It’s hard to believe it is late summer already and once again hundreds of teenagers across the nation have received their exam results. To coincide with the day when the Scottish Qualification Authority notifies students of their grades, Developing the Young Workforce has for several years run a national campaign called #NoWrongPath. The #NoWrongPath social media campaign aims to inspire and reassure young people who may be disappointed with their results by highlighting the cases of people in interesting and important jobs across a range of sectors who have not taken conventional paths to reach their goal.
The campaign’s key message is that exams are not the be all and end all and that your options need not diminish because you didn’t get the desired grades. #NoWrongPath shows young people that, whatever their grades, they are not necessarily the key to unlocking future success and that there are myriad options available to them.
As hosts of DYW North Highland, Caithness Chamber of Commerce is passionate about helping young people achieve their potential. Indeed, we have just welcomed back our 12 young adults from their Sail Training Shetland experience with the Tall Ships Races. These placements were made possible through sponsorship from DYW North Highland, Pentland Floating Offshore Wind and Scrabster Harbour.
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Sail Trainnees, part of the crew on the Statsraad Lehmkuhl part of the Tall Ships Races 2023
The Sail Training initiative is designed to inspire self-confidence and teamwork, enabling participants to confront many demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. The skills and attributes achieved on board are designed to enhance their employability skills through hands-on learning and real-life experience.
Skills are something we learn through experience and that we can apply to things we do. We might pick these up at school, work, during activities, by spending time with our family and friends, or initiatives like the Sail Training.
By all accounts, the feedback received from the young people and their parents is that the Sail Training delivered just that.
So, my advice to young people is grasp every opportunity available to build your confidence and learn new skills. Qualifications are not the be and end all. There are many other opportunities to build your skills and routes to employment. Get in touch with DYW North Highland to find out how. Email skills@caithnesschamber.com or phone 01847 890076 and ask for the DYW team.
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Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce
View from the Board, Alex MacDonald, Co-Founder & COO at North Point Distillery.
From Canada to the Highlands of Scotland, my career path has changed as much as the scenery! When I was younger, I fully intended to be one of two things: a doctor or a comedian. This might have been spurred on by a fascination with Robin Williams and his movie based on the true story of Patch Adams, The Comedic Doctor.
Through my high school years in Canada, I found my skills were not suited to the medical field (mostly due to a disdain for Chemistry) and chose a different path. I always looked up to my father and his international adventures in business, so I decided to try my hand at business. After studying Business and Management at the University of St. Andrews, I was headhunted into a large corporate specialising in the government and public sector division. At this point, I had already cut my teeth in the public sector, working in the summers under my father’s instruction. The large corporate life taught me several lessons about discipline, working as part of a team, and understanding one’s role in the large scheme of things. I also learnt I was not a big fan of big companies!
From there, I decided that Tech Start-ups was the patch of ‘greener grass’ where I belonged. I spoke to recruiters, interviewed a lot, kept learning skills to apply to this new avenue and eventually landed a National Account Manager role in a Tech Start-Up. This role was engaging, it pushed me to travel around the country, and I started to shape skills of independent decision-making, negotiation, and communication. The role focused heavily on working with Government which was a safe place for me and one I continued to enjoy. This role allowed me to land my next role, as I was consistently presenting at Tech Summits for Amazon, KPMG, PWC, and Microsoft. After one presentation, I was approached by a founder of a new and growing cybersecurity company interested in my skills; they did not care about my lack of cybersecurity experience.
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Alex MacDonald, Co-Founder & COO at North Point Distillery
After working with this cybersecurity company for about two years, travelling around the world for most of my time, I found my repertoire of skills had been significantly bolstered. So much so that I decided to find a consulting company that helped other small businesses scale and grow. I founded this business with my current co-founder Struan Mackie, and this is where my life and career took a rapid left turn (in a good way).
Struan and I connected over many things. Sports, business, and even the occasional whisky dram. From this shared passion, we decided to take the leap of faith in 2019/2020 and found our distillery in the highlands of Scotland. We now run one of the fastest-growing and most award-winning craft distilleries in the UK.
