Hydrogen Scotland member Net Zero Technology Centre has just released the Energy Hubs – Fill the Backbone report. This study highlights the emerging opportunity to export hydrogen into the expanding hydrogen market in Europe. Economic modelling indicates that a 10 GW scale Energy Hub in Scotland producing green hydrogen from floating offshore wind could produce hydrogen for £3.90/kg. To capitalise on the opportunity, Scotland will need to develop strategic Energy Hubs in time to meet this growing demand.

This report finds that the key to establishing a thriving hydrogen economy in Scotland is the development of Energy Hubs. An Energy Hub is a specific geographic location which will host all facilities necessary for the large-scale production of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives such as e-fuels. It focuses on how to optimise the efficiency and economic viability of Scottish Energy hubs, including the opportunities offered by alternative fuels, CO₂ imports and by-products.

Location assessments identified Cromarty, Shetland, Aberdeen & North-East, and Orkney to be optimal locations for green hydrogen production. A preliminary screening was performed to select five Energy Hubs for further detailed analysis of the current, future planned, and potential renewable generation capacity for each of the five selected hubs. The study results summarising the generation capacity that may be available for each Energy Hub location are depicted in Figure 7 below.

Figure 7: Generation capacity for each Energy Hub

With Scottish electricity demand being met predominantly by currently installed renewable capacity, there is an opportunity to use future (planned and potential) renewable capacity for alternative purposes, such as hydrogen generation. The analysis established the future (planned and potential) generation capacity for each energy vector at each of the five hubs. To avoid double counting, energy resources within a given area were uniquely allocated to individual hub locations. The results indicate that if all the future planned generation capacity for the areas covered by the five energy hubs is realised, then this could mean an annual surplus of 160 TWh. Realising renewable energy from sources classed as “potential” would add a further 150 TWh to the total. This incremental annual capacity is shown in Figure 8 below.

Figure 8: Incremental annual energy generation capacity for five Energy Hub locations

This Energy Hubs project builds on the findings of NZTC’s Hydrogen Backbone Link project report released in August 2023, which demonstrates the feasibility of exporting 0.9 million tonnes of hydrogen per year from Scotland to Europe via a new dedicated 10GW capacity hydrogen pipeline. The Energy Hub project evaluates the potential of utilising Scotland’s offshore wind resource to produce GW-scale low carbon hydrogen to supply the demand required by the proposed Hydrogen Backbone Link (HBL).

Phase one of this Scottish government funded Energy Hubs project also provides recommendations to achieve this ambition. It examines the infrastructure, long-term investment and technological innovations needed to establish commercially viable and efficient energy hubs across Scotland. Key recommendations include:

• Rapid investment targeted at next generation technologies and manufacturing processes to accelerate floating offshore wind
• Innovations in electrolyser technologies to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production while reducing system costs
• Development of highly efficient energy storage facilities with GWh capacities
• Optimising the integration of energy vectors within Energy Hubs, along with exploring further opportunities in alternative fuels and byproducts

The likely power supply for a multi-gigawatt scale hydrogen or e-fuel Energy Hub is floating wind. The cost of electricity from floating wind will have a significant impact on the commercial viability of the hydrogen produced in Energy Hubs. Economic modelling indicated that a 10 GW scale Energy Hub producing green hydrogen from floating offshore wind could produce hydrogen for £3.90/kg. The total CAPEX for a development (including both the wind farm and the hydrogen production facilities) was estimated to be £30.2 billion and would produce over 0.9 Mtpa of green hydrogen This modelling used forecasted costs for the late 2030s and anticipates that the cost of electricity from floating wind will decrease over time as the technology develops.

Energy storage for a 10 GW facility poses a significant challenge. For Scotland to be able to meet its own domestic hydrogen demand, sufficient hydrogen storage for lulls in production associated with low wind conditions is needed. The subject of energy storage capacity would benefit from further assessment (including cost benefit analysis) to determine the sensitivity of hydrogen production rates (and electrolyser life) to varying levels of energy storage capacity.

