Business Focus: SCDI members are already benefitting from Highlands and Islands ScotWind projects
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by Grant Campbell, SCDI's regional manager for the Highlands and Islands
As January draws to a close, it’s time to start putting those new year resolutions into action!
This year promises to be a year of recovery, with optimism among our members that some positive working norms can now return.
However, remote working has improved wellbeing and work-life balance and given many a more environmentally friendly commute (from the lounge to the spare room in my case!) and could still play a huge role in boosting productivity and attracting and retaining talent for the rural workforce.
The future easing of Covid restrictions will undoubtedly be a positive step forward for the hospitality industry.
Consumer confidence for business and leisure travel must be built up as we approach the spring and summer seasons.
A strong start to trading will help stimulate vital cash flow, which will be a key factor to the survival of many businesses in our rural communities, where tourism plays such an important part in the economy.
There was big news for the region last week with the announcement of the ScotWind winning bids.
We were delighted to see so many SCDI members successfully securing the rights to develop their respective projects.
The importance of this activity to the economic growth of the Highlands and Islands could be immense. It is heartening to hear that developers are moving quickly to implement their plans.
Engagement has already begun with many of our members (such as Port of Cromarty Firth, Port of Nigg and Kishorn Port) around the onshore requirements and support services required in readiness for these long-term investment projects.
This year brings the welcome return of SCDI’s many face-to-face events, offering what I believe to be the best networking space in the region and a unique chance to drive positive change on the issues which will ensure future economic growth.
Many of the pre-pandemic goals revealed by our Rural Commission are still to be addressed and along with implementing the findings of our Blueprint report, we have lots to discuss and accomplish together.
