Inverness Chamber of Commerce is inviting businesses across the Highlands to have their say on the issues it should be campaigning on over the next 12 months, as it prepares to launch its 2026 Business Insights Survey.
The annual survey, which follows the success of last year’s inaugural Business Insights Survey, provides the Chamber with an important opportunity to check that its policy positions continue to reflect the priorities and views of its membership.
The survey is being launched ahead of Highland Business Week, with businesses invited to share their views at the Inverness Chamber stand (C8) at Highland Spotlight on Tuesday 22 September at the Drumossie Hotel. It is open from today (18 September), and will remain open online for two months, until the end of November, giving businesses across the region plenty of time to take part and help shape the Chamber’s advocacy priorities for the year ahead.
The survey will focus on a number of key issues affecting Highland businesses, including transport connectivity, skills and workforce, housing, business costs and taxation, renewable energy and the Highland Visitor Levy. Businesses will also be asked to identify the biggest barriers to their success and highlight any emerging issues where they would like the Chamber to strengthen its advocacy.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said, “Our role as a Chamber is to make sure the voice of Highland business is heard by the people making decisions that affect our economy. To do that effectively, we need to understand what matters to our members – not just once, but regularly.
“Our first Business Insights Survey gave us valuable evidence to support our advocacy, including the development of our Manifesto for 2026 Scottish Elections. This year’s survey is an important opportunity to check that our positions continue to reflect the majority view of our membership and to identify where priorities may have shifted.
“We want businesses to tell us what matters to them, where they agree with the positions we are taking and, importantly, where they think we should be doing more. The stronger the evidence we have from our membership, the stronger our voice is when we engage with local and national decision-makers.
“If you’re coming to Highland Spotlight, come and find us at the Chamber stand, have a conversation with the team and give us your views. Your insight will help shape the issues we campaign for on your behalf over the year ahead.”
The survey reflects the Chamber’s wider commitment to evidence-led advocacy. Its 2026 Manifesto was developed following consultation with members and set out priorities for addressing barriers to growth and unlocking the economic potential of the Highlands.
The Chamber’s advocacy work currently includes transport and infrastructure, the Visitor Levy and non-domestic rates, alongside wider priorities around people, skills and creating the right conditions for Highland businesses to thrive.
Businesses can share their views by visiting the Inverness Chamber stand at Highland Spotlight or complete the Business Insights Survey online from today until Monday 30 November 2026.