Scotland’s proximity to the European market and the Hydrogen backbone link project will enable low transportation costs, but if production costs are too high then this strategic benefit will be negated. To enable Scotland to leverage its vast renewable resource and fully capitalise on future export opportunities, action is required across four key areas:

• Development of the Super Hub concept to maximise the overall performance of Energy Hubs. The Super Hub concept is being explored in more detail in Phase 2 of the Energy Hubs Project, which will conclude in November 2025.
• Investment and Government support to accelerate the development of key technologies, in particular, investment targeted at floating offshore wind is needed to ensure the competitiveness of Scottish green hydrogen.
• Development of high efficiency energy storage facilities with GWh capacities.
• System integration: Optimising the integration of energy vectors (including thermal) within Energy Hubs, along with exploring further opportunities in alternative fuels and byproducts is needed to ensure the efficiency and economic viability of Energy Hubs. This is being explored in more detail in Phase 2 of the Energy Hubs Project.

The Energy Hubs project is dedicated to advancing the Energy Hub concept by addressing the fundamental questions that emerge when considering how to establish large-scale hydrogen production in Scotland. The Energy Hubs project is one of seven projects being delivered through NZTC’s Net Zero Technology Transition Programme (NZTTP), which was awarded £16.7 million from the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund (ETF). The Energy Hub project is funded over a three-year period and will conclude in November 2025.

For further information, visit here.

Hydrogen Valleys are geographical areas where clean hydrogen is produced and locally used by households, local transportation and industrial plants. Hydrogen Valleys are the cornerstones of a viable hydrogen economy and are listed on the Mission Innovation Hydrogen Valley Platform that was launched in 2021, with 21 valleys in Europe. The counter currently stands at 98 valleys globally with 67 located in the EU. Out of the European Hydrogen Valleys, 17 have received support from the EU research and innovation programmes totalling EUR 262 million.

Mission Innovation map of Hydrogen Valleys (from https://h2v.eu/hydrogen-valleys)

The European Commission published Towards a roadmap for accelerating the deployment of Hydrogen Valleys across Europe: challenges and opportunities. This is a working document which outlines the strategic priorities and actions that are currently ongoing or planned to support the development of Hydrogen Valleys:

• The Commission will support a ‘Hydrogen Valley Facility’ through the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership under Horizon Europe, to help early-stage Hydrogen Valleys mature to the point where they can start construction.
• Building on the recently relaunched European Hydrogen Observatory, a new Clean Hydrogen Knowledge Hub will provide stakeholders with the information they require, allowing for automated data analysis and reporting to support knowledge-based decision making.
• Following the recent revision of the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan, the Commission will work closely with Member States and stakeholders to implement the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) of the ERA Pilot on Green Hydrogen.
• The Commission has approved four successive waves of hydrogen Integrated Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs).
• Together, these initiatives aim to raise over EUR 43 billion from a blend of public and private funds, supporting more than 120 projects involving nearly 100 European companies.
• A European Hydrogen Academy has been launched in January 2024, with an EU contribution of EUR 3 million. The European Commission intends to transform it into a European Net-Zero Industry Academy as announced in the Net-Zero Industry Act, providing a broad portfolio of education, training and reskilling.
• The Commission will intensify the cooperation with international partners on clean hydrogen deployment and the development of hydrogen markets, in particular through the Clean Hydrogen Mission under Mission Innovation.
• REPowerEU, the EU scheme aiming to reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels, has topped up the contribution from Horizon Europe to the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking with EUR 200 million to accelerate the roll-out of Hydrogen Valleys across Europe. The additional EUR 200 million invested by the Commission in the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking is being used to boost the support to Hydrogen Valleys across Europe.

The proposed ‘Hydrogen Valley Facility’ is aimed at accelerating the number of Hydrogen Valleys in Europe. The facility, funded through Horizon Europe and implemented by the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, will include project development assistance to support Hydrogen Valleys at various levels of maturity. Whilst the focus will be on EU Members States and countries associated to Horizon Europe, such project development assistance may inform also the support to renewable hydrogen development in partner countries. In addition, it will include activities aiming to ensure that the knowledge gathered, and the lessons learnt from Hydrogen Valleys (including skills) are retained, collected, analysed and widely disseminated and used in a structured and efficient way. The Facility will also be used to maintain and update the Hydrogen Valley Platform.

The working document highlights the need for training and education are to increase the number of skilled people to realise the development of the Hydrogen Valleys, including for regulators and local administrations implementing permitting rules. As part of the policy priorities of the Pact for Skills, the new European Hydrogen Academy has been set up, coordinated by the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. It will last for 54 months, having kicked-off last January 2024, and funded with an EU contribution of EUR 3 million from Horizon Europe. The consortium counts with 17 members and the project focuses on 200 occupational projects, aiming to produce university-type courses, facilitate the reskilling and upskilling of workers and create a network of schools and higher education institutions. National initiatives are also being set up to train workforce or scholars in the field of hydrogen technology.

