Business Networking Groups Highland

The Cairngorms Business Partnership is a not for profit private sector led organisation that operates in the Cairngorms National Park (CNP). Our work splits into 3 key areas: • Promotion. We operate www.visitcairngorms.com that provides local businesses with over 11,000 customer click throughs each month and a range of services including the highly acclaimed ‘accommodation finder’ service. We own and operate; Visit Cairngorms iPhone app, What’s On, Park–i, advertise in press and media, manage press trips and PR activities for the area. We are also involved with partners in bringing events and conferences to the area. We maximise the benefits of social media connecting with many thousands of people on a weekly basis. Our office distributes customer enquiries to member businesses. • Development. We run the Cairngorms Business Barometer, customer feedback schemes, a calendar of business meetings, training and development days. We regularly provide member business with up to date and valuable business information so as to help and assist with business growth. We work closely with local community groups and public sector agencies seeking to enhance the area as a destination to visit and operate a business. • Advocacy. We are affiliated to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce so bringing direct business benefits to your business along with the strength of a national network. Working on behalf of local businesses we interact on a regular basis with; Scottish Government CNPA, SNH, VisitScotland, HIE, Scottish Enterprise and other public agencies. Inverdruie House, Inverdruie, Aviemore, PH22 1QH

Caithness Chamber of Commerce was first established in the 1970s by a group of local business entrepreneurs. In the late 1980s it embarked on a campaign to secure improvements to the A9, the main arterial road serving the North Highland’s area. Thanks to this far-sighted effort, only now is the region enjoying some of the arising benefits. In late 2008 a new company limited by guarantee was formed and, with initial funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise of £150,000, the Caithness Chamber of Commerce was relaunched with a full time Chief Executive and a new structure. Further staff were recruited with a three year £120,000 funding award from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Today, the Chamber is the foremost business networking organisation in the North Highlands and aims to support every type of business, from sole traders and small businesses to large corporate companies. Our members are drawn from a vast range of industry sectors including energy, tourism, retail, transport, food and drink and manufacturing. Tailoring services to members, Caithness Chamber of Commerce has developed a valuable portfolio of added value services to boost the business success of members. The Chamber also stages a number of events throughout the year to facilitate the vital interaction between business owners and managers. The annual Chamber of Commerce dinner is the highlight of the year at which past keynote speakers have included such key business leaders as Sir Tom Farmer and politicians including the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Secretary of State for Scotland. As a Chamber member you will enjoy a range of exclusive business to business deals and benefits. Naver Business Centre, Naver House, Naver Road, Thurso, KW14 7QA

Starting a business is exciting, and succeeding is rewarding, but what about the bit between? You know, that bit that’s full of self-doubt, endless repetition and feelings of being out of your comfort zone? We call it ‘The Lonely Middle’ and it’s one of the hardest parts of creating a successful business. We know, we’ve been there. So, we created The Lonely Middle Club to help you through it. Each month you get exclusive content to help give you the knowledge and inspiration to succeed. Plus, you get access to a private members-only Facebook group where you can get advice and network with small business owners who are going through similar challenges to you. If you want even more, you can download our 51 worksheets, guides, and journals all designed to do one thing, and one thing only… help you get through ‘The Lonely Middle’ and achieve your business goals. Visit our website today to join the club and benefit from our members price lock and full no questions asked money-back guarantee.

FSB West of Scotland is the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). It was formed in 1974 as the National Federation of Self Employed and represents the interests of small and medium-sized businesses locally and nationally. They offer a great package tailored to your needs if you are thinking about starting a business in the area. Contact: Hisashi Kuboyama Development Manager Hisashi.Kuboyama@fsb.org.uk

SCC we are dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of our member companies and to helping them rise to the challenge, seize the opportunity and succeed in the marketplace. By joining a Chamber of Commerce your company automatically becomes part of Scotlands largest business organisation, with access to an unrivalled range of services, support and advice to aid your development as a thriving member of the business community. Address: Scottish Chambers of Commerce, 30 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1EQ