To those looking at what path you want to take, do not be rigid in your approach. Follow your skills, and your passion will be unveiled. All too often, people try to go down the path that is expected of them. So make sure to collect skills, listen, learn, revise, make mistakes, and eventually, you will find yourself in the career you truly belong in.
Get to know Reid’s of Caithness – The baking family bringing a taste of Caithness to an international market!
From delicious all-butter shortbread boarding first-class rail services and jetting off on Atlantic flights, to rainbow rows of their signature tartan tins displayed inside premium malls and delicatessens from Asia and to Australia; Reid’s of Caithness is delivering a taste of Caithness to a truly international market.
The family-run business was established by Donald and Joyce Reid in 1966, using recipes passed down through the generations. 57 years later, the business has grown in scale to employ over 50 people and produces hundreds of thousands of biscuits, cakes and oatcakes every year from their 20,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art bakery, office and warehouse facility in Thurso.
Today, the bakery is managed by the second generation of the family, with Gary and his wife Tracy leading the way for this award-winning business, most recently recognised Scottish Wholesale Baker of the Year 2023. An accolade which demonstrates not only an exemplary product, but also praise for their business operation, level of customer service, ambition, and professionalism.
Reid’s are passionate about innovation, and although the bakery has significantly developed its production capacity and product line since its founding days, the focus on high-quality ingredients and producing well-made product remains at the heart of the business.
The business also remains committed to its investment in its people. In the last 10 years, Reid’s have put over 35 team members through apprenticeships in production & processing, bakery skills, food & drink operations, distribution, and food manufacturing excellence and take an active role in developing their skills, an attribute reflected in every aspect of their business.
Tracy and Gary Reid, outside the family owned bakery in Thurso.
What opportunities are ahead?
“We’re continuing to invest in the business, our ambition is for larger oven capacity and faster wrapping stations and we’re looking at automating our biscuit-forming line.
“But it’s not about replacing people with machines, we’ll always need skilled staff, and eventually some of them may be engineers to work alongside robots, or ‘co-bots’ as they’re sometimes called.”
What are the biggest challenges facing your business?
“We use quality local ingredients and employ around 50 people locally. We are committed to their personal training and development and believe that we have a responsibility to make sure our team is well skilled.
However, because we can’t compare with the wages offered here by the nuclear industry or the distillers, we often struggle to attract people and hang onto our workforce. As a bakery, our people are crucial to our operations.
Current consumer behavior and attitudes are also making it increasingly hard to sustain a profit from our type of food production, and like all in the food manufacturing sector, inflation, volatile ingredients pricing and cost-of-living crisis are also having a huge impact on our business – but we believe the quality of our award-winning products shine through.”
What are your proudest moments?
“Winning Wholesale Baker of the Year for the third year was fantastic, and a great boost and credit to our whole team.
Of course, we are proud of all of our awards and achievements, but our ability to react during Covid and support the supply chain with our breads both locally and nationally, into major supermarkets is something we are especially proud of.
Our business is SALSA accredited, meaning we could be audited at any point. It’s extremely important to our business and means our customers and retailers know our products adhere to the strictest health and safety food regulations. If you are a consumer and see a Reid’s product on the shelves, you know it has that guarantee.”
Where is the furthest place away from Thurso that you can buy a Reid’s Biscuit?
“We are exporting our award-winning shortbread and biscuits to over 30 countries, including Costa Rica, South Africa, Iceland, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
We love hearing from our customers and have a huge amount of support from our locals here in Caithness. We often get people sending us pictures of our products when they are travelling – we’ve even had images from as far away as New Zealand”
Social Enterprise Scotland has announced the shortlist for the prestigious Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2023 recognising some of Scotland’s most pioneering social enterprises.
The Awards, organised by Social Enterprise Scotland, recognise excellence and outstanding achievements by social enterprises – businesses that reinvest their profits for social and environmental good – that demonstrate they’re improving and building a better economy and fairer society.
The shortlist includes social enterprises that are early-stage potential; those with a clearly evidenced environmental impact; health and social care organisations; businesses that are addressing issues around diversity, inclusion, and equity; and innovators using technology to achieve social impact. This year two categories recognise individuals working in a social enterprise that go above and beyond to make a difference – an employee and a volunteer.