While originally being a European research and innovation concept, Hydrogen Valleys are now spreading across the globe. The Clean Hydrogen Mission under Mission Innovation is a global cooperation forum for interested governments and that is co-led by the Commission, and has set the target of developing 100 Hydrogen Valleys across the globe by 2030. Given the closer interlink with deployment, they could be developed in cooperation with the Clean Energy Ministerial H2 initiative. As the global hydrogen market develops, it will be important to connect Hydrogen Valleys. Cooperation on Hydrogen Valleys outside the EU may take place with international partners on renewable hydrogen deployment and the development of hydrogen markets, in accordance with the EU policy priorities and legislation.

View Hydrogen Valleys working document here.

This month, we’re thrilled to welcome our new Business Members Rebel Creative and Thurso Tool Hire Ltd.

We look forward to working with them all!

To discuss membership, please reach out to our Business Development manager, Fiona Levack. You can contact Fiona by email: fiona@caithnesschamber.com. You can read about membership on the website using this link.

If you’re already a member but would like a reminder of how to get the most from your membership, Fiona will gladly go over that with you too.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and emerging businesses in Caithness and Sutherland are encouraged to participate in the prestigious Caithness Chamber of Commerce business awards. The awards offer a prime opportunity for businesses to enhance their visibility and receive well-deserved recognition for their outstanding accomplishments.

The upcoming glittering awards ceremony, scheduled for September, will be the focal point of the Caithness Chamber’s annual dinner. This highly anticipated event is a major highlight in the local business calendar. This year’s dinner holds extra significance as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the first Chamber of Commerce in Caithness. This milestone celebrates fifty years of dedicated service to the North Highland business community while also showcasing the innovation and resilience of the region.

Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce commented:

“Our awards provide a fantastic opportunity for young companies and entrepreneurs to shine, showcasing their successes and allowing us to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements. As a vital part of the business community in North Highland, Caithness Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting businesses at all stages of their development.

It is a great privilege to witness the progress of past award recipients and to support their businesses as they thrive and adapt to the exciting opportunities and challenges ahead.

In the North Highlands, we are fortunate to have an exceptionally supportive business community, and it is wonderful to come together and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of our region.”

The Young Business Award is open to enterprises that have been operating in Caithness or Sutherland for no more than five years, and the Young Entrepreneur Award is for trailblazing individuals aged between 18 and 30 living in Caithness or Sutherland.

Coll Murchison-MacDonald, Partner at Saffery Champness, commented: ““As a firm, Saffery want to support opportunity and enable success. What better way to do that than to champion the next generation of local entrepreneurs. We are very pleased to be able to sponsor the Young Entrepreneur Awards and I look forward to meeting those shortlisted at the awards dinner.”

Entries for the awards are open until 5 pm on July 30, 2024, download application forms and entry criteria below:

Young Entrepreneur Entry Form 2024 AM

Young Entrepreneur Rules 2024

Young Business Entry Form 2024 AM

Young Business Rules 2024

The Hydrogen Electric Integrated Drivetrain Initiative (HEIDI) £12.7m APC project led by Hydrogen Scotland member Bramble Energy has reached a significant milestone with the completion of concept designs for the hydrogen system and double-decker bus and is now moving into the manufacturing phase.

Early testing of the Bramble Energy fuel cell stack shows promising results for power output at bus level, paving the way for this innovative fuel cell design to be used in heavy duty transport applications. Bramble’s flexible fuel cell design has allowed the bus to maintain a capacity of 86 passengers, similar to current London double-deckers, without compromising service for system installation.

Dr. Vidal Bharath, CCO at Bramble Energy commented: “This new milestone for HEIDI brings us one step closer to revolutionising public transport with our innovative PCBFC™ technology providing a viable path to net-zero emissions for commercial vehicles. The ability to maintain passenger capacity whilst achieving significant range and rapid refuelling times showcases the practicality and scalability of our solution.”

Simulations carried out by Hydrogen Scotland member the University of Bath predict a range of up to 280 miles on UK bus routes using 350 bar hydrogen. This surpasses the typical daily distance of London buses (100-200 miles) and offers refuelling times similar to diesel or petrol alternatives (around 8 minutes). Bramble Energy, with its partners, will now move into the next phase of HEIDI, manufacturing key components, including the fuel cell stack, fuel cell system, and hydrogen storage.

