Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander backs local economy at Highland Business Awards after Inverness and Cromarty First Green Freeport event
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander highlighted the local economic potential at the Highland Business Awards 2025 after attending an event inaugurating Inverness and Cromarty First Green Freeport earlier today.
Mr Alexander addressed a packed audience at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness celebrating the “entrepreneurial drive, innovation, and growth potential of the Highlands.”
He underlined the vital role of small and medium enterprises as well as the excitement around emerging sectors in shaping the region’s economic future as well as emerging sectors like space and clean energy.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is evidence of the latter while it too showed the strong potential for innovation and inward investment.
The Scottish Secretary said the government is committed to supporting sustainable investment and economic growth across the region and support through the Plan for Change and Industrial Strategy.
Mr Alexander, said: “The Highlands have immense potential – from world-class SMEs to cutting-edge emerging sectors – and the UK Government is committed to supporting this growth.
“Initiatives such as the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and our local growth investments demonstrate how we are working to ensure opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.
“The entrepreneurial drive of this region is inspiring, and it was a privilege to celebrate it at the Highland Business Awards.”
The chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce Colin Marr said: “We were delighted to welcome Douglas Alexander to this year’s Awards.
“His address not only celebrated the achievements of our finalists but also highlighted the enormous potential of the Highlands and the opportunities for growth and innovation.
“Having his insight and support at the event added real energy and inspiration for our business community.”
The Highland Business Awards continue to recognise excellence across the region, celebrating the people, teams and businesses driving innovation, growth and community impact throughout the Highlands.