£1 Million Boost for Caithness and North Sutherland Fund
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has made a significant £1 million commitment to the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund (CNSF) over the next three years. This additional funding is fantastic news for the region and will enable the Fund to continue its successful efforts in supporting community-powered initiatives across Caithness and North Sutherland.
The Fund was set up by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), now NRS Dounreay, in 2011 to provide grants to local community organisations for projects that enhance the region’s attractiveness as a place to live, work, and invest. Since its establishment, CNSF has awarded £3.29 million to 251 community projects, with a combined estimated value exceeding £15.5 million. These initiatives have brought substantial improvements throughout the Dounreay Travel to Work Area, reflecting the Fund’s key themes of environmental, social, cultural, and infrastructure development.
From playparks and sporting events to cultural festivals and infrastructure upgrades, CNSF has played a vital role in supporting a wide range of diverse and impactful projects in the region. Recent funding highlights include:
Thurso Community Café, Mental Wellbeing Project
Funding supported the development of a youth hangout space, offering a safe, welcoming environment for young people in the evenings. The project also introduced a mentorship scheme and a Water Wellness Group, providing outdoor activity opportunities, including surfing lessons, to promote mental and physical wellbeing.
Caithness Youth Pipe Band, Tartan Parade Participation
A grant enabled the band to participate in the Tartan Parade Scotland in Edinburgh, giving talented young musicians from Caithness the opportunity to perform on a national stage. This support is helping to overcome geographical barriers and ensure access to major events for young people in the North Highlands.
Wick Development Trust, Wick River Campsite Upgrade
CNSF funding contributed to the delivery of a state-of-the-art, fully accessible, energy-efficient, net-zero toilet and facilities building, as part of a wider three-year upgrade to the Wick River Campsite. The project introduced modern amenities, including toilets, showers, and laundry facilities, enhancing the visitor experience, boosting Wick’s appeal as a destination, and creating new local employment opportunities.
Helmsdale & District Development Trust, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)
CNSF was pleased to support the development of a high-quality Multi-Use Games Area in Helmsdale. This versatile facility provides a year-round space for all ages to enjoy a range of sports and activities, from football to pickleball, encouraging active lifestyles and strengthening community ties.
This substantial funding award reflects the Fund’s strong track record of responsible stewardship over the past 13 years and underscores the significant socio-economic benefits it has helped deliver across the region.
The NDA is the UK government body responsible for the safe, secure and sustainable decommissioning of the UK’s oldest nuclear sites, including NRS Dounreay.
NDA Director of Socio-Economics, Jamie Reed, said: “We’re delighted to renew our support for the Fund and enable them to continue the valuable work they are doing – it’s a testament to the success of the programme so far.
“These projects are really making a difference and help us deliver on our promise to the local community that we’ll leave a positive legacy that will continue to benefit the region’s people, places, and economy, long after our mission is complete.”
NRS Dounreay Head of Sustainability and Socio Economics, Dave Calder, said: “It’s testament to the fund and the impact it has had over a number of years that the NDA have continued to offer support beyond its intended life span. The fund plays a vital role in the suite of interventions the NDA and NRS Dounreay provide in the local area for the benefit of the community, and this announcement acknowledges that recognition.”
Caithness and North Sutherland Fund Board Chair, Fiona Forbes, said: “I am delighted that the NDA have provided more funding to CNSF for the next 3 years. This will sustain the fabulous work of the Fund in the local area.”
About the Caithness & North Sutherland Fund
The Caithness & North Sutherland Fund was established by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd to distribute resources aimed at increasing the region’s appeal as a place to live, work, and invest. The Fund is administered by Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
Funding applications ranging from £1,000 to £30,000 are available on a quarterly basis. These funds are open to voluntary or community organisations, school parent councils, community groups, community councils, community development trusts, and local councils located within the Dounreay Travel to Work Area.
Renewable timber and recycled stockfencing businesses contribute significantly to efficient and sustainable solutions throughout the region
Protection of land and animals in an environmentally sustainable manner throughout the Highlands and Islands has been boosted by the continuing successful relationship between Sutherland-based environmentally friendly timber products business, GMG Energy, and sustainable steel and wire manufacturer, MRT Fencing.
As a result, agricultural and livestock managers can now access a wide range of locally sourced efficient and sustainable fencing solutions, supplemented by the well-established MASTERFENCE ® , FK MRT® and XK MRT® stockfence ranges, as well as ERIZO® and BRAVO® Barbed wire.
Malcolm Morrison, Director of Halladale-based GMG Energy, said: “We are delighted to continue our successful relationship with MRT Fencing whose environmentally sustainable products are trusted by farmers and contractors throughout the World, and are readily available from GMG Energy in the North and the Outer Hebrides.