With a total of 9 categories open to all Social Enterprises that operate in Scotland or individuals that work/volunteer in Scotland, the Awards present a real opportunity to showcase the very best of the sector. They highlight the agility, ability, and active role that social enterprises play in building places, supporting communities, and positively impacting our environment and wellbeing.
This year, three new categories have been introduced providing further opportunities for social enterprises and those who work with them to be recognised for their impact. These are: ‘Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Award’; ‘Tech for Good Award’; ‘Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion Award’.
These are in addition to the existing six award categories, which are ‘Social Enterprise of the Year Scotland Award’, ‘One to Watch Award’, ‘Buy Social – Market Builder Award’, ‘Health and Social Care Award’, ‘Environmental Social Enterprise Award’ and ‘Social Enterprise Employee Champion Award’.
Kim Wallace, Director of Membership and Policy at Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “There is always much to celebrate about the impact of social enterprise in Scotland at both a local and national level. We were delighted by the quality, diversity, and geographic spread of applications this year with application numbers almost back to pre-pandemic levels. This is encouraging as this reflects the resilience, determination, and growth of the social enterprise movement. Our Awards are designed to raise the profile of social enterprises and show that there is another way of doing business. We know that without such fabulous organisations on the ground, this would of course not be possible. We want to take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our 2023 applicants and the hard work and dedication of all of Scotland’s inspiring social enterprises and social entrepreneurs.”
Awards ceremony
The winners will be announced at an evening awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 26th October hosted by Beatrice Wishart, Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP.
The 2023 Social Enterprise Awards Scotland are proudly supported by our sponsors: Social Enterprise of the Year Award – Gold Sponsor: Keegan & Pennykid; One to Watch Award – Bold Studio; Environmental Award – Circular Communities Scotland; Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice Award – Social Investment Scotland; Health and Social Care Award – The ALLIANCE: The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland; Tech For Good Award – Breeze Digital (a Communities Enterprise Group social enterprise); ‘Buy Social’ Market Builder Award – Social Enterprise Academy; Volunteer Champion Award – Volunteer Scotland.
More information can be found at socialenterprise.scot/awards
A full list of finalists is listed below.
1. Social Enterprise of the Year Award Category sponsored by Keegan & Pennykid
This award is for a social enterprise that has demonstrated a clear vision, excellence in impact, customer service, and management, plus that little something extra in terms of creativity and innovation.
Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company
2. One to Watch Award Category sponsored by Bold Studio
A social enterprise that shows early potential and can clearly articulate their future vision, how they are going to achieve it, and how they will drive growth in their business.
Carrick Rugby Football Club (SCIO)
3. Environmental Award Category sponsored by Circular Communities Scotland
For a social enterprise in the green and environmental sectors that can show a clear, evidenced environmental impact.
Home Basics (Tweeddale) Co Ltd
4. Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Justice sponsored by Social Investment Scotland
Social justice is fundamental to the social enterprise movement. This category is open to all social enterprises that are addressing issues around diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Resilience Learning Partnership
5. Health and Social Care sponsored by The ALLIANCE: The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland
For a social enterprise in the health and social care sector with excellent vision and strategic direction, clear leadership, evidenced social, environmental, and community impact.
Resilience Learning Partnership
6. Tech for Good sponsored by Breeze Digital (a Communities Enterprise Group social enterprise)
This award recognises a social enterprise that is using technology to achieve its social impact. This could be through developing a new product or service or enhancing their service delivery.
7. ‘Buy Social’ – Market Builder sponsored by the Social Enterprise Academy
For a social enterprise, public sector body or private sector organisation that has demonstrably made efforts within its own organisation and remit to create more opportunities to buy from social enterprises.
The Good Stuff Network Edinburgh (operated by Edinburgh Social Enterprise)
Circular Communities Scotland Reuse Consortium
8. Employee Champion
This award recognises an individual working in a social enterprise that goes above and beyond to make a difference.
