Caithness chamber says strong links between education and business are key to future of local economy
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Building strong links between education and business will be key to the future of the local economy after "a challenging 18 months" due to the pandemic.
That was the message delivered by the Caithness Chamber of Commerce at its first board meeting since the Covid crisis when it outlined its plans and the support it can provide to the business community in the north.
The importance of continued support from the Scottish Government for the business community and concerns over the impact on business as the furlough scheme comes to an end were discussed, as was the need to attract and support future investment in the area.
The chamber’s ongoing priorities for the year were also a focus of the discussions. The chamber is likely to have a valuable role to play in the coming months not just in supporting its members but the wider business community through various initiatives, including the Dounreay-funded Business Support Programme as well as through chamber-managed funds such as the Caithness Business Fund.
The board welcomed Debbie Murray, the recently appointed principal of North Highland College UHI, as a new member. She has experience in education and in senior management roles, and throughout her educational career has worked not only on new business development for the college but to build strong relationships with local businesses across the region.
Board chairman Stephen Sutherland said: "The past 18 months have been challenging for the chamber and its members, and the recent lifting of restrictions has brought a welcome sense that there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. The team has worked hard over the course of the pandemic to support both our members and the wider business community, and I expect that valuable work to continue as we get a clearer picture of the needs of business post-Covid.
"As we look to the longer-term future, continuing to build strong links between business and education will be key to the success of the north Highlands. Having Debbie’s input into discussions of the board will be vital in helping us to achieve that, and her wealth of experience not only as an educator but as a senior manager across a range of roles at a large and complex organisation will prove invaluable as the chamber faces up to the challenges and opportunities that await over the coming years."
The chamber will be holding its AGM in November when it will be hosting a networking dinner for local businesses. "The event will provide an opportunity for people to meet the chamber team and board and find out more about the work it does," Mr Sutherland added.
