The premier week in the Highland business calendar will return this September. Organised by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Highland Business Week 2024 is an opportunity for businesses and organisations to network, collaborate and celebrate whether you are an entrepreneur or a global business.
Taking place from September 23 – 27 the highly regarded annual business festival also includes the popular Highland Spotlight and the annual Highland Business Awards.
Colin Marr, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce explains: “This is one of our flagship events and one that we’re proud of. The programme is anchored with our Highland Spotlight exhibition and Highland Business Awards while the week itself is an opportunity for our business community to contribute to our programme of events, workshops or masterclasses that inform and educate for the benefit of the wider region. I’m looking forward to seeing the Highland Business Week calendar develop in the lead up to September and sharing all the expertise and innovation that exists in the Scottish Highlands.”
Highland Spotlight is the region’s biggest business exhibition, providing organisations and companies the time and space to meet together in a collaborative setting. This year it will take place at The Drumossie Hotel on September 24.
Last year, the event showcased over 50 exhibitors with over 300 people in attendance and featured a new ‘Rising Stars’ showcase. This placed young entrepreneurs at the heart of Highland Spotlight, and it was such a success that they will form a key part of the exhibition again this year.
The event is an opportunity to forge lasting connections with people across the Highlands and learn more about the products and services available on our doorstep.
Speaking about Highland Spotlight, Paula Nicol, deputy chief executive and head of events said: “There is nothing else like it in the Highlands. It’s a chance for businesses of all sizes to come together, raise their profile amongst the business community, show everything they have to offer or launch something new to a captive audience. Those that take stands each year get a lot out of it – very often inspiring new business opportunities and collaborations. It’s fantastic to see all the conversations taking place.
“Last year my highlight was Rising Stars. It was a fantastic opportunity for those up-and-coming businesses to get involved, have a presence alongside established businesses and meet with business leaders that could potentially open more doors for them.
“What’s been great is that they have continued to support and learn from each other in many respects, so we are looking forward to working with our Developing the Young Workforce colleagues to have more Rising Stars at Highland Spotlight 2024.”
She added: “The atmosphere at Highland Spotlight is always buzzing. We find the connections made at the event last long afterwards, often leading to business referrals, collaborations, and contract opportunities. It’s also designed to be an accessible and inclusive event where smaller businesses, that have a connection, can share a stand and the investment of having a presence at the exhibition.”
Highland Spotlight will also include events throughout the day such as business masterclasses and seminars.
Highland Business Week culminates with the Highland Business Awards which celebrate the diversity, innovation and resilience of organisations throughout the region with categories for all! Large or small, well-established or just starting out, businesses are invited to nominate themselves or another organisation.
The winners will be announced at the Highland Business Awards lunch at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness on Friday, September 27.
Alongside returning categories such as Business Leader of the Year and Global Growth, this year sees a new category in the running: Best Marketing Campaign.
Paula said: “It’s exciting having this new category setting out strategic marketing initiatives that support business success. We are looking for entries that have taken an innovative approach and can demonstrate real results.
“Like all the Highland Business Awards categories, any business large or small can get involved in this new award!”
She added: “Our past finalists and winners demonstrate that no matter their size or location, everyone has the potential to showcase success. We’re really looking forward to receiving nominations this year, across the Highlands, and celebrating everyone’s achievements.”
