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
Royal Bank of Scotland, Business Builder Events
Caithness Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland are presenting a series of online and in-person business builder events designed to support and challenge entrepreneurs to develop the right foundations for their business.
We will be joined by Màiri Macdonald, Local Enterprise Manager, Royal Bank of Scotland who will host these these tailored events design to meet specific business needs, offering attendees an opportunity to upskill in the company of other like-minded business owners, share experiences, and work through individual and group exercises to implement the learning into their own business.
These 60-minute events will take place on monthly basis and attendees are free to select which courses are best suited to their needs. The sessions are free to attend for all Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Business Support Members.
Building a Resilient Business Model
Online, Wednesday, 23.08.23
In this session we will examine the 9 key areas of a business model and talk through the best practices for your business.
Bookings via eventbrite – Register Here
Unlock the Power of Mindset – Part of Highland Business Week 2023
In Person, Monday 21.09.23, Time and Location TBC
Whether we realise or not, our mindset shapes everything we think and do, including our business. This event will take place in person as part of Highland Business Week
Bookings via eventbrite: Register Here
Craft the Ultimate 60 Second Pitch
Online, Wednesday 25.10.23, 10-11am
If you haven’t got a clear pitch, you could be missing out on opportunities to grow your business.
Bookings via eventbrite: Register Here
Setting Goals to Keep Growing
Online, Wednesday 22.11.23, 10-11am
Having a plan in place is critical to keeping your business moving forward. In this session we’ll look at creating a long-term vision for your business.
Bookings via eventbrite: Register Here
Understanding Your Customer
Online, Wednesday 13.12.23, 10-11am
Understanding your customers is vital to your business being able to operate as efficiently and profitably as possible.
Bookings via eventbrite: Register Here
Mairi Macdonald, Local Enterprise Manager, Royal Bank of Scotland
Covering the North of Scotland and based in Inverness, Màiri supports start-up businesses to get their ideas off the ground, with practical day-to-day support around planning and growth as well as hosting events locally. A graduate of the University of Glasgow, Màiri is a native Gaelic speaker and is passionate about helping the often economically fragile communities of the Highlands and Islands to achieve their full potential. Mairi is also past president of Highland Business Women and has a keen interest in supporting female founders.
Financial Health Check
Whatever your goals and plans for your business, RBS are here to help you. Their business Financial Health Check has been designed to help you gain a better sense of your financial goals, plans and needs.
Would you like to find out more about this free and confidential service for your business? Màiri is offering a the opportunity for participants to follow up with a one-to-one session as part of this event series, for further information contact fiona@caithnesschamber.com
If you have questions or need any further information about any of our events, please just get in touch by emailing comms@caithnesschamber.com
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce. The North Highlands are key to Scotland’s transition to renewable power but one size does not fit all for a truly “Just” Transition.
From our expansive living blanket peat bogs, acting as a “carbon sink” across our Flow Country, to the harnessed power of our uncompromising wind and seas, the North Highlands are driving Scotland’s transition to net zero. Arguably the region has played a leading role in energy innovation for many years and our potential to lead on “Just Transition” is unrivalled.
The Scottish Government’s Just Transition Plan sets out the goal of maximising the economic benefit of the drive to net zero, committing to a fair distribution of opportunities, benefits and also risks. Pointedly ensuring it will be carefully managed, fair and leave no community behind. But what does this mean for the North Highlands?
The North Highlands are home to diverse communities and businesses, intrinsically linked to the lands and seas around us. Our area is rich in people, culture and natural resources but as with many rural locations, depopulation is a risk to the sustainability of our communities. This risk can be reversed through sustainable employment opportunities and investment, but major transformations need to be seen for our region. Good connectivity, effective transport infrastructure and fair public asset distribution are required to ensure the transition is truly “Just”. Despite being at the centre of energy transformation for our nation, fuel poverty is high, public transport and connectivity poor, and perceptions about opportunity and quality of life are drawing our younger generations towards cities and towns far from their highland roots. How can we address this narrative for positive change?
