A small, Inverclyde printing company which has carved a niche for itself with specialist work has strengthened its executive team with the appointment of a prominent Scottish business figure as a non-executive director.
Port Glasgow-based Love & Humphries, which bills itself as The Clever Printing Company, has secured the services of Malcolm Morrison, a business strategist and transformation specialist with a proven track record in scaling up organisations.
It is the latest in a number of non-executive roles assumed by Mr Morrison, a former Clydesdale Bank partner and Santander relationship director, who is also Director of Highland-based GMG Energy, a timber and biomass producer which has become one of the most environmentally-aware enterprises in the region.
He will make a creative contribution to the company by providing independent oversight as well as offering guidance on a wide array of business issues, especially those which relate to small and medium enterprises.
Philip Wilson, Director of Love & Humphries, who oversees a small team at the company, said: “Everyone in the firm is delighted that we have been able to attract a business personality of Malcolm Morrison’s calibre for the important non-exec role.
“He has a huge range of experience in a wide variety of different sectors and has made valuable contributions to other enterprises across Scotland. I am sure that he will be instrumental in helping us to focus on our business goals.
“The print industry in Scotland has always been a challenging environment, especially at a time when technology is changing so fast and altering the way we operate. We are very pleased to have Malcolm on board to assist us with these challenges and opportunities.”
Malcolm Morrison said: “Love & Humphries may be a small business at the moment, but I am sure that there is terrific potential within Philip and his team, as they have proven by opening up new avenues for business expansion, including exports.
“I will be delighted to offer my experience to assist growth in the company in any way I can and I look forward very much to working with them.”
Love & Humphries has recently secured a significant order from a US customer for SuperTuffMenus®, a type of wipeable, washable menu card used by major brands to enhance presentation.
It has printed poetry books for clients and has also made great strides with uncoated paper, using UV curing inks to speed up drying times and avoid production hold-ups.
Highland BlindCraft is celebrating a remarkable year, having received two prestigious awards and announcing an exciting new partnership. At the Highland Business Awards 2024, the organisation was honoured with Employer of the Year, recognising its dedication to providing an inclusive and supportive workplace. Additionally, Highland BlindCraft secured the Loganair Award for Excellence in Customer Service at the Prosper/Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards, reflecting its commitment to exceptional service and quality craftsmanship.
These achievements reflects the hard work and perseverance of the team, many of whom have overcome personal challenges to excel in their roles. Highland BlindCraft continues to provide employment, training, and education for individuals with disabilities, crafting premium beds and mattresses for homes, hotels, and businesses across Scotland.
Further marking its growth, Highland BlindCraft has partnered with Highland Coast Hotels to produce bespoke beds and mattresses for their stunning properties throughout the Highlands. This collaboration expands the organisation’s reach into the hospitality sector, ensuring guests enjoy unparalleled comfort. Read more here.
In addition, Highland BlindCraft remains committed to contributing to the local community and supporting causes that matter. They recently joined the Highland Community Lottery, where ticket sales support its mission and offer participants the chance to win exciting prizes. To support Highland BlindCraft and join the lottery, click here.
With the continued support of staff, partners, and customers, Highland BlindCraft looks forward to creating new opportunities and crafting comfort with purpose.
Caithness filmmaker John Baikie has been selected to participate in Screen Scotland’s prestigious short film scheme, Little Pictures, a programme run by GMAC Film in Glasgow. John’s documentary proposal was one of only eight selected from hundreds of entries, marking a significant achievement in his filmmaking career.
The Screen Scotland funded short film scheme aims to support emerging talent in the Scottish film industry by providing filmmakers with the opportunity to develop and produce original short films. John’s selection places him amongst some of Scotland’s up and coming creative voices, and offers him the resources and mentorship needed to bring his vision to life over the coming months.
“I’m excited and honoured to be selected for this incredible opportunity,” said John. “Being chosen from such a competitive pool of submissions was a surprise, especially coming from such a remote area. I’m excited to work with the talented team at GMAC Film to develop my project. It’s at the early stages, but it’s already been a huge learning experience.”
John’s short documentary, “On The Surface” will explore the journey of a disabled girl who has used surfing as a way to rediscover life and inspire others as she trains towards a long term goal of the Paralympics in LA.
The scheme is part of a larger effort by Screen Scotland to nurture and develop local talent and encourage a thriving film industry in Scotland. GMAC Film, based in Glasgow, has been instrumental in helping filmmakers from across Scotland get their start in the industry.
John feels his selection for this short film scheme is a significant milestone in his filmmaking journey and a big opportunity to have his work recognised by a wider audience.
John runs a video production and photography business in Caithness, serving businesses with high quality commercial imagery. Well known throughout the country for his photography work, he has developed the video element of the business in recent years, combining his documentary passion with his commercial work.
A highly efficient renewable powered fuel boiler funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been installed by Halladale-based GMG Energy and is now being used to help kiln-dry logs for domestic stoves throughout the Highland and beyond.
