from Innovate UK Business Connect
📚 Exploring KTP through a series of case studies with Laura Dee from North of Scotland KTP Centre

📅 Tuesday 13 August
⌚ 9am-1pm
📍 Orkney Research and Innovation Campus

Sign up: https://ow.ly/sonH50SM4Bj

📢 Soup and a Soapbox - next event: Wed 21 Aug, RAVIC

Are you interested in meeting others who work in life sciences or technology sectors?

Come along to our Soup and a Soapbox monthly networking lunches to find out what’s happening in the world of digital health, medical technology, animal health, aquaculture and research.

You can also jump on the soapbox and give a two minute update on what you’re up to. There’s free soup and hot-desking available for the day as well.

Sign up here 👇
https://ow.ly/sLYW50SNRf7

🌿 In our latest CEA webinar about vertical farming we will be joined by Doug Elder, Head of Vertical Farming Solutions at Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS).

🚜 Doug will be giving attendees an insight into the workings of a growth tower and how to grow plants under controlled conditions. Doug is an expert in overcoming any agriculture challenges you may be having and identifying the technology to fix it.

📅 Wednesday 28 August
🕒 3-4pm
📍 Online

This webinar is part of our CEA event series. Book your place now: https://ow.ly/uY2p50SA9YE

We have published our Operating Plan for 2024-25.

This sets out how we will work towards building and sustaining a greener, fairer and more resilient region.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/rk6S50SP699

***

Dh' fhoillsich sinn ar Plana Obrachaidh 2024-25.

Tha seo a’ mìneachadh mar a bhios sinn ag obair a dh’ionnsaigh roinn nas uaine, nas cothromaiche agus nas fhulangaiche.

👏 Not only does IMPACT30 provide you with the tools to make your business a success, you also gain a peer support team of like-minded entrepreneurs!

🚀 Do you want to make an impact in your industry? Find your next steps here: https://ow.ly/BiGj50SM4Gf

💻 Is your business looking to improve its processes? A student placement could help...

🧵 Family-run country tailor and outfitters Campbell's of Beauly was keen to get the most out of its customer relationship management (CRM) system to increase productivity and open up to international trade.

🎓 With funding support from the Technology Placement Programme, it hosted a 12-week student placement, allowing the team time and support to consider new opportunities available through digital technology.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/IlN150SIQAy

🧩 Join us in Orkney to hear about how Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) and innovation can support your business growth.

🤝 What exactly are KTPs? They are collaborative projects involving a graduate or postgraduate, a business, not-for-profit, or public sector organisation or a university or research institution.

💡 In this session you will get direct access to information, real world examples that show the potential of KTP projects, and networking opportunities to make connections in the KTP community.

📅 Tuesday 13 August
⌚ 9am-1pm
📍 Orkney Research and Innovation Campus

Secure your place: https://ow.ly/eYkb50SJVPv

📈 The global population is set to reach nearly 9.8 billion people by 2050, and to feed it we need to produce around 60% more food than we do right now.

💻 In the latest webinar of our CEA series, we will be joined by leading Scottish-based agricultural technology firm, Intelligent Growth Solutions - IGS, to learn about vertical farming and how it can give precision control to growers and optimise growing conditions.

📅 Wednesday 28 August
🕒 3-4pm
📍 Online

This webinar is part of our CEA event series. Book your place now: https://ow.ly/5v4r50Sy17q

👏

If your business or organisation contributes to the social economy we want to hear from you. Take part in the fifth social enterprise census for Scotland.

This study helps inform policy and funding, and highlights the vital impact of the social sector in our area. By sharing your organisation's experiences and insights on evolving needs, you'll contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences, support structures, resources, and needs of social enterprises in Scotland.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/9Pq150SApYY

Diffley Partnership

We hope everyone has a great time at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival!

Make sure to pay Science Skills Academy a visit 🔬

The 2024 SURF Awards are now open for applications! The SURF Awards have been celebrating best practice in community regeneration projects for 26 years.

This year the 5 categories are:
- Community Led Regeneration
- Removing Barriers to Employability
- Improving Scotland's Places
- Housing and Regeneration
- Creative Regeneration

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 2nd September.

2024 SURF Awards Open for Applications - https://mailchi.mp/scotregen/surf-awards-1-week-to-go-until-application-deadline-13826056

Are you looking for a modern office unit in Dingwall?

9 Fodderty Way at Dingwall Business Park is currently for sale.

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/lhoN50SsYJp

💼 Scottish EDGE offers up to £100,000 to accelerate the growth of your business!

Open to limited companies, social enterprises, and charities in Scotland trading for up to five years, this Dragon's Den-style competition provides the connections and opportunities you need to succeed.

