In honour of Scottish Apprentice Week 2024, a national celebration of apprenticeships, Caithness Business Fund (CBF) is also highlighting some of the fantastic apprenticeship opportunities it has supported and showcasing the businesses and young people who are driving skills generation across the North Highlands.

The Fund, has now provided support for 20 local apprenticeships across a diverse range of sectors and building on this success has recently announced its new FutureSkills Initiative. Thanks to a significant investment boost of £100,000 from NRS Dounreay and the NDA, the FutureSkills initiative is designed to tackle skills shortages and drive investment in new opportunities for both businesses and young people in the North Highlands.

The Caithness Business Fund gladly supported The Caithness Collection with a contribution towards apprenticeship training for Kian Mackay, who joined the hotel part-time whilst still at school and has already progressed through a professional cookery apprenticeship, before beginning an apprenticeship in hospitality supervision and leadership.

Kian commented “This apprenticeship has been a huge boost to my confidence, knowing someone has invested in me has pushed me to work hard and further my career ambitions. I’ve always felt I learn better by taking an active role in what I am doing, Andrew has been a great mentor, and his support has been invaluable, I would like to advance further within the hospitality industry.”

Andrew Makay, owner of The Caithness Collection commented “The Hospitality sector is brimming with opportunities, and it’s certainly a career that can take you all over the world, but there is also a valuable, viable and exciting career opportunity right here in the north Highlands. As an employer, we feel it is our responsibility to nurture our own home-grown talent, so we can cultivate skills, knowledge, and expertise.”

“For us, it’s not about keeping them forever, as much as we would love to, but enriching the hospitality sector overall and seeing our young workforce thrive. Support from the Caithness Business Fund is a great boost for our own business, and I would certainly encourage others to apply.”

In 2023, Skye Maccoll and Abigail Hooker joined Gow Groundworks as business administration apprentices and have quickly become invaluable members of the Gow Groundworks team.

Shona Kirk, Gow Groundworks commented “We have been delighted with how hardworking and enthusiastic both our young apprentices are. The opportunity to train and nurture our own talent means we can tailor the training exactly to our business needs. We can already see the impact our apprentices have had on the business and we are excited to see them grow and develop with the business.”

Abigail commented “I went to University and soon realised it wasn’t for me, I wanted to stay closer to home and I wasn’t enjoying the style of study. But this apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to work and learn on the job, we are learning so much about all of the different aspects of running a business, from finance and costings to health and safety, and it has opened my eyes to all of the opportunities and avenues there are for me to pursue my career goals.”

Assistance from the Fund is helping to “level up” access to apprenticeships for small-to-medium enterprises in the North Highlands, ensuring businesses and organisations of all sizes are equipped with skills needed both now and in the future. Eligible SMEs can access grants from the Fund to help with employment and associated training costs for accredited apprenticeship opportunities within their business.

Apprenticeship Grants are available to businesses which can demonstrate a strong commitment to hosting a modern apprenticeship, providing a supportive pathway and desire to grow and create employment. The FutureSkills initiative will offer eligible businesses the opportunity to access financial grant support of up to £24,500 over a maximum period of three years, towards employment and associated training costs of an apprentice.

Trudy Morris, Executive Director of the Caithness Business Fund and CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, managing agent of the Fund, commented:

“It’s clear we have some incredibly ambitious and talented young people in the North Highlands. Apprenticeships do have the power to energise the economy and give businesses the skills they need.”

“We are delighted to have the backing of NRS Dounreay and the NDA on this initiative, which recognises the critical importance of apprentices in the workforce. The Caithness Business Fund has a strong track record of delivering on apprenticeship support and this seed funding provides a fantastic platform to help businesses to prosper.”

To find out more about the Caithness Business Fund and the FutureSkills apprenticeship grant scheme contact the Fund team on : Tel: 01847 500104 | Email: enquiries@caithnessbusinessfund.co.uk

Just as the first signs of spring and the promise of lighter, longer days have lifted spirits across the county. Here at the Chamber too, a sense of relief has swept in with confirmation from Transport Scotland for the continuation of funding for the life-line Wick-Aberdeen Public Service Obligation (PSO) for 2024/25.

