Inverness Chamber of Commerce

Inverness Chamber of Commerce At the heart of Highland business. Together, we're a stronger collective force.

Inverness Chamber of Commerce is run by members of our business community to promote economic growth in the area. As well as providing events, networking, support and advice to its members, Inverness Chamber actively campaigns for investment in infrastructure and transport, to ensure that the specific needs of our business community are met.

đź“– This week's edition of The Pulse celebrates Highland business success and innovation, from a prominent local leader ta...
11/09/2026

đź“– This week's edition of The Pulse celebrates Highland business success and innovation, from a prominent local leader taking centre stage at the Highland Business Awards to opportunities for businesses to connect and recruit.

Inside this week's edition:

🏆 Highland Business Awards 2026 – Pentland Ferries Managing Director, Helen Inkster will deliver this year's keynote address, joined by Richard Oppenheim of the Diplomatic Advisory Hub.

🏡 From forest floor to front door – Chamber members visited MAKAR Homes for our latest Inside Stories event.

📰 Final call for inbusiness content – There's still time for eligible members to share company news, achievements and industry insights for the next issue of inbusiness, reaching an audience of more than 20,000 readers.

💡 Highland Business Week 2026 – with just over a week until Highland Spotlight, get ready for the region's biggest business exhibition.

🍷 Two dates for your November diary – we’re hosting a relaxed evening of wine tasting, charcuterie and networking and Making Connections is back!

🎉 Member News stories – see the latest The Royal Bank of Scotlandof Scotland Growth Tracker, an ambitious £26 million investment drive involving Chamber members Highlands Rewilding and MAKAR Homes, we celebrate fundraising success for The Oxygen Works, and a double award win for Centred Scot.

💼 Opportunities for Highland employers – Discover recruitment opportunities with United Infrastructure Ltd and the DWP Jobs Fair, contribute to SSEN Transmission stakeholder consultation, and start planning your festive celebrations with CRU Hospitality.

Vacancy of the Week - Do you thrive on solving technical challenges and helping customers succeed? Accord Business Solutions is seeking a motivated Service Desk Analyst to join our growing MSP team in Inverness. Shaun Thorpe, Service Delivery Manager, explains why its an exciting time to join the business.

đź“– Read The Pulse - https://mailchi.mp/inverness-chamber/the-pulse-your-weekly-news-digest-11september

đź“© Get The Pulse delivered straight to your inbox every Friday - https://inverness-chamber.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=73f7593f9e9e3ba0735265b01&id=47639488a0

British Chambers of Commerce

10/09/2026

🌲 Inside Stories: Behind the scenes at MAKAR Ltd

Last night, Chamber members stepped inside MAKAR Homes Ltd in the beautiful Torbreck woodland to discover a very different approach to housebuilding.

From Scottish timber and local suppliers through to precision manufacturing and finished homes, members saw the full end-to-end process and explored MAKAR’s innovative approach to creating highly energy-efficient, airtight homes designed to be cheaper to heat.

With MAKAR looking to scale, the visit also highlighted the potential for innovative construction to help address the Highlands’ housing challenge – and the need for planning to keep pace.

Colin Marr, CEO of Inverness Chamber, said….
"The innovation is clearly there, but if we are serious about tackling the housing challenge in the Highlands, we also need the planning and funding systems to enable businesses like MAKAR to deliver at pace."

He added that it was encouraging to see housing and planning feature in the Scottish Government’s new Programme for Government, but that there is still work to do to create a planning system that helps unlock the homes and economic opportunities our communities need.

💬The value of the visit was summed up by Julie Davidson, Recruitment Expert at Hays UK, who said she was “impressed with their innovative approach to sustainable construction”, adding that the passion of the MAKAR team was evident.

💬And Becca Murray, Clinic Administrator at Alert Health, described the evening as “fantastic and enlightening”, highlighting MAKAR’s work to help address the housing crisis and fuel poverty in the local area.

đź‘Ź A huge thank you to Neil, Scott and the whole MAKAR team for welcoming our members, and to everyone who joined us for another brilliant Inside Stories event showcasing the innovation and ambition within our Highland business community.

