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HIE programme will help young Highland business leaders make an impact


By Calum MacLeod

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While previous IMPACT30 candidates have been able to meet up, this year's programme will be delivered online in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
While previous IMPACT30 candidates have been able to meet up, this year's programme will be delivered online in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Young business leaders in the Highlands and Islands are encouraging others to apply to a year-long programme aimed at developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

IMPACT30 is a fully funded business growth programme which is open to people aged 35 and under in key decision-making roles in young ambitious businesses and help them to grow their business through tailored support from industry specialists.

So far, 76 businesses have already benefited from IMPACT30. Among them is Jan Sutherland Floristry in Wick.

Jan said: “Having mentors to bounce your ideas off, webinars to attend and knowing someone is only an email away for advice, has been invaluable.

"If you're thinking about applying to IMPACT30, definitely do. It'll be one of the best things you can do for you and your business.”

Jordane Symington, owner of Lewis-based jewellery company Islewear, said: "“Being on the IMPACT30 programme has given me access to specialist business support to help me think longer term. It has encouraged me to challenge my ambitions, thinking bigger than I ever thought possible.

The initiative is part of the Northern Innovation Hub project led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivered by Anderson Anderson and Brown Consulting (AAB).

Mark Bell, programme director at AAB, said: “It’s fantastic that the word is spreading fast about the network of young entrepreneurs emerging through the IMPACT30 programme. Those we have worked with so far have shown great levels of ambition, energy, and commitment, which we have helped turn into growth.

“If there are more young entrepreneurs across the entire Highlands and Islands region with similar levels of ambition, energy and commitment we would love to hear from them.”

Lizi Blackwood, development manager with the agency’s Northern Innovation Hub, said:

“IMPACT30 is about giving participants the chance to learn with and from the growing network of young entrepreneurs in the region, fuelling the ambition, energy and commitment needed to succeed. We’ve always had a great response to the programme, which is indicative of the extent of entrepreneurship that exists among young people in the Highlands and Islands.

“We would urge others, who have not yet taken part in IMPACT30, to consider an application, and we look forward to welcoming new young business leaders onto the programme this summer.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart said: “IMPACT30 is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs, and I encourage everyone eligible to consider applying.

"Supporting emerging talent is essential for securing the future prosperity of our communities.

"The UK Government is building back better from the pandemic and investing more than £1.5 billion into Growth Deal projects across Scotland."

HIE has created additional spaces on the programme in response to consistently high demand and more information can be found on the IMPACT30 page on the HIE website. The deadline for applications is June 21.



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