At Caithness Chamber of Commerce, we are at the frontline of economic advocacy and the extensive lobbying efforts surrounding the PSO, spearheaded by the Chamber, highlight our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of our businesses and communities. From the development of the original business case for the PSO to our ongoing dialogue and campaigning, the Chamber alongside stakeholders, has played a pivotal role in safeguarding, developing, and growing our vital air services.

Commerce and connectivity are intrinsically linked. Connectivity is not just about roads, railways and runways; it’s the heartbeat of our economy and an essential component in building sustainable and resilient communities. Transportation, including our lifeline air service, physically connects businesses and communities to vital markets, essential healthcare, and travel needs. At its core, connectivity is fundamental to both the economic and social sustainability of the Noth Highlands.

There are huge opportunities ahead for our region with high-value, future-facing jobs including offshore wind, the Sutherland Spaceport, hydrogen production, net zero transport projects and a Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site bid. Ensuring that businesses, investors, and communities have access to the robust transport infrastructure and connectivity they need will be crucial in unlocking not only these new opportunities, but also vital in addressing the challenges posed by an ageing and declining population and, ultimately in attracting young people and families to call the North Highlands home.

This welcome announcement from Transport Scotland comes at a time of unprecedented fiscal challenges for the Scottish Government. However, in a region as diverse as ours, leading the way in Scotland’s transition to renewable energy, the importance of transport connectivity cannot be overstated. If we are to hold the weight of our Nation’s race towards net zero, it is only fair that our region is supported to break down barriers associated with rurality.

As a country Scotland holds sustainable and inclusive growth in high regard. Maintaining connectivity for rural communities, both locally to urban centres and globally to markets and opportunities, is fundamental to this ethos. Rather than diverting our attention to justifying our position repeatedly, we should channel our efforts into progress and improvement. The North Highlands deserves both the equity and the stability to fully leverage the opportunities before us and support our rural economies to thrive. While we celebrate the positive decision supporting our PSO, we must remain forward-thinking and steadfast in our vision for the future.

Business Insight, Magnus Davidson, Socio Economics Manager, NRS Dounreay

As an anchor institution of the Caithness and north Sutherland economy, NRS Dounreay welcomes the confirmation of 2024-2025 Transport Scotland funding for the Wick-Aberdeen PSO.

As a partner in Focus North, and working alongside key stakeholders including the Caithness Chamber of Commerce and the Highland Council, we strongly support the case for funding of the vital air route, both for businesses like our own and as a lifeline service for the local population, many of whom are NRS Dounreay employees and family.

The NDA’s duty under The Energy Act (2004) to benefit the social or economic life of communities near to site enables NRS Dounreay to support initiatives such as those improving transport in the area. Regarding flights from Wick, Dounreay helps to support the Caithness Transport Forum, the position of PSO Project Officer whose role is to grow passenger numbers, as well as utilising the route for business travel for both our workforce and supply chain.

Caithness and north Sutherland are undergoing social challenges largely driven by the changing demographics of an ageing, outwardly migrating youth, and decreasing population.

However, the area is on the cusp of burgeoning economic opportunity with increasing offshore wind capacity, space related activity, grid infrastructure upgrades, increasing carbon sequestration projects, as well as ongoing decommissioning work at NRS Dounreay creating a demand on skills which will see an increase in movement of people into the area.

Strong transport links are fundamental in ensuring social sustainability whilst the impact of a changing economy starts to be felt. Strong links are also vital to ensure that we can derive maximum benefit locally from the economic advantages our area increasingly affords us.

Dounreay undertakes a broad portfolio of socio economic activity highlighted in our recently published 2022/23 socio economic report. Transport has been a core element of this work to date, and as we look to support a growing population and economy with Focus North, it will become ever more important.

Air services between Wick John O’Groats Airport and Aberdeen International Airport are in place through a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract with Eastern Airways. The PSO is set to be in place for three years, starting in April 2022, and is funded by Transport Scotland (£1 million per year) and Highland Council (£300,000 per year).