At the Focus North Conference earlier this year, we heard testament the North Highlands are fundamental to Scotland’s transition to renewable power. With our highly skilled workforce, abundant natural capital, and reputation for excellence, we are firmly at the centre of opportunity. We have a sophisticated supply chain supporting the highly complex decommissioning process at Dounreay and world-class expertise in nuclear, renewables, oil and gas, engineering and energy storage. Ground has just been broken to construct the UK Mainland’s First Vertical Launch Spaceport and we have a world class food and drinks industry and tourism sector. A plethora of exciting sectors with immense growth potential given the right environment. Transformational projects in our region must play a crucial role in driving investment in our future skills, economy and infrastructure. A “just transition” will not be realised without our communities seeing tangible benefits of the developmental burdens imposed upon them, therefore the needs of rural communities must be at the forefront of government decision making. Government policy and decisions made in Holyrood or Westminster have to be cognisant of the impact on the rural communities they serve. One size does not fit all for a truly equitable society.
That’s why with our population size and dispersion, diverse economic landscape, unique skill base and key locational factors the North Highlands are ideally placed to be a test environment for activities needed to reach a ‘Just Transition’ across Scotland.
As part of the chamber network, we have been active in our contribution to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce response to the Scottish Government’s Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan. The consultation response urges government to be aware of the dangers and unintended consequences of policy measures, when jobs, communities and significant investment are at stake. There is no doubt, Scotland needs to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and replace them with clean energy sources and there is huge potential to create significant economic opportunities in this process. However, collectively our diverse membership will be impacted by these proposals. In amongst the recommendations there are calls for the Scottish Government to review how it intends to take account of ongoing labour shortages as it updates the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan, which includes the accelerated upskilling of the general workforce for green jobs as well as the transferable skills widespread in the oil and gas workforce, alongside calls for recognition of the continued importance and value that oil and gas will have for Scotland’s energy mix for the next 20-25 years.
We cannot negotiate with the future any more than we can predict its path, but we do know for sure the collective efforts needed to reach net zero by 2045 will transform every aspect of our lives. As always, our work at the Chamber will support businesses through both the challenges and prospects ahead. We will listen to our members and act with intention to help maximise these opportunities and we will act as a voice of challenge through our wide-reaching network to ensure the voice of the North Highlands is heard.
We have within our reach the ambition and potential to build a thriving, sustainable region for our future generations. The North Highlands is not a rural outpost or a far-flung corner of Scotland. We are the centre and powerhouse of Scotland’s future.
Just Transition – A major opportunity for the north of Scotland by Simon Middlemas, OBE, Board Director of Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Independent Chair, Focus North
On the near horizon, is a new, exciting opportunity for our region. One that will not only bring jobs but benefit the entire Country – Just Transition. More than that, this region is best placed to capitalise, because geography is in our favour. So how do we do this?
Just Transition is just another way of talking about sustainability – transitioning to an economy not based on the use of fossil fuels and throwing things away, but using freely available natural resources, reusing things and moreover, doing it in a way that brings prosperity and social justice to our communities. This country has made a commitment we will achieve this by 2045 – a tall order, but then targets are never set to be easy.
The good news for Caithness and Sutherland is that we are at the centre of major opportunities needed to help others realise these changes. We encompass in microcosm many of the issues likely to be faced by the rest of Scotland.
Just look at what we have on our doorstep:
- Energy from the huge natural wind resources
- The world’s biggest tidal energy stream for the production of energy
- Energy storage and use of green hydrogen produced from these sources
- The development of the peatlands and the opportunities
- Sustainable satellite launches from our north coast
- A multi-skilled workforce
- Scenery to die for
These natural resources cannot be moved so geography counts in our favour. We should not look elsewhere for opportunities for the future, we should sensitively develop what’s on our doorstep. What’s more, all of this is in the Scottish Government’s sweet spot of Just Transition. These are open doors when we look for assistance, we need to push them open.
So this is where we are “focussed” at Focus North. A truly sustainable region, providing a healthy, economically stable environment for everyone living here.
So, future jobs are not the challenge, but the multitude of skills, resources and services needed to meet the demand is. We need a larger working population, and this must be built into our regional strategic thinking at all levels. Can you offer the products and services that these industries are going to need in the very near future? Does your company have the requisite skills today? Do you have a plan to be ready for this revolution?
Very few other places in our country have these opportunities available. All our opportunities relate to nationally important Just Transition projects. The public and private sectors must work together and co-ordinate actions, we have a tremendous future ahead of us, something that will be lauded by everyone. If we don’t, history will not treat us kindly.
To find out what’s happening and see how you can support the transition visit www.focusnorth.scot, or follow us on twitter @_focusnorth.