Boost for Cairngorm Mountain and Cairngorm Brewery
Figures compiled by Highlands and Islands Enterprise show that businesses and communities supported by the agency across Inner Moray Firth during the last financial year are set to create or retain around 650 jobs.
Its outturns for 2023/24 were achieved through a combination of financial and non-financial interventions.
The single biggest project was the Sumitomo Electric Industries subsea cable factory at Nigg.
In the strath, Aviemore’s Cairngorms Brewery secured £142,028 to take control of rising energy costs and implement energy efficiency measures.
At the Cairngorm mountain resort, HIE’s contractor Balfour Beatty continued a programme of remedial works that aims to bring the funicular railway back into service in time for the 2024/25 winter season.
HIE also supported its subsidiary Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, which operates the resort, to expand the range of family friendly activities there, including new mountain biking trails.
Audrey MacIver, HIE area manager for Inner Moray Firth, said: “We’re really pleased to have supported so many exciting transformational opportunities across the Inner Moray Firth area. Notable examples are around energy transition and net zero as well as sectors such as food and drink, tourism and creative industries and the creation of well-paid quality jobs.”
The interventions represent total estimated inward investment of £350m and are expected to create more than 150 jobs on site and many more across the Highlands and Islands and Scotland.
In addition to the Sumitomo project, HIE approved investment of £6.5m in another 85 projects with clients across the Inner Moray Firth, with a combined total cost of £20m.
The organisation also helped to attract a further £5.6m in external investment to the area.
As a result of HIE support, clients in the area will see total turnover rise by £407m and international sales by more than £6.8m. There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
Highland Print Studio received £16,310 support to upgrade its digital suite and invest in an additional etching press to support future growth.
HIE’s support for social enterprises, meanwhile, is forecast to bring almost £1m uplift in the social economy.
Its Support for Communities Framework programme has been vital in enabling third sector organisations to access practical support and expertise while developing skills and capacity to progress future development opportunities.
The organisation’s Technology Placement Programme and Innovation Support Service has also been instrumental in supporting growth of early stage and developed businesses.
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