Climate Springboard is a free online programme that helps a business measure its carbon emissions in-house, create a Net Zero action plan, and deliver this using simple, low-cost action plans. The next cohort starts on 8th August, with many more dates throughout the year.
130 businesses have joined the programme, and 100% of recent attendees stated they would recommend the course to another organisation.
What to expect:
- 3 online workshops, fortnightly, 2 hours long.
- Access to 1-2-1 support
- Simple-low cost action plans for carbon and cost reduction
Sign up here: Climate Springboard Sign Up 2024 (jisc.ac.uk)
Find out more: Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) (edinburghcentre.org)
Communities, businesses and stakeholders across the North Highlands are invited to give their views on a proposed Visitor Levy.
In May 2024, The Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, legislation which provides local authorities the power to introduce a levy to be charged on purchase of overnight accommodation. Hotels, hostels, guest houses, bed and breakfast, self-catering, camping and caravan sites, vehicles and vessels which are predominantly situated in one place, and any place where a room or area is offered for residential purposes otherwise than the visitor’s main residence are included in the Act.
In the Highland region, there is a requirement that The Highland Council publishes a proposed Visitor Levy Scheme and completes public consultation on this before a scheme can be implemented. There is also a minimum 18-month period from a finalised proposal, so the earliest a Visitor Levy Scheme can be introduced is 2026.
As the Destination Management Organisation for Caithness and Sutherland, Venture North is continuing to collect evidence of opinions on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme in order to best represent the region and be the voice for responsible and sustainable tourism in the far north.
This year, Venture North attended the Sutherland Agricultural Show, Durness Highland Gathering and Mey Highland Games to gauge opinions on the proposed visitor levy and priority areas any visitor levy funds should be spent on. Venture North also have a fuller online survey open until the end of August 2024 which they are encouraging all to complete.
Cathy Earnshaw, Destination Strategy Manager at Venture North said:
“From our survey last year, we know that there were very marginal results for and against a Visitor Levy, but the majority of responses showed concerns as to the financial impacts on businesses, the risks of encouraging visitors to choose other destinations that offered better value for money or that it would encourage more stays out with camping and caravan sites. There was also clear direction as to the need for regional input to the management of any future funds raised by a Levy for the benefit of all.
As part of this year’s engagement at the Highland shows where we had over 500 votes, 60% showed desire for Visitor Levy funds to be used on visitor infrastructure and services. We also heard many other viewpoints in our conversations. Hearing what businesses, visitors and residents want for the region and the future protection of our environment and cultures is important, so we can effectively engage with The Highland Council on the Visitor Levy. Please give us your views in our survey!”
Those who complete the survey will be in with a chance of winning prizes kindly donated by Venture North business members: Connell Outdoor Pursuits, Dunrobin Castle, Konstantina Pateraki Jewellery, Marks & Pencils, North Coast Watersports, Strathnaver Museum and Sutherland Adventure Company.
To take part in Venture North’s Visitor Levy survey, visit the online portal here or email info@venture-north.co.uk.
Climate Springboard is a free business support programme that has now opened its doors to any Scottish SME. Designed to simplify the net zero landscape, this unique and action orientated programme was created from a partnership between ECCI, the University of Edinburgh and Royal Bank of Scotland.
Why take part in Climate Springboard?
In response to the Climate emergency, Scotland has set a target to transition to Neto Zero by 2045. SMEs are key to this transition. Not only are businesses now facing new regulation and funding requirements based around climate, but are feeling the effects of climate change today. It is now essential that businesses can report on their climate emissions, implement a climate strategy and adapt.
The net zero landscape can feel overwhelming for SMEs who are juggling other commitments. Climate Springboard breaks it all down to simple to follow steps.
What to expect from the programme?
Climate Springboard will provide an overview of the Scottish net zero landscape including; upcoming regulation aimed at businesses, funding requirements and supply chain fluctuations.
The programme will provide businesses with the tools and knowledge to report your carbon emissions and develop a strategy document in line with government protocols.
Climate Springboard allows businesses to gain access to low-cost action plans and get tailored support to reduce their energy consumption and costs.
You will get to connect with likeminded businesses and learn from each other.
Find a full overview of the programme and information on how to get started on the Climate Springboard website.
The August edition of Executive Magazine is here, and we’re excited to relaunch the Caithness Chamber of Commerce Newsletter—brimming with the latest business insights and success stories from across the North Highlands!
Grab your coffee and dive into this must-read issue, featuring the latest industry news, movers and shakers, and exciting opportunities, including:
- O’Brien Recycling: A SEPA-accredited family business in the North Highlands, leading the charge toward ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ with expert waste management and strong community ties.