Caithness Business Fund Announces FutureSkills Apprenticeship Grant Scheme, with £100,000 of support from NRS Dounreay and the NDA.

Significant Investment Commitment from NRS Dounreay and the NDA, Boosts Caithness Business Fund to Bolster Apprenticeships through New FutureSkills Initiative.

The Caithness Business Fund is celebrating a substantial investment boost of £100,000 from Focus North partners NRS Dounreay and the NDA to support the launch of FutureSkills, an apprenticeship grant scheme designed to tackle skills shortages and drive investment in new opportunities for both businesses and young people in the North Highlands.

The fund will offer eligible businesses the opportunity to access financial grant support of up to £24,500 over a maximum period of three years, towards employment and associated training costs of an apprentice. The scheme will be open to businesses that can demonstrate a strong commitment to hosting a modern apprenticeship and providing a supportive pathway. It targets SMEs with the aim of facilitating new apprenticeship opportunities to stimulate business growth and overcome potential financial barriers.

Trudy Morris, Executive Director of the Caithness Business Fund and CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, managing agent of the Fund, commented:

“We are delighted to be making this exciting announcement ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration of apprenticeships, which shines a light on the vital role work-based learning plays in supporting people, employers and the economy.”

“The North Highlands is at the cusp of transformative opportunities and as we embark on a fresh era of employment generation, we must empower our young people to lead the way in the region’s innovation.”

“There is a huge appetite from both businesses and stakeholders to boost apprenticeship opportunities in the region. This new initiative will offer vital support to businesses by providing funding to establish new apprenticeships, fostering locally grown talent, addressing skills gaps, and assisting local businesses to invest in their workforce.”

“Supporting an apprenticeship also represents a sustained investment in the future of the North Highlands. By enabling individuals to advance their employment, earning, and educational prospects locally, we can help to establish a more inclusive workforce and build resilience into our local economy and communities.”

“We are delighted to have the backing of NRS Dounreay and the NDA on this initiative, which recognises the critical importance of apprentices in the workforce. The Caithness Business Fund has a strong track record of delivering on apprenticeship support and this seed funding provides an opportunity for inward investors to further contribute to the development of a strong and resilient supply chain.”

Dave Calder, Head of Sustainability and Socio Economics at NRS Dounreay, commented:

“Seeding an initiative of this nature presents a unique opportunity to not only attract participation from other large organisations who are vested in the region but also to establish a lasting legacy over the coming decades. By bolstering and enhancing the capabilities of local SMEs, we can generate a ripple effect of growth and skills generation for our region.

Jamie Reed, Director of Socio-Economics at the NDA, commented:

“Building upon the success of the Dounreay apprenticeship scheme, the prospect of extending NDA group support to encompass opportunities within the wider economy is very exciting. This support highlights our commitment as an organisation to fostering sustainable development and nurturing a vibrant and diverse business landscape for the North Highlands”

To find out more about the Caithness Business Fund and the FutureSkills apprenticeship grant scheme visit the Caithness Business Fund Website or contact the Fund team on with enquiries: Tel: 01847 500104 | Email: enquiries@caithnessbusinessfund.co.uk

Caithness Chamber CEO Trudy Morris, “delighted” by the confirmation of Funding for Wick-Aberdeen PSO for 2024/25 following significant lobbying efforts led by Caithness Chamber of Commerce’s campaign to safeguard the life-line air service.

Today, Trudy Morris, CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Caithness Transport Forum, expressed relief and delight at the formal confirmation from Transport Scotland regarding the continuation of funding for the Wick-Aberdeen PSO for 2024/25. The Chamber spearheaded extensive lobbying efforts in a campaign aimed at safeguarding the lifeline air services from the airport, amidst concerns surrounding uncertainty over funding from the Scottish Government.

Trudy Morris, CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce commented:

“Connectivity is a major factor in securing economic growth, attracting new opportunities, employment, and sustaining flourishing communities for our region, and is indeed a vital component in addressing depopulation and retaining future generations.”

“Our region boasts one of the most diverse economies in Scotland, and the North Highlands play a crucial role in Scotland’s transition to renewable energy, particularly with the development of national assets such as space, offshore wind, and essential electricity transmission infrastructure. The importance of transport connectivity cannot be overstated in harnessing and enabling these transformative opportunities for our region and communities.”

