Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) release end of year results
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Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has released its year-end figures for 2022/23,
The figures compiled show that businesses and communities supported by the economic and community develop agency in 2022/23 are set to create or retain more than 1,400 jobs across the region over the next three years, including 159 in 'fragile' areas.
In achieving all but one of its 11 targets for the year, HIE approved up to £63.2m investment in 489 projects by 313 clients during the year, with a total value of £140.5m.
Companies in technology and advanced engineering contributed most to employment measures (60 per cent, 850.5 jobs). Examples include Russwood Ltd in Newtonmore (59 FTE jobs) and The Apprentice Store Ltd in Inverness (41 FTE jobs). Jobs supported in this sector also had the highest average annual salary of £42,317.
However, HIE’s target for increase in turnover in the social economy fell slightly short, at 94 per cent of the target figure.
The figures, which are subject to review by Audit Scotland ahead of HIE’s annual report in December, show that businesses supported by the agency are forecast to see turnover rise by a total of £682.7m as a result, while international sales will grow by £48.8m.
Stuart Black, HIE chief executive, said: “The Highlands and Islands region has so many strengths and natural advantages that give us real grounds for optimism as we move forward. Notable examples are around energy transition and net zero, space and life sciences, as well as our more longstanding sectors such as tourism, food and drink and creative industries.
“Last year we were able to support many great projects that capitalise on these opportunities. Our new five-year strategy, due for publication in the coming weeks, will build on this progress and on our region’s contribution to Scotland’s economy.
“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners, businesses and communities across the region and beyond in making that happen.”
The agency’s support for social enterprises, meanwhile, is forecast to bring about an £8.5m uplift in the social economy.
Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of HIE funding was invested in fragile areas, where 13% of the region’s population is based.
The agency helped to attract six inward investment projects that together supported 143 jobs. One of these was new investors into Cabot Highland in the Inner Moray Firth area, supporting 75 jobs.
Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said: “These positive figures highlight the importance of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in contributing to a wellbeing economy by creating new jobs and further investment.
“The Scottish Government is investing a significant amount to help the Highlands and Islands to thrive, capitalising on their huge assets, including initiatives such as the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and the four City and Regional Growth Deals worth £242.5 million, which aim to create nearly 3,000 new jobs.”
