The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is excited to announce the launch of a new Early Market Engagement (EME) pilot initiative, on behalf of The MOD Innovation Directorate on the theme of Uncrewed Systems. This pilot aims to collaboratively challenge MOD problem areas and identify potential solutions that could rapidly deliver capability for defence and determine whether a full competition in this area is required.
The initial pilot will concentrate on two critical sub-systems of Uncrewed Systems:
- Position, Navigation and Timing in Highly Contested Environments
- Low-cost, Fast Engines
In short:
- DASA is running an Early Market Engagement (EME) pilot activity on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on the theme of Uncrewed Systems.
- The EME pilot will take a collaborative approach to problem curation with industry/academia to establish the requirement for a full competition.
- Workshops will be held in Bristol, London and Newcastle and welcome participants from both industry and academia. Applications for workshop attendance closes 12:00pm midday 31 October 2024 (GMT)
Learn more and apply to attend a workshop here
DASA is delighted to bring you their latest Case Study – the story of an innovation designed to combat a serious modern threat – that of the Unmanned Air System (UAS) or drone.
Cheap, off-the-shelf drones present a serious challenge to defence and security due to their easy accessibility and very limited radar signature. As their use continues to rise, they pose more of a threat to both military forces and national infrastructure. Therefore, it has become more important than ever to develop an effective counter-UAS innovation.
With the help of DASA funding, West Sussex-based SME LiveLink Aerospace has risen to the challenge, spearheading a consortium to develop a low cost, easy to integrate counter UAS solution.
The consortium developed a flexible and scalable sensor unit for tracking multiple UAS – called Passive Detection & Ranging (PDAR).
This technology has proved to be so successful in field trails, that the Royal Navy has purchased the sensor for use on frontline ships.
Aleks Kowalski, LiveLink Aerospace’s Business Director said:
“Not only did DASA have the vision to support a high risk project where the commercial market was failing, but working with DASA provided wider benefits. The project liaison staff provided by DASA were excellent. They provided constructive criticism when required, represented the ‘voice of the customer’ to challenge the development team, and much appreciated enthusiasm and encouragement throughout. Additionally, compared with other grant awarding bodies, the whole paperwork and process was streamlined and well thought through – we didn’t need to employ additional staff for their paperwork!”
Read the full LiveLink Case Study here
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)
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!
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
Photography Credits: Niamh Ross Photography
The Taste North Food & Drink Festival are inviting producers and exhibitors to register interest in attending the 2024 event, due to take place in Wick on Sunday 3rd November.
The 2023 showcase of Highland food and drink attracted a footfall of over 1700 last November and has also been shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding Cultural Festival or Event’ category in this year’s Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards. Last year Taste North showcased over 40 food, drink and craft exhibitors, professional chef and cocktail demonstrations, family friendly activities, and a record number of entries for the Taste North Challenge for enthusiastic bakers of all ages.
Organised by Venture North, the Destination Management Organisation for Caithness and Sutherland, the festival provides a premium pre-Christmas opportunity for communities and visitors to gather and enjoy the wealth of Highland food and drink with a strong Love Local ethos.
Taste North has been in operation since 2015 and continues to be due to the generous support of many organisations in the region. Sponsors and funders to date for 2024 are RWE Camster and Stroupster Wind Farm Community Funds administered by Foundation Scotland, Dunrobin Castle, Mackays Hotel, Wick and Developing the Young Workforce – North Highland.
Cathy Earnshaw, Destination Strategy Manager for Venture North said, “The feedback we received from attendees and exhibitors was that Taste North 2023 was the “best one yet”. It is hard to describe the joy of the buzz and atmosphere for all the family on the day. We are planning even more for 2024 and a very special 10th anniversary event in 2025. We would love to work with more accommodation, experiences and hospitality providers interested in events or offers around Taste North, encouraging even more opportunities for visitors and locals to enjoy our region at quieter times of the year”.
To register interest as an exhibitor when applications open or for details on Taste North opportunities, please email info@venture-north.co.uk