As there remains such a slim margin between us and recession the situation could easily change again giving us the prospect of a "double dip" recession or something even worse!

Professor David Blanchflower stopped just short of predicting precisely this outcome at a lecture he delivered at the Centre for Health Science last month. His lecture, sponsored by Inverness Chamber and forming part of a series run by HIE and the University of Stirling, was fascinating and hugely insightful. Although brilliantly delivered, it was rather light on optimism and gave everyone present a lot to think about.

It is no surprise to any of us that retailers are still finding trading conditions extremely challenging. The recent Scottish Retail Consortium disclosure that like-for-like sales in Scotland were down 0.6 per cent for January reinforced our awareness of this situation.

While the most recent Government figures show that unemployment fell in the rest of the UK, the Scottish and Highland figures unfortunately show the opposite. We must never forget that these are not just statistics; each 'figure' represents an individual who feels the pain of unemployment and who is probably part of a wider family who have to deal with the consequences. It is clear that the effects of the economic downturn are continuing to bite in Scotland, and it is particularly concerning that we appear to be lagging behind the reduction in unemployment experienced in the rest of the United Kingdom. Although unemployment generally has not yet reached the levels that many predicted as the recession took hold, there remain challenges ahead for all businesses. It is likely to be some time before improving business fortunes translate into a rising trend in employment. Inverness Chamber agrees completely with the call from Scottish Chambers of Commerce for the UK Government to rethink its plans to raise the rates of National Insurance Contributions. This would indeed be a tax on jobs at a time when businesses can least afford it.

Against this backdrop, Inverness Chamber will continue our campaign to see faster broadband speeds become a reality, not just a promise. This is a critical issue if this region is to hold its place in the global market place.

In addition, the general election in a few months will provide the business community with opportunities to campaign to have the needs of Highland businesses met. To facilitate this all of us in Inverness Chamber will ensure there is robust engagement between the candidates and the business community.

Furthermore, given the upcoming financial challenges for the public sector and the increasing hurdles facing the private sector, there is a growing imperative that we all work together for the greater benefit of the Highlands and Islands.

In all these areas we will make sure that the collective voice of businesses in this part of the Highlands is heard and listened to. While things remain fragile what gives me real hope is the determination, leadership and creativity which so many Highland business leaders are showing.

That is what inspires me. I trust it inspires you also.

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