“Our locally produced timber posts, combined with MRT Fencing technology means that they can continue to access a wide range of efficient and sustainable fencing solutions which contribute to a greener future for the sector in the region.”
MRT Fencing is part of the Celsa Group which proudly recycles over 8 million tonnes of ferrous materials per year, so the wire rod used to make its products comprises of at least 85% recycled steel. This total ownership of the entire manufacturing process sets MRT apart from most other fencing producers.
The Celsa group’s circular manufacturing approach not only minimises the use of virgin resources but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with steel production as its use of electric arc furnaces for recycling ferrous materials produces lower CO2 emissions compared to traditional blast furnaces.
Moreover, each year, they reallocate 94% of their waste, transforming it into new products. This strategy not only contributes to sustainability but also positions the company as a leader in the circular economy, with the aim of reducing its emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 50% by 2030 and achieving “Net Positive” by 2050.
A spokesperson for MRT Fencing said: “Our shared commitment to making our environment an increasingly sustainable one makes GMG Energy an ideal member of our trusted dealer network across the Highlands and Islands.
“We look forward, alongside GMG Energy, to enjoying many more years of productive and sustainable success by providing the livestock and agricultural section with products they value.”
Malcom Morrison, Director of Halladale-based GMG Energy
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The latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator, produced in partnership with the Fraser of Allander Institute, reveals the swift and widespread impact of April’s National Insurance hike with businesses across all sectors feeling the strain.
The survey of more than 400 Scottish businesses found that while confidence and sales have improved over the quarter, ongoing cost pressures and concerns continue to subdue growth and investment.
Key findings include:
• Concern from taxation has risen by 40% in one year, with 70% of all firms citing increased concern from taxation, compared to 50% in Q2 2024.
• Significant challenges around cashflow and profits, despite positive sales trends across the board. On balance, both cashflow and profits have seen contraction over the quarter.
• The number of firms expecting to raise their prices next quarter has risen to 65%, compared to 50% in Q2 2024.
• Pressure from labour costs has risen by 15% in one year. Nearly 9 in 10 (86%) firms were experiencing increased pressure from labour costs, compared to 75% for the same quarter last year.
• Staff hiring stalled as over half of all firms (55%) reported no changes to staff levels and 65% expect no change next quarter.
Doug Smith, Vice President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, and Chair of the SCC Economic Advisory Group, said:
“The latest findings paint a troubling picture: investment is frozen, employment is stagnating and concerns are growing around taxation at a time of economic uncertainty around tariffs, immigration, tax, and general fiscal policy.
“These survey results highlight major concerns and challenges for Scottish businesses as a direct result of rising costs, particularly the increase in employer NICs. Every
obstacle to sustaining cashflow and profits has a direct impact on confidence, investment, growth and jobs across all sectors.
“The lack of skills is a real challenge not just in meeting the demand of future projects but also in completing current and day-to-day work. We need a clearer focus from both governments on matching education to the needs of business.”
The QEI was reinforced by insights from the Scottish Economic Advisory Group, which raised concerns around skills shortages in sectors such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing, and the misalignment of education priorities with the practical needs of business.
The group also emphasised the intense cost pressures of Employer NICs – described as “life or death” for microbusinesses, and particularly tough for SMEs – as well as increased taxation, and energy costs significantly higher than the rest of Europe.
The group claimed that ‘it has proven nigh on impossible to recruit in construction, and businesses are struggling to maintain labour forces to meet demand.’ Fiona McKee, Founder of The HR Practice, said: “It is increasingly difficult to recruit skilled workers, and salary expectations are unrealistic, pushing costs up on top of Employer NICs.”
Tariffs were also raised by businesses with overall taxation concerns increasing again over the quarter and over the year.
Survey fieldwork began a month after ‘Liberation Day’, which saw the USA announce new tariffs on imports. One small manufacturing firm in Ayrshire said: “At the moment they are 10% on our products. Should they be any higher it could be a serious problem.”
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of SCC, said:
“While agreements have been reached between the US and UK Governments to remove barriers, we urge ongoing cooperation and collaboration to rebuild business confidence and restore certainty.
“The new agreements with the EU and India are pragmatic moves towards building strong trading relationships with our economic partners. These will reduce costs, cut red tape, and make it easier for Scottish businesses to compete and grow across the world.
“However, more still needs to be done on people and migration to attract skilled talent, with a migration system aligned with the needs of Scotland’s economy.”
Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, added:
“Economic conditions remain challenging across the UK as we go into the summer months. After healthy growth in January and February, we have seen contractions in March and April, which means the size of the economy in Scotland is essentially the same as it was six months ago.
“Businesses reported a slowdown of activities in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. This decline in activity may reflect the impact of increases to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) as well as uncertain conditions, particularly from trade and tariff decisions taken by the US government.