“Air services at Wick John O’Groats Airport are an essential part of our region’s transport ecosystem, physically connecting our businesses and communities to important markets, opportunities, and essential healthcare and travel needs.

“We fully appreciate the challenging budgetary constraints faced by the Government, and we are delighted and relieved by the announcement made today.”

“The Chamber in partnership with local stakeholders is united in our vision and commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in our region. We will continue to work together to build upon opportunities for the airport and advocate for the voice of the North Highland businesses and communities.”

Caithness Chamber of Commerce, with funding from NRS Dounreay, developed the original business case for the PSO from Wick John O’Groats Airport. Scheduled air services restarted on April 11 2022, with the first flight to Aberdeen leaving Wick since before the Covid pandemic. Alongside key stakeholders, the Chamber has continued to play a pivotal role in partnership efforts to safeguard, develop and grow the service.

Representatives of Caithness Chamber of Commerce met with Cabinet Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, MSP on January 25th to articulate concerns regarding the ongoing connectivity challenges faced by the North Highland region and to advocate for the support of vital lifeline air connectivity provided through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) currently in place at Wick John O’Groats Airport.

Air service between Wick John O’Groats and Aberdeen airports is operated under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) between The Highland Council and Eastern Airways.

A Bold Initiative Unleashed for Small Business Owners

In a groundbreaking move, Fiona Macintosh of More than Motivation, is set to revolutionise the small business landscape by introducing her new “Liberating Leadership: Transforming Entrepreneurs into Extraordinary Leaders” program.

Recognising the pivotal shift from small business owner to employer, Fiona acknowledges the unique challenges that come with this transition. From navigating the complexities of employee management to fostering a culture of growth and development, the journey demands a nuanced skill set beyond the hands-on operations typically associated with entrepreneurship.

This innovative Leadership Development program is carefully crafted to address the specific challenges faced by small business owners entering the realm of leadership. Delivered online, in the evenings or at weekends, it accommodates the demanding schedules of entrepreneurs.

Fiona’s Liberating Leadership aims to empower small business owners with a practical roadmap for success. By equipping participants with essential yet often overlooked tools, the program instils the confidence needed to lead with dignity and strength. The focus on a practical process, underpinned by a set of competencies, attitudes, and beliefs, promises to guide entrepreneurs through the intricacies of leading people.

The program’s philosophy encourages the art of nurturing employee growth, steering them from dependence to self-reliance and onwards to interdependence. This transformative approach aims to cultivate proactive and capable individuals who collaborate, willingly sharing resources with others.

Investing in this program goes beyond honing leadership skills; it’s a strategic investment in the prosperity and high performance of growing teams. As Fiona boldly opens the doors to this transformative experience, small business owners now have the opportunity to evolve from mere entrepreneurs to extraordinary leaders.  To find out more email fiona@morethanmotivation.co.uk

More than Motivation

Meet David Buchanan, Founder of  Secret Shebeen Club in Wick, a new business fostering culinary fusion and local collaboration.

The Secret Shebeen Club is a unique culinary destination nestled in the heart of Wick, making its new home in the iconic Backstairs, which was once painted by Lowry, in the town’s historic harbour. It offers exclusive pop-up supper clubs that combine global flavours and local collaboration for an immersive and authentic dining experience. David Buchanan, the visionary behind this new venture shares his insights into its inspiration, philosophy, and aspirations. David has a rich background, having grown up in Wick and he honed his culinary skills in kitchens across 75+ countries with a noteworthy career working for private clients, celebrities, and royal families, bringing a wealth of global experience to this exciting new venture.

David, captivated by the Blackstairs was inspired to create The Secret Shebeen Club concept, drawing from his vast experience and the pop-up restaurant trend in London. The goal of this Supper Club is to combine immersive lifestyle experiences and his philosophy of collaboration, providing an experience that goes beyond just dining.

Can you describe the concept behind your business and what vision you have for the new venture?