Round 24 launches this August so join our webinar to learn more about how HIE Innovation can support your application and help you make your mark! This support is for organisations in the HIE region.

📅 Tuesday 23 July, 1.30-2.15pm
📍 Online

Sign up: https://ow.ly/wbII50Sutts

🚀 Working alongside likeminded businesses can help you overcome challenges and take your business to the next level.

🥃 Martin, co-founder of the Highland Good Food Partnership and co-creator of The Black Isle Feast, a community initiative supported by TechHUB, applied to start the group alongside a local Entrepreneur to gain momentum and advice with a Black Isle-based initiative.

Apply to start a new Common Interest Group for your sector by Friday 26 July: https://ow.ly/HZ5y50SG0hO

⏰ Don't forget to sign up for our webinar on the support HIE Innovation can provide for your Scottish EDGE application!

🎤 Hear from our expert speakers Alistair Murray and Mike Muir from M2 Procurement & Commercial Services Ltd, and previous winner Noost. This support is for organisations in the HIE region.

📅 Tuesday 23 July, 1.30-2.15pm
📍 Online

Sign up now: https://ow.ly/7xJe50SutOH

Congratulations to all the finalists 👏

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We're thrilled to announce that the shortlist for the Highland & Islands Thistle Awards has been revealed! 🎉✨

A massive congratulations to all the incredible nominees who exemplify excellence and dedication in our vibrant community. Your hard work and passion make the Highlands & Islands shine even brighter! 🌄🏴

Best B&B or Guesthouse Experience
Blervie House
Broad Bay House
Dunnet Bay Escapes
Glenegedale House Islay

Best Bar or Pub
Johnny Foxes & The Den
Scotch & Rye
The Station

Best Eating Experience
Downright Gabbler
One One Two Wine Bar and Eatery
The Dipping Lugger

Best Hotel Experience
Links House at Royal Dornoch
Ness Walk
The Dowans Hotel

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience
Nevis Range
SeabirdsandSeals - Original & Best Noss Boat Tours
Shetland Seabird Tours - The Noss Boat

Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay
Borve Lodge Estate
Hideaway Under the Stars
Kabn Company

Best Visitor Attraction
Islay Sea Adventures
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Shetland Seabird Tours - The Noss Boat

Celebrating Thriving Communities
Cheryl Heggie School of Dance
Loch Ness Hub & Travel
Wick River Campsite

Climate Action
Dornie Croft
Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
Ness Walk

Inclusive Tourism
Girls on Hills
Seabirds-and-Seals - The Original Noss Boat Tours
Wavysail

Innovation in Tourism
Hebrides Cruises
Loch Ness Hub and Travel
Scottish Islands Passport

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
Eilean Dorcha Festival
Orkney Folk Festival
Taste North (Venture North)

Rising Star
Aedan Doig, Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa (Crerar Hotels)
Elliott Sabor, Orrin Restaurant & Bar
Harris Brooker, Speyside Wildlife
Kate Paterson, Golf View Hotel & Spa

Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year
Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
Nevis Range
The Pierhouse Hotel

Tourism Individual of the Year
Fiona McLean, The Pierhouse Hotel
Paul Nixon, The Loch Ness Centre
Russell Fraser, Loch Ness Hub and Travel

Could your insight and strategic thinking help steer ORIC to its full potential?

Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC) is a joint venture between us and Orkney Islands Council to create a campus which supports the growth of research and innovation activity in Orkney’s world-leading marine renewables, energy and low carbon sectors.

Do you have a strong understanding of the UK energy sector, particularly renewable energy? Are you a strategic thinker with excellent technical skills? Then this opportunity could be for you!

Find out more: https://ow.ly/UgLI50SvgYz

We have recently appointed Joanna Peteranna as our new director of area operations.

Joanna took up the new post on 1 July after being promoted from our area manager of the Outer Hebrides.

Joanna has played a key role in a range of developments across the Outer Hebrides, working closely with public and private stakeholders.

We wish her all the best in her new role.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/YzUZ50SEYIb

***

Tha sinn air fastadh Joanna Peteranna na stiùiriche ùr obrachaidhean sgìreil o chionn ghoirid.

Thòisich Joanna na dreuchd ùir air 1 Iuchar an dèidh àrdachadh bho mhanaidsear sgìreil Innse Gall.

Tha prìomh àite air a bhith aig Joanna ann an raon de leasachaidhean air feadh Innse Gall, ag obair gu dlùth le luchd-ùidhe poblach is prìobhaideach,

Tha sinn an dòchas gun tèid gu math dhi san dreuchd ùr.

Airson tuilleadh fiosrachadh: https://ow.ly/YzUZ50SEYIb