Interested in finding out more about MAKAR’s innovative approach to housing building and tackling the housing crisis? Read more about the visit and MAKAR’s ambitions on our news page here - https://inverness-chamber.co.uk/inside-stories-at-makar-building-a-different-future-for-highland-housing/

✨New Member Announcement✨We’re delighted to welcome Forrow into Chamber membership. Forrow is a cybersecurity consultanc...
10/09/2026

✨New Member Announcement✨

We’re delighted to welcome Forrow into Chamber membership.

Forrow is a cybersecurity consultancy and managed security services provider that helps organisations in highly regulated and critical sectors strengthen cyber resilience, manage risk and protect essential services from evolving security threats.

Matthew Ferguson, MBA, CEO at Forrow, said, “We joined the Inverness Chamber of Commerce to connect with the local business community and build relationships with organisations who could benefit from stronger cybersecurity practices, better AI integration, and more cost-effective IT implementations. As a growing consultancy, we're looking forward to sharing knowledge, supporting fellow members, and playing an active part in the Chamber network.”

Find out more here 👉 www.forrow.uk.



🚨 Last chance to make your voice heard! There’s still time to contribute to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly...
09/09/2026

🚨 Last chance to make your voice heard!

There’s still time to contribute to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator (QEI), but the deadline is fast approaching.

The insights you provide help Inverness Chamber of Commerce build the evidence needed to advocate for businesses across the Highlands with policymakers and decision-makers at both a local and national level.

đź“… Complete the survey by 15 September
👉 https://bit.ly/SCCQEIQ32026

Every response strengthens the voice of Highland business and helps ensure the challenges and opportunities facing our region are heard.

08/09/2026

🚀 Upskill, connect and be inspired this Highland Business Week

Highland Business Week 2026 is bringing together a programme of events designed to help businesses and their teams learn something new and make valuable connections.

From getting to grips with changing employment taxes with Azets UK, exploring the future of sustainable homebuilding with MAKAR Homes and sharpening your business story with StrategyStory, to workplace wellbeing with Mikeysline and an exclusive evening at Parks View with Tulloch Homes - there’s something for businesses at every stage.

Running alongside this diverse programme are Inverness Chamber of Commerce’s two cornerstone events – the much-loved Highland Spotlight exhibition, including this year’s Spotlight Seminar, with Strut and BC Technologies LLP, exploring how growing businesses can harness AI while protecting what matters, and finally the prestigious Highland Business Awards.

📅 Monday 21 – Friday 25 September

Whether you’re looking to develop your team, gain a fresh perspective, meet fellow businesses or simply take some time out of the day-to-day to get inspired, there’s an event for you.

Book today and make the most of Highland Business Week. Explore the full programme here 👉 https://inverness-chamber.co.uk/highland-business-week/

đź“Ł Final Call for Content: October Edition of inbusinessThere's still time for our Essential, Growth, Corporate and Partn...
08/09/2026

đź“Ł Final Call for Content: October Edition of inbusiness

There's still time for our Essential, Growth, Corporate and Partner members to be featured in the October edition of inbusiness, Inverness Chamber's supplement in Executive Magazine.

Richard Irwin, Marketing Executive at Orion Group, said, "Contributing to inbusiness magazine allows us to stay connected with the local business ecosystem that nurtured our growth. It's a way of giving back to the region that gave us our start. For Orion Group, inbusiness provides invaluable insight into what's happening across the Highlands and Islands, and for a business like ours, understanding regional economic shifts, infrastructure projects, and workforce developments is essential. The magazine keeps us connected to local priorities, from energy transition initiatives to skills development programmes, ensuring we remain responsive to the needs of Highland businesses and job seekers alike."

We're looking for content in the following categories:

🔹 Industry News & Thought Leadership – Share your expertise
🔹 Movers and Shakers – Celebrate new appointments
🔹 Members' News – Showcase your latest success
🔹 Meet the Member – Tell your business story

This is a fantastic opportunity to raise your profile, share your achievements and connect with the wider business community.

đź“… Submission deadline: Friday, 11 September 2026

đź“© To find out more or submit your content, please contact the Chamber team at [email protected] or visit our website for more details here - www.inverness-chamber.co.uk/inbusiness-magazine/.

Spaces are limited, so we encourage members to get in touch as soon as possible.

[ 📸 : One of Orion Group's recent recruits, Ross Draper from April's edition of inbusiness]




07/09/2026

🏆 Celebrating Our Trophy Sponsor: Dynam

🏆 We're delighted to have Dynam supporting the Highland Business Awards 2026 as our Trophy Sponsor, helping celebrate the achievement and ambition that each award represents.