Joyce Murray, CEO and Founder, Positive Changes Scotland CIC
Lisa Gemmell, Community and Relationship Mentor, Be-inn Unity CIC
Rachel MacPhail, Employability Coordinator, Inspiralba
Rajkiran Atwal, General Manager, Merry-go-round
9. Volunteer Champion sponsored by Volunteer Scotland
This award recognises an individual volunteering with a social enterprise that goes above and beyond to make a difference.
Cathy Costello, Volunteer & Trustee, Ayr Gaiety Partnership
Janie Conlon, Tartan Volunteer, Grassmarket Community Project
Sandra Hill, Volunteer Mentor, Positive Changes Scotland CIC
Susan Muir, Volunteer Instructor and Charity Trustee, Kanzen Karate
Commenting on the Electronic Trade Documents Act receiving Royal Assent, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Campaigners have worked for years to have the Electronic Trade Documents Act passed, and its introduction in mid-September will mark transformational change in digitalising international trade.
“With this major change, the UK’s sustainability efforts can be boosted by saving paper, but also cut processing time for trade documents down to mere seconds in some cases.
“SCC will work with our colleagues in the International Chambers of Commerce, with local Chambers and businesses across Scotland and the wider UK to ensure the full benefits of this are felt in global trade.
“This can also hopefully act as a beacon, leading towards further digitalisation of trade across the world. We also urge governments to accelerate their work to digitalise border processes.”
Background
The Electronic Trade Documents Act gives legal status to electronic Bills of Exchange and Bills of Lading and other commercial documents.
The new legislation will come into effect in mid-September this year providing opportunities to digitalise international trade documents and reap efficiency benefits. It also covers trade documents such as promissory notes, warehouse receipts, marine insurance policies, and cargo insurance certificates.
With our Annual Dinner returning on Friday 15th September 2023, we are delighted to announce that our Young Entrepreneur & Young Business of the Year Awards are once again open for entries!
These awards are designed to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that makes the North Highlands great, and are a fantastic opportunity for a young person or business to boost their profile and gain recognition for their achievements.
Entries are open until 5pm on 11 August 2023, and winners will receive the following:
Young Business (less than five years old)
- 2 FREE places worth £160 at the Chamber’s annual dinner, for the presentation
- 1 year’s FREE membership of Caithness Chamber of Commerce
- Media coverage through press and the Chamber’s digital and social channels
- Highlighted profile on the Chamber’s website
- Young Business of the Year 2023 trophy
Young Entrepreneur (younger than 30)
- £500 cash prize, kindly sponsored by Saffery Champness
- 2 FREE places worth £160 on the top table at the Chamber’s annual dinner, for the presentation
- 1 year’s FREE membership of Caithness Chamber of Commerce
- Media coverage through press and the Chamber’s digital and social channels
- Highlighted profile on the Chamber’s website
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 trophy
Application forms and full details of entry criteria can be downloaded below:
- Application Form – Young Business of the Year 2023
- Entry Criteria – Young Business of the Year 2023
- Application Form – Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023
- Entry Criteria – Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023
Completed applications should be sent to fiona@caithnesschamber.com by 5pm on 11 August 2023.
Please pass this on to anyone who you think would be interested in applying for either award. If you’d like any more information or just want to have a quick chat before applying, contact us on info@caithnesschamber.com or 01847 890076.
CHAMBER PRESIDENT ISSUES WAKE-UP CALL TO GOVERNMENTS AS BUSINESS INVESTMENT FLATLINES
• LABOUR COSTS: Labour costs are now the biggest cost pressure and driver of price rises, cited by three-quarters of all firms.
• INVESTMENT: Growth is positive but significantly subdued, with most firms reporting no change to investment levels.
• HOUSEBUILDING: Due to pressures in the housing market, construction firms reported the largest contraction in housebuilding contracts since Q2 2020.
• INTEREST RATES: Interest rates are the second largest concern behind inflation, impacting 40% of all firms.
Stephen Leckie, President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“The survey results highlight that persistent economic uncertainty is forcing firms to put investment decisions on hold, which makes prospects for medium and long-term growth far more challenging. The flatlining performance across the business community must act as a wake-up call to Governments north and south of the border. Governments must work with us if we are to revive investment decisions and maintain our competitiveness as a business destination.