- Gow’s Lybster: Expanding horizons, Gow’s Lybster secures major contracts in the UK’s nuclear and energy sectors with their enhanced mechanical engineering services.
- Orano in Caithness: Leveraging global nuclear expertise, Orano bolsters local supply chains while supporting decommissioning efforts at Dounreay.
- Green Engineering Course at UHI: UHI North, West, and Hebrides launches a fully funded green engineering course, empowering local engineers with sustainable skills.
- Thistle Wind Partners Event: Thistle Wind Partners is set to host a dynamic supply chain event in Thurso, engaging local businesses in the future of offshore wind projects.
- CC Chocolatier: Satisfy your sweet tooth—CC Chocolatier opens a new shop in Bower, offering delectable patisserie treats and handcrafted chocolates.
- Taste North Food & Drink Festival 2024: Calling all exhibitors—join the celebration of Highland food, drink, and crafts at this year’s Taste North Food & Drink Festival in November.
Don’t miss out—read all this and more in the latest issue!
Rooted in the Highlands, Driven by Sustainability: Discover How O’Brien Recycling is Shaping a Greener Future.
Located on their family croft in East Caithness, with breathtaking vistas over the North Sea, O’Brien’s Recycling is a standout in the recycling industry. Originally established as a scrap business in the 1980s, this family-run enterprise has been a cornerstone of the North Highlands community for over three generations. By adding skip hire and waste management to their services in 2014, their unwavering commitment to ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ has turned waste into valuable resources, fostering sustainability and innovation in their community.
With the husband-and-wife team, Alan and Lisa, now leading the charge, the SEPA-accredited O’Brien’s Recycling is poised for a bright and sustainable future, and their dedication is making a lasting impact on both the environment and the local economy.
You commit to ensuring ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’. Can you explain how this is implemented across your operational practices?
Our commitment to ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ is central to everything we do. Each skip we process is meticulously sorted by hand and segregated into specific waste streams to ensure that nothing is missed. We recycle or reuse everything we handle, and any material that cannot be reused is sent for further processing or converted into waste-to-energy. This rigorous approach ensures that we minimise our environmental footprint and contribute positively to the circular economy.
Our meticulous sorting process and partnerships with specialised processing facilities enable us to uphold our sustainability commitment and consistently achieve our ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ goal. O’Brien’s is proud to be the only SEPA-accredited recycling centre north of Alness, providing a vital local recycling and waste management facility for Caithness, Sutherland, and the northern Highlands.
What services do you offer and what differentiates your business from your competitors?
Our waste management licence offers our customers complete peace of mind. Being SEPA-controlled means we adhere to strict protocols, and our commitment to waste segregation is guaranteed as all processes are conducted in-house.
We offer a wide range of services, including skip hire, scrap metal recycling, and comprehensive waste management solutions. What truly sets us apart is our hands-on approach and dedication to ensuring that every piece of waste is handled responsibly.
Our family values, combined with decades of expertise and a forward-thinking mindset, ensure that our customers receive reliable, environmentally conscious service that makes a real difference. We work in partnership with our customers to help them meet their own sustainability commitments. This commitment is just one way we contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
In what ways does O’Brien’s Recycling contribute to the local economy and community in Caithness? Are there any partnerships or initiatives you’re particularly proud of?
We are deeply invested in our local community, and giving back is a core principle of our business. We proudly sponsor several local sports clubs and groups, promoting health, wellness, and community spirit in Caithness, including, Wick Academy, Wick Golf Club, Brora Rangers, Keep Lybster Tidy, and Thrumster Primary School.
As a family-run business operating for over three generations, we also provide stable employment opportunities. Our small but growing team is comprised of individuals from the local area, ensuring that our success directly benefits the community.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for O’Brien’s Recycling? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that excite you?
We are proud of our journey and excited about the future. Our values and accreditations have helped us secure new contracts with major organisations in the region, including NRS Dounreay, NHS Highland, Vestas, Farrans, and SSE. We believe that by continuing to innovate and expand our services, we can make an even greater positive impact on our environment and community.
We are particularly excited about upcoming projects that will enhance our recycling capabilities and further reduce waste. These initiatives will reinforce our commitment to sustainability for generations to come and ensure that O’Brien’s Recycling remains at the forefront of environmental responsibility in the North Highlands.
obrienrecycling@btinternet.com ┃ www.obrienrecycling.co.uk
Did your business feel the pain of recent energy price hikes? Are you wondering what you can do to be more resilient to price volatility in the energy markets in the future?
You’re not alone. Many forward-thinking businesses across Scotland – from factories to offices, shops to holiday parks, care homes to community halls – are taking charge of their energy bills by generating their own power.
