Highlands & Islands Enterprise

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the Scottish Government's economic and community development agency for a diverse region which covers more than half of Scotland.  It operates through area teams located from Shetland to Argyll and from the Outer Hebrides to Moray.

HIE works to deliver the Scottish Government Economic Strategy which aims to create a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.

HIE's objectives

HIE's focus is on:

• Supporting high growth businesses and sectors
• creating the infrastructure and conditions to improve regional competitiveness
• strengthening communities, especially in the fragile parts of the region

HIE targets assistance towards clients which will achieve the greatest impact for the regional economy. It aims to accelerate growth and productivity, particularly in the key sectors of creative industries; energy; financial and business services; food and drink; life sciences, and tourism.

It concentrates on helping businesses of growth improve their skills in leadership; international business; innovation and research and development; investment finance; adoption and use of technology, and people and skills development.

Businesses with the potential for high growth may be eligible to apply to HIE for financial support through loans, equity investment, or, in some cases, capital grants.

In designated fragile areas, the minimum grant threshold for capital grants is £5,000. In all other parts of the Highlands and Islands, the minimum capital grant threshold is £25,000 per application. All support is discretionary and available subject to terms and conditions.

Every year, HIE invests millions of pounds in new property, helping create infrastructure for sustainable businesses and communities. All of our buildings are constructed to a high environmental standard.

HIE works with public and private sector partners to help deliver high quality public services and efficient, affordable transport and telecommunications, which are essential features of a successful economy that will sustain growth in population and incomes.

Strong communities are another vital component of a sustainable economy. That's why strengthening communities is a core part of HIE's approach to regional development.

HIE assists communities throughout the Highlands and Islands to provide facilities, deliver services and create employment opportunities.  Resources are focused on fragile areas where disadvantage, peripherality, lack of local resources and constrained service provision are most keenly felt.

For a full guide to HIE's services, visit  http://www.hie.co.uk/

Main office:

Cowan House
Inverness Retail and Business Park
Inverness
IV2 7GF

T +44 (0)1463 234171
F +44 (0)1463 244469

E info@hient.co.uk