Bramble Energy is the lead partner of the HEIDI project which has received £6.3m funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, matched by industry to £12.7m. The UK-based consortium is developing a hydrogen-powered double-deck bus, using a first-of-its-kind fuel cell technology from Bramble Energy together with Aeristech’s high efficiency air compressor, and Equipmake’s motor power electronics and battery management system. The powertrain is being optimised through vehicle simulations carried out by the University of Bath.

Bramble PCBFC™ stacks optimised to fit available space (credit Bramble Energy)

The Bramble PCBFC™ fuel cell stacks can be produced in almost any size and arrangement according to the end customer’s needs. The result is an unparalleled cost-effective solution to supporting and accelerating the decarbonisation of public transport and to improve air quality in towns and cities around the world.

Bramble Energy was selected for this fuel cell bus project due to its revolutionised fuel cell design and manufacturing process. Using a patented-protected printed circuit board technology, it can create bespoke fuel cell stacks in a matter of days at scale and low-cost. Bramble’s PCB technology eliminates the requirement for a number of complex and costly components found in a typical electrochemical stack, which not only simplifies the supply chain but also does not require vast retooling for manufacture.

Dr Vidal Bharath, CCO at Bramble Energy added: “Fuel cell technology can deliver a viable net zero solution that lends itself to commercial vehicles where downtime needs to be limited. This consortium of partners means that we will be able to deliver a world-leading hybridized powertrain, utilising our innovative low cost PCBFC™ technology for the bus sector, where there needs to be a viable electrified solution that can deliver on cost and scalability.”

Automated production for high volume and low assembly costs (credit Bramble Energy)

The significant reduction in the cost of automotive fuel cells – by 70% since 2008 – mirrors the strides made by pioneering technology companies such as Bramble Energy and the wider industry towards more efficient and scalable production processes. This evolution from capital-intensive and slow production cycles to more economical and faster production methods enhances the viability of fuel cell technology. Bramble Energy has developed their unique printed circuit board (PCB) fuel cell – the PCBFC™ which can be manufactured in almost all printed circuit board (PCB) factories worldwide.

Visit here for further information.

Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce:

The latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey by the UK government paints a troubling picture for businesses, revealing a significant uptick in cyber-attacks over the past year. The survey highlighted half of businesses had fallen prey to these attacks, an alarming 18% increase compared to the previous year. In small and medium businesses, the impact is expected to be much higher and could be as much as 80%. What’s more concerning is that only three in ten businesses have taken the crucial step of conducting cyber security risk assessments.

The financial impact of cyber-crime is significant. However, costs are just one aspect of the problem and the disruption caused can be devastating. National news reports are continually highlighting how major organisations such as the NHS are plagued by attacks. Only earlier this month several London hospitals declared a critical incident after an attack which is expected to cause several weeks’ worth of disruption. It’s safe to say, cyber-crime has cast its net over every aspect of society.

The evolution of communication methods over the last two decades has made us more susceptible to phishing, a deceptive tactic where scammers attempt to trick individuals into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links. Our devices constantly notify us, updating us about everything from package deliveries to bank updates.

I think back several years ago when I received an email which I thought was from the bank.  It had their logo and all the things you would expect. I wasn’t interested in what the email was about, but it reminded me I needed to check the bank. So, I absentmindedly clicked on the link in the email as I was in the middle of something else thinking it would save time. I got to the bank page and started to input the login details and thankfully stopped as I realised this page wasn’t genuine. Scammers take advantage of sensitive timings and create urgency to act, urging users to update passwords, follow malicious links or as in my case trigger a response because of something else going on or needing attention.

Furthermore, with the assistance of artificial intelligence, phishing attacks are becoming more severe, and we can anticipate an increase in both the quality, sophistication, and quantity of phishing in the future.

There is a saying “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” and we are fortunate to welcome Dr Keith Nicholson, founder of Cyber Security Scotland to our upcoming Members’ Insight session on July 17th. Cyber Security Scotland is a non-profit organisation providing advice, assurance, and risk assessments along with cyber security training. Keith will share practical insights on how to safeguard your business from cyber-attacks and will also discuss common cyber threats, vulnerable times for firms, and how to handle such situations. Keith will also walk through essential planning steps to prepare businesses before a cyber-attack occurs.

Business Insight, Dr Keith Nicholson, Founder of Cyber Security Scotland.

