Business leaders from across the region gathered in Inverness this week (11 March) for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of the Highland economy at the Chamber’s annual Business Breakfast with Derek Brown, Chief Executive of The Highland Council. More than 70 guests attended the event at the Kingsmills Hotel, where Derek Brown outlined the […]
Businesses across Scotland recently received their draft non-domestic rates revaluation, effective from 1 April 2026. Many Highland businesses have reported significant increases in their rates bills – in some cases, up to 400%. Your rates bill is calculated using two elements: the Rateable Value, set by an independent assessor, and the Rates Poundage, set by
Businesses across the UK have received timely geopolitical insight this week following the first emergency briefing delivered through the newly launched Diplomatic Advisory Hub, a joint initiative between the British Chambers of Commerce and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The online session, attended by hundreds of businesses, explored the potential implications of the escalating
The Inverness Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses and residents to engage with the new Inverness Interchange Feasibility Study – a major step towards creating an integrated transport hub and revitalised Station Quarter that connects bus, coach, rail, active travel and modern parking in a single, joined-up civic quarter. Commissioned by The Highland Council in
Last week, Inverness Chamber of Commerce members were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s most dynamic energy businesses as our latest Inside Stories event took place at Aurora Energy Services. From the moment attendees stepped into the company’s state-of-the-art training facility, it was clear they were in the presence of a
Highland businesses had a direct line to Westminster this week as Inverness Chamber of Commerce welcomed Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), to a special Round Table Dinner and Business Breakfast at Ness Walk. At the Business Breakfast, opening the discussion, Shevaun described Chambers as a “force for good” –
Highland Business Voice Heard at Westminster: BCC Director General Visits Inverness Read More »
By Colin Marr, Chief Executive, Inverness Chamber of Commerce – published in the February 2026 edition of Executive Magazine, page 48. Many Highland-based businesses are due to see significant rises in their rates bill from April 2026. An increasing number of businesses have been in touch with Inverness Chamber of Commerce about the planned increase
Comment: Business Rates Reform is Now a Matter of Urgency Read More »
By Colin Marr, Chief Executive, Inverness Chamber of Commerce Earlier this week, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced provisional dates for work on the A96 dualling. She said construction “could” start on the Inshes to Smithton A9/A96 link in 2028/29, and on the Nairn Bypass in 2029/30. Any progress is welcome, but it’s important to put
By Colin Marr, Chief Executive, Inverness Chamber of Commerce This week, Highland Council published the results of the public consultation on the proposed visitor levy (often referred to as a tourist tax), which ran from November 2024 to March 2025. They also released the findings of the independent economic impact assessment that we, along with
Inverness Chamber of Commerce is inviting nominations from its membership for a new cohort of Directors, as several current Board members reach the end of their term at the Chamber’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday 24 April. The Chamber is run for the benefit of its members, and Directors play a vital role
Inverness Chamber of Commerce Seeks Next Cohort of Directors Read More »