And, said owner-director, Malcolm Morrison, after a professional installation process masterminded by consulting engineer, Andy Groves, the boiler is now operating at full tilt, fuelled by the wood chips and sawdust created as a by-product of GMG’s timber sawmill.
Mr Morrison said: “I am delighted that, thanks to HIE Account Manager, Keith Muir who helped us with a capital expenditure grant and Andy’s expert guidance, we have a first-class boiler which plays a critical role in powering the kiln dryer which provides us with tons of timber logs to heat the homes of households across the Highlands.”
Established in 2016, GMG Energy operates a state-of-the-art sawmill on a farm in the Halladale Strath between Tongue and Thurso, producing kiln-dried logs, chip and sawdust for consumers and wholesalers.
Said Andy: “The boiler is quite technically sophisticated and well capable of being used in an energy efficient manner. It took a while to install it due to having to upgrade the electric capability at the sawmill, but the results that Malcolm has been getting from it are first class.
“I like to think that between us, we have made a good contribution to promoting the benefits of the circular economy.”
GMG Energy makes door to door deliveries throughout the north Highlands and manufactures timber products for agricultural businesses, builders and consumers. It also supplies bark for garden centres, sawdust for livestock and dried chip for supply to local businesses and councils.
GMG Energy is committed to replacing every log of timber it uses, planting about 20,000 trees in 2021. As a result, businesses across the North and the Islands can reduce their carbon footprint by sourcing locally.
Taste North 2024 welcomed over 2,100 visitors, setting a new attendance record for the annual food and drink festival organised by Venture North. Now in its ninth year, the event showcased the best in local produce, featuring 56 exhibitors, including exciting new businesses from Orkney, the North Highlands, and Kinross.
Renowned Scottish celebrity chef and restaurateur Tony Singh MBE captivated audiences with live cookery demonstrations, sharing his culinary expertise through mouth-watering recipes such as Haddock with Lime and Ginger Butter, Bombay Aloo, and Lamb Vhura with Dalz. Assisting Tony was Harris Turnbull, a professional cookery student from UHI NWH Thurso and Castletown Hotel, highlighting local talent.
Tony participated as a judge in the Taste North Challenge, an event celebrating exceptional culinary creativity. In the 15 and Under category, Robyn Speirs showcased her talent with a Blackcurrant, Lime, and Pistachio Cake, crafted using homegrown blackcurrants and local eggs. In the Open category, Rachel Patterson impressed with her Mini Marmalade Battenbergs, made with Three Fruit Marmalade from Donna’s Crafts in Latheronwheel. Finally, in the Commercial Operator category, Emma Gordon of Bonbon Bakery stood out with her Spiced Rum Carrot Cake, featuring Ice & Fire Distillery’s Caithness Raiders Dark Spiced Rum.
Taste North was also nominated for the 2024 Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards in the Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival category, highlighting its remarkable contribution to showcasing the region’s exceptional food, drink, and cultural heritage. Taste North will celebrate its 10th anniversary milestone in 2025.
Earlier this year, Norscot, a manufacturer of timber frame kits and fenestration systems, received the Digital Innovation Fund Rapid Demonstrator Award from the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH)
This award recognises the Company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in UK manufacturing. The six-month project aims to transform the Company operations through digital technologies and sustainability practices, focusing on:
- Optimising material usage
- Implementing smart inventory management
- Quantifying environmental benefits using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Sharing knowledge with the UK manufacturing community
Key achievements to date include comprehensive data collection and analysis, including the development of a preprocessing pipeline and upload of a baseline dataset to the Manufacturing Data Exchange Platform (MDEP).
The project has also produced a Minimum Viable Product system architecture with a robust database structure and implemented a pattern recognition model for material storage and usage trends. Analysis of this data has generated valuable insights for improving materials storage design and optimising handling processes.
The project’s progress was showcased through a poster at the Caithness Circular Economy Fair in Thurso, further engaging with the wider community.
Future focus areas include:
- Material offcut reuse optimisation
- Testing and dissemination of findings
This initiative enhances Norscot’s efficiency and sustainability while contributing valuable knowledge to the manufacturing sector. The solution is designed to be replicable across other manufacturing settings, particularly for SMEs. For further information or collaboration opportunities, feel free to contact Norscot via email info@norscot.co.uk
Norscot appreciates the support of the SMDH Digital Innovation Fund and remains committed to expanding its digital capabilities, promoting sustainability, and supporting growth within the UK manufacturing ecosystem.
Exciting progress continues at Sutherland Spaceport, as Orbex move closer to establishing the UK’s first vertical launch spaceport on the north coast of Scotland. Work packages for Phases 3 and 4 of construction are now open for tender, marking another key milestone in the development of this state-of-the-art facility.
Sutherland Spaceport will play a crucial role in the UK’s space industry, supporting environmentally sustainable launches and fostering innovation in satellite technology. This is your chance to contribute to a pioneering project that will position Scotland at the forefront of the global space sector.
