It is clear that regional economies, which position themselves to emerge strongest from the recession, will enjoy a longer-term competitive advantage. Economists have identified that growth in Scotland over the next 10 years will need to be rebalanced from domestic consumption towards exports. To achieve the necessary scale in this area, support is needed for our globally ambitious companies, but we also need to develop zones attractive to international businesses.

We enjoy many locational advantages for modern employers. There is an accessible, skilled workforce and prospective employees can be offered an unrivalled work/life balance. With the Inverness College UHI Campus there will be opportunities for links with research. Major investment is planned in transport in the next 20 years and, while growth has slowed in the downturn, Inverness Airport has been expanding connectivity.

However, competition for investment will be fierce and we cannot afford to believe that these qualities alone will be sufficient. New employers require office and warehouse space, but the city's major industrial area in the Longman is close to capacity. We need to combine our strengths and give a clear signal we are open for new business.

That is what makes the proposed Inverness Airport Business Park a compelling proposition for investment and why SCDI is concerned by the delay in a decision about it. Situated at a planned transport hub and near the new campus, and growing in line with residential developments, it will attract employers to the area by offering new purpose-built warehouse and office space, with high design and sustainability credentials.

With economic recovery likely to be protracted, a realistic approach is being taken to estimates for the net impact. Even so, it is projected that by 2021 the Business Park could offer employment for 1250 employees, with local output in excess of £100 million.

The Scottish Government, supported by HIE and Highland Council, has identified the A96 corridor as a nationally significant development zone and this 50-year project will be a massive contributor to the Highland economy for the next generation.

Scottish Government planning policy recognises that speeding up reform of the planning system to support increasing sustainable economic growth is now even more important. This involves the public sector, developers and communities working together through more effective and efficient planning processes to make good development happen in the right place.

Although the business park application was submitted prior to these changes, there has been extensive consultation. SCDI members have heard and discussed presentations and attended public exhibitions. Based on these, SCDI's view is that it is a high-quality development in the right place for the Highland economy.

Early next year, the council will consult on the Inverness City Vision, but the business community is also looking for decisions which support delivery and capitalise on our strengths, such as the Business Park. Our future should begin now.

Business News - only in Tuesday's Courier
ICT chairman joins housebuilder's board
Whisky distillers are riding out the downturn
Global group is a top performer
Business Diary

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---