Based in Inverness and Glasgow, Dynam is a branding and marketing agency that collaborates with organisations across Scotland and beyond, delivering creative solutions in branding, marketing strategy, content creation, design, digital marketing and web development.

đź‘Ź Thank you to the team at Dynam for helping us celebrate the remarkable achievements of businesses and individuals from across the region.

📅 Join us in celebrating business excellence at the Highland Business Awards on Friday 25 September at the Kingsmills Hotel. Book your place today 👉 https://portal.inverness-chamber.co.uk/calendar_detail.html?eid=7C6025EE-AC50-4697-B2DA-0E2E2451AB5F

⏰ Booking for our next Inside Stories event at MAKAR Homes closes at 3pm today.Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scene...
07/09/2026

⏰ Booking for our next Inside Stories event at MAKAR Homes closes at 3pm today.

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how locally sourced Scottish timber is transformed into highly energy-efficient homes.

Hear the MAKAR story, tour the factory and Paradigm Prototype home, and discover how the business is combining innovation, sustainability and local supply chains to help address the Highlands' housing challenge.

The evening also includes refreshments and the opportunity to network with fellow ICC members.

Whether you're interested in manufacturing, construction, sustainability, innovation or business growth, this promises to be an insightful and inspiring event.

Book now via the link below before registration closes at 3pm today.
👉https://portal.inverness-chamber.co.uk/calendar_detail.html?eid=B5403EFC-2210-41B5-BBFB-CC68AFAC4847

đź“… 9 September
đź•  17:30 - 19:30
đź“Ť Dores Road, Torbreck, Inverness

This week's edition of The Pulse focuses on ensuring the Highlands benefits from the UK's energy transition, highlightin...
04/09/2026

This week's edition of The Pulse focuses on ensuring the Highlands benefits from the UK's energy transition, highlighting opportunities for businesses to connect, develop talent and drive growth across the region.

Inside this week's edition:

⚡ Highlands' energy opportunity takes centre stage in Westminster – Inverness Chamber CEO Colin Marr took the Highlands' energy case directly to MPs, arguing that the region's success should be measured not just in gigawatts generated, but in jobs, investment and prosperity delivered locally.

🏛️ Programme for Government 2026-31 – We welcome ambitions around infrastructure, skills and regional devolution, while highlighting the need for meaningful action on business rates reform and support for economic growth.

🏗️ Member of the Week: Mackenzie Construction – With more than 300 employees and a growing presence across the Highlands and Islands, the civil engineering firm continues to invest in innovation, local partnerships and major infrastructure projects.

🤝 Chamber Events – Save the date for the return of our popular Making Connections networking lunch this November, and don't miss your final chance to book and join us next week at MAKAR for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how sustainable, energy-efficient timber homes can be built in around a week.

💡 Highland Business Week spotlight – From an exclusive networking reception and show home tour with Tulloch Homes Homes to practical guidance from Strut Digital and BC Technologies on using AI while protecting your brand, data and reputation, discover two exciting events taking place later this month.

🎓 Maths, or Applications of Maths? – DYW Inverness & Central Highland invites employers to learn more about these qualifications and explore how recruitment criteria could impact access to young talent.

📰 Member News – Featuring The Archie Foundation Highland latest funding success and Alli Vass' from Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport reflections on helping young people understand the full range of career opportunities available to them.

💼 Member Opportunities & Events – Develop your coaching skills with Growing2getherer, support New Start Highland Foodbank Harvest Appeal, explore employee wellbeing with Westfield Health, and boost your confidence with Highland Learning Academy skills course.

🚀 Vacancy of the Week – Pat Munro is recruiting an HSEQ Auditor to support Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards across sites throughout the Highlands and Moray.

There's plenty more inside, with stories, opportunities and insights from across the Highland business community.

📖 Read The Pulse –
https://mailchi.mp/inverness-chamber/the-pulse-your-weekly-news-digest-4september

📩 Get The Pulse delivered straight to your inbox every Friday –
https://inverness-chamber.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=73f7593f9e9e3ba0735265b01&id=47639488a0

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Metropolitan House, 31-33 High Street
Inverness
IV11HT

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