“Many businesses and consumers will be hoping that the economy turns a corner over the summer and that wider factors stabilise.”
‘I’d tell other new businesses to just go for it’
Debbie Mackay, owner of Thurso Fresh Favourites, reflects on their win at the Caithness Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards 2024 – and encourages other young businesses to get their entries in for 2025.
For most businesses, the Covid lockdown felt like the carpet being ripped out from underfoot. Yet when the world grinds to a halt, it also offers time to think. That was the case for husband and wife team Derek Balloch and Debbie Mackay. Living in Inverness at the time, Derek noticed that his Mum wasn’t keen on the frozen meals provided by home carers. As with many a great business, this real-life experience sparked an idea: to provide fresh, home cooked meals available for takeaway.
“Derek first thought of it a few years ago, but when Covid hit we took the time to work out how we could do it,” recalls Debbie. “We started out just by trialling it with friends and family, testing out different menu options to ensure the quality could be maintained on reheating. The idea really developed from there.”
Determined to offer a service that would benefit the community – particularly the elderly – moving home to Caithness turned out to be a commercial advantage. It provided an opportunity to trial the fledgling business on a small community, where the couple already had local market knowledge and a good list of contacts who could help. Environmental Health checked over their kitchen at home, ensuring it was fully compliant, and Fresh Favourites was born in 2022.
Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength. While it’s still run from home, Derek and Debbie have fitted a new commercial kitchen and have more exciting plans in the pipeline – though they’re keeping the details under wraps for now.
Debbie says business is “growing steadily” with a strong and loyal customer base. Collection and delivery options are available, and Fresh Favourites meals are also stocked in D&M Fraser in Thurso. The menu is extensive, with more than 120 dishes covering a range of cuisines and dietary needs. At the heart of it all is high quality, nutritious food, and in line with their original vision, Fresh Favourites offers a senior special option, providing three meals for £13.50.
It’s very much been a case of steady as she goes – but winning a respected local business award last year has helped ramped up demand. “I didn’t apply for the Caithness Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards in our first year of trading because I felt we were still too young, and we didn’t have the confidence yet,” says Debbie. “The following year we decided to go for it, but you never enter these things thinking you will win. To hear our name read out on the night was a shock, but a very good shock!”
Fresh Favourites won the Young Business Award 2024, with judges crediting the business as having ‘transformed the takeaway experience by maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and freshness.’ Judges were also impressed by the strong community focus and its support for senior citizens.
Fresh Favourites believes the award has boosted their business profile. “We have definitely reached people we wouldn’t otherwise have reached,” says Debbie. “It’s helped us to get our name out there. I think it’s important we have events like this in Caithness, and the Chamber itself is really valuable in terms of the networking opportunities and business support it makes available. If any other young businesses are thinking of entering the awards, I’d tell them to just go for it.”
Here’s to 50 more years of business success
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, says Caithness Chamber of Commerce has provided this kind of springboard for the business community for more than half a century.
Our motto is ‘stronger together’ and since we were first founded in 1974 we have really lived that vision in every aspect of our work. We provide a platform to network, to share information and to discuss the health of the business sector not just locally but nationally. Capturing that membership voice allows us to lobby very effectively, and I am certain that Caithness and Sutherland punch well above their weight because of that ability to band together and speak as a community.
However, as much as those activities are central to our role as a Chamber, the element of celebration is so important too. Our annual dinner is a deserved favourite in the business calendar, allowing everyone a chance to catch up, let their hair down and recognise a job well done.
Last year, at what was our 50th anniversary dinner, it was wonderful to see so much new, young talent taking centre stage. We had Fresh Favourites taking best young business, Wick River Campsite winning the community award and Meghan Love of Studio Wellness named Young Entrepreneur of the Year. The standard was incredibly high – as it always is.
The 2025 Annual Awards are now just around the corner, and we’re seeking entries from Caithness and Sutherland businesses which have been trading less than five years, and entrepreneurs aged 18-30 living in the region. Entries are open until 5pm on 31st July 2025 and application forms can be found online here.
We can’t wait to meet the future trailblazers of the region – so get your entries in now!
Could your innovation support national defence?
Join the Janus pathfinder event on Tuesday 1 July for an informative session on how suppliers, especially SMEs, can gain access the Neutral Vendor Framework for Innovation (NVfI), a powerful route to market for supplying into defence and the wider public sector.
What the session will cover:
• What the Neutral Vendor Framework for Innovation is and how it works
• How NVfI reduces traditional procurement barriers and accelerates market access
• Eligibility and onboarding process
• Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance in public sector procurement
• Unlocking multi-sector opportunities through a single framework
How you can join
• Online from 12:00 – 13:00 for a presentation and Q&A
• In-person from 11:30 – 15:00 for the live presentation and networking in the DASA offices, White city
Constellia is the engine behind the NVfI, a procurement model developed in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Commercial X that simplifies procurement for both suppliers and buyers.
