Conference 2023 - Focus North

Focus North Conference 2023 – Presentations now available to download

An interactive event exploring the exciting economic opportunities in the North of Mainland Scotland.

Keynote Address – Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport.

Master of ceremonies Nicky Marr – Broadcaster, magazine editor, event host, columnist and writer.

A packed agenda which included:

  • Speakers covered opportunities in The Offshore Wind Industry; The Space Industry; Tourism and Hospitality; Natural Capital; and more
  • Findings from recent research which highlights what key regional demographics are seen as important for economic growth
  • An interactive panel session discussing the regional economic opportunities and challenges
  • An update on evolution of Focus North from the the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership
Rewatch the event Live stream on YouTube

8th February 2023 – Weigh Inn Thurso: 09:30 – 16:00.

Event Presentations

Time at event Event session Link to presentation
0930 – 10:00 Registration and Tea & Coffee
1000 – 1010 Welcome
1010 – 1025 Keynote address (Video address)
Michael Matheson – Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport		 Live stream 38:22
1025 – 1100 Introduction to Focus North, survey results and future plans.

Our purpose, regional background, and the need for change. The opportunities and how we will deliver and survey results from surveys of event attendees, college and school students.

Simon Middlemas OBE – Focus North Independent Chair
Trudy Morris – Caithness Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive
Peter Faccenda – Focus North Programme Manager

 Focus North Opening Presentation
1100 – 1140 Tea & coffee
1140 – 1155 Sustainability
Developing a Sustainable future for the area
Magnus Davidson – DSRL Socioeconomic Manager		 A Sustainable future for the north
1155 – 1210 Offshore wind
Floating offshore wind – the opportunities
Richard Copeland – Programme Director, Pentland floating offshore wind farm		 Pentland Offshore Wind Farm – Focus North Conference
1210 – 1225 Fixed offshore Wind
Mike Hay – Deputy Project Director West of Orkney Windfarm		 West of Orkney Presentation (Focus North)
1225 – 1230 Summary and close of the morning session
1230 – 1315 Lunch
1315 – 1320 Reconvene
1320 – 1325 Video Address by Maree Todd – MSP Caithness Sutherland and Ross Live stream 3:56:50
1325 – 1340 Sutherland Spaceport
Opportunities in the Space Industry
David Howie – Head of Strategic Projects HIE		 Focus North – Space – Feb 23
1340 – 1355 Flow Country
Green finance for peatland restoration & update on UNESCO world heritage site bid
Graham Neville – Area Manager, NatureScot		 Tackling the nature-climate crisis slides – The Flow Country
1355 – 1410 Higher and Further Education
Role in future in a thriving local economy and its communities
Debbie Murray – Principal UHI North Highland College		 Debbie Murray UHI North Highland – Focus North Presentation
1410 – 1440 Tea & coffee
1440 – 1455 Tourism
The future opportunities that tourism can bring
Cathy Earnshaw – Destination Strategy Manager, Venture North		 Venture North – Focus North Presentation
1455 – 1510 Experiences in collaborative development
Lessons from multiple sectors and projects
Dr Rick Robinson  Global Principal, Connected, Secure & Smart Places – Jacobs Limited		 Focus North Launch Rick Robinson Jacobs
1510 – 1540 Panel session Chaired by Nicky Marr
    • Stuart Black – Chief Executive, HIE
    • Raymond Bremner – Leader, Highland Council
    • Trudy Morris – Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce
    • Giles Huby – Director of External Engagement & Facilities -UHI North Highland.
 Live stream 5:55:00
1540 – 1550 Next steps
Simon Middlemas OBE		 Live stream 6:23:50
1550 – 1600 Summary and event close
Nicky Marr

Speakers & Panel Members

Speakers:

  • MC Nicky Marr
  • Michael Matheson MSP, video address
  • Magnus Davidson
  • Richard Copeland
  • Maree Todd MSP, video address
  • David Howie
  • Graham Neville
  • Debbie Murray
  • Cathy Earnshaw
  • Dr Rick Robinson

Panel:

    • Stuart Black
    • Raymond Bremner
    • Trudy Morris
    • Simon Middlemas
    • Giles Huby
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