The following trade packages are currently open for tender:
• Earthworks & Excavations
• Concrete Foundations and Slab
• Reinforcement to Concrete Items
• Drainage
• Steel Frame (supply only, install only, or supply and install)
• Roof and Wall Cladding
• Gutters, Downpipes, and Superstructure Drainage
• External Doors
• Windows
• Roller Shutter Doors
• Mechanical Installations (e.g., plumbing, ventilation, heating)
• Electrical Installations (e.g., lighting, power, data)
• Fencing
• External Concrete (similar to concrete foundations and slab)
If you’re interested in applying or would like more information, please contact Bryan McGhie by 29th November at bmcghie@nascentcc.co.uk
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the development of this exciting project!
One of Navertech Ltd‘s long-standing clients approached them to replace its CCTV system. It was recently completed with 22 cameras installed in a challenging environment, and with the unpredictable summer weather creating its own challenges. The marine environment is harsh on common metals used in CCTV hardware, as was apparent from the former CCTV system which was corroded and beyond repair.
Galvanic corrosion is a well-known problem in the marine environment which had to be mitigated to ensure a long-lasting installation, along with ease of maintenance. Navertech Ltd researched and recommended an NDAA certified CCTV system, owing to the fact the client’s facilities are classed as critical infrastructure, giving the client extra peace of mind that their CCTV installation would be safe from external cyber threats from embedded chips.
The former CCTV system had been expanded over the years with multiple standalone installations and hardware, so aside from offering a comprehensive level of coverage, it was imperative that the system was fully integrated to avoid multiple systems being in use for different areas of the operation.
Ease of maintenance was an important consideration with most cameras required at height which could not be serviced without specialist access equipment. With cameras covering an area of approx. 3 square kilometres, communication between the cameras and the central operations room meant that to counteract high levels of radio interference from vessels, a combination of long-distance high-speed fibre and specialist wireless links were required to ensure the cameras provided a stable, controllable and high-definition view.
The design of the CCTV system was completed in-house in consultation with the client operations team, with further technical advice and support provided by one of Navertech’s specialist vendors, Norbain, and with all electrical work carried out by local firm G Anderson Electrical.
The client commented: “We are pleased that local companies have been involved and their continued involvement in maintenance is a key factor going forward for us. The NDAA compliant system has been received well by our peers in the industry security forum that I attend.”
William McGillivray, Navertech’s Commercial Director said: “We’re generally not known as a CCTV installer, but we have been installing IP cameras for years. Working with Graeme’s team at G Anderson Electrical on the cabling on this sizeable job worked out well.”
A new entry category has been added into the mix for this year’s Taste North Challenge.
As part of the annual Taste North festival held in Wick on 3rd November, the regional culinary competition celebrates the use of ingredients produced in Caithness and Sutherland. This year, the challenge has four entry categories: 15 and under, 16-24, Open and new for this year, a Commercial Operator category which is open to anyone who makes and sells food or baking products. A £50 Taste North voucher prize and trophy will be awarded to each category winner.
Tony Singh MBE will be a special guest and will be judging the entries, alongside his cookery demonstrations throughout the day.
Tony commented: “The Taste North Challenge is a fantastic competition, and I can’t wait to try some amazing baking creations, made with your favourite local ingredients from Caithness and Sutherland. Get your aprons on and submit your entry forms by 28th October. I’ll see you at Wick High School on 3rd November with your entries!”
The online entry form must be completed by Monday 28th October and baked entries submitted at Taste North by 11am to be included in the judging process.
The Taste North Challenge is sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce North Highlands and Mackays Hotel in Wick.
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Caithness Chamber of Commerce and DYW North Highland Lead said “It’s hard to believe that Taste North is entering its ninth year. The growth and success of this event are a testament to the dedication of the organisers, businesses, and supporters who have made it a flagship occasion in the local calendar. Taste North offers a fantastic opportunity for communities and visitors to come together and celebrate the richness and abundance of food and drink in the North Highlands.
We are thrilled to be once again sponsoring the Taste North Challenge. At DYW North Highland, we are passionate about providing opportunities and platforms for our young people to thrive. Initiatives like this build confidence and encourage young people to explore new skills which will benefit them immensely as they prepare to enter the world of work.
We are also excited about the introduction of the new Commercial Operator category for 2024. The competition promises to be fierce, with the exceptional talent of our local bakeries and food businesses in our region!”
The winners of the 2023 Taste North Challenge were:
• Fifteen and under – Robyn Speirs (Firework Night Cake, using home-grown carrots and local eggs)
• Sixteen to 24 – Iona Simpson (Hamish the Highland Coo cake, using Caithness Chocolate)
• Open – Emma Gordon (Scottish Lamingtons, using Old Pulteney and home-grown raspberries)
For more information on the Taste North Challenge and to submit an entry form before the 28th October, visit www.venture-north.co.uk/taste-north.