The NVfI covers 14 critical science and technology areas that are strategically important to the UK’s national security and defence sectors. Whether you’re working on AI, drone technology, biomedical innovations, or cutting-edge R&D – NVfI can help get your solutions in front of the right public sector stakeholders quickly and efficiently.
About Janus – In partnership with the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Janus is a consortium led by IoT Tribe alongside the SETsquared Partnership and Atmos Ventures. Janus gives startups the tools, network and momentum to turn bold ideas into operational capabilities for the UK and NATO allies.
Shine Bright and Celebrate Your Achievements with the 2025 Young Business and Entrepreneur Awards!
We are delighted to announce that our Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Business of the Year Awards are once again open for entries! These awards offer a prime opportunity for businesses to enhance their visibility and receive well-deserved recognition for their outstanding accomplishments and are designed to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that makes the North Highlands great.
Entries are open until 5pm on 31st July 2025 and winners will receive the following:
Young Business (less than five years old)
- 2 FREE places worth £160 at the Chamber’s annual dinner, for the presentation
- 1 year’s FREE membership of Caithness Chamber of Commerce
- Media coverage through press and the Chamber’s digital and social channels
- Highlighted profile on the Chamber’s website
- Young Business of the Year 2025 Trophy
Enter online now using this application form.
Young Entrepreneur (age 18 – 30 years old)
- £500 cash prize, kindly sponsored by Saffery Champness
- 2 FREE places worth £160 on the top table at the Chamber’s annual dinner, for the presentation
- 1 year’s FREE membership of Caithness Chamber of Commerce
- Media coverage through press and the Chamber’s digital and social channels
- Highlighted profile on the Chamber’s website
- The George Bruce Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Trophy
Enter online now using this application form.
If you’d like any more information or just want to have a quick chat before applying, please contact us on fiona@caithnesschamber.com or 01847 890076. All applications must be submitted by 5pm on 31st July 2025.
| The NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) has announced its third annual set of challenges and opened a new call for applications.
DIANA is seeking innovative, ground-breaking solutions in the following ten focus areas:
Selected companies will receive €100,000 in contractual funding, with top performers eligible for up to an additional €300,000 in the next programme phase. Participants will also gain access to over 180 test centres, a tailored programme bridging defence and commercial sectors, and a network of top-tier mentors from across the Alliance. DIANA offers support and connections to help civilian-sector companies enter the traditionally high-barrier defence market. Applications for the DIANA accelerator are open until 11 July. The 6-month programme will begin in January 2026. All dual-use deep tech companies registered in a NATO member state are eligible to apply. More information, as well as the application form is available here: https://www.diana.nato.int/ |
In short:· NATO DIANA has launched its third annual set of challenges and opened a new call for applications · There are a total of 10 challenge areas · Selected companies will receive €100,000 in contractual funding · Closing date for applications is 11 July 2025 at midday (UTC) |
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Taking place on Friday 26 September, the Highland Business Awards is one of the flagship events of Inverness Chamber of Commerce that celebrates the achievements of businesses throughout the region.
The Awards recognise the success of organisations large and small, new and well established, and across all sectors, while offering our business community the chance to socialise with colleagues, rekindle old connections and make new business relationships.
This year there are eleven diverse categories to choose from, so enter or nominate now to recognise the businesses and individuals that are integral to sustaining a strong Highland economy.
Nominations are open until 5.00pm on Friday 8 August. Please note there will be no extension to this deadline.
Tickets for the Awards lunch and ceremony are on sale now and can be purchased individually or for tables of 10. Full details can be found here.
We are delighted to welcome The Highland Council as Principal Sponsor.
2025 Highland Business Awards Categories
Highland Business Award for Innovation
Download nomination form
Highland Business Award for Resilience
sponsored by Caithness Chamber of Commerce
Download nomination form
Highland Business Award for Positive Environmental Impact
sponsored by Pentland Ferries
Download nomination form
Highland Business Award for Global Growth
Download nomination form
Highland Business Award for Most Promising New Business
sponsored by Business Gateway
Download nomination form
Highland Business Award for Best Marketing Campaign
Download nomination form
Highland Business Award for Outstanding Community Engagement
Download nomination form
Highland Business Award for Corporate Community Impact
Download nomination form
Highland Business Award for Employer of the Year
Download nomination form
Highland Business Award for Young Employee of the Year
Download nomination form
Highland Business Award for Business Leader of the Year
sponsored by Saffery
Download nomination form
Plus one business selected from the category winners will be awarded overall Highland Business of the Year.
sponsored by Balfour Beatty
Trophy Sponsor – W M Donald