As we become increasingly dependent on the internet for doing business, it is essential that firms know how to protect themselves from cyber-attacks and the loss of crucial data. Rarely a week passes without news of a ransomware attack on a company or public body. Usually, these make the news because they are large organisations, but don’t be misled into thinking “I’m OK, we’re too small to be targeted by cyber criminals”. Even micro and small businesses can fall victim to a cyber-attack. All it takes is a click on a link in an email, paying a bogus invoice or completing an online form to “update your banking details”.

And it is so easy to be fooled. Some emails (and increasingly text messages) can mimic the appearance of genuine organisations, such as your bank, HMRC, DVLA or a parcel delivery company and trick you into giving the criminals financial information to enable them to rob you or take out credit cards in your name. Or they simply encourage you to click on a link and then the virus downloads into your computer system and locks up your critical business data. These emails or texts may not be specifically targeted to your businesses but randomly sent out to tens of thousands of email addresses or phone numbers hoping someone will be fooled.

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) research shows that 85% of cyber-attacks occur like this; they also indicate that only 15% of businesses across the UK have any plans or know what to do if they fall victim to these attacks.

So, what can you do to protect your business? The good news is that the basic protection is easy and inexpensive.

Through delivering cyber assurance checks and compliance reviews, we have helped organisations of all sizes from large public bodies and multinational firms to small businesses to improve their cyber security and resilience from cyber-attacks. Through this work we have produced a 5-Step guide for firms of any size that covers the common risk areas:

1. Have quality security software installed on all PCs, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.
2. Make staff aware of common cyber-attack methods and what to look out for.
3. Decide what data is critical to keeping your business running.
4. Check this data backed up regularly and can be recovered.
5. Have a plan on what to do if you are attacked and practice this plan.

These basic prevention measures will reduce the risk of cyber threats.

Staff training and awareness is especially important as we are all vulnerable to making mistakes. We deliver non-technical training and awareness sessions in plain-English to help company staff and directors, but before commissioning sessions such as these, you should look at the free material available on the NCSC website. This offers a useful starting point.

If you are unfortunate to fall victim to an attack, don’t be embarrassed. Contact the NCSC first, they are world-class specialists and can help, then call the police to have the crime recorded, they may be able to help too.

It’s often said that it’s a matter of “When not If” a business will have a cyber-attack – be prepared!

Dr Keith Nicholson is founder of Cyber Security Scotland, a non-profit business offering advice, assurance and risk assessments with training in cyber security. Register for the upcomming Members Insight Session Members the 17th July, where Keith will share more insights to help ensure your business is prepared. Register Now on Eventbrite or Contact the Chamber Team to find out more! 

The Highland Business Awards is one of the flagship events of Inverness Chamber of Commerce that celebrates the achievements of businesses throughout the region.

The Awards recognise the success of organisations large and small, new and well established, and across all sectors, while offering our business community the chance to socialise with colleagues, rekindle old connections and make new business relationships.

This year there are ten diverse categories to choose from, so enter or nominate now to recognise the businesses and individuals that are integral to sustaining a strong Highland economy.

Nominations are open until 5.00pm on Friday 9 August. Please note there will be no extension to this deadline.

Principal Sponsor – The Highland Council

Highland Business Award for Innovation
A business that has implemented new ideas, products or processes which have contributed to its success, whether in terms of profitability, new customers and/or new markets.
Download nomination form

Highland Business Award for Resilience
sponsored by Caithness Chamber of Commerce
A business that has adapted its operations to overcome a short-term difficulty or challenge, enabling it to deliver on its objectives and continue to prosper.
Download nomination form

Highland Business Award for Positive Environmental Impact
sponsored by Ri Cruden
A business that takes responsible decisions to reduce its negative impact on the environment, actively promoting the benefits and bringing about efficiencies in its operations.
Download nomination form

Highland Business Award for Global Growth
A business that is achieving commercial success by developing its activity in overseas markets, whether for the first time or as part of ongoing international expansion plans.
Download nomination form

Highland Business Award for Digital Initiative
A business that has introduced new digital activity to drive growth in its operation and change how it delivers value to its customers.
Download nomination form

*NEW* Highland Business Award for Best Marketing Campaign
A business that has engaged in standout marketing activity to support a clear business objective. Whether via social media, traditional platforms or an integrated campaign, entries must demonstrate creativity, alongside communications results and impact on the business such as increased sales, a drive in footfall, increased engagement or new business referrals.
Download nomination form

Highland Business Award for Community Engagement
sponsored by Vattenfall Wind Power
A business that demonstrates ongoing commitment to and support for its local community through its activities, helping to improve the lives of others and making the community a better place in which to live.
Download nomination form

