STEPHEN SUTHERLAND: Stable energy supply is key to doing business

View from the Board by Stephen Sutherland

As I sat this time last year writing my foreword to our AGM booklet, it was to discuss hardships overcome by our business community following Covid and optimism for what lay ahead.

Then, few of us could have foreseen events in Ukraine unfolding that have contributed to a cost-of-living crisis, inflation increasing at levels we have not seen for many years, hikes in interest rates and, only over the last couple of weeks, a financial meltdown of confidence in the pound.

It’s early days to know with any certainty what lies ahead, however we must always have one eye on what is to come as we stabilise our businesses today.

The optimism I talked of last year very much remains and the north Highlands is, I believe, in as good a place as any to take advantage of some of the opportunities that lie ahead. Those green shoots of recovery have taken root and the resilience, hard work and innovation that saw our membership recover from the economic effects of the pandemic will help them navigate whatever is to come – as will the support of the chamber.

Speaking to members, the biggest issue for business this coming year is the cost of energy, a resource that many if not all of us cannot run a business without. This year has seen increases that are eye watering and thankfully through lobbying of the government we have a price cap that will see us through the next six months.

However, we need to see more from our governments in both Holyrood and Westminster to ensure with priority that this is resolved and business can rely on having an affordable and sustainable energy supply going forward.

There have been some real highs for the chamber team in 2021/22. Our work to support and nurture young people – helping them into the workplace – and new businesses, reached new heights. Both will play a key part in the continued success of the north Highland economy.

We had huge cause for celebration in April, too, when a long campaign for a Public Service Obligation between Wick and Aberdeen achieved its goal and the first scheduled services took flight.

If I can take just one thing from the last couple of years it is the respect I have for the north Highland business community, our membership and the chamber team, who have pulled together to face the challenges facing them. Whatever is to come our way in the year ahead, I know that together we will face it head on and emerge stronger on the other side.

• Stephen Sutherland is chairman of Caithness Chamber of Commerce and director of JGC Engineering.

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