We have a grand vision for the Secret Shebeen Club. We plan to offer unique dining experiences and provide a platform for collaboration and community. Our goal is to bring our enthusiasm, knowledge, and expertise to create a space that goes beyond just dining.

Growing up close by in Pultneytown, I have many fond memories of Caithness, which is a magical place. We want to take the best of what is on our doorstep and connect our guests with local artisan producers, farmers, and other talented individuals. We want to help these producers get access to top clients who are interested in their products but can’t navigate local markets or Facebook pages. We aim to add a degree of confidence and instil faith in small producers on the global stage.

In the future, we plan to expand our operations to cover retail, guided tours, and sea excursions, and continue to collaborate with local producers on supper club events. We will offer cookery school classes such as breadmaking and chocolate masterclasses and team-building events. Following renovation works we will open up our accommodation in the spring and our yoga studio will be open by the start of 2025.

What is your brand philosophy?

At the core of the Secret Shebeen Club is a commitment to connecting guests with local artisans, farmers, and producers. The vision is to bridge the gap between quality producers and clients, creating a global platform for small-scale businesses. The Supper Club incorporates seasonality, local producers, and exclusive products, ensuring a constantly evolving and sustainable menu.  I have championed Mey Select for 20 years and truly believe in the small-scale farming philosophy as the antidote to large-scale agriculture where animals are bred for profit and not for quality.

We aspire to support local artists, musicians, and clubs, providing a platform for events and community. Collaboration is at the forefront of our vision, with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent across Caithness.

What is your signature cooking style, and what ingredients and flavours do you most like creating with?

I am passionate about sourcing the best quality and suitable ingredients from all over the world. In 2018, we established Vanillaism, which is the only rainforest-to-fork organic vanilla producer. Since then, we have been planting, growing, curing, and selling 100% organic vanilla beans in Bali and across Indonesia. We also provide practical, ethical, educational, and financial support to our farmers and their communities. We operate on a non-profit model and reinvest our profits to help empower communities to develop tourism and enterprise and work their way out of poverty.

As a vanilla grower, I use it a lot, but often in savoury cooking more so than in sweets. Vanilla has a complex series of volatiles, eugenols, and compounds that we are all familiar with, but Vanilla is the most intoxicating scent compound.

Caithness Chamber members can join David for an exclusive networking event on the 24^th May, for booking and further information contact fiona@caithnesschamber.com

Find Secret Shebean Supperclub on Facebook.

Dear Member,

February’s Executive Magazine is out now and we are delighted that the Caithness Chamber of Commerce Newsletter returns for the first issue of 2024 – jam-packed with the latest business news from our members across the North Highlands!

Jacobs | Secret Shebeen Wick | More than Motivation | North Point Distillery | Stacks Coffee, Deli & Bakery Ltd | NRS Dounreay | Venture North | Focus North | West of Orkney Windfarm | RES | Thistle Wind Partners | AtkinsRéalis | GMG Energy | Caithness Scaffolding Contractors Ltd | Prima Uno Ltd | Subsea7

• Meet David Buchanan, the visionary behind the Secret Shebeen Club, Wick
• Fiona Macintosh of More than Motivation introduces her new initiative for small business owners
• North Point Distillery unveil their new Highland single malt whisky brand, Dalclagie
• Jacobs have teamed up with Envision Engineering & Design Ltd for Dounreay feasibility study
• New Partnership has been announced between RES and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
• GMG Energy secures new stress test wood credentials for Scotland’s construction sector

Read this and much more, with all the latest business news from across the Highlands Online Here in Executive Magazine.

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If you are not already signed up to receive the monthly digital magazine & weekly newsletter, you can sign up here.

RES, the British renewable energy company behind the five-turbine Cairnmore Hill Wind Farm proposal, has submitted a new Biodiversity Enhancement Management Plan (BEMP) to accompany its planning application. The biodiversity enriching plan includes measures to enhance 56 hectares of wet heath habitat, plant 5.5 hectares of broadleaved woodland, create 4.5 hectares of species-rich scrub as well as the planting of over 2,300m of species-rich hedgerows.