Highland Business Award for Employer of the Year
An organisation that demonstrates dedication to its workforce, by continually investing in upskilling and training and putting staff wellbeing at the heart of its activity, resulting in a collaborative and inclusive culture and a stimulating and supportive work environment.
Download nomination form

Highland Business Award for Young Employee of the Year
sponsored by The Springfield Group
A young person who makes a positive impact in the workplace thanks to their dedication, talent and can-do attitude.
Download nomination form

Highland Business Award for Business Leader of the Year
sponsored by Saffery
Someone with a track record of leading and inspiring others, who makes a difference to the Highland business economy through their commitment and passion for the area as well as the industry in which they operate.
Download nomination form

Plus one business selected from the category winners will also be announced overall Highland Business of the Year. 

The winners will be announced at the Highland Business Awards Ceremony and Lunch which takes place on Friday 27 September at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness. Tickets cost £67.50 + VAT per person and may be booked individually or for tables of 10. Ticket price includes welcome drink and three course lunch with tea/coffee. Click here to reserve tickets.

HIAL Procurement Tenders for 2024

Between June and October 2024, 31 contracts for maintenance work at airports across the Highlands and Islands will be available for businesses to tender for, including Wick John O’Groats.

The contracts, with values of between £50k and £15 million include a range of services to support HIAL airports across a number of locations. A full list of the contracts and values is available by clicking here. Further information can also be found on the HIAL website by clicking here.

HIAL is encouraging all businesses with the skills and experience to apply for the contracts through the open tender process, with Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing at Barra, Campbeltown, Islay and Tiree competed through the invitation to quote process.

HIAL is committed to promoting and enabling sustainability outcomes to benefit not only HIAL but also society and supporting local economies while minimising damage to the environment. HIAL will be looking to ensure that bidders can provide sustainable benefits whilst also ensuring that response times are met to keep our airports operational.

Interested businesses must:

• Register as a supplier on Public Contracts Scotland (www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk)
• Note their interest by emailing procurement@hial.co.uk
• Attend the Information session on MS Teams.
• Wait to receive notification of tender opportunity via Public Contracts Scotland.

Information to inform and support businesses through the tender process is available to help as many companies as possible to participate. An online information session about the 31 contract opportunities has been organised and full details of this session is included within the PINs.

A video has been produced to help guide businesses through the process – click here to view.

Head of Procurement at HIAL, Sarah Shelley said, “These contracts are a fantastic opportunity for businesses to work with HIAL to provide day to day, routine and reactive maintenance services across our airports. We would encourage any company, small or large, to register their interest as a potential supplier and tender for relevant contracts as they become available on the Public Contracts Scotland website.”

More details are available by emailing procurement@hial.co.uk

Caithness Chamber of Commerce calls on the next UK Government to fully recognise the critical importance of the North Highlands, given its significant national assets.

Ahead of the General Election taking place on Thursday 4 July 2024, Caithness Chamber of Commerce highlights key priorities it believes the region’s next MP and UK Government must tackle.

Whoever forms the next UK Government must partner with business to tackle the challenges and grow the economy.  The country succeeds when business succeeds. We are asking the next UK Government to work closely with the business community to help deliver the most pro-growth policies to turbo-charge investment, innovation and job creation.

The economy ranks among the top three issues for UK voters. As a chamber network, the companies we represent are pivotal in driving economic growth and employing millions of people. Our members and employees demand confidence in the Government’s support for businesses.

The North Highland region is fundamental to the nation’s transition to renewable power and is at the cusp of transformational developments and opportunities. National assets such as Space, Offshore Wind and significant electricity transmission infrastructure are being developed and planned in our region and off our shores. It is imperative that the next UK Government acknowledges the unique needs of the North Highlands, considering the significant national assets it houses.

A comprehensive action plan by the new UK ministers is necessary to foster rural employment, provide suitable housing, enhance transport connectivity, and support communities. It is crucial to ensure true progress and levelling up in collaboration with businesses, communities, and stakeholders. Whilst some of these are devolved issues, we believe UK Government still has a duty and responsibility given this region’s national importance in the UK’s transition to net zero.

Political parties and both the UK and Scottish Governments must urgently set aside their differences and prioritise delivering for the people, rather than focusing on party politics. This novel approach is desperately needed to realise significant opportunities for empowering and transforming communities like the North Highlands, ensuring they are not left behind.

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