The Green Freeport and the Sceptics. They Were Right to Challenge.
When the UK Government announced Freeports in 2020, the reaction in Scotland was mixed at best. Not because the idea of targeted investment incentives is inherently bad. But because the history of special economic zones around the world gives any thoughtful observer reason to pause. Tax havens dressed up as enterprise zones. Deregulation by the […]
How a Community Buyout Changed Everything for a Highland Village – Olivia Grant and Foyers Stores
There are roughly 800 people living along the south shore of Loch Ness, spread across a 35-mile stretch of road with no alternative to Foyers Stores. When the shop faced closure, the community faced something harder than inconvenience. For elderly residents, for families without a second car, for anyone who depends on getting the basics […]
From Classroom to Community Impact: Karen Simpson on Education, Enterprise, and Raising Standards in Tutoring
Karen Simpson, founder of My Primary and Secondary Tutor in Inverness, shares her journey from classroom teacher to education entrepreneur on the Growth for Good podcast. Discover how she built a team of 30-plus qualified tutors, co-founded Tutors Alliance Scotland, and is raising standards in private tutoring across the Scottish Highlands and beyond.
From Surviving to Thriving: Libby McDonald on Building People-First Businesses in the Highlands
For many founders, the journey into entrepreneurship is rarely neat or linear. Libby McDonald, founder of We Are Thryve, has been shaped by resilience and lived experience. She understands what it takes to lead people through complexity and change. Speaking on the Growth for Good podcast, Libby reflects on a path that began far from […]
Heart-Led Healing in the Highlands: Inside the Highland Wellness Collective
The Highlands have long been a centre of community, creativity, and resilience. The Highland Wellness Collective combines movement, mental health, and social connection.
Transforming People and Purpose into Progress
Neil Sykes of Clan Alchemy discusses how people, purpose, and culture drive meaningful progress.
Equally Placed: Inclusive Recruitment That Works -Growth for Good
When Kate O’Brien and Andy O’Connor came back to the Highlands, they brought more than recruitment skills.
Build Brand Authority: Turn Reputation to Revenue
Growth for Good Insight: Build a Brand Authority Strategy: Turn Reputation to Revenue In the business world of the Highlands and Islands, your reputation is the key to the first door. People talk, networks matter, and trust is a strong currency. It can make or break your success. A strong reputation matters, but it won’t […]
Got Rhythm? – Build Momentum That Scales – Insight No. 10
Growth for Good Insight: Got Rhythm? – Build Momentum That Scales Many of the businesses I’ve met, across the Highlands and Islands, often begin with a lot of grit, a fair slice of goodwill, and one hell of a determined founder. But what most soon find out is that hard work alone doesn’t scale. What […]
Busy to Profitable – Why Looking Productive Isn’t the Same as Progress. Insight 9
From Busy to Profitable: In the Highlands, commitment and community spirit run deep. Here, being busy is almost a badge of honour. But busy doesn’t always mean profitable. Activity without return is risk disguised as effort. Too many SMEs wear exhaustion like proof of growth. If your time, team, or tools aren’t delivering margin, you’re […]