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 […]
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
Scotland-Canada Business Week this April presents a significant opportunity for Scottish businesses to connect with Canadian companies who are actively seeking partnership, collaboration and investment opportunities in Scotland. With strong alignment across innovation, energy, food and drink, technology and professional services, the week is designed to move beyond introductions and towards profitable, long-term commercial relationships.
Online Session Builds Momentum for Scotland-Canada Business Week Read More »
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 »
Inverness Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that renowned property expert and broadcaster Phil Spencer will headline the 2026 Highland Business Dinner, one of the most highly anticipated events in the Highlands’ business calendar. Best known as the long-standing co-presenter of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location, Phil Spencer brings more than two decades of
Phil Spencer Announced as Keynote Speaker for Highland Business Dinner 2026 Read More »
Changes to Scotland’s non-domestic rates system are once again placing significant pressure on businesses across the Highlands – raising serious questions about whether the current approach is still fit for purpose. Non-domestic rates, sometimes referred to as business rates, are charged on most commercial properties and are based on their rateable value. These values are
Non-Domestic Rates: Is The System Still Fit For Purpose? Read More »
This week’s Scottish Government Budget delivered a mixed picture on two of the Highlands’ most consequential infrastructure priorities: the A9 and A96 dualling programmes. In her budget statement on Tuesday, Finance Secretary Shona Robison reconfirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to completing the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2035, backed by nearly
Scottish Budget Brings Mixed News on A9 and A96 Dualling – Continued Pressure Needed Read More »
