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

Networking is about meeting people and building long-term relationships. You need a vehicle to meet the right people, those with both a buying and selling power, from the right companies - representing a broad range of services and with a similar attitude towards active networking. However, face-to-face networking is off the cards at the moment so if you want to be here at the end of this you need to keep making connections. Get ahead of your competitors and Zoom into online networking with BNS! Spaces online are limited so book your space before someone else does.

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

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce is at the heart of Scotland’s largest and most influential business to business network The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network is a leading, global and entrepreneurial business network, representing more than 12,000 companies and over 50% of Scotland’s private sector workforce. We are made up of our members, who form the network of the 30 Chambers of Commerce across Scotland’s towns, regions and cities. Chamber Network members are the trusted champions of businesses, places, and global trade. Leading and uniting the Chamber Network, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce has built an unrivalled reputation as Scotland’s voice for business at national and international level. Our unparalleled business network is strengthened by our responsive business insight and economic intelligence, and our unrivalled local knowledge and business to business connections, making us Scotland’s most informed and influential business support organisation.

Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES) is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company based in Scotland with a global reach. A catalyst for economic growth and inclusion, WES works to create an environment where women can start up in business and thrive. The simple fact is that more women-owned businesses in Scotland means more money for the economy. Research shows that women-owned businesses already contribute a staggering £8.8bn into the economy every year and have created over 230,000 jobs in local communities across Scotland. Yet women-owned businesses are just 20% of the business base in Scotland. We believe we can encourage more women and girls to try out their business ideas, through the provision of support co-designed by women-owned businesses and experts in gender techniques. Consigning the current gender gap in enterprise to history.

The Association of Scottish Businesswomen (ASB) aims to be the voice of businesswomen throughout Scotland: linking, inspiring and supporting its members. ASB was founded in 1995 as the umbrella organisation for a number of businesswomen’s clubs. In 2012, the ASB introduced individual direct membership to all business and professional women throughout Scotland. We aim to encourage personal and professional development for business owners and women who work across all sectors and levels of experience and responsibility. We promote business opportunities by way of sharing news, showcasing businesses, exchanging views, networking and recognising achievement.