And the great news is that there is free government support to help you, including free and impartial advice and funding for eligible microgeneration projects.
What is microgeneration?
Microgeneration means creating your own electricity and/or heat using small, renewable energy systems. Unlike big power stations, microgeneration systems are installed right where you need them – on your site.
The main types of microgeneration technologies suitable for small and medium sized businesses include:
- Solar panels
- Wind turbines
- Micro hydro
- Heat pumps
If you would like to find out if your business could take charge of its energy bills by generating its own power, Business Energy Scotland’s range of guides, videos and case studies will help you.
And the good news is that Business Energy Scotland is providing free and impartial advice and access to funding to help too.
Visit here for further information
Get ready to celebrate your business’s achievements with the Inverness Chamber of Commerce Highland Business Awards. These Awards are open to businesses of all sizes and types across the Highland region. Whether you’re a new business or have been established for a while, there’s a category for you. Winning or being shortlisted for an award gives you recognition and a reason to be proud for the entire year!
Caithness Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again sponsor the Highland Business Award for Resilience, designed for a business that has successfully adapted its operations to overcome a short-term challenge and continued to thrive.
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce commented:
The Oxford English Dictionary defines resilience as “the ability of a substance to return to its usual shape after being bent, stretched, or pressed”. I find this definition particularly fitting when considering the strength and adaptability of our Highland business community, which withstands and recovers from challenges, facing adversity head-on. However, I would argue that the most resilient businesses are not those that return to their original form, but those that harness the power of challenge to grow, adapt, and thrive, finding new ways of working and opportunities for success.
Our mission remains to nurture a successful, sustainable, and diverse North Highland economy. Our motto, “Stronger Together,” embodies our commitment to this goal, and these awards are a fantastic example of the power of community and the strength that comes from uniting to uplift and support one another. They provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate the very best of Highland businesses and showcase the innovation, ambition, and unique skills of our region.”
Nominations are open until 5.00pm on 9 August.
The Highland Business Awards is one of the flagship events of Inverness Chamber of Commerce that celebrates the achievements of businesses throughout the region. This year there are ten 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.
See all of the categories and download an application pack online at: Highland Business Awards 2024 – Inverness Chamber of Commerce (inverness-chamber.co.uk)
The third Highlands and Islands Climate Festival will take place from the 1st – 30th September 2024. The festival is a celebration of community led climate action. It shines a light on the incredible work happening where we live and its impact on our people and planet.
The festival is organised by the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub and a group of active community groups from across the region. The Hub has been able to offer small grants to communities to support participation within the festival and is thrilled to have received over 40 applications from communities in Highland, Orkney & Shetland. The festival programme is predicted to see well over 100 events take place throughout the duration of the festival.
To support communities and to allow the festival to grow, the Highlands and Islands Climate Festival has this year launched a range of sponsorship opportunities. Businesses are invited to get involved with festival activities by hosting events, welcoming community groups into workplaces or using corporate volunteer hours to support events and community projects.
Businesses are also invited to make a financial contribution to the festival which will allow organisers to build on its success and create a bigger and better festival for 2025. Sponsorship opportunities are tailored to individual businesses and will be shaped to you and your brand. Packages start from £50 and offer the opportunity to advertise your company in a number of ways; demonstrating support for climate action in the Highlands & Islands and supporting communities taking positive action towards a climate ready region.
The Highlands and Islands Climate Festival boasts a strong digital presence with a dedicated website and social media channels on which supporters will be widely advertised. The festival team are excited to discuss options with climate conscious businesses in the Highlands and Islands.
To register your interest in getting involved in the festival in any way, please contact hello@hiclimatefest.co.uk
Forss Business & Energy Park is a 200-acre site situated 7 miles west of Thurso town, comprising of 60,000 sq ft of combined office and industrial space, alongside a 6 turbine windfarm and an Anaerobic Digestion Plant.
Under new management since March 2024, the park has gone from strength to strength in recent months. Existing tenants, including North Pont Distillery, have expanded their premises by a combined total of 16,000 sq ft. Some new faces have also joined the base, including Carries Couthie Café which opened in July and services both the park and public.
Famed for its early life as NAVCOMMSTA Thurso, a cold war American Navy Base, Forss Business Park is known to many, both locally and overseas. Its rich history is still hidden throughout the site to this day, and with plans in place to develop a visitor centre showcasing it’s many lives, this will once again be visible to the public. Other exciting plans for future development include further renewable energy, battery storage units and potential data centres.
From clay pigeon shooting and distillery tours, to delicious meals and baked goods, our vacant office space has never looked more appealing. Check it out at forsspark.co.uk or call 01847 808100.