What Nigg taught me about the long game
In 2007 I sat across a table from the American engineering giant that owned Nigg yard, in Easter Ross in the Scottish Highlands, and told them they had a responsibility to the Highlands to get it back into use. The yard had once employed 5,500 people. By then it was effectively closed, the infrastructure was […]
Inverness is growing fast. Its front door needs to catch up.
Something significant is happening in Inverness right now, and I do not think we are talking about it loudly enough. I am Drew Hendry, a strategic advisor and former MP based in Inverness, and I have been watching the Inverness transport interchange question closely. The decisions being made this month will shape how this city […]
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 […]
Pricing with Purpose: Margin before Volume
Growth for Good Insight: Pricing with Purpose. We all know that in the Highlands and Islands, community ties are strong. Businesses are employers, educators, and advocates, so it’s crucial to ensure their health. Setting the right prices isn’t a business task. It’s a vital strategy for staying strong over time. This helps your business handle […]
Structure makes it work: Talent isn’t enough.
Article five in a series gleaned from Growth for Good conversations and research Talent Isn’t Enough. Structure Is What Makes It Work. Every small business in the Highlands hits a point where passion and hard work just aren’t cutting it anymore. You’ve got a growing team, more customers or clients than ever, and increasing demand. […]