“The eyes of the business community are firmly on how the First Minister will respond to the New Deal for Business Recommendations. Specifically, how he will reform non-domestic rates to incentivise businesses to grow as well as find the right balance between taxation and spend.”
On the labour market, Stephen Leckie said:
“Pressures from a tight labour market are making it difficult for firms to fulfil orders and inflation is placing great pressure on businesses to meet growing demands for higher wages.
“Strong competition for labour and skills are also leaving many firms with job vacancies that they simply can’t fill. We are rightly focused on ensuring our domestic skills and labour are supported into the jobs market, with many initiatives and reforms underway. However, businesses cannot wait for these schemes to pay dividends which could take years.
“That’s why we need to simultaneously accelerate plans for improved access to the international labour market so that we can address worker shortages. This action alone would lift some of the pressure facing businesses and demonstrate that we have a UK Government which listens to business.”
On inflation and price rises, Stephen Leckie said:
“Inflationary pressures are easing for firms, but it is still too high with most businesses still expecting to increase their prices next quarter.
“Firms are now increasingly feeling the impact of consistent interest rate rises by the Bank of England attempting to cool inflation. Up to this point, businesses have had to adjust to seeing interest rates mainly squeeze their borrowing and input costs but now they are increasingly feeling the pinch in other ways, with consumer spending stifled and now the housing market coming under pressure.
“It is critical that the right balancing act is struck from the Bank of England on interest rates or there is a threat that spiralling interest rates will make repayments simply unsustainable in the medium and long-term. Governments must also consider what regulations and upfront costs can be reduced or paused to reduce the costs burden on business such as a temporary reduction in VAT.”
Commenting on the results, Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said:
“Despite the latest data showing little movement, we still expect that inflation will come down as we move through 2023 as we compare to the higher price levels in 2022. This chimes with the expectations in the survey today, albeit there are significant sectoral variations.
“The expectations are that inflation will get down to around 5% by the end of 2023 – meaning that while the Prime Minister may meet his commitment to halve inflation it is looking much closer than it did before. It is now not likely to be until 2025 when inflation gets back to the Bank of England’s target level of 2%.
“So despite the fact we are not in technical recession, it is still going to feel like a period of pain for many businesses.”
Read the Full Report
Further Info
The Quarterly Economic Indicator is Scotland’s longest-running business survey, operating since 1990.This survey was conducted from 15th May – 12th June 2023. 300 firms responded to the Q1 2023 edition of the survey. 95% of respondents to the survey were SMEs: these are businesses with less than 250 employees. Scottish Chambers of Commerce is Scotland’s largest business network with over 12,500 business members, across a network of 30 regional Chambers of Commerce.
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce. Award recognition for the achievements of our enterprising business community.
With our venue confirmed and entertainment in place, plans for the Chamber’s Annual Dinner are in full swing. A highlight event in our calendar brings with it our much-coveted Young Entrepreneur and Young Business of the Year Awards, which once again are now open for entries.
Here at the Chamber, entrepreneurship has been at the forefront of our minds in recent weeks. For the last ten years, I have supported the Young Enterprise programme which challenges and empowers secondary school pupils through real-life learning, to set up and manage their own company. This year we were delighted to support Thurso High School Young Enterprise Team “Social-Eyes” whose creativity and innovation secured them a spot in the UK Finals. It was admirable to see their ambition and fearless approach to business. The determination of this young team secured stockists for their game right along the North Coast 500. Though their journey through the Young Enterprise programme culminated in the UK Finals, they will be continuing with their business. They will also always hold with them the accolade and honour of representing the best of Scotland at a national level and the confidence to know entrepreneurship is possible for everyone. To have the vision, skills and resolve to turn your ideas into a product or business is something very special indeed.
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Thurso School High Young Enterprise Team 2023 Social Eyes with their awards at the Young Enterprise Scottish Finals
Caithness Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Business of the Year Awards are designed to celebrate exactly this and give recognition to the achievements of our thriving enterprising business community.
It has been a great pleasure of mine to follow the journeys of many of our former award winners and witness their businesses flourish and evolve over the years to follow.
