The most anticipated week in the Highland business calendar is returning this September – and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Delivered by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Highland Business Week 2025 will take place from Monday 22 to Friday 26 September, offering a dynamic programme of events that bring the region’s business community together to connect, collaborate and celebrate success.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a growing SME or part of a global enterprise, this week is your platform to make new connections, explore opportunities and champion what makes the Highlands a great place to do business.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Colin Marr said, “Highland Business Week is one of our flagship events, and each year it reflects the energy and ambition of our business community. The week is anchored by two key events – Highland Spotlight and the Highland Business Awards – but it’s also shaped by the contributions of organisations right across the region. It’s about learning, sharing ideas and highlighting the innovation and resilience that runs through Highland businesses. I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s calendar evolve and encourage people from across the region to get involved.”
Spotlight on Highland Business
Highland Spotlight, the region’s largest business exhibition, returns to The Drumossie Hotel on Tuesday 23 September.
In 2024, more than 60 exhibitors and 300 attendees made the event a hub of activity. One of the standout features was again the Rising Stars zone – a dedicated space for emerging entrepreneurs and new ventures – which will return for 2025 with even more opportunities for young and growing businesses to raise their profile.
Paula Nicol, Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Events, commented, “There’s nothing else quite like Highland Spotlight in our region. It’s a unique opportunity for businesses to come face-to-face with potential customers, collaborators and supporters. Whether you’re launching a new product or simply want to raise your visibility, it’s an excellent platform to be seen and heard.”
She added, “The Rising Stars zone was again a great addition to last year’s exhibition. It gives fresh talent a space to shine among established businesses and fosters connections that can be genuinely game-changing. We’re delighted to be working once again with our colleagues at Developing the Young Workforce to grow this space and inspire even more future business leaders.”
With additional activity planned throughout the day – including an expert-led seminar – Highland Spotlight offers value for businesses at every stage.
Reserve your exhibition stand here today
Register as a visitor for Highland Spotlight here
Celebrating Success: The Highland Business Awards
The week concludes on a high with the Highland Business Awards and lunch at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness on Friday 26 September. The 2025 event is proud to have The Highland Council as its Principal Sponsor and will recognise the outstanding achievements of the last year from across the region.
Open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, the awards shine a spotlight on organisations making a difference – from global growth and marketing expertise to environmental and community impact.
New for 2025 is the Most Promising New Business award, celebrating early-stage ventures showing exceptional potential. Also new is a permanent division of the popular Community Engagement category. Now split into Outstanding Community Engagement and Corporate Community Impact, these categories ensure both charitable organisations and community-minded businesses have the opportunity to showcase their contributions.
Paula explains, “It’s inspiring to see the breadth of talent and creativity coming through the awards. The new categories reflect the evolving ways businesses are growing, adapting and giving back – and we’re excited to see how entrants interpret them. Whether you’re a long-established company or a business just starting out, this is your chance to tell your story and be recognised.
“There are so many ways to get involved – by applying, nominating, or even sponsoring a category. Sponsorship is a fantastic way to align your brand with the values of innovation, resilience and ambition that define our business community. We’d love to hear from anyone who’s interested in being part of this year’s celebration.”
A full list of the HIGHLAND BUSINESS AWARDS 2025 CATEGORIES & SPONSORS can be found here. Nominations are open until 5.00pm on Friday 8 August.
Tickets for the Awards lunch and ceremony are on sale now and can be purchased individually or for tables of 10. Full details can be found here.
To discuss the Rising Stars zone, hosting an event as part of Highland Business Week, or sponsorship opportunities please contact events@inverness-chamber.co.uk