Count down is on to Highlands Business Week
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A new award for organisations that lead in the development of young employees has been revealed as part of the countdown to this year’s Highland Business Week.
The Developing the Young Workforce accolade is among the categories for the annual Highland Business Awards, which is the business week’s flagship event, along with the Highland Spotlight business to business exhibition.
The new title is sponsored by the Developing the Young Workforce scheme that is being led in Inverness and central Highland by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, which is organising the business week.
Similar Developing the Young Workforce initiatives are run in north Highland and west Highland by chambers of commerce in Caithness and Lochaber respectively. Each region is expected to have one winner that will become a finalist for the honour.
Stewart Nicol, the chamber’s chief executive, said: "This award will be presented to the employer who can best demonstrate a significant commitment to the development and growth of opportunities for young people.
"Applicants will be judged on opportunities and training offered, relationships with schools and colleges and how the investment in the development of young people enhances the organisation’s growth and capability."
Taking place on September 26-30, the business week will feature a programme of events designed to aid the north’s business community including networking sessions and seminars as well as Highland Spotlight and the awards.
Some 450 people participated in Highland Spotlight last year, including around 60 exhibiting organisations. Similar numbers are expected for this year’s event at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on September 27.
"Highland Spotlight is the Highlands’ only dedicated business to business exhibition, providing the ideal platform to make new business connections and explore new business opportunities," Mr Nicol said.
"This event will showcase the wide range of products and services available in the Highlands and give businesses a unique opportunity to make new contacts and find new buyers and suppliers. Highland Spotlight is open to all businesses across all sectors and everyone involved is actively raising their profile."
The business week will close three days later with the Highland Business Awards at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.
The awards – which are open for entries until July 29 – will celebrate the region’s best businesses, with several area accolades on offer.
Organisations of all sizes will be eligible to enter and an overall Highland business of the year will be announced.
"The range of diverse categories have been specifically designed to give every organisation in the Highlands and Islands and Moray the opportunity to put themselves forward, no matter the size of the business, or the industry that they operate within," Mr Nicol said.
"All businesses operating within the Highlands and Islands and Moray are encouraged to get involved by submitting an application to help recognise the efforts that play an integral role in sustaining a successful business environment in this region."
A full programme is being drawn up, with details to be announced over the summer and events will be open to chamber members and non-members.
Thelma Henderson, managing director of Scottish Provincial Press (SPP) which is the business week’s media partner, said: "Highland Business Week is always eagerly anticipated and is a fantastic opportunity for the north to showcase the strength of our businesses. Like your local newspaper, they are the heart and soul of their community and we should support them in any way we can."
* For more information about Highland Business Week – including awards categories and booking details for Highland Spotlight – visit at www.inverness-chamber.co.uk
* A range of sponsorship opportunities are also available for organisations interested in raising their profile through the week – for details email paula@inverness-chamber.co.uk