Our 2022 winners Puldagon Farm Shop are going from strength to strength with the development of their stunning destination venue, restaurant, and farm shop, whilst North Point Distillery have awards in bountiful supply and were recently recognised as both the Best Craft Producer of 2023 and the Most Sustainable Distillery of 2023 in the Icons of Rum Awards.
The Young Business Award is open to enterprises which have been operating in Caithness or North Sutherland for no more than five years, and The Young Entrepreneur Award is open to those aged between 18 and 30 who live in Caithness or North Sutherland.
The prestige and accolade which come with winning are invaluable and the prizes awarded to the winners are meaningful. Entries for the awards are open until 5 pm on August 11. Application forms and entry criteria can be found on the news page of our website, caithnesschamber.com.
Of course, within the current climate, it’s tougher than ever to establish and run a business, but sometimes the toughest challenges can bring the greatest rewards. Caithness Chamber of Commerce is here to support businesses at every stage of their journey. We offer support and expert advice, access to funding, network building, and promotion and we will be your biggest cheerleader.
Find out more and apply for the Caithness Chamber Young Business and Young Enterprise Awards online here.
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Young Business and Young Entrepeneur Awards
Laura O’Kane, Operations and Communications Manager, Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
Caithness Bakeries have the recipe for success!
From shortbread to yum-yums and the perfect softie roll – Caithness has a long-standing love affair with bakeries, and with two national award winners here in our county, who could blame us?
With the excitement and anticipation of our own annual Chamber entrepreneurship awards on our minds, I took the opportunity to speak with two of our Chamber business members who have recently achieved well-earned success at the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards.
In the middle of an extra busy dispatch of Christmas export orders, I was lucky to catch up on a conversation with third-time awarded Scottish Wholesale Baker of the Year Winners, Gary and Tracy Reid of Reids Bakery, internationally renowned for their delicious all-butter shortbread and crumbly oat biscuits and loved locally for their cakes, pastries, cream buns and bread.
Against big competition, winning Wholesale Baker of the Year, alongside their numerous bakery product awards is a huge accolade and credit to their business. Significantly, this award demonstrates not only an exemplary product, but is also praise for their business operation, level of customer service, ambition, and professionalism. Indeed, the judging process is in-depth, requiring a great deal of commitment. It considers many aspects of a business, involving interviews and product tastings by leading and highly regarded industry experts, so winning is no small feat.
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Some of the Reids team at the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2023
Gary and Tracey explained the positive impact the awards had had on their team, and keen to show the accolades are a celebration of the whole business, colleagues are invited along to the event to take part in and collect the awards. The team at Reid’s are rightly very proud of their achievements.
With their premium bakery products successfully exported across the world, Reid’s are certainly putting Caithness on the map, but locally, the business has received great support following the awards too. In fact, their Gold Award-winning Jammy Hearts, sold over 500 packets one week alone in just one of their local independent retailers.
Across the county, experiencing the cheery sunshine yellow décor, relaxed atmosphere and signature “too adorable to eat”, prize-winning Highland Coo fondants – it’s not hard to see why Annie’s Bakery, was awarded “Best Bakery Café in Scotland” in the Customer Choice category.
Since opening her family-run café with views over Gills, Annie’s Bakery has become a destination venue for both locals and visitors to Caithness, even enticing NC500 tourists to deviate on their way to John O’Groats. Baker Annie Body described the excitement the Customer Choice award had brought to her whole team, particularly the younger members of staff (most of whom are still in school), all were keen to encourage votes from customers and in return, her customers were delighted to get behind the café and eager to help secure a win. Bringing the trophy home, was the icing on the cake, but the relationships and interactions with customers and seeing their personal investment in her business was the real prize.
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Annie Body of Annie’s Bakery with her adorable fondant cup characters.
Although very grateful for the support of the retailers which she supplied at the beginning of her business, making the brave decision to pivot away from wholesale has allowed Annie to adapt her recipes towards more boutique “special treat” items. Despite numerous requests, Annie keeps her cakes and bakes exclusively for sale in her own café so the experience is unique.
Of course, somewhat removed from the glittering ceremonies and press-worthy photos is the dedication, grit and determination to bring a successful product or service to market. The long hours, teamwork and sleepless nights which go into turning a business dream into reality are indeed remarkable in themselves. Awards are not the only marker of success, but certainly, they are signifiers of excellence and indeed reason to celebrate.