The proposed wind farm is located in an area identified by The Highland Council as having ‘potential for wind farm development’ and is currently used for grazing sheep. The recent State of Nature Report suggests there has been a 15% decline in average species abundance in Scotland across closely monitored wildlife since 1994¹. RES has said the measures at Cairnmore Hill would improve local flora and fauna during the site’s operational life with the bespoke BEMP calculating a 16% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), as a direct result of the wind farm being built.

Euan Hogg, RES’ Development Project Manager, explained: “There’s currently a range of pressures being exerted on Scotland’s natural environment, including the direct impacts of human induced climate change, and it’s so important that we take measures to enhance our precious biodiversity, wherever we can. Cairnmore Hill offers a fantastic opportunity to do just that with a range of habitat improvements proposed to support a richer and more diverse mix of species on-site.

“The enhancement and restoration proposed could help improve the breeding, wintering and foraging habitats for a whole range of species, including waders and increase the floral species diversity. The turbines producing clean electricity on-site would also work hand in hand with the carbon-absorbing wet heath, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.”

A Biodiversity Management Group (BMG) would be established to oversee and monitor the implementation of the agreed BEMP and is likely to include representatives from The Highland Council and NatureScot.

If consented, the Cairnmore Hill Wind Farm proposal would help offset the equivalent of 23,736 tonnes of CO2 each year, pay back the construction carbon emissions in 1.5 years, and be capable of generating enough clean, low-cost electricity to meet the annual demand of around 28,000 homes.

In addition, it is predicted that the wind farm would deliver approximately £1.4 million of inward investment in the form of jobs, employment, and the use of local services during construction and the first year of operation – and around £8.75 million in business rates to The Highland Council over its operational lifetime.

RES also proposes to create additional benefit from the scheme by delivering a tailored community benefit package for the local area to help secure long-term economic, social and environmental benefits.

Furthermore, at a Highland-wide level, RES recently announced a new collaboration with UHI to support their Student Development Fund. The fund will empower a minimum of 60 students of UHI to further their personal development by providing financial support to overcome barriers to participate in learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities.

GMG Energy the rapidly expanding Highland timber products specialist which contributes significantly to the circular economy in the Highlands and the Northern Isles, is set to play a bigger role in Scotland’s construction sector.

The Halladale-based business has seen three of its senior employees, including Director Malcolm Morrison, secure visual softwood structural grading credentials which qualifies the company to supply builders and joinery businesses with the stress tested timber used in housing and commercial property construction projects.

Mr Morrison said: “As a result of securing these credentials, GMG Energy can now stress test

wood to reach the highest building standards This, in turn, will lead us into supplying market demand for structural timber from joiners, builders and architects not only in the North of Scotland but throughout the country.

“We are now accredited to apply a unique stamp on specific timber products we manufacture to assure potential customers of its quality and fitness for construction projects.”

Alongside Mr Morrison, GMG Energy’s sawmill manager, Vasile Damian and his deputy, Adrian Cegielka, also underwent and passed an onsite five-days visual grading of softwood certification training and test challenge set by accredited training supplier, bmtrada.

“I’m delighted that all three of us passed our softwood structural grading test at the first attempt. The pass mark is 80 per cent and at £1350+ VAT each to undertake the course it’s a significant investment in training for a growing business like ours”, Mr Morrison added.

Mr Damian said: “Essentially we were taught how to identify four grades of timber: c14 and c18 are lower grades so do not take as much load-bearing weight, c16 is for general use for a house but has limits, while c24 is of a higher quality that can bear more weight and is used in critical structural situations.

“Obtaining the qualification is an important step for us as a company because it opens the door for us to more high-quality work within the construction sector.”

GMG Energy this year invested £150,000 in state-of-the-art sawmill equipment which takes its larger timber and processes it into posts, rail, cladding and purlins, or structural roof members.

It has also recently spent in the region of £100,000 on timber treatment equipment to help open up new markets among construction companies and farm businesses which require treated and stress-tested products.

As a major plank of its business model, the company is committed to replacing every log of timber that it uses, and plants 10,000 new trees a year, which grow to maturity in 35 years. It far exceeded this target in 2021, planting in the region of 20,000 trees.