Weekly update, 8th February

Enabling Activities:

Last Saturday (6^th February) saw the annual “Jobs and How to Get Them” event, developed again by a group of agencies/ organisations (including CNSRP partners Skills Development Scotland and Highland Council) and managed by Caithness Chamber of Commerce. The event attracted around 370 members of the public, and featured more than 40 companies and support organisations in a range of sectors (energy, hospitality, uniformed services etc). I was able to speak to a number of attendees during the day, and it was encouraging to see the interest in the opportunities on offer, and the wide range of ages taking part. More on the event at https://www.facebook.com/caithnessjobs/  

Caithness Chamber of Commerce is working with RWE Innogy to run an event for companies interested in becoming a supplier to the Bad a Cheo wind farm development when it commences construction early next year. The main civil works contract is due to be tendered soon, so a free “Meet The Buyer” event on Tuesday 22^nd March in Thurso will allow companies to  hear from RWE Innogy UK’s procurement and construction teams. To book a place at the event please email badacheo@rwe.com

Communications:

As part of an ongoing process of helping communicate progress with the delivery of aspects of our economic transition programme CNSRP’s partners work together to generate news stories for local, regional and national media. I also speak on a regular basis to individuals and organisations across the area to update on progress. This week:

• Good to see that the publication of the CNSRP 2015 Annual Review has attracted coverage in local and regional media. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/830190/far-north-poised-for-1600-jobs-boost/?piano_t=1 An electronic copy of the Review is available to download at http://www.cnsrp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/CNSRP-Annual-Review-2015.pdf and copies can also be picked up from CNSRP partner offices.
• Good to see the efforts of Kerry Spiers recognised in today’s John O’Groat Journal. Kerry’s Tartan at Heart business is growing both locally and internationally, and she points to the support received from CNSRP partner Highland Council (through Business Gateway) and Caithness Chamber of Commerce. Tartan at Heart was runner up in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards run by Caithness Chamber, and also a finalist in the Highland Business Awards last year.