Our flourishing food and drinks industry in the North Highlands is certainly something we can all be very proud of. Huge congratulations to both Reid’s and Annie’s on their well-deserved successes, we look forward to seeing what’s in store for the future!
This time last week Fiona and Laura were out and about visiting some of our members in John O’Groats. It was a warm, all be it typically breezy Caithnesian spring day but it was great to see so many visitors about and a buzzing atmosphere for the season ahead.
First up we met with Andrew and visited the much anticipated and newly opened Café Groats. With stunning views across the Pentland Firth and delicious homemade food, what more could you ask for? Andrew has plans to keep open the café all year round and it’s great to see this beautiful building back open again. With significant investment into the new kitchen there are even promises of freshly landed lobster on the menu so keep a look out!
Then we headed over to John O’Groats Brewery for a sneak peek behind the scenes and a guided tour from Head Brewer, John. It was fantastic to see their craft brewing process and hear how they develop and trial their new product lines, like the newly launched Ruby Groat. Situated inside the iconic first and last house this building, complete with a “proper pub” it is already atmospheric but coupled with the wonderful smell of hops it’s quite an experience.
Next, we popped into Stacks Coffee Deli and Bakery, where Teresa and Rebecca have carefully curated the most wonderful shop full of yummy treats and treasures. Their tranquil secret garden was in full bloom and the perfect place to relax with a coffee.
Of course, we got an obligatory photo with the John O’Groats sign before we headed along to Gills to visit Annie’s Bakery where the giant doughnuts were going down a storm with locals and tourists alike and Annie’s cheery sunshine yellow and signature Highland Coo tarts were bringing a smile to everyone’s faces.
It’s great to be back visiting members, if you would like to be included in our next visits please just get in touch by email Fiona@caithnesschamber.com
Reacting to the new UK-Australia and UK-New Zealand trade deals which entered effect at midnight, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and member of the UK Trade Strategy Group, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, said:
“Scottish businesses will welcome seeing the UK’s first trade agreements come into force since we left the European Union.
“Combined UK bilateral trade with Australia and New Zealand amounts to over £15bn per year. Inward foreign direct investment from both countries into the UK is £16.6bn, and in the other direction represents a combined £42.1bn, highlighting the importance of securing these deals.
“By 2035, the Australia deal could boost the UK economy by £2.3bn per year, and the New Zealand deal by £0.8bn, over the long-term, with benefits felt across the UK.
On the UK-Australia trade deal, Dr Cameron said:
“SMEs make up 99% of UK businesses, however, they’re often the most disadvantaged when it comes to making the most of opportunities of global trade – usually down to lack of time or resources.”
“This is why the FTA includes SME-friendly provisions that should be helpful to SMEs looking to trade with Australia. Australia is a huge market for the UK with total exports worth around £10.6 billion last year, including medicinal & pharmaceutical products, cars, specialised machinery and, as expected, whisky and other Scottish beverages and SME businesses in Scotland should see their exporting performance boosted.
“The UK-Australia FTA harnesses the potential of digital technologies to make all forms of trade cheaper, easier, and faster. It also ensures the legal recognition of electronic contracts and signatures and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network can provide support and advice on all documentation and certification required, helping to keep businesses in Scotland on track.”
On the UK-New Zealand trade deal, Dr Cameron said:
“UK-New Zealand bilateral trade continues to increase and is set to grow further under the new UK-New Zealand free trade agreement.
“This FTA will see agritech manufactures benefit from tariff-free exports, flexible rules of origin and simple customs procedures when exporting. The UK has innovative offerings across the clean growth economy and the FTA will open new opportunities in the New Zealand market as the demand for British innovation and green tech increases.
“For those businesses in Scotland wishing to deliver services in person in New Zealand, the FTA will also bring greater certainty and access for professionals.
“The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network can provide support and advice on all documentation and certification required for trading with New Zealand, helping to keep businesses in Scotland at the forefront of global leadership.”
Tool Kit : Using Australia & New Zealand FTAs