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
Scottish businesses are set to benefit from expert insight and guidance about exporting to the EU at a series of UK Government events this month. The Scotland Office will host two-day sessions in Inverness, Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh, aimed primarily at Scottish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to either re-establish their presence in Europe
UK Government Helps Scottish Business Forge EU Trade Links Read More »
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
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
